Flag football is a rapidly growing sport across the country, and in Vestavia, it’s no different. The Vestavia girls flag football team was formed in 2021, led by head coach Doug Rogers and assistant coaches Debra Broome and Sharman Martin. However, this is the first year girls flag football is an officially sanctioned sport, meaning there will be a state title, also called a “blue map,” at stake. This season, the team has already been overwhelmingly dominating the field with a 9-0 record. On September 26th, the team had a double header on their home turf. They played Gadsden City first, winning 19 to 0 and ending the game on mercy rule. Following this game, the team went up against the Homewood Patriots. The Rebels won 37 to nothing in another phenomenal shut-out game. During these two games, the defense played incredibly, not letting Gadsden City nor Homewood score even a single point. This defensive proficiency is likely due to their extensive practice schedule. The girls flag football team practices from 3 to 5 every afternoon on weekdays. They practice at the old Central Elementary school fields near the high school, using all available space they can get for their team, all in an effort to be the best they can be. This dedication has shown brightly in their performance. Another major factor in the flag football team’s triumph goes deeper.
Emily Spooner, a junior, has played flag football since 2022 and has come to truly love it. She claims a crucial reason for the team’s success is teamwork. Spooner acknowledges “[they] have definitely grown as a team throughout this season, and it has shown out on the field.” Their numbers prove just that. The team continues to grow in size every year, building a rich team culture on the Vestavia team. Emily Spooner asserts that it will continue to grow positively in numbers and popularity. She claims “everyone wants to come and see what the sport has to offer” and are then “surprised at how fun and competitive it can be.” Flag football games attract students and parents, providing a supportive audience and social event. The sport is similar to regular football, but with smaller territories, no pads, and the obvious lack of physical contact but rather pulling waist-length flags. While flag football is far from foreign, it is reinvented and exciting. The team looks forward to the rest of their season and competing to win a state trophy.
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