Lamar wins Houston ISD district title, Sam Houston advances in flag football playoffs

Lamar wins Houston ISD district title, Sam Houston advances in flag football playoffs

Five Houston ISD schools competed in the district championship in girls flag football, and two advance to the regional round of the playoffs at the Texans bubble next weekend.

There were some serious playmakers all over the field at the HISD Flag Football District Championship games at Delmar Stadium on Saturday. These young ladies compete and want to advance in the flag football playoffs.

The defending district champs from Heights played Sam Houston in the district semifinal game. Bulldogs quarterback Emma Syphard was the MVP a year ago. She put Heights in the lead, working up with Lauren Hudgens, but Sam Houston did not go away; in fact, they dug in even deeper.

Dianna Gonzales was one of the stars for the Tigers.

"I feel so happy this is my first year, and I'm good at doing this...this is so amazing," Gonzales said.

Junior Nayeli Davila led on both sides of the ball. She connected with Haleyiah Smith to help the Tigers come back to cut the lead to 19-14 Heights.

The biggest play of the game happened with 30 seconds to play. Deciding not to just run out the clock and walk away with the win, Syphard tried forcing the ball into the endzone. Ms. Reliable, Nayeli Davila, was there for the interception and return for the touchdown, which ended up being the game-winner. Sam Houston wins 20-19 and advances to the regional tournament at the Texans bubble next weekend.

"We may not be known for our sports, but when it comes to flag football, we're up there," Davila said. "We're showing up and showing out, giving our all. It just feels amazing because it's just like it warms my heart, and it makes me happy."

"I can't say anything more because this is....I feel so happy," Gonzales added.

It was a quick turn for the Tigers. Less than 30 minutes after the big win, they faced Lamar for the district championship. The district final was not as kind as the semifinal.

Lamar wins to advance to the regional tournament as well. Some players that stood out for the Lady Texans include quarterback Mackenzie Hypolite, receivers Autumn Foster and Sydne Tisdale, Delaney Perry, and defender Haylie Hernandez, who had two interceptions, one of which she returned for a touchdown.

"I will say they're pretty tough," Lamar Head Coach Jada Mitchell said. "They do not give up. They are always working hard. They're always willing to adjust to changes."

Special shout-out to North Fourth and Wisdom high schools, which also played but were eliminated. Flag football has taught Wisdom players lessons that extend way beyond the field.