BY GENE NARDI
The Seminole Ridge High School girls flag football squad hosted rival Palm Beach Central High School on April 5, shutting out the visiting Broncos 40-0.
Both teams entered the contest unbeaten in this much-anticipated match. Accurate passing by Hawk junior quarterback Morgan Lauer was a thorn in the side of the Bronco defense. Turnovers also plagued the Bronco offense, giving their defense little rest.
By the end of the first half, the Hawks racked up a 20-0 lead. Defensively, the Hawks limited the Broncos to just two first downs. In the second half, the Hawks were able to stack up another 20 points to close out the contest 40-0.
The typically powerful Palm Beach Central offense was kept off balance by the Hawk defense the entire game, limiting the Broncos to just four first downs and forcing four interceptions. The Bronco defense did force the Hawks to use their double pass to avoid the quick Palm Beach Central rush.
The victory for Seminole Ridge retains their unbeaten streak at 9-0, but the Broncos fall to 8-1.
Top performers were Lauer with four touchdown passes and one rush for a score. Receivers Gabi Oliver, Sydney Fusco and Kristy Rhemer each scored. Kristen Castilla had one interception and a touchdown reception. Sophomore quarterback Emily Coulter threw for one touchdown to Michelle Valero.
Seminole Ridge hosted Wellington High School on Tuesday, April 9 for senior night, but results were not available at presstime. Palm Beach Central travels to Boynton Beach High School on Friday, April 12 for a 7 p.m. game.
Above: Hawk quarterback Morgan Lauer rolls to her right to avoid a flag-pull by Bronco rusher Paula Blanco.
