Douglas, Everglades face off in semis

They're both already far into unfamiliar territory.

On Friday, one team will go even farther.

Both first-time state quarterfinalists, Douglas (15-1) and Everglades (10-3) face off in the second leg of a flag football quadruple-header Friday at West Boca Raton High School.

On the line: A trip to Saturday's semifinals, with each team hoping to become the third champion from Broward in the sport's six-year history.

On the field: Two talented teams, each rolling into the de-facto county championship.

The Gators won their past two games -- the District 24 final at Miramar and the state's second-round game at Hollywood Hills -- without allowing a point (each final score was 18-0).

They also started 0-2, but switched senior Allegra Jackson to quarterback in the fourth quarter of that second loss.

''And from that day on,'' coach Steve Bounoutas said, ``she's done such a tremendous job.''

The Eagles, meanwhile, have been strong all year -- ''Their record speaks for itself,'' Bounoutas said -- having emerged from a tough District 20 and eliminating upset-minded Plantation on Tuesday.

They're led by player-of-the-year candidate Taylor Thomas at quarterback, along with a slew of supporting players.

''It's going to come down to who wants it more,'' Everglades coach Steve Bounoutas said.