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, including six international squads.
Nearly 2,860 of the best youth flag football players were in action from Friday to Sunday. All 32 NFL teams were represented across the flag football event.
The three-day event tournament hosted by NFL Flag highlighted competition between 18-and-under girls along with 15-and-under boys in a single elimination tournament that was broadcasted on NFL Network, NFL+, ABC, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN+ and ESPN Deportes.
Boys 15U Championship
The Lockdown Legends (Nolensville, Tennessee represented the Titans) and Metro Select (Cedar Park, Texas represented the Saints) in the boys 15-and-under NFL Flag Championship.
With Metro Select taking a 18-13 lead into halftime, the team never looked back. Select scored in three-straight possessions in the second half en route to a 38-13 win over the Legends.
Select rusher Landon Brazzell shined on defense with multiple sacks. He turned in a highlight-reel play on offense with a dazzling catch-and-run to avoid multiple Legend defenders for a score.
"It was really awesome and fun," Brazzell said in a postgame interview with EPSN. "(I'm) just blessed to get to do this stuff and play with my friends.
Select wide receiver Daniel Berry did it on both ends of the field recording two receptions for 33 yards and two touchdowns. Berry also contributed three interceptions, including a pick-six.
Berry won the Most Valuable Player award with his performance.
"It feels amazing and I'm honored." Berry said of winning the award.
Metro Select have won back-to-back NFL Flag Championships.
Girls 18U Championship
Staten Island Giants (Staten Island, New York represented the Giants) and Apex Predators (Las Vegas, Nevada represented the Chargers) in the girls 18-and-under NFL Flag Championship.
In a tight contest that featured only two scores in the first half, the Staten Island Giants offense took another level in the second half for a 28-7 victory over the Predators.
Giants quarterback Valentina Fanetti controlled the game with accurate throws. Staten Island's defense contained the Predators' offense by contesting each ball that was thrown at a receiver. The Gaints' defense didn't allow a single point in the second half.
Fanetti completed 14 of 17 for 116 yards and four touchdowns. The QB was named MVP after her performance against the Predators.
"It honestly means the world," Fanetti said in a postgame interview with ESPN. "I couldn't have done it without all of my receivers out there."
Staten Island's offense was headlined by wide receivers Olivia Rijo and Allison Gandlin. Rijo caught six passes for 55 yards and a touchdown, while Gandlin recorded five receptions for 39 yards and two scores.
"It took a lot of grit, a lot of wanting to be here and a lot of teamwork," Rijo said after the game. "We worked so hard and this group of girls is one of the most unique that I have ever seen."
