Central-Phenix City Girls Claim Back-to-Back USA Today Flag Football National Titles

January 16, 2026

BIRMINGHAM, AL – The Central-Phenix City Red Devils have once again cemented their status as the nation’s premier flag football program. Following a flawless 2025 campaign, USA Today crowned the Red Devils as the No. 1 team in the final Super 25 poll, marking the program’s second consecutive national championship.

Head coach Mitchell Holt’s squad completed a perfect 20-0 season, extending their remarkable winning streak to 57 games. The historic run culminated in a decisive victory in the AHSAA state championship, propelling Central past strong contenders from Arizona and California to take the top spot in the national rankings.

Dominance by the Numbers

Central-Phenix City’s path to the national title was defined by overwhelming statistical dominance. Over the course of the season, the Red Devils outscored opponents by a staggering margin of 840-39. This average of 42 points scored to just under 2 points allowed per game showcased a balanced attack and a suffocating defense that rarely allowed competitors to find rhythm.

This performance was enough to sway the USA Today selection committee, which moved Central from No. 3 to No. 1 in the final poll. The Red Devils leapfrogged previously top-ranked Hamilton (Chandler, Ariz.) and No. 2 JSerra Catholic (San Juan Capistrano, Calif.), both of whom also finished as undefeated state champions.

According to USA Today, Central’s ability to outperform its own historic 2024 national championship team was a key factor in the decision. The team’s point differential and strength of schedule, particularly in the postseason, set them apart in a tight three-way race for the national crown.

AHSAA Championship Victory Seals the Deal

The defining moment of the season arrived on December 3 at Protective Stadium in Birmingham. Facing the 6th-ranked Vestavia Hills Rebels in the AHSAA Class 6A/7A state championship game, Central delivered a masterclass performance.

The Red Devils routed Vestavia Hills 46-7 to capture their third consecutive state title. The 39-point margin of victory in a championship setting underscored the gap between Central and the rest of the field. Vestavia Hills, a formidable opponent that entered the game with a 28-1 record, finished the season ranked No. 12 in the national poll.

The victory not only secured the state hardware but also served as the final resume booster needed to claim the national throne. While the team had already designed rings for their state championship three-peat, the national recognition added another layer of prestige to an already legendary season.

A Legacy of Excellence

The Red Devils’ rise to national prominence has been swift and sustained. Since the inception of the program just a few years ago, Central has become the standard-bearer for the sport in Alabama and beyond.

Win Streak: The team has won 57 consecutive games dating back to the start of the 2023 season.
State Titles: Central has now won three straight AHSAA state championships.
National Recognition: This marks the second year in a row the program has finished atop the USA Today Super 25 rankings.

Despite the accolades, Coach Holt emphasized that the team’s focus remained on the field rather than the rankings. “We were never chasing a national championship,” Holt said. “We were chasing that next week or that next game and finding a way to win.”

Alabama Teams in the National Spotlight

Central-Phenix City wasn’t the only Alabama program to earn national recognition. The strength of flag football in the state was evident in the final rankings.

Vestavia Hills finished the season at No. 12, acknowledging their strong 28-2 campaign. Additionally, the Moody Blue Devils, who captured the Class 1A-5A state championship with a 22-3 record, cracked the rankings at No. 22. This collective success highlights the rapid growth and increasing competitiveness of AHSAA flag football.

Looking Ahead

With a 57-game winning streak and back-to-back national titles, Central-Phenix City enters the offseason as the undisputed team to beat. As the sport continues to grow across the country, the Red Devils have established a dynasty that challenges opponents across the state to elevate their game.

For now, the hardware returns to Phenix City, where a program built on discipline, execution, and dominance celebrates another year at the pinnacle of high school sports.

FEATURED IMAGE: Central takes on Vestavia Hills in the 2025 AHSAA Super 7 Championships at Birmingham’s Protective Stadium. (Brant Berry | PrepsNet)