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Calvary Day, West Forsyth Claim First Flag Titles
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The Georgia High School Association celebrated its newest state championship sport on Monday when two school earned trophies for flag football.
The Calvary Day School of Savannah defeated Portal 6-0 to in the Class A-5A championship and West Forsyth defeated Hillgrove 26-25 in double overtime to win the Class 6A-7A championship in games played at Georgia State’s Center Parc Stadium.
There were almost 100 flag teams that competed in two classifications throughout Georgia this season, the first the sport was sanctioned as a championship sport by the GHSA.
“It’s just a wonderful opportunity to allow these girls a chance to compete for a state championship,” GHSA executive director Robin Hines said. “It’s the culmination of three years of hard work and we’re happy to have a partnership with the Atlanta Falcons and we’re happy that GPB made the decision to televise the games. I think a lot of people have seen what a good sport this is.”
The Falcons have provided financial sponsorships to start many programs around the state and hosted the state semifinals at the Home Depot Backyard at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Last year 57 teams that played flag football. Hines expects to have 200-plus teams in 2021.
Calvary Day scored its only touchdown when Hannah Cail threw an 11-yard pass to Katie Ellenwood.
“I just told myself not to drop it like I did the last time,” Ellenwood said.
Calvary Day sealed the win when Neveah Hamilton intercepted a pass with 1:24 left remaining.
West Forsyth won its championship in double overtime. Quarterback Haylee Doman scored on a keeper around the right end to tie the game and darted into the end zone on a run for the winning extra point.
“I saw that gap and I wanted it and so I just went for it,” Doman said. “It means everything. I am so proud of these girls. We said last year our goal was to be here and I’m so proud we accomplished that.”
It completed an exciting and fulfilling experience for both teams.
“This is just an amazing experience for our girls,” Calvary Day coach Chad Griffin said. “To have it in a place like this and for GPB to televise it, it’s a great thing. This is something our girls will remember for as long as they live.”
West Forsyth coach Mike Pruitt said, “To win the first one of something means a lot. You saw how competitive these girls are. We just happened to have one more play than they did.”