Dade vs. Broward Delivers OT Thriller

Dade vs. Broward: Girls Flag Football Delivers a Classic at the Crib Classic

One of the most anticipated matchups of the year finally arrived as Dade and Broward faced off in the girls flag football edition of the Crib Classic, and despite several elite players missing from action, the game more than lived up to the hype.

Both teams entered shorthanded due to injuries and other circumstances. Dade was without key contributors Adriana Junco, Zakieria Cobb, Carolyn LeBroc, and Melina Pickard, while Broward missed Indiana Jordan, Elayna Garzon, Emily Tabak, and Anabella Puccio, who is widely projected to be the best returning quarterback in Broward County.

The contest featured four 10-minute quarters with a running clock, a format that felt rushed and limited the opportunity for the athletes to fully showcase their abilities. Many would have preferred a traditional time structure to allow the girls to truly compete without the pressure of constant clock management.

Fast Start for Dade

Dade opened the game with Rakyia Louis (Edison) at quarterback, while Rihana Terrero, who represented Mater Academy Charter in Dade County during the 2025 season, was selected to play for Broward at the Quarterback position.

The first quarter belonged to Dade’s defense. Elite defensive back Destiny Beard intercepted Terrero on Broward’s opening drive and returned the ball to the Broward 10-yard line. Dade quickly capitalized. Malayisa David took a lateral pitch from her Edison teammate Briana Bogan, made multiple defenders miss, and cruised into the end zone for the game’s first touchdown.

Dade’s defensive dominance continued as standout defensive back Takayla Strawbridge intercepted Terrero twice, making the first half especially difficult for the Broward offense. Before halftime, Dade added another score when Imani Davis delivered one of the nastiest Carioca jukes of the day, finishing the run with a touchdown to give Dade a 12-0 lead at the break.

Momentum Swings in the Second Half

The third quarter marked a turning point. Jakira Dennis came up with a crucial interception that shifted momentum toward Broward. Shortly after, Terrero launched a 40-yard deep ball to TT McFadden, setting up Broward’s first touchdown and cutting the lead to 12-6.

Moments later, Broward intercepted Rakyia Louis, further swinging momentum. Emmi Merhi began making her presence felt with aggressive jump-ball catches and plenty of energy, bringing intensity and entertainment to the matchup as Broward surged.

Fourth-Quarter Drama

Early in the fourth quarter, Terrero connected with Emmi Merhi on a beautiful corner end-zone touchdown grab, tying the game at 12-12.

Dade had chances late, but Broward’s defense stepped up when it mattered most. Aimee Colson, recognized as the top defensive rusher in the state of Florida, recorded a massive sack for Team Broward. With 1:43 remaining, Dade moved the ball past midfield using pitch-backs, but disaster struck when a pass from Louis was bobbled by the receiver and fell directly into the hands of Broward.

Overtime Heartbreak for Dade

In overtime, Broward marched down the field and reached the red zone. Terrero threw a pass that slipped through the hands of TT McFadden and landed perfectly in the arms of Noel Thomas for the touchdown — a textbook case of being in the right place at the right time. Broward took an 18-12 lead.

Dade had one final opportunity to answer, but pressure forced Louis into an incomplete pass, sealing the game.

Final Thoughts

Broward completed an impressive comeback, defeating Dade 18-12 in overtime. Rihana Terrero finished the game with three touchdown passes, overcoming a tough first half to lead Broward to victory.