The Half Hollow Hills East girls flag football team added another honor to its remarkable championship season this week, as the Red Colts were named the inaugural Rutgers Cup winners as Suffolk County's top flag football team.
The award capped off a historic year for Half Hollow Hills East, which captured a state championship and established itself as one of the premier programs in New York.
Leading the way was quarterback Samantha Heyman, who enjoyed one of the most decorated careers in Long Island flag football history. Heyman was named League I MVP and was also honored as the James Conrad Metzger Top Scholar-Athlete by the National Football Foundation Suffolk County Chapter during last week's Flag Football Scholar-Athlete and All-County Awards Brunch.
On the field, Heyman put together staggering numbers, finishing her career with 12,898 passing yards and 197 touchdown passes while adding 4,192 rushing yards and 52 touchdowns. Off the field, she maintained a 98 grade-point average, earned a perfect score of 36 on the ACT, serves as president of the National Honor Society and volunteers with the Limb Kind Foundation.
Heyman wasn't the only Red Colt recognized for her outstanding season.
Teammate Zoe Franks earned League I Offensive MVP honors after helping power one of Suffolk County's most explosive offenses. Heyman, Franks and Emma Gould were all recognized as All-County selections and were also named First Team All-Long Island.
The Rutgers Cup serves as another reminder of just how special the 2026 season was for Half Hollow Hills East. From league play to the postseason, the Red Colts consistently proved they were among the state's elite.
With championships, individual honors and now the distinction of being the first-ever Rutgers Cup winners, this year's squad has secured a place in school history.
For the players, coaches and the entire Half Hollow Hills East community, it was truly a season to remember.