Welcome to the high school football state championships.

Teams have worked all year to get to this moment right here, right now.

I'm Nicki Noto Parmer.

We're live on Georgia Public Broadcasting from Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

Over the next three days, we're going to bring you 13 incredible matchups featuring 26 teams all vying for a chance to call themselves a state champion at the end of the day.

And GPB is the only place for you to catch the action live over the next three days.

Now, if my math serves me correctly, I think that comes out to 36 hours of live football and live programing Monday to Wednesday.

It's going to be a blast.

Let's go ahead and take a look at our schedule for today.

First up at 11:00 A.M.

We have Flag Division one, Washington County versus Harris at 1:00 P.M.

We've got our flag Division two match up of Jenkins versus Greenbrier at 330.

We've got the 81 championship game of Bowdon versus Lincoln County.

And to close it out tonight, we've got a quad A matchup at 7:00 P.M.

Creekside versus Benedictine tribe versus Cadets.

Boy, these are all going to be some fantastic games.

Wiley and Dave, let's go ahead and send it over to you.

You guys are going to kick this thing off, boy.

It is going to be so much fun.

Washington County and Harris County coming right up.

Inside Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

It's time for the Division one flag football state championship.

And a little southern flavor.

The Washington County Golden Hawks out of Sandersville, Georgia, facing the Harris County Tigers from Hamilton, Georgia.

A couple of first timers competing for their first ever flag football state championship, alongside David Reynolds.

Our flag football rules expert and guru on Wiley Ballard and Dave.

This is hard to believe, but this is now the sixth year that the GHSA has sanctioned flag football state championships.

What are you most excited for these next three days?

We got some some teams that have never been here before, like the one this morning.

We have some teams that have been there, done that, got the T-shirt looking for another T-shirt.

So super excited about seeing all the passing and throwing in the running over the next couple of days.

So let's get it started now.

Just because it's here number 6 doesn't mean we can't refresh the rules a little bit and talk about the distinctions between tackle football and flag football.

Dave, give us a quick tune up.

Yeah.

So the field today will be 80 yards long and 40 yards wide.

First downs will be achieved by gaining the zone line to gain, which are fixed lines 20 yards apart.

We will play 410 minute quarters for the running clock until the last 2 minutes of each half.

Under 2 minutes the clock will stop, similar to tackle football with incomplete passes and scores and so forth.

Every player is eligible to catch a forward pass.

We'll see the center involved today in the passing game for this first game.

Both centers have caught six touchdowns on the season.

Last one for flag football is a non-contact contact sport, so basketball players cannot initiate contact with their opponent instead of using their hands to block.

We'll see some screen blocking on the field today.

So that's a look at the rules.

Let's talk about the stars now.

And beginning with Harris County their quarterback Madalynn Cauley.

And she's been impactful all season long.

Yeah complete athlete.

Over 6,000 yards of total offense.

This playmaker can do it all.

Very athletic quarterback does not forced the issue.

Plays with incredible tenacity on both sides of the ball.

Has ten interceptions from a safety position and one of the leading tacklers on defense.

Struggled a little bit last week in the semifinals.

But for the Tigers today to finish back on top.

Madalynn Cauley will need to play her best game for Harris County.

For Washington County, they'll rely upon a junior in Aeria Hagans and she too is an explosive playmaker.

The offense really runs through her.

Yeah.

Complete athlete.

Probably the most impactful player on the team.

Scored all four touchdowns in the semifinals last week versus Columbus.

And she's just different.

Almost 1,200 yards of receiving on defense.

Almost 100 tackles at the linebacker position.

If Sandersville, Georgia brings home the hardware today, Jade Kitchens will have to have a major impact in the last game of the year of Division one.

So those are our two key players to watch for Harris County in Washington County.

Our key player to watch for GPB Bell, that's John Nelson.

He's down in the field.

And in the words of Nelly, we go from the attic to the basement.

Nelly, what's going on?

