- It's a crisp fall day here inside of Bryant Denny's stadium in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.

As we get an exciting three days competition in the A-H-S-A-A Super seven started and the championship starts this afternoon, we welcome you inside of Bryant Denny Stadium, Landrum Roberts, along with my broadcast partner Susan Caruthers and Susan, two teams we're gonna feature today in the one A through five, A flag football championship.

It's gonna feature two talented teams in Winona Montgomery Catholic.

We're gonna talk a lot about, but how about the sport of flag football?

Not only catching fire across the country, but especially here in the high school ranks in the state of Alabama.

- Absolutely.

Landrum.

I mean, like you said, catching fire.

I mean you can see the joy on these young ladies' faces the excitement in the stadium.

I mean this is sweeping not only the state of Alabama but the country.

And it's an exciting day here today in Tuscaloosa, - We're gonna introduce you to both teams.

We'll get the coin toss and get things started.

The super seven here from inside o Bryant Denny Stadium, get started next.

Stay with us.

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- Welcome back into Tuscaloosa, Alabama.

I'm Bryant Denny Stadium.

As a matter of fact, as we get you ready for the start of the super seven exciting three days Land Roberts, along with Susan Caruthers with you once again, we get the flag Football state championship coming up, Winona and the Montgomery or Catholic of Montgomery Knights.

These two teams, the talent that you're gonna see on both sides of the ball, but two very different stories as we take a look at our keys of the game.

That's - Right, we've got the Knights versus the Dragons.

So appropriately named and we're gonna check out the keys to the game.

First of all, for Montgomery Catholic, they need to utilize their diverse offense as long as their offense is on the field.

There's a lot of different formations they can do.

A lot of the different looks they can give.

They need to keep their offense on the field as much as possible.

And then according to Coach Whitney tool, she's told her team play like this is a regular game.

Keep your composure, keep your confidence.

- Well now it's time for the queen toss and we'll send it to our public address Announcer, - Assistant principal, - English faculty member, sun Turner Priest, Connor Pela, science faculty member Jake Campbell from Winona High School 2023 Teacher of the Year, tenal Blackman - 2024 - Teacher of the Year.

Candace Coleman School librarian, Alicia Jones, athletic announcer Naomi Thomas.

- Winona has won the talls and elected to defer.

It'll be Montgomery Catholic first out.

- So now with the coin toss complete, we'll send it down to the third member of our broadcast team.

Christina Chambers, who's gonna introduce us to both - Of these outstanding Ladies and gentlemen, please stand and give a round of applause.

Montgomery - Catholic, you have head coach Whitney Toll.

She's in her second year coaching the Lady Knights and they're just in their second year of the program.

She tells me that last year they were just learning the basics, she said, but this year they've been able to add schemes and plays and that's been the difference maker for them this year.

Getting to the big stage on the other sideline, you have Cedric Lane and the Winona Dragons.

He's in his third year coaching and he tells me that he was unsure of how good this year's team could actually be.

Last year they lost eight seniors.

He said he had to move some players around, but it's worked.

They found what's worked for them and it's been, it's allowed them to get here to the state championship game.

- Thank you so much Christina.

As we get things started there, you see Catholic, they're out of Montgomery.

The Knights wearing the white jerseys with the black numerals and the blue trim and Catholic written across the front as they talk things over.

And the Winona Dragons, they're from the Birmingham area with the Gold Jerseys, the black numerals and the black shorts.

Cedric Lane, very busy.

A state championship basketball coach.

They had basketball last night was, I was gonna say just roll right in the competition here today.

That's - Right.

If you miss the pre-game show, I think they talked about that the Winona Dragons several wheel was on their team.

I think it's seven are also basketball players and they had a game here in Tuscaloosa last night, so hopefully they can keep that adrenaline pumping through their game today.

- Good look there at Coach Lane.

Is his dragons undefeated on the season 20 and oh out of class five a region five and their offense puts up a lot of points averaging 42 points per game this season.

But it'll be the defense that gets started here first.

And we'll introduce you to Montgomery Catholic and what they have going offensively.

Ley Dixon's a quarterback, but they're gonna start things out on the ground and handoff going off the left side to Anna Russo name that we'll call a lot today.

Not only on the offensive side of the ball but the defensive side as well.

Susan.

- Yeah and Ley Dixon.

I mean not only does she have a strong passing game, I mean she's a dual threat quarterback.

She's one to watch out for.

- The line to gain is the 40 and we'll go through some of the rules and regulations of flag football as the pass is complete.

And once again, Dixon going to one of her favorite targets in Anna Ruso as we take a look at Montgomery Catholic, the Knights and they're starting line up.

Hayden Fitz, ley Dixon, Anna Ruso, Cameron Iversson, Carson Hawkins, Kate Robertson.

And we'll get to more of those names in just a moment, but right now it's Montgomery Catholic and they're opening drive Dixon, look at a throw going up top intercepted picked off by the dragons.

The ball blown dead after the interception.

We'll talk about that.

Winona defense, we highlighted the offense but the dragon's pretty spectacular on the defensive side of the ball as well.

Samarian Franklin's gonna lead the dragons out.

The quarterback, they're on offense.

Mesia Clark, one of her favorite targets.

And then we have the Clark sisters, the twins.

Twins, yes.

Numbers eight and nine.

Lots of cool storylines as we always get.

Not only here in high school football flag football, but across championship competition throughout the A-H-S-A-A.

So Winona ready to get started.

Cedric Lane signaling in the plays to his offense And on first down, pass out in the flat in a nice pool by the defender.

That was Kate Robertson coming over to make that pool a short game for Winona.

- And I like the way Winona's going ahead early and spreading out the field here on offense.

- Quick look at McKayla Williams wearing zero, but that is Samarian Franklin.

Samarian Franklin team rushing and passing leader.

Real surprised there.

Yeah, I know those - Are some quick - Quarters.

Look out for number six to carry a rings staff, one of her favorite targets off the left side.

Another great pool about Montgomery Catholic with a defense early on.

Susan.

- Yeah, Landrum this year we have two divisions in girls flag football for the, the viewers that were watching last year.

We just did this once.

We get to do it twice this year.

Like we said in the opener, this sport just continues to explode across the state of Alabama.

- Haley Mason with that pull for the knights.

So Winona checking with the sideline, checking with Coach Lane on third down gonna throw now running with it.

Go there she go and finding a seam.

Well see where they're gonna mark Sumer and Franklin down.

But she took off.

She was looking to throw and then decided she saw a crease and it was a good idea.

They're gonna move the chains - Sumerian, I think she thought she was getting away with that one and I did too for a second.

- So a first down after that run, you see the wheels from Sumer and Franklin.

If he - Can't just let me know.

You go and I'll, I'll stay in the middle.

I mean - I think so on.

First down Franklin, after feeling the pressure in another great pull, stepping up to make that play.

Anna Ruso, I told you we, we call her name a lot.

Not only in the offensive side of the ball but you see it on the defensive side there.

- That's right.

She's even the team leader in interceptions A lot going for her on that Catholic defense and offense.

- Second down, Winona working from our left to our right, just over eight minutes left here in the first quarter.

No score in this one A through five.

A flag football state championship game pass complete on this near side.

I told you about her earlier Sharia ring staff.

The leading receivers on this dragons team is Susan.

You look at the rules a little bit different than traditional football as we know it, especially here in the south.

They are.

- And you know, things that we need to get used to as well.

I think we're all learning this together in the state of Alabama.

The timing's a little bit different than you can see it there on your screen.

48 minute games, four 12 minute quarters.

The scoring touchdowns are are similar to to men's football but the, there's no kicking in flag football.

So you can see there's some options for, we will come back to this in just a few more minutes.

We'll explain it to you.

- Razzle-dazzle there going around the left side.

McKayla Williams, good job of staying at home.

The backside of that night defense is gets you on the tackler who was able to come over and make that play.

But finishing up some of the rules.

Yeah, - Back to the rules.

Seven verse seven.

This is obviously non-contact.

Gotta pull the flags.

It's the same as a tackle in in men's football 80 yard field.

You'll see that we have the field actually taped off to make it a little bit smaller for these games.

And then play starts on the 14 yard line.

