De La Salle Claims Back-to-Back Flag Football Championship
NEW ORLEANS — Defending a championship is no easy feat, and De La Salle’s flag football team showcased just how challenging it can be. In a thrilling showdown against the formidable Warren Easton, De La Salle emerged victorious, clinching their second consecutive title.
De La Salle head coach George Neumiller emphasized the added pressure of being the reigning champions, stating, “The bullseye’s on your back. Everybody is going to give 1,000% to beat you.” The championship, held at the New Orleans Saints’ practice facility, remained scoreless until the second half. Sophomore Tamia Cole made a game-changing play, launching a deep pass to senior Shayla Santos, who completed a spectacular catch and dashed into the end zone for a 7-0 lead.
Senior Rae’l Simons was named MVP of the championship game. Reflecting on the experience, she noted, “It was a little nerve-wrecking… but we trusted each other as a team, and the results showed.”
This year marks the second season of the Saints’ girls’ flag football program, which has doubled its roster from 10 to 20 teams. The momentum toward making girls’ flag football a sanctioned sport in Louisiana is gaining traction, with the Louisiana High School Athletic Association (LHSAA) conditionally approving the initiative for eventual full sanctioning by the 2027-28 school year.
Coach Neumiller praised the increasing participation among young female athletes and expressed hope for future progression. Saints VP of Community Relations, Elicia Broussard Sheridan, highlighted the historic nature of the championship: “These young ladies are literally a part of history.”
De La Salle’s championship victory underscores the growth of girls’ flag football in Louisiana, paving the way for greater opportunities for future athletes in the state.
Note: The image is for illustrative purposes only and is not the original image associated with the presented article. Due to copyright reasons, we are unable to use the original images. However, you can still enjoy the accurate and up-to-date content and information provided.
