The Jenkins Lady Warriors faced the defending region champion Calvary Day School Thursday night, aiming to preserve their perfect season. Calvary also entered the game undefeated in region play. Despite giving up a punt return touchdown to go into halftime trailing 13-6, with Calvary set to receive the ball to open the second half, the Lady Warriors came out victorious.
Jenkins' defense intercepted Calvary three times, including a go-ahead pick-six, one play after the Lady Warriors scored but failed to convert on the PAT that would have tied the game at 13. Calvary got the ball back inside two minutes and was able to move down the field, but ultimately, the Lady Warriors' would intercept Calvary for the third time in the second half, ending the game at 18-13.
Jenkins Head Coach Brianna Brooker made sure her team was prepared to face all the challenges that come with facing such a creative option offense as Calvary's.
"Being able to pull flags, and to read the option [were big challenges for us], it was so tricky because they don't run a traditional option offense. They push it forwards, they push it sideways, they change direction, it was very hard to read, and it was very different from what we saw on film… I'm very proud of my girls for making in-game adjustments," said Brooker.
One player who stood out was Jenkins' two-way junior, A'Niyah Browner. Browner had the game-winning pick-six for the Lady Warriors and was a tackling machine from her position as a middle linebacker. A'Niyah also played a very integral role in defending Calvary's option offense.
"A'Niyah was very important for us, with her ability to play both sides of the ball. She plays middle linebacker for us, so her being able to be quick and move laterally to defend all the pitches that Calvary has was very important. Her speed helped us greatly, and she did a great job pulling flags," Brooker said.
Jenkins moves to 8-0 on the season and 4-0 in the region. Calvary is 7-3 overall and 2-1 in the region. Jenkins's next game is this Monday against also undefeated New Hampstead.
PHOTO: Courtesy Jenkins Flag Football Program
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