Metro Select Saints (Boys 15U), Staten Island Giants (Girls 18U) win titles at 2024 NFL Flag Championships

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 were in play. The flag football event saw representation from all 32 NFL teams.

The NFL Flag hosted a three-day tournament featuring competition between girls under 18 and boys under 15. This single elimination event was broadcasted on various networks including NFL Network, NFL+, ABC, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN+ and ESPN Deportes.

Boys 15U championship

In the boys 15-and-under NFL Flag Championship, The Lockdown Legends Titans from Nolensville, Tennessee faced off against the Metro Select Saints from Cedar Park, Texas.

Metro Select led 18-13 at halftime and maintained their momentum, scoring on three consecutive possessions in the second half, eventually securing a 38-13 victory over the Legends.

Landon Brazzell of The Saints showed exceptional prowess in defense, delivering multiple sacks. Additionally, he produced an extraordinary play on offense, making a spectacular catch-and-run, dodging several Legend defenders, and nearly scoring.

“In a postgame interview with ESPN, Brazzell expressed his excitement. “It was absolutely incredible and enjoyable,” he stated. “I consider myself fortunate to have the opportunity to do this and play alongside my friends.”

Wide receiver Daniel Berry of Metro Select demonstrated his versatility on the field with two receptions for 33 yards and two touchdowns. On the defensive end, he made a notable contribution with three interceptions, one of which was a pick-six. His outstanding 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 Staten Island Giants from New York and the Apex Predators Chargers from Las Vegas participated in the NFL Flag Championship for girls under 18.

Staten Island initially faced a tight competition, but managed to score a touchdown just as the first half ended, leading 14-7 at halftime. Carrying this momentum into the second half, the later champions escalated their performance and eventually emerged victorious with a score of 28-7 against the Apex Predators.

The game was under the control of Giants quarterback Valentina Fanetti, thanks to her precise throws. The defense team from Staten Island managed to restrain the Apex Predators’ offense by challenging almost every ball thrown. They didn’t concede even a single point in the second half.

Fanetti had a stellar game, completing 14 out of 17 passes for 116 yards and four touchdowns. This remarkable performance earned her the MVP award for the game.

“In a postgame interview with ESPN, Fanetti sincerely expressed, “It truly means everything to me. I couldn’t have achieved this without the support of all my receivers on the field.”

Fanetti often targeted Olivia Rijo and Allison Gandlin. Rijo received six passes, covering 55 yards and scoring a touchdown, whereas Gandlin made five receptions spanning 39 yards, resulting in two touchdowns.

“After the game, Rijo commented, “It required significant resilience, desire to be present, and extensive teamwork. We put in so much effort and this team of girls is one of the most distinctive I’ve ever encountered.”

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