Central-Phenix City Routs Spain Park to Claim 6A/7A Girls Flag Football Title

BIRMINGHAM, AL – Central-Phenix City proved why they are the nation’s top-ranked girls’ high school flag football team with a dominant 55-7 victory over Spain Park at the AHSAA Class 6A/7A Flag Football Championship on Wednesday at Protective Stadium.

The Red Devils (19-0), led by head coach Mitchell Holt, entered the championship game carrying an impressive 36-game winning streak and a USA Today No. 1 national ranking. They left no room for doubt about their superiority, posting 34 points before halftime and clinching their 37th consecutive win.

Championship MVP Gerritt Griggs Leads the Charge

Senior quarterback Gerritt Griggs showcased an extraordinary performance, earning game MVP honors. She completed 14-of-19 passes for 253 yards and six touchdowns while adding 38 rushing yards for a combined total of 291 yards.

Griggs’ touchdowns included throws of 41 yards to Colby Cook, 3 yards to Allyson Supan, 17 yards to Mariah Harrison, and 19 yards to Savannah Sevier—all in the first half. She also recorded a 7-yard rushing touchdown and contributed three successful extra-point plays.

Natalyn Lumpkin Shines in the Second Half

Central remained relentless in the second half, quickly extending their lead with two touchdown receptions from Natalyn Lumpkin. She hauled in passes of 46 and 49 yards, amassing 103 receiving yards on just three catches. Griggs capped off the scoring with a 2-yard touchdown pass to Supan with 8 minutes left in the game.

Colby Cook contributed on both ends of the ball, snagging three catches for 74 yards and recording three interceptions on defense. Supan led the defensive effort with two sacks and seven flag pulls.

Spain Park Fights Hard Despite Defeat

Spain Park, coached by Carmen Starr, managed a solitary score in the second quarter when Jenna Kate Hutchinson connected with Amber Mangina on a 32-yard touchdown pass. Mangina also led the Jaguars’ defense with six tackles and an interception while adding 40 receiving yards.

Quarterback Hutchinson completed 14-of-33 passes for 136 yards but was intercepted five times and sacked five times. Spain Park struggled to gain ground on the run, finishing with minus-48 rushing yards.

Coach Holt Praises Team and Hints at National Potential

“This team doesn’t just aim to win; they aim to dominate,” said Central’s head coach, Mitchell Holt. “These kids are special. They’ve stayed humble, and now they’ve shown the country what they’re made of.”

Holt expressed confidence in his team’s national stature and emphasized the importance of continuing to grow the sport. “This is the best team in the country. The more attention this sport gets, the bigger it’ll become. It’s up to all of us to keep the spotlight on flag football.”

Spain Park Reflects on Their Journey

Despite the loss, Coach Carmen Starr commended her team’s effort and expressed pride in their progress. “Four years ago, building this program was a challenge. But today, we’re nationally ranked with 27 players on the roster. I’m incredibly proud of how far we’ve come,” she said.

She acknowledged Central’s strength while reinforcing the value of playing against such a high-caliber team. “Playing tough competition makes us better. Central is deserving of that No. 1 ranking—it’s a challenge we welcomed.”

Flag Football’s Growing Momentum in Alabama

Central-Phenix City’s victory marks the continuation of their dominance in Alabama’s flag football scene. With two straight Class 6A/7A titles and a potential national championship as their next target, the Red Devils are setting the standard for the sport’s growth in the state.

Central’s boys’ football team was set to face Thompson later that evening as part of the Super 7 Championships, creating an exciting day for Red Devils fans.

Flag football in Alabama is on the rise, and as Coach Holt stressed, this is just the beginning for a sport with immense growth potential