Alabama high school flag football showcased during Super Bowl LX

We won’t blame you if you weren’t tuned into NBC three hours before kickoff Sunday but if you were, you caught two of Alabama’s best high school flag football teams in the spotlight.

During a featured story called “Football in America,” NBC’s Peter King traveled across the country to find out just how much impact the game of football has on young people. And one of his stops was right here in central Alabama.

The story aired just after 2PM as King showcased high school football teams from Alaska, Massachusetts, Nebraska and New Mexico but Alabama was the only state that had girls flag football featured.

Keep reading to see why NBC chose to feature Prattville and Spain Park + watch the full story from Peter King below.

AHSAA girls flag football

Since becoming a sanctioned sport in the state, girls flag football has seen tremendous growth. Alabama is home to the two-time national champions of the sport and we’re seeing flag football move up to the collegiate level now.

The NBC crew visited Autauga County in October for a regular season battle between Spain Park and Prattiville. And King left with a new love and understanding for the sport.

“This was my first girls flag football game and I loved it. I loved the emotion of the winners, I felt the despair of the losers. What I learned on this journey is that football at all levels is doing something hard, doing it as a team and knowing the rewards won’t always be on the scoreboard.”

Peter King

Spain Park coach Carmen Starr spoke with King about the growth of flag football, speaking on her own experience of wanting to play peewee football but not having the opportunity. Now, she’s helping provide that opportunity for young girls.

“Being able to coach it and share that passion that I’ve always had. Getting that little spark kicked off in them. It’s amazing

Carmen Starr

Lanieya Page, one of Prattville’s senior players who recently signed to play at North Alabama, also got to speak with King about the sport’s growth.

“Flag football has always been something I would dream to play but at the time, there was nothing.”

Lanieya Page

Page was also recently selected to play in NFL’s flag football showcase during Pro Bowl week.

Football in America

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