So a lot of differences here.

Obviously these girls have been able to adapt to it really well and excel at this sport.

- That previous tackle, Haley Mason credited for Montgomery Catholic with a pull rolling out firing almost had a a sack as pressure was being applied in the backfield by Jamie McGuire of the Knights.

- Yeah Winona had to deal with a high snap there and obviously Catholic goes to take advantage of their strong defense.

- Winona, quickly getting the ball set.

You see the marker there?

There's a good look at Whitney Toole head coach of Montgomery Catholic - Coach Toole looking calm, cool and collected.

Just like she said, this is a normal game for her team.

- Easier said than done I would think for her players.

You gotta keep your cool as a leader of the team.

High snap once again and lucky to get away with it.

Finding an open receiver, a pull around the 18 yard line but a nice job of adjusting and high snaps.

A little bit of a concern here early for the dragons, - But they turn it around and and turn it into some positive yardage.

- That was ring staff on the reception from Sumer and Franklin on fourth down.

Gotta convert here with a score.

They're gonna go to the end zone going up rings staff.

Did she get it?

She did.

What a throw and catch when you had to have it.

Sumerian Franklin finding Ja Rings staff in our first score here with just under five minutes left in the first quarter.

- Yeah and I like the way that this went into offense.

I mean they just, they're just grinding down here on this end of the field.

I mean just you know, play after play and finally get it in the end zone.

Great job girls.

- So you have three different options here with your point after tries as you take a look one more time.

And that was just one-on-one high pointing the football and great placement there.

This is the three point try but the flagpole here in the backfield and good pressure once again by Jamie McGuire.

So we'll see the Knights on offense for the first time.

Your early impressions of that first drive and what you saw from the Dragons.

- Well what I, like I said what I like to see is just the way they were grinding it out.

I mean just not giving up when they had you had some trouble with high snaps and and other and other issues.

They powered through it and continued to get into the end zone.

We also like that awareness on the field.

That receiver who came down right in the corner of the end zone - Passes complete there to Anna Russo.

We've already called her name a handful of times and Christina Chambers who was the third member of our two crew working very, very hard trying to battle the wind and the elements this cold day in December.

But she's very active there in the sunshine.

Christina.

- Yeah, that's right you were talking about we know as Sumerian Franklin, you know coach mentioned that they had a basketball team.

You'll see on both sides of the ball, both side, both teams that it's a melting pot of athletes from all different sports from track and field basketball.

We know now, like you said mentioned earlier, they just played a basketball game.

They have five starters on the basketball team that are on this girl's flag flag football team that played a game last night.

They ended up winning so coach was a little worried.

Will they be a little winded today?

Doesn't look like it on that drive right there for Winona scoring.

- Very good stuff Christina.

We appreciate incomplete pass on that first down and Cobb was the intended receiver and then another incompletion, not sure if it would've gone for much there as good defense there by the Winona Dragons and we talk about a couple of those dragons and you have the twins in Kiara and Sierra Clark wearing eight and nine respectively.

That's right.

- Leaders on their team, you know, Catholic here struggling early on offense like their coach said they just need to settle down, they need to play a regular game.

I'm sure she's gonna talk to 'em about that over here on the sidelines.

- Kiara who wears number eight, a senior leading the team in polls and her sister wearing number nine leaves the team in interceptions.

You take a look at the bracket and how these two teams got here, Susan.

- Absolutely.

Yeah, you look at this, I mean, and we talked about how I believe since last year or or three years ago when A-H-S-A-A first included girls flag football, the teams have doubled the number of schools participating and so you see the road to the championship gets longer and harder every year.

You - And your family are up, got to watch a game last year inside of Jordan Hair Stadium that featured Auburn and Oxford.

Yeah, - Absolutely outstanding athletes and like Christina mentioned, so many of them, multi-sport athletes, you know A-H-S-A-A talked about early on some concern that having girls fly football would take away from volleyball.

It actually seems that both sports have continued to expand and explode with, with this edition of Girls Flag - Football, Cedric Klein 46 and four in three seasons as a head coach of the flag football team.

Anyways, we mentioned winning boys basketball state titles in 2011, 2013.

Is there anything that Cedric Lane can't coach that's - A coach that knows how to win?

That's for sure.

- Meanwhile for Montgomery Catholic after the time out trying to regroup, trailing here six nothing.

And the thing that you worry about, the explosiveness that we've seen from this Winona team on offense all season long in stylistically what they do.

And for Whitney tool you, you just, you wanna stay within striking distance at least for the first 24 minutes.

That's right.

- Don't wanna let 'em get too far ahead too early - When not much of a factor.

And I say that from up here, maybe Christina Chambers can give us a little bit better idea, more of a an accurate depiction.

But as you would expect here in early December, it's, it's chilly.

That's right.

But we have been blessed with not a cloud in the sky and a bright sunny day at least on the playing surface as we get started for three days of exciting action, we have the six a seven A flag championship coming up following this and then tonight that Big seven a clash that's between two Titans, that's third down here is Montgomery Catholic working from our right to our left, that's Ley Dixon trying to once again find Anne Cobb and that time just too much air under it and too high for Cobb and that'll bring up a fourth down.

- Yeah, Catholic like we keep saying and like their coach said, they, they need to settle down.

They need, this is, you know, land from the environments that these girls are used to playing in.

I mean this could be overwhelming, I know it sure would be for me, but they just need to kind of get that outta their head.

They're in this huge venue, you know for the teams that play later they'll be under the lights.

But these girls need to just focus on the fundamentals.

- Everywhere you turn you see big video boards and the digital ribbon runs around the stadium of the punt there you have to declare for the punt Montgomery Catholic did and then taking the punt, the Winona Dragons just inside of the 40 yard line.

We'll see the dragons once again on offense.

Don't you take a look at the schedule.

We've got two unbeaten following this one central of Phoenix City and Vestavia Hills, the rebels, and then tonight central of Phoenix City.

The boys taking on Thompson and trying to dethrone the four time to Phoenix state champions.

Yeah, - We got some exciting games coming up over the next three days.

All here in Bryan Denny in Tuscaloosa, - Montgomery Catholic forcing a couple of third downs for Winona on that first offensive possession.

But you see the, the athleticism and the speed of the dragons and even when snaps aren't going right, you have a playmaker and athlete there in the backfield is coming out of the backfield to make the catch.

That's Mikayla Williams after four five yard completion there on first out.

- Yeah, good, good offensive play there.

And also good flag pulls from the girls from Catholic - Substitution now for one owner and we will check that substitution momentarily.

Cedric Lane signaling in that's McKayla Williams has caught that pass.

Marian Franklin and scooting this way and jumping outta bounds is Franklin pretty good pursuit by the Montgomery Catholic defenders and hustling over to make that play and force.

The step out was Kate Robertson.

- And you'll notice these ball carriers, you know as the defenders come in, come near, they hold their the ball out, they protect the football, but they are not allowed to flag guard.

They cannot protect their flags.

- Franklin intercepted a pool there, but we're now dead.

Even in the turnover battle is Montgomery Catholic.

It gets it right back.

Haley Isman, I believe was the knight who stepped in front of that one and came up with a pick.

As you look at the students that have made their way here to Tuscaloosa one quarter in the books, everything that we expected, we continue back to Bryant Denny.

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- We welcome you back inside of Brian Tinney stadium.

It is the girls one eight through five a flag Football state championships.

We kick off an exciting three days here from the Super seven Lanter Roberts along Christine Chambers.

Now you look at both of our respective head coaches on the left head coach of Catholic, that is Whitney tool on the right Cedric Lane, the head coach of the Dragons and Cedric Lane.

Feeling a little bit better than Coach Toole right now with his team up early six.

Nothing.

- That's right.

The dragons are giving the knights a little bit of trouble right now, but we did have a momentum shift there at the end of the first quarter.

Let's see what Catholic does with it.

- You see they, the knights working from our left to our right wearing the white jerseys can take advantage after the interception and a quick pull after the completion is made right around the 38 yard line.

And we do that for you at home.

Yes, we're playing on an 80 yard field, but just as you can get a better idea, 40 yards across 80 yards long.

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- I'm Wendy Lee, a member of Huntsville Madison County Home Builders Association.