How about the ground floor?

Not if I'm in the basement.

Then I can't see what's going on.

Good morning to the two of you.

Good morning to all of you.

However, you're accessing us for the next three days here on GPB GPB, the GPB sports app, and all the GPB social medias.

Let's talk about these two teams caught up with Jay English from Washington County before the game started, and I asked him what he talked to his players about.

He said it was pretty much the Newt Rockne stuff that you get in a pregame speech like this.

When you're playing in a building like this.

Obviously, both of these teams are going to be a bit concerned about maybe reacting to what it's going to be like here under the big top piece of trivia, by the way, for Jay English, a former academic athlete of the week on Prep Sports Plus for GPB.

So he's come full circle.

He's a hometown guy that has stayed with Washington County.

The entire time for Harris County and head coach Michael Kinsey, the players seemed a bit nervous, a bit anxious.

He wanted to remind them that they have the best offense in the state and to take that energy that they were feeling and funnel it into the offense that they have seen all season long and remind everyone in the state why someone like Cricket Causey has 89 touchdown passes so far this season.

You'll notice also that Coach Kinsey is wearing a hat for the Harry S Truman.

That is where his son is currently stationed.

It is docked in Norfolk, and we are hoping that he, much like you, are watching all of us as we start three days right now.

Let's send it upstairs.

No, that's fantastic stuff.

And there you see, Coach Mychal Kinsey serves as the offensive coordinator as well.

In his third season leading the Tigers flag football program.

And then similar to coach Kinsey, we have head coach Jay English, also in his third year.

And as Nelly mentioned, a Washington County alum.

And we are about ready to get this flag football state championship started in Washington County, won the toss.

They've opted to defer.

So here come the Harris County Tigers.

It will be first and six again an 80 yard field, which means the goal lines based on what you're seeing on this tackle football field are actually the ten yard line.

And off we go.

And Casey will go right to the air down the right side.

And she overthrows her target.

She was looking for Macy Maguire.

No better way to calm the nerves and just try to take a shot right here in the first play.

With the first down, they're only 6 yards to go.

Plenty of options there on first down.

Let's see as we settle in here for number five.

And here is County has won five straight.

As you can see in flag football Dave you've got obviously your snapper a few wide receivers and a couple of up backs if you will, to help block as Causey being pursued.

And that flag is ripped away.

Great pull in the backfield from Aeria Hagans.

Best on best right here.

Get a little misdirection.

Maybe slows down the first rusher.

But from the linebacker position Aeria Hagans coming down the line and making that tackle for a loss.

So brings up third down.

Now.

And there's a loose flag belt on the far side of the field.

But see Madalynn Cauley numbers on the year over 5,000 yards passing nearly 1,000 yards rushing.

Got to get to the 30 yard line for a new series and a throw over the middle and snatched for a first down.

Great hands.

The senior Pearson Pettit reels in her 117th catch this year.

Nice job just staying in the pocket right there.

Rushing two up front.

We got two on three blocking up front screen, blocking up front.

Just runs a route right across to the middle of the field, right past his own line to gain for a first down for the Tigers.

So it'll be first and 18.

Mentioned Pearson Pettit the leading receiver with that catch goes over 1,700 yards on the season.

You see Coach Kinsey signaling in the play and you see that yellow cone in that orange cone.

Dave.

That's the literal neutral zone you often hear about.

And now three blockers up front.

And he's going to take off and run weaving down the right side.

She's getting to plus territory cutting back still spinning through that flag is still on until she gets inside the red zone.

What a run on the designed quarterback.

Carey Madalynn Cauley.

Two rushers up front.

Go a little wider right here.

And good.

Just awareness to step up.

Nothing's there.

Oh yeah.

We got our legs two runs right around one right around two.

Number 3 misses one.

Completely flips the field.

Electric quarterback play by the senior.

And fittingly her flag pulled by Washington County's quarterback Jade Kitchens.

