Powered by prolific senior quarterback, Edison flag football aims for repeat
Edison quarterback Rakyia Louis will forever be remembered at her school for the Hail Mary pass she launched that brought home the Red Raiders’ first flag football state championship.
Her coach Vince Hall remembers when she could barely throw a football far in the fifth grade, and most of her passes went straight up into the air.
“I used to tell her to stop killing birds,” Hall joked. “She used to throw them straight up. Her arm was weak. But she developed it and made it strong after that.”
Louis’ powerful right arm has made her the most prolific passer in Edison and Miami-Dade County history over the past four years.
And Louis is leading Edison back to state once again.
The Red Raiders (17-1) crushed True North, 27-0, on Thursday in the Region 4-1A final to clinch the opportunity to defend their state championship next weekend at the AdventHealth Center in Tampa.
Edison, the top seed in Class 1A, will take on either Jacksonville Bolles or Gulfport Boca Ciega in a state semifinal on Friday at 4:30.
“It’s been phenomenal having her these past four years, but I’ve known her since she was in fifth grade with the Liberty City Warriors,” Hall said. “She’s been to state three times now. I saw the talent early on. It was just a matter of her getting her fundamentals down. She had it early though. Playing in the summer has really helped her develop.”
Louis, who threw three touchdown passes against the Titans, has put up some staggering numbers throughout her career.
The Miami Herald’s Player of the Year in 2025, Louis has thrown for 15,830 yards, 203 touchdowns and 41 interceptions in her career. Her career record as a starter is 64-6, and she’s led Edison to three regional titles, four district titles and a GMAC title.
Louis also learned a lot about leadership over the past four years, and her teammates credit her for being one of the most positive presences on the team.
“Playing ball with Rakyia has been the best,” said senior Malaysia David, one of Edison’s top defensive standouts. “The bond we’ve grown means so much because she’s taught me so much as a teammate and as a friend. Me and her overcame a lot and came through with a better bond.”
Louis said she has multiple schools interested in her to play flag football in college, but has yet to decide her destination.
“I’m excited and ready to go get another (championship). We’re a well-oiled machine, and we come to play every game,” Louis said. “I’m ready to run it back, but not ready to leave. It’s a lot of emotions. I’ve been playing on this field since the sixth grade. I’ve had a lot of memorable moments.”
With Louis at the helm of Edison’s offense, the Red Raiders appear to have a team complete enough to bring home another state title.
Edison’s defense hasn’t allowed a point since suffering its lone loss at the GMAC tournament on April 13 against Miami Northwestern, which also advanced to state in Class 2A.
The Red Raiders have outscored their opponents 589-63 for the season and 175-0 over their past five wins.
Edison sophomore Torri Cotman caught two of Louis’ touchdown tosses on Thursday and freshman Saryah Williams caught the other. Williams also had two interceptions on defense.
Jennifer Burton led Edison’s defense with three sacks and eight flag pulls while David had five flag pulls.
“Things are looking good even though we have a lot of ninth and 10th graders so we’re trying to get them ‘game ready,’” Hall said. “It’s been good to have Rakyia’s senior leadership on and off the field.”
Region 4-2A final - Northwestern 32, Lake Worth Dr. Garcia 13: The Bulls are headed to the state final four for the first time in program history, and earned some payback following last year’s loss to Garcia in the same round.
Junior quarterback Tashara Robinson led Northwestern (17-2), going 19 for 26 for 264 yards, two touchdowns and one interception. Junior Dezaria Hampton caught seven passes for 109 yards and a touchdown. Faith Key and Jah’Keriyah Brown each also scored a touchdown. Sophomore Zahara Leaks had nine flag pulls, including three for loss, and Neveah Ward had two sacks.
The Bulls will face Deltona at 9 a.m. on Friday in a Class 2A state semifinal at the AdventHealth Training Center in Tampa.
Region 4-3A final - St. Thomas Aquinas 19, Homestead 0: The Raiders (15-3) picked up the road win over the top-seeded Broncos to advance to state for the first time. Aquinas will face Tallahassee Chiles at 6 on Friday at the AdventHealth Training Center in Tampa.
