Seminole Ridge High School’s flag football squad captured its second straight Class 3A state championship on Thursday, edging St. Thomas Aquinas 27‑19 in a contest that swung back and forth until the final whistle.
A Game of Momentum
Quarterback Aubrey Fogel was the engine of the offense, throwing for 291 yards and four touchdowns while also orchestrating the tempo that kept the Hawks ahead.
All‑Around Excellence
Ava Dowdell, named player of the game, contributed 11 receptions for 141 yards and two scores on offense and added an interception on defense, underscoring her two‑way impact.
Resilience in the Face of Adversity
Coach Scott O’Hara praised the team’s ability to adapt after injuries forced younger players such as Avaree Brant out of the lineup, noting that the Hawks embraced the challenge to make their mark.
Building a Dynasty
The victory was built on depth. Kylin Chieffalo opened the scoring with the team’s first touchdown and finished with two scores, while Angelina Romanski and Chachi Saunders each recorded interceptions that halted St. Thomas Aquinas drives.
A Season of Growth
Seminole Ridge finished the season 20‑2, a record that follows a 17‑2 campaign a year ago that culminated in a 26‑2 blowout of Chiles. Despite a roster dotted with graduating seniors, the squad’s chemistry and willingness to step up have defined their recent run.
What’s Next
With a core that includes Fogel, Dowdell and a growing cast of playmakers, Seminole Ridge looks to extend its dominance into the next season, aiming to cement its place among the nation’s flag football powerhouses.