When Calvary Day School traveled to Canton, Ohio, for the Unrivaled High School Flag Football Nationals, the Cavaliers weren't just representing their school.
They were representing Savannah.
And by the time the weekend ended, they had shown they belong on the same field with some of the best girls' flag football programs in the country.
Calvary was one of only 22 teams nationwide invited to compete in the prestigious national tournament. Over two days, the Cavaliers faced elite competition from 11 different states, finishing with a 2-2 record and outscoring opponents 69-39.
The Cavaliers opened tournament play by splitting their first two games, earning a 29-0 victory before falling 26-14 to Florida's defending Class 4A state champions.
Calvary split again on Day 2 before closing the tournament with a dominant 20-0 victory over the Connecticut Lady Warriors in the consolation game.
While the wins were important, head coach Nick Grassi believes the biggest value came from measuring the program against some of the nation's best.
"The experience was top notch," Grassi said. "Eleven states were represented with top-tier athletes and coaching staffs. It pushed us to play our best football and gave us a great idea of where we are and where we need to be to compete at a high level and reach our goals."
The Cavaliers showed they could compete on that stage.
In Sunday's final game, Calvary's defense set the tone early when Sa'Nai Williams recorded a sack to stop Connecticut's opening drive.
The offense quickly capitalized as Page Stewart connected with Julianna Kitchen for a touchdown.
Kitchen was recognized as one of the tournament's top performers, earning All-Tournament Team honors after scoring five touchdowns and recording three interceptions during the weekend.
Calvary Day's Julianna Kitchen received All-Tournament Team honors at the Unrivaled High School Flag Football Nationals in Canton, Ohio. (Photo courtesy of Calvary Day School Flag Football)
For Grassi, the trip reinforced something he has believed from the beginning: Calvary's program is creating opportunities for young women to play football beyond high school.
"For the program, I want to show that Calvary is giving girls the best opportunity to compete and grow to the next level in flag football," Grassi said. "Our season hasn't even started and we already have multiple girls receiving offers and having conversations with college coaches about playing at the next level."
That may be the biggest takeaway from the weekend.
A few years ago, opportunities for girls to play college football were limited. Today, college programs are actively recruiting athletes, and schools like Calvary Day are helping open those doors.
The tournament also highlighted the growth of girls' flag football throughout the Savannah area.
Grassi believes the athletic talent has always existed. The difference now is that athletes have a platform to showcase it.
"The talent has always been here," Grassi said. "Girls are now able to showcase that talent on the football field. Football has given them a way to showcase talents they haven't been able to in any other sport. It's unique and shows athleticism in a different way than other sports."
As more Savannah-area athletes continue to gain college attention, Grassi hopes Calvary's appearance on the national stage helps shine a spotlight on the talent throughout the Coastal Empire.
"Savannah has girls all over the area getting attention," Grassi said. "I hope we help bring even more attention to the area with what we're doing."
The Cavaliers returned home with a 2-2 record.
More importantly, they returned with proof that Savannah-area flag football can compete with anyone in the country.
Members of the Calvary Day School girls flag football team and coaching staff pose before departing for the Unrivaled High School Flag Football Nationals in Canton, Ohio at the NFL Hall of Fame. (Photo courtesy of Calvary Day School Athletics)
Calvary Day School
Unrivaled High School Flag Football Nationals Roster
Players
Olivia Blakey, Sophomore
Zoey Dempsey, Junior
Lilee Garcia, Senior
Rily Grassi, Junior
Julianna Kitchen, Sophomore
Piper McEuen, Junior
Makayla Modicue, Senior
Madison Smith, Senior
Kiley Singleton, Junior
Page Stewart, Junior
Sa'Nai Williams, Senior
Hephzibah Wilson, Senior
Coaching Staff
Nick Grassi, Head Coach
Anna Barron, Assistant Coach
John Kitchen, Assistant Coach
Jonathan Newton, Assistant Coach
NOTE: Information from Calvary Day Schools Athletic soclai media pages and coaching staff comments.
Photos courtesy of Calvary Day School Athletics
Follow Prep Sports Report on X @PrepSav and Instagram @savannahsportsreport.
To share scores, story ideas, or corrections, email kdemasi@prepsportsreport.com or text 912.507.9158.
Prep Sports Report Football Coverage Presented by Optim Orthopedics
Optim Orthopedics wants you in the game.
Keeping Savannah-area athletes healthy and ready for gameday all season long.
Team physicians include Dr. Don Aaron (Bryan County), Dr. David Sedory (Benedictine, Bradwell Institute, Liberty County), Dr. David Palmer (Calvary Day, Richmond Hill, South Effingham), and Dr. Thomas Alexander (Savannah Country Day, St. Vincent’s Academy).
