Central

BIRMINGHAM — Central-Phenix City flag football asserted its national dominance with a resounding 55-7 victory against Spain Park, securing the AHSAA Class 6A/7A state championship on Wednesday.

Just two days later, the Red Devils were officially recognized as national champions, ranking first in the final USA TODAY Sports Super 25 girls flag football rankings made public on Friday.

Concluding the 2024 season with an impeccable record of 19-0, the Red Devils maintained the No. 1 spot in Week 4 and held their position for the rest of the season. They managed to shut out 13 opponents this year, conceding only 12 points in two separate games. Their average margin of victory was 40 points, scoring over 44 points per game on average.

“This is the best team in the nation. It may sound boastful, but after much reflection, I stand by that statement; they can accomplish anything,” declared head coach Mitchell Holt after the championship win. “… They have remained grounded, proving they are the top team in the country, and we can only hope that the next rankings endorse that.”

Holt initiated the Central-Phenix City flag football program in 2021. Since then, the Red Devils have rapidly ascended to national prominence. They claimed the 6A/7A state title last year, but as flag football was still in its developmental phases, they couldn’t take home a Blue Map.

Following their triumph over Spain Park, the Red Devils were finally able to secure a Blue Map.

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Anna Snyder covers high school athletics and University of Alabama softball and football recruiting for The Tuscaloosa News. Contact her at asnyder@gannett.com. Follow her on X @annaesnyder2.

This piece originally appeared in The Tuscaloosa News: Central-Phenix City flag football crowned USA Today Sports National Champions