So sorry.

First and goal from the 17.

Cauley will dump it off.

And a flag pull from Hagans.

Here's a look at the Harris County starters.

Perry Hagans.

You mentioned already Madalynn Cauley.

But you've also got the skill position players.

A lot of seniors there in the wide receiver room with Pearson Pettit.

And how about Aubry?

Mertz can get involved from that center position.

That's a big part of the offense in flag football.

So second down, another short pass dumped off and great hands that Paul yanked or that flag yanked rather by Shanira Brown.

And now a look at the Golden Hawks defense.

First you've got two rushers Dooley Gordon Madi Veal linebackers behind them, and then a couple of corners and Jade Kitchens at the free safety.

So third and goal from the ten.

Again, the goal line is the painted ten yard line a tight formation.

Cauley is going to tuck it and run.

And she's got no one in front of her as she gets into the end zone.

And our first touchdown of the morning belongs to Harris County.

Touchdown.

Very common goal line offense right there.

Bringing men way tight a lot of confusion there up front.

Allows the athlete to get up in space as the defense turn around trying to track down their receivers.

Really nice play call down the field a bunch of different looks for the Tigers on their first drive of the game.

So the point after try they'll go for one.

You have the options of going for one, two or three more points.

Going for the further back you are.

Ball three here for the one point try and right near the pylon.

That pass is incomplete.

So the score remains 6-0 Pettit can't hang on to.

But if you're Harris County, you got to be pretty happy.

Yeah, again number 5 quarterback proving why she's one of the best ones in the state.

Arm legs patience.

Absolute playmaker.

Can do anything.

Does not force the issue.

So a couple times there on that drive.

Really nice job for Tigers on the first offensive possession.

So a 64 yard touchdown drive.

There are no kickoffs in flag football.

After a score, the other team will begin first and six on their own 14.

That's where we are here as Jade Kitchens at quarterback dropping back to pass.

And she'll short hop it looking for Destiny Mullen.

Jade Kitchens at quarterback over 2,300 yards passing this year.

She's also the point guard on the basketball team for the Golden Hawks and no surprise, playing point guard and quarterback and flag a lot of similar skills needed.

And Shanira Brown now a chance to snap a couple of different places.

Looks like she's targeting Kitchens and her flag is yanked down.

Quick hands and a lunge.

Good play from Tyler Norman.

And now look at the starters for Washington County and the Golden Hawks.

They've won six straight, 14-6 on the season.

And we highlighted at the start.

But Aeria Hagans, a junior, has a combined 2,000 yards of offense this year.

Both rushing and receiving.

So third down got to get to the paint at 30.

Ball hoisted high in the air and a collision as the ball's overthrown.

Cauley and coverage.

And looks like Kitchens was looking for Hagans.

And now with a fourth down and six.

Dave, you have to declare whether you intend to go for it or punt.

There's no opportunity for a fake.

Absolutely.

Now they can stand.

The defense can stand right there on top of their line of scrimmage and jump up.

But as far as rushing, not this morning.

This will be Madi Veal to punt.

And that ball is caught on the fly in plus territory.

And returning the punt is Audrey Mertz.

Aubry Mertz.

So Aubry Mertz with the return.

And here comes Harris County for their second possession.

Probably not very common that you see the center down there on punt returns, but as you saw that return develop definitely saw the ball extended to gain an extra yard.

Also saw her teammates getting that pitch relationship.

That is so important for flag football.

And one thing we noticed there in that first drive for Harris County, Dave, they kept the ball on the ground a good bit with the quarterback run and Madalynn Cauley talked to some coaches in this sport.

They hardly ever want to run.

It's almost an entirely pass game plan.

Cauley to the air dump off incomplete.

For the second drive here for the Golden Hawks on defense, rushing two.

Sticking with what they got.

Got him here.

But going to have to definitely get up front and apply that pressure.

For the quarterback.

Try to slow her down her legs and her arm.