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That one board luncheon impacted my life and allowed me to start my own homebuilding company.

So I ask you, how can you afford to not be a member of your local home builders association - And Winona as spreading out the field here, getting ready for the punt.

- Anna Ruso, not a bad looking kick and the ball is dead even after the fumble can't be advanced.

So we're recovered by the opposing team.

So that is where the Winona Dragons will take over after an interception on their last drive.

Their opening drive though ended on a fourth down, heave it towards the end zone and they found six points.

Our only six points here in this first half as you take a look at the two gun slingers for both of these squads.

- Yeah, two fantastic athletes here.

As you can see in these stats.

Two, two well-matched teams.

Well-matched quarterbacks.

It's gonna be great to watch 'em Duke it out on the field here today.

- Samarian Franklin, young lady there on the right, leading Winona back out on the field.

A ice pull but a completion is made once again.

We've called her name already a lot.

Haley Mason wearing number 12 in the white Jersey for Montgomery Catholic.

But that is one of the twins, Sierra Clark wearing number nine catching that football.

Had - To thread the needle there a little bit but got it done.

- Second down for the dragons they'll need, excuse me, 15 yards pass over the middle.

Almost intercepted.

I believe that was Hayden Fitz that came across the middle.

- Yeah, I like the pressure there.

Brought by the Catholic defense, - Another dangerous pass from Sumerian Franklin and very fortunate that didn't get intercepted.

I'll bring up third down as Winono will need to reach on your screen.

The left hand side of that scripted a inside of the Alabama logo Dragons trying to run Montgomery Catholic, having none of it quickly over to make the pull before it ever got started.

Jamie McGuire, a junior rusher and she got back there just about as quick as the ball was snapped.

- Yeah, Jamie there just absolutely valuable defender on that last series of her rushing the quarterback I think made all the difference there.

- So both of these teams settling in after we've played 16 minutes here in this first half punt from Franklin able to handle it.

Kate Robertson and that is where the knights will take over.

- Landro.

I love watching these young ladies punt.

I mean they're, they're really good at it.

I think they could compete with on a lot of the boys teams, talked about their athleticism multiple times.

You know, possible and probable that these girls are soccer players.

I know there's gymnast girls that run track that also play flag football that all plays them.

- Certainly does.

Across the middle.

A big pickup for Montgomery Catholic and coming across the middle to make that reception.

Jamie McGuire.

We're gonna send it down one more time to Christina Chambers.

Standing by on the sideline - Quarterback Ley Dixon.

This is her first year playing quarterback last year.

She mostly played wide receiver.

Coach Juul says that she's made tremendous progress from last year.

She kinda lacked that confidence and was still learning, but this year she's become more of a leader.

She has had a tremendous impact on what they do and she's pretty quick.

She also has a good arm, even though they may rely on more of the short pass.

She goes, she can throw it deep if needed and she can throw in about 45 yards.

- I believe it there.

That completion of Kate Robertson, her teammate and that was thrown on a laser out past the hashes.

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- Your - Story starts at Beville space - Timeout on the field at Montgomery Catholic.

Trying to answer the bell trailing six.

Nothing.

And if anything, if you're able to put points on the board for, for multitude of reasons, they are keeping score number one and we will determine a winner.

But if anything, just having that confidence and building that's right.

That confidence heading towards halftime.

And we appreciate our friends there at Alabama Natural Gas Association providing our timeouts there on the field, 55 degrees right now in Tuscaloosa.

No wind to speak of at the moment, but a picturesque sky, no clouds to speak of.

And I think we should enjoy pretty good weather for the next three days.

And that is certainly good because we got a lot of great football games left to play.

- I think you're right.

And even in the fifties, if you've got this bright sunshine it, it feels good in the sun.

And you know, just looking out at these fans in the stadium, I mean they are excited.

They are cheering, they're dancing, we've got bands, we've got cheerleaders.

This is a great atmosphere right now - After the timeout.

It's a fresh set of downs for the Knights of Montgomery Catholic and four yards shy of the goal line where the PI lines are set up there on the 10.

And once again, she's been the go-to on this drive.

Anna Russo.

- She sure has.

And like you said, you gotta look for those pylons.

We're so used to looking at those painted end zones, you know, in men's football and, and this is a little bit different, but they're, they're closer than it would look at first glance - And something you're seeing from the knights.

Just getting people into space and trying to spread out that one on a defense.

And they've been able to, on this possession.

Haley Dixon dropping back.

Dangerous pass could have been intercepted.

Unfortunately for Dixon it was not.

She had an intended receiver but right in front of her was a Dragon defender.

- Yeah, you know, ley Dixon and the whole Catholic team so close here.

We totally focused on getting it over that goal line.

Whatever it takes, - We'll call it Third down in goal from the four Good looking idea, but the past sailing high and intended for Hayden Fitz, freshman wide receiver.

- Yeah, I think Dixon wanted this one back just a little bit high.

- Nice tight spiral and good placement.

Just a little bit too far from the outstretched arms of Hayden Fitz, now Montgomery Catholic.

We will burn a timeout with four minutes, 16 seconds left.

We do have a running clock.

There will be stoppages in each of these halves, but you can't take the timeouts with you should the game go into overtime.

And right now I think probably a pretty good idea 'cause you're not gonna have too many better looking opportunities for Montgomery Catholic for head coach Whitney Toole.

- That's right.

This is, this is go time for them.

Right?

Right now down here on the goal line.

You know I like the communication I'm seeing among both of these teams on the field and then even, you know, the way I've seen the plays being called in both of these teams seem very focused.

They actually seem very calm.

I think communication is key on both sides.

- The two teams, Cedric Lane trying to come up the defensive stop here on fourth down.

That's how his team scored - Up.

Go get him.

Go get him - In Montgomery Catholic.

Trying to return the favor, it's tonight's head back out.

Answer some last second instructions from Whitney tool who you just saw their head coach Ley Dixon out of the gun, she finds her favorite target.

Guess who?

Anna Ruso.

And it's a touchdown for the Knights.

- What a play, what a catch there by Anna Ruso.

- We saw that play at least three, four times on that drive and it was a shallow cross from Anna Russo and the dragon still have not found a solution in trying to stop her.

And it's one of the reasons that Montgomery Catholic was not able, not only able to navigate through the regular season but through the playoffs.

This is a one point conversion as they go from the three passes.

Caught but shy of the goal line and coming over to make the catch was Ann Cobb.

But stepping out of bounds.

So we're nodded at six with three minutes, 20 seconds - And Landrum we first half.

We have a game on our hands here.

- Certainly do a lot of the Montgomery Catholic fans that have made their ways.

You take a look - At - Ley Dixon quarterback for the Knights and that, that's what's so fascinating.

This is such a young sport.

It's, and a lot of these, these girls learning, they play other sports but, but learning it and then to do it, to learn a sport and then compete at the highest level in this setting, it makes it so cool.

And that's what's so awesome about showcasing all these great athletes.

- That's right.

You can see it on their faces.

- Winona trying to get some more points for down before the intermission as you look at the last drive by Montgomery Catholic.

And the way it started is the way it ended in Anna Russo playing a big part number five coming across your screen there.

Then the touchdown on fourth down pull there, the goal line by Clark, but not before Russo and the ball across.

- Gotta love the celebrations and those hugs.

- The goal line and a timeout there on the field is they will put the ball spot down.

It'll be second down two minutes left.

So they stop the clock.

Winona going full wide now they'll shuffle a player out.

Sum Samarian Franklin, Greg snapped there going to Mikayla Williams, but nobody fooled, especially number 13.

And we've called her name several times wearing the White Jersey.

Jamie McGuire.

Yeah, - Catholic knew exactly what to do with that one.

May have surprised us up here, but no surprise to Catholic on the field.

- McGuire a junior already with a handful of pulls here in this first half clock on the move.

One and a half minutes left.

Now Cedric Lane gets his play in.

They're down in a long way to go for the dragons.

Now Franklin thought about it goes the other way.

Had a receiver open and I believe that was Ring staff who caught the touchdown earlier.

But that ball sailing just a bit high and in the coverage Haley Esman you see there in the center of your screen.

- But you know, Samari and Franklin, you know, fascinating and fun to watch.

