“Y’all have earned this.”
That was Niceville Head Flag Football Coach Adron Robinson to his team in the postgame huddle Thursday night, after the Lady Eagles blanked Pace 20-0 to claim the District 1-3A championship at Eagle Stadium.
- The win gave Niceville the best record in program history, a district title and a home playoff game.
“I just couldn’t be more happy. I’m proud of them and all the hard work they’ve put in. They’ve definitely earned it,” Robinson said.
The win also served as a statement. Pace had been rolling since falling to Niceville 39-20 on March 26, posting lopsided wins over Choctaw, Destin and Booker T. Washington. Thursday, it was Niceville doing the rolling.
The tone was set early when Kate Robertson picked off Pace quarterback Avery McBride. Niceville quarterback Peyton Carter went right to work, connecting with Eden Shaw, Avery Cowles and Jori Brechler to move the offense into the red zone. The drive nearly stalled, but Carter found Cowles on fourth down for the opening touchdown.
Niceville led just 6-0 at the half, but the defense had controlled the tempo. Gabby Valdez and Jayda Gilyard pressured McBride all night, and Reagan Sutter added a second interception before halftime.
- The Lady Eagles pulled away in the second half. Carter opened the third quarter with a completion to Shaw, then hit a wide-open Layla Hughes, who took it to the 1-yard line. Carter found Cowles again on the next play for the score.
“She gets a one-handed catch every game. She’s one of the best flag football players in the country,” Robinson said of Cowles.
“I think about my team and how much they need it, and I just go out there and do it,” Cowles said.
Pace answered with a drive that reached Niceville territory on throws from McBride to Kenna Paticci, Berkley Lutz and Josie Arthur, but it stalled out. McBride was injured on the possession, and backup quarterback Emery Vaughn was picked off on fourth down — by Cowles.
Both defenses took over from there until Carter hit Madi Merrill for the final score.
“Peyton played a perfect game against a great team and a great defense. I can’t say enough great things about her,” Robinson said.
With Ponte Vedra, Chiles and Oviedo also winning Thursday, Niceville is likely locked into the No. 4 seed in the region. But as district champions, the Lady Eagles will host a first-round game at Eagle Stadium. The bracket will be released Saturday.
- “Well, you saw the crowd tonight. If we can get that same crowd again, it’s going to make it tough for the opposing team,” Robinson said.
“We’re excited to see who we play. Hopefully we get a good team to go against,” Cowles added.
