Durant’s flag football team lost a tight, 6-0 district championship game to Bloomingdale April 30, but the team still enjoyed a historically good regular season. And, after that game, senior captain Jessica McClernan will graduate as the holder of many single-season school records: passing yards (1,853), touchdowns (28), rushing yards (531), and rushing touchdowns (12). With 11 caught interceptions, she also holds the record for most picks by a safety.
How do you feel about this season?
It was great. Definitely heartbreaking, that we lost, but going undefeated was great. I was pleased with the season.
Before Bloomingdale, you won a 19-13 matchup with Newsome to get to the championship game.
We did good. We started out a little rocky, but we pulled through. It was definitely rewarding, to beat them.
And the Bloomingdale game — that one came down to the wire. What happened in that game?
I don’t know. The defense was solid, the offense made a few mistakes. Bloomingdale executed.
And now, you’re about to go to Southeastern University to play soccer. Are you getting ready for that now?
We have a preseason packet that we’re doing. We don’t report until Aug. 4, but we work on the packet and get ready for workouts.
If flag football is offered as an intramural sport at Southeastern, would you play it?
Oh, I’ve already talked to the coach about it. I guess they’ve started a rule this year where athletes can’t play intramurals, but they’re looking to change it. So, if they change the rules, then I’ll definitely play flag football.
What do you like to do for fun?
I like to fish, and go to the beach. I work, so that takes up a lot of my time.
What kind of fishing?
I have only done freshwater fishing, so, bass fishing. I don’t have a favorite spot.
What’s your favorite food?
Probably anything Italian. I love spaghetti.
What’s your favorite movie?
Not a big movie person, but I’d have to say “The Blind Side.”
What about music?
I’d have to say country music. I like Tim McGraw. I like his older music — not so much the newer stuff. He’s a genuine Southern person.
Who are some of your favorite athletes?
I would have to say Karina LeBlanc, goalkeeper for the Canadian National Team. I met her in the summer of my sophomore year. I was flown up to Baltimore for a Puma Women’s Elite Showcase. It was the top 60 girls around the nation that were born in, like, 1995 or 1996. We got to train with her, and she’s just a nice, genuine person. It’s nice to actually meet the person you look up to.
What’s your favorite sports team?
The Florida Gators. They have a great soccer team, and there are a lot of people from this area that play on the team.
If you could play for any pro sports team, what would it be?
The U.S. National Team. Women’s pro soccer isn’t really that big, but there’s the National Team.
If you could have any one superpower for the day, what would it be?
To be able to fly. I would go to the Bahamas.