I mean she really, she can do it all it seems and and at every snap, I'm not quite sure what she's gonna do.

- Winona punting pun as Franklin already with a good punt from earlier that ball fielded and returned and some contact and splitting two the defenders and one of the Montgomery Catholic Knights is down and slow to get up.

- And we talk about this as a a non-contact sport but of course inevitably on the football field.

So contact happens - Two teams fighting for a state championship.

And you're right - A lot of passion, a lot of emotion involved.

And these girls, they're putting it all out here on the field.

- A lot of passion with the students as well.

Minute three seconds left Montgomery Catholic after answering and tying this game at six, looking for more flag coming down in the backfield, thrown about three yards behind Haley Dixon, the knight's quarterback as the ball fell harmlessly incomplete, we await the call.

So there you get the call Susan flag guarding.

I can't do it.

Can't do it.

- You know, and you have to think that would be so hard.

It tough naturally it be, you know, would want to protect those flags but can't do it even, - Even if it's the most subtle of just an elbow.

Can't do - It.

That's right.

- And with good reason seems like it'd be hard enough to pull a flag when somebody is, you're exactly right.

Running at full speed across the middle pass is complete saso once again.

But her flag is pulled, - You know, and speaking of, of pulling flags, you know when we talk about these multi-sport athletes, once again from some things that I read, it seems that gymnasts are especially good at flag pulling because of the way that they have to learn to grip uneven bars and other things like that.

So a lot of crossover here in these athletes.

- Very interesting.

Pass, incomplete, broken up in a good defensive play.

Now another flag is pulled.

It's coming over to try to make the catch.

Ann Cobb, she was in traffic and you see you carry a rings staff serves as not only a wide receiver on the offensive side but as the safety right there and a little bit of contact and all in one, both players hitting the ground.

But she wanted to make sure that she pulled that flag.

- Good defense there by Winona.

Like to see it.

- Only pulling the flag, pulling the entire belt.

They're down.

Ailey Dixon unable to come up with it.

Coming back for the football was Kate Robertson.

But the ball hitting the turf here inside of Bryant Denny Stadium.

I have a fourth down coming up.

23 seconds remaining here this first half.

So - Close there, but had to come back to the ball.

That ball might have been tip of the line.

Let's look and see.

Ah, defender may have gotten a hand on it.

- A good eye end over in punt fielded inside the 25.

Look at this.

- Nice.

- It's a touchdown on special teams for the Winona Dragons - That's gonna make the highlight reel.

- Kiara Clark, one of the twins, - The Winona fans coming down out of the stands for that one.

Let's see it again.

I like the handoff.

- Montgomery Catholic all selling out one way.

And then you saw number eight going the opposite way and there was not a night within 15 yards as she got into a sprint there down the sideline.

What a huge play on special teams for Cedric Lane and his dragons.

- I'm sure Coach Lane is proud of that one.

That was beautifully, beautifully designed, beautifully executed.

- Winona - Timeout Winona, they'll draw it up a one point point after touchdown as they spot the ball.

They're at the three yard line at Cedric Lane.

Gonna talk things over for this team leading 12 to six.

Talk about a momentum swing like Montgomery Catholic had seized the momentum even after punting the ball.

But the razzle-dazzle, the misdirection - Beautiful play exactly what the dragons needed at that moment.

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Support - Alabama High School Athletic c Sumerian Franklin Quarterback Center of your screen wearing number one - Hs.

A A - Talking to her teammates and setting up this one point conversion.

Try to go up by a full touchdown as Whitney Toole looks on.

Wait, wait the one point, play - The delay of game - Play a game call against Winona.

So too much checking with the sideline.

Everybody trying to get set.

And this will make things a little more challenging.

So after the time out, Cedric Lane, not happy after talking things over and they're gonna back it up.

So instead of working there from inside and close, they'll back things up eight yards from that goal line.

Make things a little more tough or challenging, I should say for Winona.

- You honor, with the way this has gone, I know Catholic would love to stop this right as they go into halftime.

- Three nights across the goal lines, Marian Franklin trying to split the defenders but right there with a textbook pull Anna Ruso.

Five seconds left - With five seconds remain - By Winona.

It's the way to answer and answering on special teams leading 12 to six.

After starting out with a touchdown drive of their own, it was Montgomery Catholic was able to answer with a long sustained drive and just when you thought it was safe and we'd be tied heading into the locker rooms and dragons answering.

So five seconds left here.

Just gonna hand the ball off a flag pool as Ann Cobb got about seven on that play.

And that will be the final play of this first half.

One Anna Winona coming up with a huge play on special teams leading 12 to six here in the one A through five.

A flag football state championship game for more Christina Chambers.

Standing by with head coach Cedric Lane - Coach you guys were able to store in your opening possession.

Your offense kind of struggled there a little bit.

What do you need to do to sustain drives on offense?

- The rush has giving us a problem.

We gotta just do better executing on offense.

Gotta find what we need to be running and just execute a bit better.

- How important was it Kiara Clark's touchdown on special teams to end the half right there.

- That was ring step, Kera ring step, but it was big.

That was huge.

Huge special team play.

- All right coach, thank you so much.

Thanks.

- So Aria rings staff.

That's two touchdowns on the afternoon.

One receiving one with a handoff.

This handoff that put Winona back out in front.

We're back to Tuscaloosa.

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Buy Winona has been the difference so far.

Welcome back everyone here on a PT.

I'm your host Kevin Kavinski.

Joined by two championship coaches.

We met Bill Clark before the game now joined by Coach Jack Crow as well.

Coach, glad to see you here.

Glad to - Be here.

Glad to be here and enjoying what we're seeing.

We're coming - Back, huh?

You mentioned the skill level.

Yeah.

That we're seeing among these girls.

I talked to Alvin Briggs, the executive director of the Alabama High School Athletic Association.

He said now more than a hundred schools in the state are sponsoring flag football.

- And they're getting athletes because they're the athletes all over this field.

And you know, eye hand coordination, foot speed, agility, just all the elements that coach and I used to look for, you know, and signed to scholarships.

It's going on out here.

- Yeah, you you see just on that last return, I mean just great speed, just run informed, you know, old track coach here and strength guys.

So you look at these really good athletes.

You talked about crossover athletes.

I love to hear about crossover athletes.

You know, that's what we, we preach about playing multiple sports and and and and being involved in how they can all feed off each other.

Yeah.

- The epitome of that.

The Winona quarterback number one, Samarian Franklin.

She threw a beautiful touchdown pass.

Yeah.

Right in this corner of the end zone.

Great catch by the receiver got two feet down, not just one.

Yeah.

And you see her skill level.

She's also the point guard on the basketball team and they played a game last night.

Right.

- You know the, that comes to another point, the conditioning factor.

You know they, there's no heavy breathing going on out there.

There's nobody bending over and grabbing their legs.

Yeah.

I mean there's a lot of energy but there's also a lot of really good conditioning.

'cause these, you know, this is not standing around and looking.

They're moving - And it's not easy to move the ball.

We mentioned before the game, the Montgomery Catholic, they play 20 games or 17 and three but they've thrown 15 shutouts.

- Well you can see how well they're coached, you know, and I, I'm amazed to see how quick they get those flags off, how they react, et cetera.

- Alright, we've gotta go to a break.

Alright, stay with us here Bryant Thinning Stadium.

Tuscaloosa.

We'll be right back for the second half of this first flag Football championship.

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- Welcome back in halftime, just about concluded with Winona leading 12 to six.

Before we get started with the second half of play, we'll send it down to the third member of our broadcast team.

Christina Chambers.

Christina, - Well, Montgomery Catholic head coach Whitney Toole says that they had a mishap with the punt there in the second quarter.

But she says her message to her team was just to keep fighting.

She says on offense they need to stick with what works.

And right now that short passes and she said, we are able to move the ball and we just need to keep doing what we need to do.

- Sounds like a plan.

Her demeanor hasn't changed.

Whitney tool, the Knight's head coach.

- That's right.

Calm, cool and collected every time we get her on camera.

- So we get started with this second half Winona with the football working from our right to our left, wearing the gold and leading 12 to six Sumerian Franklin.