So second and 11 after the incompletion.

Cauley again using her legs in trouble.

Still up and a chance to heave it high towards the end zone.

She's got Pettit and Harris County Tigers have 6-0, what an effort from Madalynn Cauley to keep that play alive.

Pearson Pettit for a tiger.

Trace down.

Again when you're rushing two, you have to get the flag.

Poole and misses twice.

Allows for the play to extend and just showing off the arm right there.

40 yard pass.

Wow.

That is the 90th touchdown pass of the season for Madalynn Cauley.

Again, this Harris County Tiger offense.

It's special.

Cauley has her flag pulled and ruled down in the backfield a great catch either way though.

Good hands.

For Harris County.

Score again.

If you're Washington County, take a deep breath.

Two offensive scores by the Tigers.

Still have time here.

Let's build a little momentum on offense.

Let's take a deep breath.

The lights are bright.

Let's get back to what got you here.

Playing catch.

Speaking of playing catch, that's pretty good.

Hands from Hannah Huff there on the.

What would have been the one point conversion.

So Washington County they went three and out on their first possession.

And now Kitchens throws it over the middle and it's batted down.

Addison Fowler knocks it away as Kitchens was looking for Hagans.

Broken up by 13.

And with the running clock, that's going to be the end of the first quarter.

Harris County strikes twice some big plays for the Tigers, and at the end of 10 minutes, Harris County has a 12-0 lead in the Division one state final.

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For on Monday morning from Ms.

Is state Championship week is underway here in 2025 and a look at how these two teams got to this Division one state championship game.

First for Harris County, only seven points allowed across those four games.

And that Fitzgerald game was an absolute battle.

That's a look for the Tigers.

Meanwhile, for Washington County, higher scoring games, they barely snuck past Shaw there in the first round, but have since gotten hot and gone on a run.

And Washington County, perhaps a little surprising.

Dave, they entered the playoffs 9-6 They went undefeated in Aeria for.

But here they are competing in state championship and they need some positive yardage.

Here.

They were outgained 97-0 in the first quarter.

Second possession for Washington County.

And the clock will wind and will not stop until the two minute warning.

And Kitchens floats it complete.

No incomplete Hagans couldn't hang on to it.

And now zero for four offensively so far in the past game for Washington County.

Harris County also rushing two up front and really applying the pressure, making the quarterback roll out a little more than maybe she's used to see what kind of adjustments the Golden Hawks can make on offense.

Slow down those two rushers.

Here they come again.

Kitchens steps up, sends it high in the air and incomplete targeting Hagans and in coverage for Harris County.

Kyndle Robinson.

Let's go down to Jon Nelson on the sidelines.

Dave, you were spot on.

Spent some time in both huddles here in between the quarter break.

Washington County's Jay English basically told his players to take a deep breath.

Everything's fine.

You're down two scores.

It's no big deal.

Just continue to take your deep breath and get integrated into the game itself.

On the Harris County side of things, I don't think I've ever heard a defensive coordinator say what I heard.

Take their soul.

That's what you're getting from Harris County here early in the first quarter heading into the second.

Guys.

Yeah, look out down there, Nelly.

That was quite the return from Addison Fowler.

She didn't get the Tigers some terrific field position to begin their third possession.

And we got to open up a window up here Dave, because I think Nelly saying you're spot on your head got even bigger.

First time I've ever been correct.

It's fantastic.

Thank you.

Nelly only took you six years.

That's it baby, we're here though.

12, 12-0 And it is a goal to go situation for Harris County from the 17 Cauley dumps it over the middle and it's complete good hands to Abigail Zimmermann.

Black Cauley now five for seven.

Just playing pitch and catch.

Nice job sitting right there in the pocket finding that crossing route open again.

Applying that pressure.

Harris County is not feeling the pressure.

They are applying that pressure right now.

Don't look like a team that's playing in their first ever flag state football championship.

