From 4-5 to the Big Stage: Lady Hawks Soar into First Ever State Championship

Washington County’s flag football team caps stunning turnaround with Division I championship berth at Mercedes-Benz Stadium

SANDERSVILLE, Georgia – (41NBC/WMGT) – What began as an uneven season has transformed into a historic run for the Washington County Lady Hawks.

After starting 4–5, the Lady Hawks surged down the stretch and are now headed to the GHSA Division I Flag Football state championship at Mercedes-Benz Stadium – the first state finals appearance in program history.

Washington County’s turnaround has been dramatic. The Lady Hawks won 10 of their final 11 games to punch their ticket to Atlanta, peaking at the right time after integrating a roster filled with new faces.

“We graduated a big group last year, so I had a lot of new faces coming in,” Head Coach Jay English said. “We started out the first nine games four and five, and then something started clicking. We finished winning 10 out of the last 11. It was almost two seasons in one, and we’re really peaking at the right time.”

For English, a Washington County alumnus who has played and coached in state title games, the moment carries special meaning beyond the field.

“It means the world to me,” he said. “We take pride in that WC on our chest – small town, raised at the chalk plant, hardworking people. Strap up our boots and let’s go play.”

Standing between the Lady Hawks and a championship trophy is Harris County, a larger school led by one of the state’s top quarterbacks. English said Washington County’s defense – the backbone of its playoff run – must once again rise to the occasion.

“You can’t let the moment be too big,” he said. “The field is still 40 by 80. We’ve got to contain their quarterback. It’s winnable if we go play. If we play like we did in Columbus, there’s no reason we won’t be standing on that stage holding that trophy.”

Offensively, the Lady Hawks bring plenty of firepower. Junior quarterback Jade Kitchens has thrown for more than 2,300 yards with 35 touchdowns. Junior Aeria Hagans has nearly 2,000 all-purpose yards and 32 total touchdowns, while senior Shanira Brown has added 16 receptions for 161 yards and two scores.

Still, players say defense and focus will decide the championship.

“This year, I really thought we would never make it to this point,” Hagans said. “Coach had us playing defense to get where we wanted to go. It’s going to take our defense to be competitive, focused and locked in. Once we get the start, it’s our game.”

Brown echoed that confidence.

“We wasn’t really there in the beginning, but we pulled through and came together as a team,” she said. “It’s exciting, but we ain’t scared. We’re going to do our job, maintain our zone and finish.”

Now, a season that once wavered, stands on the brink of history. Inside Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Monday morning, Washington County will play for its first state championship in the young sport of girls flag football – with a chance to bring a title home to Sandersville.

The Lady Hawks will face Harris County Monday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. Kickoff is scheduled for 11 a.m.