That ball tipped almost grabbed though out of the air is going up to make that tip.

Was Anna Ruso a name that we called throughout the first two quarters of play is Susan, you take a look at some of those first half stats, anything that really jumps out to you after going in depth and looking at those two teams coming in, - You know, time of possession, that really isn't something that we've touched on yet.

But you see there, I've been pretty close in time of possession, which I think is a testament to how close the score is.

- Total yards say a defensive battle.

But the yards per play is, is very, very interesting.

And I know that Kevin Binky mentioning this Montgomery Catholic team is, there's a fumble, the ball rule dead right there.

But a team that was 17 and three but of 17 of those wins, 15 shutouts.

- Wow, - That's hard to do.

It - Is very hard to do as we've seen here today - After the drop the ball near the backfield, bring up third down on or Winona, - You know, Landro Mount Lake.

Just how both of these teams are fighting, just fighting with all their hearts.

You can tell they both really want it.

- Franklin surveys the field three on the play clock.

That ball almost intercepted Anna Russo who might've started running towards the end zone before she fully had possession as you take a look at the tip prior to that play.

But here on the following play after the fumble, just unable to grab it.

She's upset with herself.

Her eyes probably got as big as saucers looking for a pick six.

Yeah.

- Rough offensive series there for Winona.

Not the way they wanted to come outta the half.

- The good news is the Knight's pulling outstanding defense on Winona's opening drive and they'll take over on Winona's side of the field, pass into traffic incomplete.

That was Kate Robertson trying to come up with it.

Receiver also serves as a defensive back just a sophomore, but good defense by the dragons.

That time - Winona with the answer so far.

We'll see if they can continue that momentum.

- Ley Dixon there you see her in the center of your screen wearing number three.

Settled in nicely after throwing an interception of that first half.

She's got a open wide receiver.

And going back to number 10 at Kate Robertson.

And we are tied with nine minutes remaining here in this third quarter.

- Beautiful play there.

I love the way the offensive line protected Dixon allowed for a beautiful throw downfield.

- Put some air under it that time as you take a look at our replay.

Nice positioning of the feet coming over to try to make the deflection missed.

Misjudging it a great throw and catch for the knights.

So they showed the big play capability, beautiful - Execution there.

- Try the one point conversion to try to take this lead, the eight minute mark.

Awesome Haley Dixon.

Ball intercepted.

Yes.

Who to carry A rings staff cannot advance interception or fumble but rings staff once again, have we seen anything that number six can't do.

- Seems like she can do it all.

And she continues to today - After - The failed conversion version tied at 12 as we take one more look at an outstanding throw and catch by Mo Montgomery Catholic.

Getting right back in this ballgame.

- Love to see that celebration.

You know these two very well matched teams we've got here on the field today.

- Pass caught but a quick pull of the flag.

It might've been Robertson on the defensive side after scoring the touchdown right back out there to play defensive back.

And it was, - You know, I, I say these teams have a lot in common.

One big difference is just the methodical and almost the slow play call that goes on.

You know, very thoughtful on the Winona side and the Catholic with those quick snaps.

Two different styles of offense there.

- You just kind of glimpse of the dragon's head coach, Cedric Lane, his team backed up behind the sticks and on second down the pass is complete coming across to make the grab.

That's Kamaya Williams.

First time we've called her name wide receiver wear number 10.

She puts the flag belt back on - And Haley Mason there with the pool way to be there right where she needed to be.

- That's good enough for a fresh set of downs and across the middle catch made quick pull of the flag but not before 10, maybe 12 yards on that reception as we'll.

Take a look at it one more time.

And that was Meia Clark coming across the middle.

- If she had made it through that one, she would've been long gone.

But again, those Catholic defenders right where they need to be.

- We had Anne Cobb, if the pole hadn't been made for the knights was in position to save a touchdown.

Second down was Arian Franklin looking long over shooting an open, wide open Theia Clark.

I'll bring up third down, - Let's watch her avoid the sack here.

Pretty aggressive rush there.

She gets out of it.

Just an overthrow there by the quarterback.

- So maybe an opportunity squandered but never count out this one up.

Team completion.

Maybe there on the right side coming over Sierra Clark, - You know, short play there.

But positive yardage.

Sometimes when those long throws don't work, go back to that short ground game.

- Sierra Clark cornerback leads the team in interception on the defensive side, but she can catch the ball on defense.

She sh she can catch it on offense.

That ball overshot as Sumerian Franklin - And - All cept getting a little more air under the ball as opposed to what we saw in the first half.

And once again she had a wide open dragon receiver but - Sumerian to connect I think struggling on that drive with with the rush that Catholic and their defense brought.

- So the Knights right back had it trying to break this 12 vol tie approaching the four minute mark run by Ley Dixon showing the wheels.

She's shown the arm but there why not Dragons dropped everybody back and YY Dixon took advantage.

- We've said it before, but Ailey's a dual threat quarterback and she shows it there.

- Whitney Toole looking on, that's Russo with the catch.

And then the flag eventually pulled by Samarian Franklin Baba before Rousso got to the 35.

We'll call it the 25 'cause of the adjusted lines and 80 yard field.

But that sets up Montgomery Catholic in the Knights.

Well the third down five yards to go as the clock approaches.

Three minutes.

- Big play here for the knights.

They really want this.

They wanna convert this.

- Wouldn't - Be surprised if Russo gets the call, they're gonna go back to her but Winona was ready for it.

They gotta know where number five is at all times coming over.

That was Kiara Clark.

Nice denial defense and just swatted that ball down with her left hand.

- Yeah, good defense there.

Very convincing.

Yeah, I talked about Catholic doing it, but Winona there, you know the, the quarterback rush is key in this game.

- Fourth down Catholic needs five.

Go down the seam intercepted, that's ring staff.

Can she do it again?

A touchdown saving pool potentially and coming over to make that pool.

Haley Mann but carry a ring staff touchdown catch a punt return touchdown and the interception here.

And anytime she has the ball in her hands, she's already proven she is a threat to take it the distance.

- Love the way she reads.

Those quarterback that quarterback's eyes, she knew exactly where that ball was going and she put herself in position to make that interception, that big play.

- So with under two minutes ring, staff gets ready to go.

On the offensive side, Mary and Franklin trying to regain some of that accuracy we saw in the first half go end around in a great pole coming up to make that poll.

Jamie McGuire, the junior rusher.

- You know Landrum so many of these girls out here on the field playing both sides of the ball and you know, from what I can tell, they don't even look tired.

I mean amazing athletes out here on the field today.

- It's ring staff similar to the punt return.

They're trying to get Catholic defense going one way, but a nice play.

Bob McGuire.

Now Franklin has her flag pulled and that's Anna Ruso coming up to make the stop bring up third down for the dragons is we're under one minute remaining here in this third quarter deadlocked tie at 12 A Beast.

- Landrum, have you ever played any flag football?

- Played?

A little bit.

- Not as easy as it looks, - Huh?

He's not Susan.

I was a lot faster going east to west than I was north and south.

Okay so I was, if you say so, I was a rusher incomplete.

Dump it off short.

Franklin that pass was broken up and guess who it was?

Kate Robertson again.

- And we just saw Whitney tool again.

Again just you know, no expression on her face.

She's leading these girls by example trying to keep them cool, calm and collected and she's doing just that.

- Closing seconds we'll have a punt, Cedric Lane and Winona, but not before time expires here in this third quarter.

Well Winona had a nice lead at halftime, but it was Montgomery Catholic with the answer on this.

Heve from Ley Dixon to her teammate Kate Robertson.

Final 12 minutes comes up - Next.

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- Welcome back inside of Brian attendee stadium.

The start of the fourth quarter, the one A through five, A flag football state championship.

Can you see it on your screen?

We got a tie game.

Montgomery, Catholic and Winona.

- What - A game we got.

12.

Absolutely - Don't.

We love to see a close championship game, - Pun from Winona fielded and on the return getting it to the far side of the field, Hayden fits but a nice pull and another athletic play by Winona on special teams and that's where we'll see the Knight's takeover and try to break up this tie.

- You know, it all comes down to this for these girls.

I mean the season that they've played, you know, 12 minutes here left to go and this last quarter and can't wait to see what they plan to do.

