The Long Island Class A flag football final unfolded on May 30, 2026 at Long Island University’s Brookville campus, drawing a packed crowd of students, families and local supporters to the freshly manicured field.
Half Hollow Hills and Herricks entered the contest with identical unbeaten streaks, and from the first snap the tempo was relentless, each team trading possession and testing the limits of their defensive schemes.
A championship night for the Eagles
The pivotal moment arrived when Half Hollow Hills’ Victoria Valdes sprinted into the end zone for a touchdown, capping a meticulously executed drive that highlighted the Eagles’ precision and speed.
Herricks responded with a series of hard hits, including a tackle by Dallas Madden that momentarily stalled the Eagles’ momentum, but the defense led by Laila D’Haiti held firm, forcing a series of turnovers.
In the closing minutes, Samantha Heyman and Zoe Franks celebrated the sealing score, their cheers reverberating through the stadium as the scoreboard confirmed a narrow victory for Half Hollow Hills.
Coach Mike Lupa’s grin was unmistakable as he lifted his team in a spontaneous victory dance, a scene that encapsulated the camaraderie and dedication that had defined the season for the Eagles.