Flag Football Travels to First-Ever Playoff Appearance at Hillcrest-Tuscaloosa
Riding a three game winning streak into its first ever postseason appearance, Wetumpka looks to continue building momentum for a playoff run.
WETUMPKA, Ala. – Wetumpka heads into the program's first ever AHSAA 5A playoffs with momentum on its side, carrying a three-game winning streak into Tuesday night's first-round matchup against Hillcrest in Tuscaloosa.
The Indians (9-6) will face the Patriots (6-3) at 6:00 p.m. with a spot in the next round of the postseason at stake.
Wetumpka has won five of its last six games, with its only loss during that stretch coming by a single point against rival Stanhope Elmore. Since that 20-19 defeat on Oct. 7, the Indians have rattled off victories over Helena, LAMP, and Alabama Christian Academy.
The Indians have relied heavily on their rushing attack this season, averaging 236.4 yards on the ground and 326.9 yards of total offense per game.
Junior Sohaila Goshton has been at the center of that production, leading Wetumpka with 23 total touchdowns and more than 100 rushing yards per game. Goshton's ability to find the end zone has made her one of the Indians' most consistent offensive threats throughout the season.
Senior Kamille Tate has also played a significant role in Wetumpka's offense. Tate averages 80.2 passing yards per game and leads the team with approximately 150.2 yards of total offense per contest.
Junior Elaine Mayes has contributed in multiple areas, giving Wetumpka another option in the running game while also making plays as a receiver and on defense.
Through the air, senior Jaylah Merkerson has been Wetumpka's leading receiver, averaging more than 40 yards per game. Her production has helped the Indians complement their ground attack with opportunities in the passing game.
Defensively, Wetumpka has been particularly effective at disrupting opposing offenses. The Indians average four sacks and 2.6 interceptions per game.
Sophomore Ja'Nia Davis leads that effort with 29 sacks this season, the most in Class 1A-5A Region 2. Davis has also recorded 35 quarterback hurries and 122 yards lost on sacks.
Junior Hayli Crockett has added 15 sacks, while senior Zoe McCullough has contributed 10. Together, the three have accounted for 54 sacks, giving Wetumpka several players capable of putting pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
Senior Serenity Love has been another key part of the defense, averaging 8.1 flag pulls per game. Love also leads the Indians in interceptions, while Mayes has contributed in the secondary.
Wetumpka's defense has helped the Indians record two shutouts this season, including a 34-0 victory over Percy Julian and a 50-0 win against LAMP.
The Indians have also found success against tougher competition. They held off Helena 18-12 before putting together their highest-scoring performance of the season against LAMP on Oct. 15. Wetumpka followed those victories with a 19-12 win over Alabama Christian Academy on Oct. 22 to close the regular season.
Hillcrest enters Tuesday's matchup with a 6-3 record and a 4-1 mark in region play. The Patriots have recorded three shutouts this season, defeating Paul W. Bryant 24-0, Sipsey Valley 20-0, and Hale County 30-0.
Tuesday's meeting will be the first between the two programs. Wetumpka enters averaging 18.7 points per game, compared with Hillcrest's 18.3, setting up a matchup between two teams with similar scoring averages.
The Indians will look to continue their late-season success behind a productive rushing attack and a defense that has consistently created problems for opposing offenses.
With three consecutive victories and a playoff berth secured, Wetumpka now turns its attention to extending its season on the road Tuesday night.