With quick decisions, constant movement, and competitive matchups, Calvary Day School flag football players Paige Stewart and Piper McCuen believe their sport deserves the same excitement plus attention as traditional football.
“To me, it feels like Friday Night Lights every Thursday,” McCuen said. “It’s so fast-paced and competitive, and I think it’s such an underrated sport to watch and especially play.”
Calvary’s flag football program has participated in the Georgia High School Association (GHSA) Flag Football for six years. The team won the inaugural GHSA state championship in 2020, the program’s first season.
The players practice an hour and a half to two hours each day, developing strategies that set flag football apart from traditional tackle football.
One tactic is pitching the ball to another player before a defender can pull the ball carrier’s flag. This can extend the play and allow the team to gain additional yards.
“When we get in a scenario where we’re about to get tackled, we usually pitch it off,” McCuen explained. “That usually leads to more yards.”
Calvary has competed against schools including Richmond Hill High School, St. Vincent’s Academy, Greenbrier and Southeast Bulloch.
One of the team’s most memorable moments came last season when Calvary defeated Southeast Bulloch 7-6 at home. Over the past five seasons, Southeast Bulloch has compiled a 100-3 record, according to MaxPreps. Calvary is responsible for one of those three losses.
The victory showed the players that they could compete with one of the strongest programs in the state. Their challenge now is maintaining that confidence throughout each game.
“When we have something good, we have to keep it going instead of doubting ourselves and messing it up ourselves,” Stewart said. “We know our capabilities.”
The players said teammates encourage one another when a game isn't going as planned because overthinking mistakes can make it hard to regain focus.
They also believe people often underestimate the mental side of flag football.
“A lot of people think football is only athleticism, but you also have to have the smartness and the IQ to be able to play,” Stewart said.
Players must read defenses, identify open teammates and adjust as each play develops. McCuen said she has become more comfortable scanning the entire field instead of immediately relying on her first option.
“I have improved on my reading-the-field ability and looking to see who’s open,” McCuen said. “I’m not just looking at my first read and then panicking. I’ve been looking and scanning throughout the field.”
Stewart has also improved her awareness during plays.
“I’ve improved my field awareness and seeing where everything’s at,” Stewart said.
Calvary is currently ranked No. 5 in GHSA Division 1 by Score Atlanta. The team is particularly excited to face Greenbrier on Oct. 8 during its third tri-match of the season. Greenbrier is ranked No. 2 in GHSA Division 2.
Facing another successful program will allow Calvary to measure its progress as it works toward its ultimate goal.
“Definitely a state championship,” the players said. “That’s our main end goal.”
Grassi Roofing Flag Football Player of the Week
Now in its third year, the Grassi Roofing Prep Sports Report Flag Football Player of the Week continues to recognize the area’s top flag football players. Coaches, nominate your top performer each week. Nominations are due Monday, with the winner announced Wednesday by noon.
Nominate a Player Link: Grassi Roofing Flag Football Player of the Week
Student Correspondent Note: Arya Korat is a Calvary Day School student and a member of the Prep Sports Report/Optim Orthopedics Student Correspondent Program, which allows local students to cover their schools, interview athletes and coaches, and gain real-world sports journalism experience.
The Prep Sports Report Student Correspondent Program is proudly sponsored by Optim Orthopedics, supporting Savannah-area student-athletes and the next generation of storytellers.
Photos courtesy of Calvary Day School Athletics
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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).
