Flag football preview: Western ‘loaded’ with talent … once its team is complete

The waiting, the late Tom Petty used to sing, is the hardest part.

But, at Western High, the waiting could turn into a second state title in three years for the Wildcats’ flag football team.

Western coach James O’Brien is expecting to get six soccer players and four more from the school’s basketball team back once those seasons are over. O’Brien is especially waiting for five of Western’s top seven players who won’t be able to focus full-time on flag football until March.

The flag football state final four is set for May 10-11, which means the Wildcats should have time to gel once they get their get their full team together.

“We’re so loaded this year that it’s ridiculous,” O’Brien said. “This is the most talented team I’ve had in 13 years of coaching.”

That’s saying something because the Wildcats are 52-4 over the past three years, including three trips to the Class 2A Final Four and one state title.

In 2021, Western went 17-1 and lost in the state final, 20-19, to Newsome. In 2022, Western went 19-0 and won state, beating Newsome, 34-14.

Last year, Western went 16-3, losing 20-14 to Fleming Island in the state semifinals.

Since 2007, Western is the only Dade or Broward school to win a state title in flag football.

This year, the Wildcats’ top seven players are seniors. That list includes wide receivers Nandi Ramessar, Kailyn Echevarria, captain Keylee Allen and Lauren Holschauer as well as quarterback Tamara Elliott, a fourth-year starter who last year passed for 26 touchdowns and just three interceptions.

Ramessar is the reigning Broward Player of the Year as she caught 100 passes for 1,018 yards and 16 touchdowns.

This past summer, Echevarria and Ramessar won gold medals while playing for the U.S. Junior National Team. In addition, Echevarria was named the MVP last month at the 17-Under World Games tournament in Orlando.

Western’s defensive leaders include senior linebackers Kennedy Allen – who is Keylee’s twin sister – and Pao Almodovar. Allen had 12 interceptions last year, tying for the team lead with – ironically – her twin.

If that isn’t enough, Western recently added a pair of first-time flag football players: Ashley Smith, a 6-foot-1 soccer goalie; and Promyse Benjamin, a track sprinter.

“She can catch,” O’Brien said of Smith, “and it’s rare to find someone that athletic at her size.

“Promyse is the fastest player on the team, and she could help us a rusher.”

But as good as the Wildcats look, there’s the matter of Hillsborough County.

Hillsborough has swept the two state titles five times in seven years. Tampa Robinson (Class 1A) has won seven straight state titles. Alonso (Class 2A) has won three times in the past five years.

For the moment, though, O’Brien is more concerned about his team and his missing athletes.

Whenever possible, the soccer and basketball players voluntarily participate in flag football practice.

“It’s going to be a mad scramble,” O’Brien said, “just to get these girls ready.”

Echevarria, though, is optimistic.

“I want to win state,” she said. “That’s my biggest goal, and we’re determined to get there as a team.”

CLASS 1A

▪ Edison returns four starters from a squad that went 18-2 with 10 shutouts last year. The Red Raiders lost to Choctawhatchee 20-13 in the 2023 state semifinals.

Edison’s top players this year include sophomore quarterback Kyia Louis, a second-year starter.

“Her arm has gotten stronger since last season,” Edison coach Vincent Hall said. “But her best attribute is her decision making.”

The other top Red Raiders are junior linebacker/receiver Camille Canidate; junior safety/receiver Poetry Auguste; and senior linebacker Jahzara Silvera.

CLASS 2A

▪ Southridge went 12-4 last season, losing 21-18 to Dillard in the regional quarterfinal. Southridge will be led this season by three seniors: wide receiver/linebacker Mahagonay Simmons; linebacker Quentasia Mills, and cornerback Laqueendra Douglas. Simmons last year had 1,214 all-purpose yards and nine touchdowns and has made first-team All-Dade two straight years. Mills has offers to play NAIA football, and Douglas had eight interceptions last year, making second-team All-Dade.

▪ Krop went 9-3 last season, losing 19-6 to St. Thomas Aquinas in the regional quarterfinals. Krop this season will be led by three seniors: quarterback/safety Sagine Atis; and wide receivers/cornerbacks Layla Talton and Savannah Blackmon.

▪ Miami Beach, which went 8-6 last season, is led by junior Samantha Hoffmann and sophomore Isabella Diaz-Prieto. Hoffmann has been starting since her freshman year. The Hi-Tides are young, but they have skill at wide receiver and edge rushers.

▪ Braddock, which went 3-9 last season, is led by juniors Sabrina Schleglmilch and Isabella Corrons-Tapia. Both of them play wide receiver and defensive back.

▪ Palmetto, which finished 7-3 last season, has added transfers Serenity Simon, Ava Alvarez and Isabella Sosa, and they have joined returner Melanie Assmar as the Panthers’ top four players.

▪ Hialeah Gardens, which finished 3-7 last season, is led by Carolyn Lebrock, who could become one of the best linebackers in Miami. Watch for senior wide receivers Stephany Maltez and Rihanna Mederos.