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Anniston Girls Flag Football Soars
26 Sep
Summary
- Anniston High's flag football team grew to 19 players.
- The sport now features over 170 participating schools statewide.
- Coach Young emphasizes academics alongside athletic success.
Anniston High School's girls flag football program has experienced remarkable growth over the past five years. Initially starting with a small group of players, the team now comprises 19 athletes from seventh to 12th grade. This expansion mirrors a broader trend across Alabama, where the sport has flourished from a new initiative to one encompassing more than 170 schools.
Head coach Jessica Young, an alumna of Anniston High, has been instrumental in the team's development. She stresses the importance of academic success, highlighting that several key players are enrolled in dual-enrollment courses. This dual focus ensures that athletes are not only skilled on the field but also prepared for future educational and career opportunities.
The program has also benefited from early support, including a startup grant from the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation and the Atlanta Falcons, which provided essential equipment. The Bulldogs have seen considerable success, including recent playoff appearances and a region championship trip, with a strong focus on winning a state title.
