FLAG FOOTBALL: Bradford's late go-ahead score edges Tornadoes against Columbia

STARKE, Fla. – A 51-0 victory over KIPP Bold City by Class 1A No. 5 Bradford last week didn’t intimidate the visiting Columbia Tigers from Lake City as they prepared for their first game of the season under third-year head coach Anthony Perry.

The host Tornadoes, however, might have been under-prepared for the Tigers’ arrival, as several days of missed practice due to head coach John Staples attending a football coaches’ clinic in Las Vegas with Bradford’s head coach, Jamie Rodgers, may have taken a toll.

Half-jokingly, it seemed Staples might have had second thoughts about making that trip after witnessing sloppy play that put the game against the Tigers on the edge. Heading into the final minutes, the game was tied at 12-12 before Arnayshia Griffin’s eight-yard touchdown run with 39 seconds left gave the Tornadoes the go-ahead score. However, there was still enough time for Columbia to respond, given the fast-paced nature of girls’ flag football.

Bradford QB Arnayshia Griffin runs for the go-ahead and game sealing touchdown late in the fourth quarter in their 18-12 victory over Columbia (Lake City) on Tue. Feb. 27, 2025. [Joshua Wilson/FloridaHSFootball.com]

Instead, on the very next play of Columbia’s final drive, knowing the Tigers needed to move the ball quickly, Griffin made another game-changing play—intercepting Eriel Baker’s pass with just 28 seconds left to seal an 18-12 victory for Bradford.

The Tornadoes got on the board early, scoring on their opening drive, which ate up a good chunk of the first-quarter clock. The drive was capped off by Griffin connecting with Nichelle Brown for a five-yard touchdown pass, making it 6-0 with 5:15 left in the quarter after a failed extra point attempt.

Bradford WR/ATH Nichelle Brown scores in the endzone for a five yard touchdown reception in the first quarter in an 18-12 victory over Columbia (Lake City) on Tue. Feb. 25, 2025 at David Hurse Stadium in Starke, Fla. [Joshua Wilson/FloridaHSFootball.com]

It appeared that things might get out of hand quickly when Brown intercepted a pass at the Columbia 26-yard line. However, the Tornadoes failed to capitalize on the turnover, turning the ball over on downs inside the red zone as the game moved into the second quarter.

With the clock running in the second quarter, Columbia capitalized on its second possession of the game. Baker ran in from three yards out with 2:13 left before halftime, tying the game at 6-6 after a failed extra point attempt.

Columbia (Lake City) QB Eriel Baker scores on a touchdown run, the first of two touchdowns scored by the Tigers in their matchup against Bradford (Starke) on Tue. Feb. 25, 2025 at David Hurse Stadium in Starke, Fla. [Joshua Wilson/FloridaHSFootball.com]

Determined to take the lead into halftime, Bradford managed the clock efficiently. A well-executed catch-and-run play from Griffin to Brown gained nearly 30 yards and set up the Tornadoes’ second touchdown of the game. A couple of plays later, Griffin secured her second rushing touchdown, scoring from eight yards out with just under 30 seconds left, giving Bradford a 12-6 lead at halftime.

After making second-half adjustments, Columbia managed to disrupt the Tornadoes’ rhythm, but not before Baker threw her second of three interceptions in the game. This time, Talaysia Cummings picked off the pass, giving Bradford possession for the first time in the second half.

However, once again, the Tornadoes failed to capitalize, turning the ball over on downs inside the Tigers’ 20-yard line. Columbia then took advantage and tied the game as the contest moved into the fourth quarter.

Bradford’s Nichelle Brown intercepts a pass in front of attended Shay Fluellen of Columbia (Lake City) in the first quarter of the Tornadoes’ 18-12 victory over the Tigers. [Joshua Wilson/FloridaHSFootball.com]

The Tigers’ second and final touchdown came when Baker connected with Miaah Nash for a five-yard score, tying the game at 12-12 with 10:13 left.

From there, it became a chess match. Bradford’s defense held strong, preventing Columbia from moving the ball past the Tornadoes’ 20-yard line and forcing a punt with 7:04 remaining.

In response, Bradford’s defense stepped up again, forcing another Columbia punt with just three minutes left. That set the stage for the Tornadoes to orchestrate their game-winning drive, culminating in Griffin’s decisive touchdown run.

The win for Bradford moved the Tornadoes to 2-0 on the season while Columbia starts off the season at 0-1.

Columbia’s Eriel Baker showed promised in their 18-12 loss to Bradford on Tue. Feb 25, 2025 at David Hurse Stadium in Starke, Fla. [Joshua Wilson/FloridaHSFootball.com]

COLUMBIA FLAG FOOTBALL HC ANTHONY PERRY AFTER THE GAME

Columbia head coach Anthony Perry reflected on the Tigers’ performance after the game. Now in their third season of girls’ flag football, Perry remains optimistic about the team’s growth heading into 2025.

BRADFORD FLAG FOOTBALL HC JOHN STAPLES AFTER THE GAME

Bradford head coach John Staples, along with standout players No. 30 Talaysia Cummings, No. 1 Arnayshia Griffin, and No. 5 Nichelle Brown, shared their thoughts on the Tornadoes’ performance after the game.