By Scott Nickerson
Elmore/Autauga News
The Prattville Lions Flag Football team has continued its historic inaugural season and advanced to the Class 6A-7A state quarterfinals following shutout victories over Central-Tuscaloosa and Hillcrest-Tuscaloosa.
On November 1, 2023, the top two finishers in Class 6A-7A Areas 5 and 6 competed in a four-team playoff at Hillcrest Tuscaloosa High School to determine which team would advance to the state quarterfinals.
As Area 5 champions, the Lions faced Central-Tuscaloosa, the Area 6 runner up, in the first matchup of the qualifying tournament. The Lions’ defense dominated, shutting out Central-Tuscaloosa by a score of 18-0. Kaylee Robles had an interception return for a touchdown, and Gabbie Hoyle, Eriana Benson, and Laniya Page all had tackles-for-loss to lead the defensive effort. Page also contributed on the offensive end, scoring one touchdown rushing and another touchdown receiving.
In the second game of the day against Hillcrest-Tuscaloosa, the Lions again dominated, winning 38-0. Kaytie Chandler had 3 passing touchdowns and Hartley Mccay one 1 passing touchdown and one rushing touchdown. Page had two touchdown receptions, and Emma Moore had a rushing touchdown and a receiving touchdown. Defensively, Eriana Benson recorded three sacks. Mccay and London Williams both had an interception.
The Lions move on to the Class 6A-7A state quarterfinals at Tuscaloosa County on Monday, November 6, 2023, at 5:00 p.m.
“Great job today by our girls,” said Head Coach Brian Pittman. “They were locked in for both games today. This group all year has gotten better and better as the season has gone on, and we are peaking at the right time. We are excited to advance to the quarterfinals but that is just another step on our journey through the playoffs. We will be ready to go and locked in on Monday.”
