Central-Phenix City flag football officially claims national title from USA Today

Earlier this year, Central-Phenix City rose to the top of the USA Today national flag football rankings. But at the time, coach Mitchell Holt said the team had its eyes set on a state championship first.

On Wednesday, the Red Devils secured that title, winning their second straight and capping off a dominant undefeated season. Then Friday morning, the team was officially crowned national champions by USA Today.

Keep reading to see more about the national recognition + Central’s historic run in flag football.

Best in the country

Central-Phenix City finished the 2024 season with a 19-0 record, outscoring their opponents 844-49. The Red Devils won the 6A/7A state championship by defeating Spain Park 55-7.

After the win, coach Mitchell Holt admitted he believes his team is the best in the country. And the USA Today panel of voters agreed.

“All season, the Alabama power demonstrated the type of top-tier talent that has become synonymous with championship teams throughout Super 25 history. They were as dominant on the defensive side of the ball, with standout athletes like Janiyah Garrett, as they were on offense, led by a dynamic quarterback in Gerritt Griggs.”

~ USA Today High School Sports

Other Alabama teams in the rankings

All flag football teams that played in the Super 7 have been nationally ranked at some point during the 2024 season. Three of them finished in the top 25.

Montgomery Catholic closed out the year with a 14-7 win over Moody in the 1A-5A state championship and the Knights earned the #22 spot in the rankings after going 18-5.

Spain Park, who lost to Central in the title game, finished the season with a 17-2-1 record. The Jaguars were ranked #19 in the final USA Today rankings.

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