Sports

Flag Football Takes Spotlight at Bloomingdale High

Coach Michael Lankford and player Elaine Owens represented Bloomingdale High School in the FACA All-Star Game in Ocala May 18.

It's not a sport that receives a lot of press. 

However, the Bloomingdale High School varsity flag football team is proving this is a sport to take seriously.

Michael Lankford, who came on as coach two years ago, said the Bloomingdale program is growing and proving itself on the field.

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Last spring, the Bloomingdale team finished the season with a 6-3 record. 

And this past spring, with co-captain and quarterback Elaine Owens at the helm, the Bloomingdale players finished the season with an impressive 10-4 record.

Find out what's happening in Bloomingdale-Riverviewwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Lankford and Owens went on to represent Bloomingdale in the Florida Athletic Coaches Association's all-star game in Ocala May 18. 

Lankford served as assistant coach for the Western Region, which included 12 players -- six from Hillsborough County and six from Pinellas.

In a tough first game, the Western Region succumbed to the Southern Region, 13-15, but went on to win the consolation game against the Northern Region, 32-0. 

And Owens ended her senior year at Bloomingdale on a high note. Out of the 16 possible school records in flag football, Owens holds four and shares five. Jessica Calderini holds the school record for receiving TD’s in a season.

Lankford awarded Owens the award for Overall Impact Player. Senior Jessica Calderini was named the Offensive Impact Player. Senior Ayana McGrew received Defensive Impact Player and sophomore Olivia Harris received the award for Most Valuable Teammate. 


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