BIRMINGHAM — Central-Phenix City flag football staked its claim for national superiority following its dominant 55-7 win over Spain Park to claim the AHSAA Class 6A/7A state title on Wednesday.
The Red Devils were officially crowned national champions two days later, sitting atop the final USA TODAY Sports Super 25 girls flag football rankings that were released on Friday.
The Red Devils finished the 2024 season at a perfect 19-0. They were ranked No. 1 in Week 4, not losing their position for the remainder of the season. They shut out 13 teams this season and allowed 12 points just twice this season. They have won by an average of 40 points per game, scoring more than 44 per game on average.
“This is the best team in the country. That’s not being arrogant, I’ve shied away from it for a long time, there’s nothing they can’t do,” head coach Mitchell Holt said following the state championship. “… They’ve stayed humble, and they’re the best team in the country and hopefully the next poll comes out and it says that.”
Holt started up the Central-Phenix City flag football program in 2021. Since then, the Red Devils have quickly risen to the top in the nation. They won the 6A/7A state title last year, but due to flag football still having an emerging sport status they were unable to bring home a Blue Map.
The Red Devils were officially able to bring home a Blue Map following their win over Spain Park.
Anna Snyder covers high school sports and University of Alabama softball and football recruiting for The Tuscaloosa News. Reach her at asnyder@gannett.com. Follow her on X @annaesnyder2.