- Saints, Giants win NFL Flag titles
- Boys 15U champs: Metro Select
- Girls 18U champs: Staten Island
The NFL Flag Championships concluded on Sunday at the Hall of Fame Village in Canton, Ohio. The first-of-its-kind competition featured 280 NFL Flag regional winning teams of boys and girls and six international squads.
From Friday to Sunday, almost 2,860 top youth flag football players participated in an event. Each of the 32 NFL teams was represented in the flag football competition.
The NFL Flag hosted a three-day tournament event which showcased competition among 18-and-under girls and 15-and-under boys. This single elimination tournament was broadcast on various platforms such as NFL Network, NFL+, ABC, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN+, and ESPN Deportes.
Boys 15U championship
The Lockdown Legends Titans from Nolensville, Tennessee, and the Metro Select Saints from Cedar Park, Texas, competed in the boys 15-and-under NFL Flag Championship.
Metro Select led 18-13 at halftime and maintained their momentum, scoring in three consecutive possessions in the second half, ultimately securing a 38-13 victory over the Legends.
Landon Brazzell of the Saints stood out on defense, recording several sacks. He also wowed on offense with an impressive catch-and-run play, skillfully evading multiple Legend defenders and nearly scoring.
“In a postgame interview with ESPN, Brazzell stated, “It was incredibly enjoyable and exciting. I’m simply fortunate to be able to engage in these activities and play with my friends.”
Daniel Berry, a wide receiver for Metro Select, demonstrated his skills on both ends of the field. He caught two passes for a total of 33 yards and scored two touchdowns. On the defensive end, Berry added three interceptions, one of which was a pick-six. His stellar performance earned him the Most Valuable Player award.
“Winning the award feels amazing and I’m honored,” said Berry.
Following a decisive win, Metro Select has now secured consecutive NFL Flag titles.
Girls 18U championship
The girls 18-and-under NFL Flag Championship saw the participation of the Staten Island Giants from Staten Island, New York, and the Apex Predators Chargers from Las Vegas.
The game started off closely contested on Staten Island, with a touchdown needed at the end of the first half to gain a 14-7 lead before the break. This momentum carried the future champions into an elevated performance in the second half, culminating in a decisive 28-7 triumph over the Apex Predators.
Valentina Fanetti, the Giants’ quarterback, dominated the game with precise throws. The defense of Staten Island challenged almost all balls thrown by the Apex Predators’ offense, preventing them from scoring even a single point in the second half.
Fanetti gave a sterling performance, completing 14 of 17 for 116 yards and four touchdowns. This earned her the game’s MVP award.
Fanetti expressed in a postgame ESPN interview, “It honestly means the world. I couldn’t have achieved this without all of my receivers out there.”
Fanetti favored targeting Olivia Rijo and Allison Gandlin. Rijo received six passes, gaining 55 yards and a touchdown. Meanwhile, Gandlin made five receptions, covering 39 yards and achieved two scores.
“After the game, Rijo expressed, “It required immense grit, a strong desire to be part of this and substantial teamwork. The effort we put in was tremendous and this team of girls is among the most unique I have ever encountered.”
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