- Ley Dixon and a pass caught and a name that we've called a lot today, Anna Russo.

And for more Christina Chambers she has more to offer on number five, wearing the White Jersey.

Check in with Christina in just a little bit.

Pass complete.

Caught on the far side there to make the catch.

And Cobb, let's take a look.

Kiara Clark, senior defensive back, she and her sister Sierra anchoring things there and locking it down in the dragon.

Secondary third down and just a keeper, this goes directly to Russo and Russo.

Powers ahead plenty or the first down and they'll move the chains and this drive going exactly.

I would suspect Susan as head coach Whitney Toole wanted it to go eat up some clock.

You don't want to give too much time to that explosive Winona offense.

- So far so good.

Exactly how she would dial it up.

- Dixon across the middle goes back to Kate Robertson who was a recipient of that last touchdown that got us to this point.

- Once again, good work there by the Catholic offensive line.

Protecting their quarterback, giving her time to make a play - Nine yard gain on that reception.

We second down the line to gain is the 30 as you see there on your screen.

Once again an 80 yard long field, 40 yards across.

So the goal line is at the 10 so you can follow easily at home.

Russo once again across the middle - Dixon to Russo.

That's been the story today.

They continue to make positive yardage happen, big plays happen.

- Great news for Montgomery Catholic fans.

Anna Ruso, just a sophomore.

- That is great news.

- Up off out of the backfield, that's Carson Hawkins, the senior blocker this time we've called Carson's name today, but they're all big at this point.

12, 12 time with just over eight and a half minutes left.

- Carson got tripped up there but you know, still positive yardage.

Every little bit counts as Coach Whitney tool looks on.

- But then when I pull to the side, it's like puff on the pictures.

It looks like really puffy.

- Huge fort down for Catholic.

Lee Dixon fires up almost a sensational grab after the ball tipped up into the air.

Double coverage.

Kate Robertson almost came down with it on the second attempt.

- Yeah, a dangerous play here.

You know you gotta love him.

Like we say, leaving it all on the field, go for the big play.

Not able to to execute that one.

- So after a nice drive known as defense tightens, the screws and the dragon's getting it back on offense to Arian Franklin looking to her head coach.

Should take a look there.

Kate Robertson trying to keep everything in front of this Knight defense.

The final seven and a half minutes to Crown State champion here in the first of nine games in three days here in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, Franklin.

So the backside, cutting it through the middle, no flag pulled and finally pulled is everybody kind of standing around looking at one another and then in disbelief realized that you had a ball carrier, not the flag.

And - Sometimes those flags are hard to pull.

- I was Haley Mason coming over to make the - Pull.

- I like Franklin there.

Keeping her composure, keeping her calm, waiting on the perfect moment to execute that play and make it happen.

- Plenty of time to throw as she found her teammate.

Mikayla Williams Dragon's working on second down, don't have far to go.

Pass is complete.

And coming across the middle having her flag pulled.

Kiara Clark once again, Haley Mason, they're in the middle.

Look at Russo Mount Clark.

She reattaches the flag belt.

Six 18 left as you see there on your screen Franklin getting everyone set.

The play clock is down to five Dragon's still having trouble getting set better.

Snap football.

Cedric Lane was asking for a timeout.

Was he awarded a timeout?

I believe he was.

The play clock was down to one and the dragons were in danger of being hit with a five yard delay of game penalty.

Timeout.

It's our Alabama Natural Gas Winona Association.

Their - First charge timeout was - Second half timeout.

Winona burning their first, the second half.

As we take a look at how these two teams got here and navigated their way through a very tough bracket.

Just take a look at what Winona was able to do.

And Westminster Christian, that was one of their most formidable tests.

This Winona Dragon team pretty much had their way through their schedule and their record would indicate it then Montgomery Catholic having to get by sat summa.

- That's right, we got two brackets this year.

We've got another game actually right after this for the larger schools.

And it's worth noting too that you know the, we've talked about this is the third year for flag football for A-H-S-A-A next year it will become an official championship sport.

The trophy's awarded today at these trophy presentations.

A little bit different design than the traditional blue maps, but going into next year it will be an official championship sport with an official blue map to be - Awarded.

Yeah and immediately following this one, you don't wanna miss it.

You see there at central of Phoenix City and outscoring their opponents - 67 - To 12, not the playoffs in Vestavia.

You've been exceptional as well.

That is two fun, fun offenses to watch.

But right here we still got five and a half plus minutes left and carry a ring staff who has been the dragon that has made Winona go not only defensively special teams and offensively as well and she's accounted for both of the Winona touchdowns.

Yeah, - Really impressed by ring staff's effort.

Second effort even you know, when she's not sure if that flag's been pulled, she keeps going.

Even if it has, it's really paid off for our team today.

- Second down, Franklin in a deep, deep drop, eight yards deep trying to buy herself some time.

She was able to do so and had an open receiver coming to this near sideline in Kamaya Williams but Williams couldn't hang on.

- Good pressure brought there by the Catholic defense, forcing Winona to make quick decisions and not always good ones.

- So third down, coming up for Winona, Sam Arian Franklin.

See if she tries to go back to JA ring staff avoiding the pressure putting it up.

She's got an open receiver and it's a catch and a pull right there at the 20.

But she went right back to Kamaya Williams after the incomp completion on the passing the SNE side, Kamaya Williams found herself wide open down the seam and - That is exactly what Winona needed at this time.

Great clock management there by Coach Cedric Lane.

- Well the field was the only place the Knights didn't have defended paid off.

So on first down, pitched back to McKayla Williams flag is pulled, they're in the backfield.

Jamie McGuire.

That young lady had an outstanding effort on the defensive side for Coach Whitney tool.

- Take a look at the defense here.

Way to lay it all out there.

Put it on the line, get that flag pole - Second down, dragons need 13 yards to reach the goal line.

Franklin dumps it short, it's Mikayla Williams and Williams sprinting towards the outside trying to catch the edge.

But another nice job by Ann Cobb.

Number 23 to make that bull.

And now you have an injured night on the field.

Hopefully just a cramp being tended to by two of her teammates.

Now Whitney tool and the training staff, we'll head out check on their injured player in the back row.

Believe that's Anna Ruso, - That's one that they certainly need as time continues to kick down.

- This looks chilly.

- So the two teams converge irrespective sides of the field.

Cedric Plane comes out to talk to his dragons with a huge third downplay coming up Whitney tool trying to remedy coming up with a stop.

Just two minutes and 47 seconds left.

This game has been spelled out by big plays.

Montgomery - Catholics has called their first time out of the second half.

- None would be bigger for that head coach Cedric Lane.

Find a way to get into the end zone here.

- You know we talk about this as a non-contact sport.

No pads or anything like that, you know, so you assume that there's no injuries from tackle but these girls, the way that that they, you know, express their passion and they lay it out on the field, I mean they'll go for these flags and sacrifice their bodies.

So of course still need to be careful all along the way.

- There's a look at Anna Russo - Offers leadership training officers, - Chris Christina Chambers.

Were more on the very talented number five Anna Ruso who's done it on both sides of the ball here today.

- Yeah, that's right.

They're massaging her right calf on her leg.

She is currently outta the game and she is one player that Coach Tools says is super smart.

Her brother plays at Auburn University and is the punter coach says that she's been a tremendous addition to the team.

She didn't play flag football last year, she played volleyball.

So to have her out on this field has been a key part to their success this year.

- A key part to the defense for Montgomery Catholic was intercepting the pass of Sumerian Franklin.

Jamie McGuire.

Right now the play of the day on the defensive side of the ball for Coach Whitney Toole as you take a look here, Susan, - I mean right when the dragons think they've got it right where they want it.

The Knights strike, - It was Haley Isman actually came over the freshman.

- A game of momentum shifts for sure - Playing center field got between two would be went on.

Our receivers secured the football and now with plenty of - Time left this minute, - Two minutes, - Montgomery - Catholic chance to put together a drive and to walk out of Bryant Denny Stadium with a state championship dangerous pass behind the intended receiver.

I believe that was Kate Robertson over the middle and Ley Dixon couldn't connect no harm done.

- Montgomery Catholic here has, you know, ball's in their court.

