Sports

Destin flag football earns first playoff win in school history

The Lady Sharks defeated Bradford 25-0 on the road Tuesday night, earning the first playoff victory in Destin High School history.

Travis Espy

Add Get The Coast on Google

History was made Tuesday night for Destin High School and the Destin community.

The Destin flag football team defeated Bradford 25-0 on the road in their regional quarterfinal matchup, securing not only the first playoff win in program history, but the first playoff win in the history of Destin High School since becoming a member of the FHSAA.

The victory came in large part thanks to an athlete who is quickly building a case as one of the most impactful in the school’s history: Neilya Stewart.

Stewart, who was also the on-court leader of the girls basketball team that made history this year as the first team in school history to win a district championship and qualify for the playoffs, has now led Destin flag football to its first playoff win.

She turned in a four-touchdown performance, throwing scoring passes to Kaylee Kaiser and Evie Gherdovich while also rushing in twice for touchdowns of her own.

For the first time, these words can be said: Destin is moving on to the Sweet 16.

The Lady Sharks will face Florida High in a rematch of the district championship Monday in Tallahassee. Florida High won that earlier meeting 31-0 and advanced to the regional semifinal by defeating West Nassau 30-6.

PROMOTION

Join the conversation...Cancel reply

Continue reading 👇

Sports

Emerald Coast Kickoff Classic preview: Here’s the full football schedule for this week’s games

School

Destin High School names Jill McNamara as new principal

School

Dr. Diane Kelley retires after more than 45 years in Okaloosa County education

Sports

Destin High School football enters 2026 with playoff eligibility, new faces and a season dedicated to Coach Divens

Phil Mancari commented on Destin named No. 1 Labor Day boating destination in United States, FWB cracks top 10

“So True”

Respond

Violet commented on Crestview City Council votes to move toward data center ban

“Good Job! We live in Fort Walton and have been spending time in Fredericksburg, Virginia...the data center capital of the world. You have made a very good decision.”

Brenda J Castillo commented on Commissioner Ketchel outlines how the proposed homestead tax exemption would affect Okaloosa County

“At minimum, reduce property tax for senior citizens. Property taxes normally increase yearly but senior's income doesn't. Every time we get a social security raise, our Medicare premiums go up....”

Ken commented on Emerald Coast Kickoff Classic preview: Here’s the full football schedule for this week’s games

“What about Navarre High School?”

Scott Schaeffler commented on WordroW: August 12, 2026

“1:17, 4 attempts”

M Chelle commented on Destin named No. 1 Labor Day boating destination in United States, FWB cracks top 10

“Crab Island is being ruined by the massive traffic. We should not be proud of, or promote this.”

Carolyn anderson commented on Dedication ceremony set to honor Northwest Florida pioneer Augustus ‘Gus’ Tart

“Wonderful gesture toward honoring a part of the towns history especially an enslaved man that many would not know about,,,,,,wlsh was possible for me to attend, but hope for a...”

Scott Schaeffler commented on Commissioner Ketchel outlines how the proposed homestead tax exemption would affect Okaloosa County

“Story states that total general fund revenue is $118.7 million. Earlier story in Get the Coast (Jul 8th) put the proposed 2027 Budget general fund at $191.1 million. So, it's...”

Scott Schaeffler commented on WordroW: August 11, 2026

“1:04, 4 attempts”

Bobbi Davis commented on Commissioner Ketchel outlines how the proposed homestead tax exemption would affect Okaloosa County

“I would like to see the 2019 budget, and what amount of that budget came from property taxes, the Okaloosa County population in 2019, and the number of properties taxed...”