Story By Druw Giamalva
BOAZ — In just their just second season as a flag football program, the Boaz Lady Pirates are headed back to the Elite Eight of the Class 1A/5A playoffs after a 27-6 victory over the Wenonah Dragons on Thursday night.
“I cherish this because every team is different. Last year’s team accomplished this, but this is a whole new team this year,” said Boaz head coach Will Penton. “For them to put in the work and to continue what we started last year, it is all the girls that do such a good job. We put in the X’s and O’s but ultimately, they have to go out there and execute and I think they’re not just satisfied with just the Elite Eight. They have the Final Four and Championship on their mind.”
The win over the Dragons was led by sophomore quarterback Peyton Hall who finished with four touchdowns and zero turnovers in the 27-6 victory.
“Peyton Hall played her tail off tonight,” Penton said. “Running the ball, throwing the ball, she made really good decisions and had no turnovers tonight. She made big plays when we had to. I am so proud of her, I know she was nervous coming into the game as a 10th grader starting at quarterback in a round two playoff matchup. I am proud of the way she handled it.”
The second round matchup between the Pirates and the Dragons started with Boaz on offense first. The Pirates made quick work on their first offensive drive with Hall producing a near-perfect drive. Hall would produce two first downs with a first down run and then a first down pass to Arleigh Kate Mitchell to get Boaz in scoring range. Hall would cap off the drive with an 8-yard touchdown pass to Jaylee Camper for an early 7-0 lead over the Dragons.
The Dragons first possession fell flat due to a strong Pirate defense. After two first down plays, the Boaz defense stepped up and forced the Dragons into a fourth down situation where they forced a turnover on downs. The Pirates closed the first quarter with a 7-0 lead.
To start the second quarter, the Pirates added on to their lead to make it a 14-0 ballgame. Hall would start off the drive with a big first down run to get the Lady Pirates to midfield. After another first down pass to Braelyn Burke, the Dragons defense held the Pirates to their own fourth down situation. Boaz would cash in seven more points on fourth down with Hall tossing her second touchdown of the night to Mitchell to make it a 14-0 score.
The next Wenonah drive only lasted one play as Hall would make her impact felt on defense as she would produce an interception to give the ball back to Boaz.
Hall would make quick work on the next offensive possession as she would toss her third touchdown of the night to Raina Underwood to make it a 20-0 halftime score.
After being held scoreless in the third quarter, the Pirates would add the final score in the fourth quarter as Hall would pass her fourth touchdown of the night to Mitchell from 2-yards out. With the win, the Pirates advance to face the John Carroll Catholic Cavaliers.
Hall finished the game going 17-of-22 passing for 128 passing yards and four passing touchdowns. Hall also ran for 81 yards and produced an interception on defense. Mitchell led the receiving core with six catches for 35 yards and two receiving touchdowns. Underwood caught five passes for 32 yards and a touchdown. Camper had two grabs for 27 yards and a score. On defense, Piper Hales led the team with four sacks. Peyton Manders also had a sack.
“It is going to be a quick turnaround after tonight,” Penton said. “We will probably play on Tuesday. We will practice on Sunday and Monday and we will be ready to play.”
An official time and date is still TBD for the Elite Eight matchup that will be hosted by Boaz.