They've got the ball under two minutes to play and like Coach Whitney Tools told them this whole time they need to settle down, they need to focus, they need to execute.

- Dixon almost intercepted.

Nice defensive play coming over to make it was Sierra Clark came in today leading Winona team and interceptions - Was high - School with 18.

She almost had another one there.

- I've seen some emotion here of course as this game comes down to the wire tied up Montgomery, - Like high school athletic time out - Montgomery Catholic, they're second of charge time - Out of the half Henry Catholic, Whitney Toole, she will call a timeout and talk things over with a minute 50 left and facing a third down the line to gain would be the 30.

So nine yards needed for the knights to move the chains and try to march down the field and claim this one A through five.

A five football state championship.

A reminder we do have the six a seven A state championship battle of two unbeaten Central Phoenix City and Vestavia Hills - Getting - Together.

I'll have plenty on that one.

But the night cap tonight, central Phoenix City taking on Thompson in the seven A and we've got wall to wall action for the next two days - And - You both Susan will be a part of such an outstanding event, whatever the sport, but super seven of course near and dear especially with how much I'm like college football, but high school football and flag football is appreciated now in the state.

- That's right.

Just what it means to these communities and to the state as a whole.

And you know how if you're not near Tuscaloosa can't join us for one of these games, how they're now being broadcast on a PT so the whole state can enjoy.

I mean it's, it's really just an incredible atmosphere and incredible event.

- Appreciate our friends at a PT now the night's over the middle and getting a hand on it but able unable to hold on Kate Robertson.

That'll be forth down I would think.

Whitney Toole gonna elect to punt here and that's what it looks like is good to see Anna Ruso after the injury back out on the field as you see there and getting ready to punt this ball away.

- Gotta - Be careful here as the dragons with several very capable players of running it back.

Russo with a high wobbly kick fielded bobbled by Sam Arian Franklin.

She's upset with herself.

She felt like she had some room to run and I can't disagree with her but flag football, the ball has dropped.

That is where, hey Mark, play dead.

So a minute 35 left for Winona.

I know we expected a a great game but did we expect 12 to 12 with a minute 35 left?

- I don't think I did in both teams.

Just you know, a lot of missed opportunity.

A lot of big plays but also a lot of missed opportunities.

Ones they wanna get back, you know, that's what we're seeing here.

A couple of of of drives that didn't end the way that these teams would have liked them for them to.

But still time on the clock.

- Here we go.

- And Winona with the ball, - It's Marian Franklin Williams comes in motion.

Franklin's gonna dump it short.

She found a receiver s streaking across the 44 yard line and that was Sierra Clark.

- You know what we've seen from these teams is that they are both capable of big plays and you know a big play doesn't always take very long as the clock continues to wind down.

- Winona with two time outs left as that pass sailing out of bounds.

Good coverage as Anne Cobb came over and that was Rings staff that was the intended receiver and rings staff favoring maybe the left hamstringing just a bit.

Sumerian Franklin looking over at her head coach Cedric Lane, it's Jamie McGuire, those very busy defenders in trying to keep everything in front of them with this explosive Winona offense.

Franklin voids the pressure out to the outside as Franklin shows off the wheels.

A nice pull coming over to make that pool was Haley Mason.

- I like Franklin choosing to run there.

The Catholic defenders, like we said, they've, they've got to tighten down, contain this one in offense under a minute to play fresh - Set of downs though as I mentioned a couple of timeouts at Coach Cedric Lane's disposal.

He doesn't choose to use one here as the clock is still moving.

Franklin a good seven yards deep and the shotgun almost intercepted that ball could have easily been picked off.

Francis Rogers, the freshman linebacker had it in her hands, - Great - And then dropped it.

- Great work there by a freshman.

Reading the quarterback's eyes, the freshman defender and being able to go over there and break up that play, get really close to an interception.

- Flock does stop after the incomp completion.

Second down for the dragons I'll need the 30 to move the chains but more so time is of concern and Mikayla Williams and right after she caught it, she had her flag pulled.

There were a couple Montgomery Catholic Knights there converging on the tackle.

I think we just called Francis Rogers, - You know, - Timeout between some of our smaller, smaller - Schools.

There's second crowds are time outta the half, - Little bit smaller but these crowds are loud, they're into it, they're dancing, the bands are playing, these fans are supporting their schools.

- Cedric Lane calling timeout.

So Winona with one left Montgomery click will have one left.

And today is just the kickoff of an exciting three days.

The first of three games here today.

Of course we mentioned we have the six a and seven A flag championship following this one central of Phoenix City and Vestavia Hills, those two unbeaten and then tonight central of Phoenix City will take on Thompson and try to unseat the reigning and state champions.

That is gonna be everything that everyone anticipates it will be.

Then tomorrow a three A championship mobile Christian and Madison Academy.

And then you'll have cusa Christian Leroy.

And then tomorrow night, Gulf Shores and Ramsey.

That'll be a treat.

And of course more action coming up on Friday - With - Three games as we conclude.

It'll be a fantastic week here in Tuscaloosa.

15 seconds left, the heave knocked away.

Beautifully done.

And Cobb coming up not even trying to intercept that ball, just knocking it down to the turf.

Yeah, it'll bring up fourth down and 10 seconds left without the miraculous it would seem we're headed to overtime.

- Love these s not taking their foot off the gas just being where they need to be.

Watching that Quarterback's eyes breaking up these plays.

- It's Arian Franklin and behind her is McKayla Williams.

She comes over this way.

Rings staff that was too tall for Aria.

A flag is down on the far side of the field and we'll see what the call is.

- Encroachment offense.

Five yards from the previous flight remains.

Fourth down clock Operator, please - Reset the game.

The one yard zone, 10 seconds and apparently one of the Winona players thank - You - Was there in that zone.

So encroachment is the call, the five yard step off and that will make come out enviable more than an enviable.

Their third and final charge, the final time out final is burned by Cedric Lane and the Dragons 10 seconds left and trying to devise something and now with no time outs to burn.

Gotta be creative here.

I I don't know if you have a 43 yard play, it's drawn up that you've worked on but I've I've come to expect the unexpected.

- I think we should expect the unexpected, that's for sure.

But then again, you know, I mean with all the football we've got coming up over the next three days we might, we might get some extra football here so no one will complain about that.

- So Cedric Lane talking things over, over the dragons is that gets set for this fort down on the other side of the field.

If you're Montgomery Catholic Whitney tool and the Knights probably just wanna keep everything in front of you and if you go prevent defense, that's applicable here.

But certainly trying to prevent against any of those talented wide receivers for Winona to get past you bring four up close, three drop back deep.

Here we go.

Quick pass.

That's ring staff.

Nobody pulled her flag.

Ja Rings staff the flag pulled at the one yard line with two seconds remaining.

Are you kidding me?

- Unbelievable.

Jaque rings staff.

I mean the playmaker of the game does it again.

- And Cobb reached for the flag a JA ring staff with a turn the athletic play and it seems almost every big play that we've seen from Winona number six has been a part of it.

No exception there.

One second left here in regulation.

Winona works from the one you - Did the whole routine.

Eat that Josh from hospital.

Are we gonna get home like at a reasonable time?

Like 6 30, 6 30 you think?

Oh I dunno, how long did he last?

I think like three to that is the end of the fourth quarter.

It'll be like an hour.

And then like - We had a tackle on the final play.

They went direct snap and went with a run with Mikayla Williams trying to sort it out.

I'm afraid she might've bumped her head against one of the Montgomery Catholic Knight defenders.

As you take a look at Shakar ring staff, that's what set up that first and goal at the one she thought she was going to score - And she almost did, - But a touchdown saving tackle and then the try from the one as you take a look.

And unfortunately for Mikayla Williams, she's still being tended to and looked like she might've hit her head.

We certainly hope that she's okay, but they will certainly put her through the, the protocols and make sure that she is ready to go.

Christina Chambers is down on the field and she will walk us through.

Okay, the rules of flag football overtime, Christina, - That's right, the rules of overtime.

They will have a, the overtime rules there will be a, a quick coin toss and then each team will have four chances from the 10 yard line to score in the first team to do so.

Whether if it's a touchdown or a field goal, obviously whoever scores a touchdown would win the game.

