Fitzgerald defeats Dodge County 13-0 in girls flag football

FITZGERALD — Fitzgerald defeated Dodge County 13-0 Tuesday night in girls flag football, extending their winning streak to eight consecutive games and moving closer to the Division 1 Area 3 championship.

The Lady Hurricanes entered the game with one loss on their 2025 schedule, a defeat to Dodge County in October. Tuesday’s victory served as redemption and positioned Fitzgerald to take control of the area race.

Defense dominates again

Fitzgerald’s defense recorded their 10th shutout in 17 games this season. The unit pressured Dodge County throughout the contest, with M’elayah Benton recording a sack that forced a punt from the Indians.

The Lady Hurricanes took a 7-0 lead in the first half but missed opportunities to extend their advantage. Late in the second quarter, Sanorra McKind connected with Kianti McDuffie over the middle, but McDuffie lost control of the ball just before crossing the goal line and was marked down at the one-yard line.

On the final play before halftime, McKind threw an interception to Kawaski Robinson, keeping the score at 7-0 Fitzgerald at the break.

Second half surge

Fitzgerald returned the favor in the second half when Gabby Carter intercepted a deflected pass, setting up good field position for the offense.

“It fell out of her hand. I just got it. I was like, we need it because we really didn’t have a big lead, a comfortable lead. So, like, my coach told me to go make a play. So, that’s what I did,” Carter said.

The Lady Hurricanes capitalized on the turnover. McKind found McDuffie again on a play-action pass, moving the ball into Dodge County territory. McKind then scored on a keeper, beating the defender to the corner of the end zone for a 13-0 lead.

“This team is tough. Like, we don’t back down for nothing. We go get it. Our heart, our drive. Yeah, when we want some, we go get it,” McKind said.

Area championship opportunity

The victory sets up Fitzgerald for a chance to claim the area championship Thursday against Telfair County. The Lady Hurricanes defeated the Trojans 18-13 in their first meeting at the end of October.

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