In the inaugural season of flag football as a sanctioned sport by the TSSAA, Collierville High School came up just short of its goal of reaching the TSSAA State Invitational Tournament in Murfreesboro this week. Ravenwood claimed the first-ever championship, defeating Stone Memorial 34–14.

Despite falling short of a state tournament berth, the Lady Dragons enjoyed a successful season at 6-6 and gained valuable experience for the future. A major highlight of the year came when senior Zora Neal became the first Collierville High School student-athlete to receive an athletic scholarship to continue playing flag football at the collegiate level.

Neal signed her National Letter of Intent to play at Cumberland University.

Having grown up as a cheerleader, she decided to try flag football in her senior year. Entering the fall, she had not seriously considered playing sports in college, but her natural talent quickly stood out. Throughout the season, she drew the attention of multiple college scouts and ultimately chose Cumberland, which will launch its inaugural women’s flag football season in 2025–26.

This season, Neal compiled impressive stats: 27 tackles (flag pulls), eight pass breakups, and five interceptions, three of which she returned for touchdowns. In addition to flag football, Neal plans to continue cheering and will compete as a two-sport athlete at Cumberland.

Congratulations, Zora! History made.