Our Lady Lions flag football team came up just short on Thursday night in their GHSA Division 3 semifinal game, falling to Pace Academy 7-6.
Jasmine McDowell scored Lithia's TD on a run a few plays after hauling in a long pass from quarterback MyAngel Ross. "Very passive, yet aggressive," Lions Head Coach Kendra Pleasants said of McDowell after the game. "So many scholarship offers, 3.8 GPA. She's just a great student on and off the field."
The game was Pleasants' final contest as coach as she focuses on her role in administration at Lithia. Pleasants started the flag football program at Lithia four years ago and took the team to the state finals three of those years, winning a state championship in 2022.
"Coach Pleasants was instrumental in launching and developing our flag football program here at Lithia. She knows what it takes to be a winner. Because of her coaching and player development of this team, she has been instrumental in putting LSHS on the map not only on the state level, but within our district as well. Because of her diligence and solution-oriented approach, our girls were able to strive, play with heart and passion and set the blueprint for the program in the future. I am beyond proud of the girls on this team. While we will miss Pleasants in the role of head coach, we know she will continue to have an impact on our school and sports programs as she continues to work in her administrative role," said Principal Jones.
Lithia won the Area 5 title this year and reeled off victories in four playoff games heading into Thursday's game. Pleasants said she was proud of her team's perseverance and never-give-up attitude.
To Coach Pleasants, the players, and every fan who supported this team, thank you for making this season unforgettable. The Lion spirit lives on! 🦁💛💚#DCSSProud #LionPride #CoachPleasants