But both teams will get an opportunity from the 10 yard line.

Four tries just like traditional football rules and they will have the coin toss here in just a few seconds.

- Thank you so much Christina.

Well how did we get to this point?

We played 48 minutes of football action packed.

We saw a little bit of everything from both of these teams, but it was Ja Rings staff who just came up with that big reception.

She got things started.

- She sure did.

I mean, absolutely unbelievable explosive place.

Would you carry a ring staff?

That's been the story of this game for Winona.

- Return on the misdirection ring staff taking it, the distance there that made it 12 to six, but in the second half you saw the long pass and catch Ley Dixon, the quarterback of the Knights Spining, Kate Robertson.

And then the play that just set up at first a goal from the one JA ring staff and a touchdown saving pull from Haley Esman I believe.

Now as to overtime and Christina rolling through the overtime.

Susan as you'll get, both teams will have possession with the ball, get four opportunities from 10 yards out.

Anything can happen.

But if you, if you don't like flag football or you're not entertained, I I have nothing for you, right?

- I think you should be right now.

This is exciting.

I mean basically we're, we're, we're back to zero to zero.

- Montgomery Catholic Whitney tool.

It's my last second instructions as Ley Dixon or quarterback.

They're standing just beyond Coach Toole and then to the left, they're on left side of the screen an a ruso number five.

He's done a little bit of everything.

- You know I'd love to to be a fly on the wall in that huddle.

You know Coach Whitney tool telling her girls before this game play like this is a normal game.

But here they are in Bryant Denny stadium with the jumbotrons, the screens, the the ribbons, you know all bands cheerleaders.

This is an exciting environment to play in.

They get to use the locker ri the team, you know the stadium locker rooms at halftime.

It's a big deal.

It is a big deal.

And so you know, hard to settle down, settle those nerves, but that's what they've gotta do right here.

- Montgomery Catholic here in overtime as we begin, four attempts spot the ball on the 20.

But the goal line is at the 10.

If you're just joining us in learning flag football pass complete.

No surprise they go right to Anna Ruso.

She has been a problem at times for that Winona defense in there.

She found some daylight, found the void.

- You know that's what you do in a situation like this.

Do what's been working the whole game by now.

You've got a great look at the defenders.

You know what works.

You know what doesn't.

This is time, time you have to execute.

Do what works.

- Ley Dixon looks at the plays.

They're on the play card around a wrist Now Dixon gotta throw too tall, almost intercepted.

She was going once again for Anna Ruso, but you had two Winona defenders over there to help out.

Ring staff was one of them.

I think Clark might've been the other - Dangerous play there.

- Two more opportunities to get it into the end zone for that young lady.

Ley Dixon.

Dixon going neat intended for Riley.

Well Coxson what but incomplete now forth down - Catholic didn't do themselves any favors on that.

That overthrowing ball.

- See what Whitney tool draws up here.

Fourth down in goal, Montgomery Catholic has to score, put it up at the end zone, tipped around outta the back of the end zone.

Incomplete.

Great coverage in defense.

You had four gold jerseys back there.

Couldn't tell who got the initial hand on it but knocked outta bounds.

That's all Cedric Lane is concerned with.

That's right.

- That became a jump ball back there.

- Now his dragons on offense will have four downs to try to get it into the end zone in 10 yards to go.

So Arian Franklin, he's quarterback wearing number one, comes back out onto the field, he's Kamiah Williams.

Wide receiver lines up to the top of the screen to the bottom Jaque Rings Staff you need to tell you anymore about rings.

Staff Franklin had her flag pulled, eventually thought it was gonna be the initial defender that stepped up and that was Jamie McGuire.

But she was able to get an extra four yards.

- Good awareness on the field there from Franklin as she tiptoed down the sidelines and got every yard that she could possibly, every inch that she could possibly get on that play.

- Mikayla Williams, after having her contact with her head on that final play of regulation, not on the field.

And that's certainly a weapon.

Lost some Arian Franklin there in the middle.

Ann Russo there to pull the flag.

It'll bring up third down and we'll call it four.

- Both teams keeping their composure.

They know what's at stake here.

- They're down in four from the four here in overtime it is one A through five.

A five football state championship.

Sam Arian, Franklin Direct Snap.

Are they gonna rule or short?

There was a flag pulled and they will say one yard shy of the goal line.

Fourth down coming up.

- Here's the replay.

See where that flag gets pulled.

- The Asia Clark thought she was in a referee.

Right on top of it, - It - All comes down to this - Franklin Daylight.

- She's - In Winona, your class one A through five, a state champions and getting it done in overtime.

- Love the celebration, love the fans, love the hugs.

- A fourth down play.

- They - Needed it in regulation and couldn't get it done, but they find a way in overtime.

You should take a look one more time.

Samarian Franklin - Love that last minute decision to run - So much.

- There is triumph on one side of the field.

Unfortunately that brings sadness and dejection to that Montgomery Catholic night squad.

But can't say enough about not only what we saw on display today, but the season that the Knights and head coach Whitney tool have had.

- Absolutely.

And how about just the fight and the grit that both of these teams displayed today?

I mean, all the way from, from the first play through overtime.

I mean these girls wanted it.

They fought for it.

I mean, this is what it's all about.

- It - Certainly is.

We will have a trophy presentation and visit with a head coach.

Another state championship for Cedric Lane this time in flag football.

Christina Chambers standing by with a winning head coach.

- Coach.

An exciting ending to this one.

What can you say about the fight that your team showed to win this one in overtime?

They were - Hungry.

They were very hungry.

You know, they played to the end.

They fought through adversity and they, they weren't going home without a win today.

- Talk about ring staff and just the big plays she made for you guys to be able to bring home the state championship.

- She been making plays all year.

Such a great athlete, great young lady.

I'm so proud of these girls, man.

They did everything we have to do.

They fought their butts off.

- Coach, you win some in basketball, you win one in girls flag football.

What does this one mean to you?

- It means a lot.

It's the first one to bring back to the city and bring back to the Winona community.

You know, that's what we're about, winning championships and I'm just glad to be a part of it.

- Congratulations coach.

Thank you.

- Another state championship for Cedric Lane and the Winona Dragons.

We'll have a trophy presentation and much more where we return to Tuscaloosa after this.

- When driving, click the seatbelt, not the like button.

Mom is right.

Alabama has a code of the road and knowing it helps you follow it.

This is a message from your Alabama Department of Transportation when driving, tap the brakes, not the like button.

No.

Alabama has a code of the road and knowing it helps you follow it.

This is a message from your Alabama Department of Transportation.

- Everyone knows what the big man wants.

Yep.

Bacon Jackson's bringing a slay load of bacon to its southern favorites.

There's the big BLT chicken, BLT, and our bacon double cheeseburger.

It's a bacon wonderland out there.

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Want to have fun and get in on the action?

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Then you'd make an excellent high school sports official.

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- Add to an exciting three days that we expect here inside of Bryant Denny Stadium, the one A through five.

A flag Football championship, 1812 Winona winner, Victoria's head coach Cedric Lane, he had a couple of blue maps in boys basketball.

He picks up a flag football state championship as he is there being awarded with the Ball Whitney tool there on your right, the head coach of Montgomery Catholic and the Knights.

The Knights finishing 17 and four, but Winona, the Dragons, the unbeaten season continuing and water performance.

And we got the drama and everything that we expected in 48 plus minutes.

Susan Caruthers, that's right of flag football here today.

- We got more than we expected, that's for sure.

We got a great game.

We got overtime and we hear the trophy presentation again.

A little bit different design from the traditional blue map starting next year.

Flag football will be an official championship sport for A-H-S-A-A and they will receive a blue map, but all the same excitement.

Nonetheless.

Another state championship for Coach Cedric Lane - Hardware is hardware and it's heading back to Birmingham for the Winona Dragons.

We appreciate everyone joining us here in the first of three that we have on the opening day of competition here inside of Bryant Denny Stadium.

Coming up next, we'll have a stadia in central of Phoenix City for the six A seven A girls flag football state championship From all of us to all of you, thanks for joining us.

We continue our coverage here on a PT.

Your home for A-H-S-A-A.

The Super seven.