Washington County trying to bow up here.

Cauley rolls right, sends it deep incomplete Hannah Huff.

She caught one just like that on the point after try.

Good coverage for Washington County.

And that that type of pass just shows you how talented this quarterback is.

He's rolling out a little touch pass right over the defender a little tip there but a nice touch pass trying to convert in the back of the end zone again.

Kind of just showing all the skill sets.

That number 5 has.

Aeria Hagans there on the breakup.

Third down.

Now the ten yard line into the end zone.

Cauley in trouble, evades the rush and completes it inside the five, bringing up a critical fourth down.

Aubry Mertz from the center position, making that catch.

Just finding the hole in the defense right there.

Again, these rushers for the Golden Hawks have got to get there.

Gotta pull that one.

I've been a big, field position concern there.

Push it back further for fourth down.

Instead they find the open center pick up a couple yards, knock that distance down in half.

A little more of a manageable here on fourth down and 5 yards to the goal line.

And this is a critical play coming up here Dave.

It is fourth and four or fourth and goal from the four for Harris County.

And while you still have 2.5 quarters left a three score deficit in flag football can be extremely difficult given the nature of how quickly time melts off the clock, and Harris County calling the time-out here, they want to take advantage of this big opportunity in the first half.

Correct.

On the plus side of the field, when you start the drive and this just one again to continue to impose your will, finish the drive with scores.

No field goals this morning.

Got to finish drive here for a touchdown.

Same sentence if you're on the defense here for the Golden Hawks just bend don't break.

Get back off the field if you can't here slow down.

Number 5.

So here we go.

It's Cauley rolling right.

And she is into the end zone.

Touchdown Harris County 18 to nothing.

And.

Dleigh Gordon up front.

Takes one step in.

Lose.

Contain.

And there goes number 5.

And Cauley.

You know given how close they were to the goal line.

If you're in the secondary, you really have no choice but to pursue the quarterback.

And now a pitch and the point after try and it is short.

So 18 to nothing.

And this is significant because Harris County has not converted any of their three point after tries.

It is technically still a two possession game.

Yeah.

Nice thing about the the point system in flag football.

But again, just just just keeping your eyes downfield on the touchdown run.

Probably designed pass does not force the issue.

And then we see some pitching here, right hook and ladder type play here, which is classic flag football.

Nice job on display.

A lot of different types of offense so far for the Tigers.

Speaking of pitches, there's another one.

And once the ball hits the ground, it is dead.

Dave.

Yeah.

So again, that high reward, low risk type of play.

You like to see that?

It makes the defenders stay on their responsibility.

Very challenging.

To stop.

If you do have a high chance of a high percentage of pitch and catch.

So now, second down and six Washington County still looking for their first first down of the day.

Kitchens rolling right and incomplete.

Right in the hands.

But unfortunately Alyssa Thomas can't hang on to it.

Coach is trying to mix up the look a little bit.

Slow down those two rushes up front.

So we went a little wider spread of offense there.

Put the quarterback in motion, got to catch the football.

We showed you on the road to the finals, but Harris County they've given up just seven points in their four playoff games.

They are so good defensively.

And now a whistle maybe another time-out coming here.

Yeah it's going to be Washington County on third down and six.

And you know I think for Coach English it's a matter of just can't afford to go three and out again.

Correct.

Rule change here a couple of years ago we changed having three time-outs per half.

So we have a couple extra time-outs, slow things down, get the play call correct, talk to your players, calm them down.

Hey, you've been catching the ball all year long.

You've been rolling around and and playing at a high level all year long.

Yes, we know how good they are.

Let's get back on us and execute.

Well, here's a look at some former Golden Hawks.

Those are some big names right there.

You've got Robert Edwards, Terrence Edwards, Takeo Spikes, Allisha gray as well.

The Atlanta Dream.

A lot of great Washington County alumni.

And we are certainly are all tuned in right now here.

Yeah.

And trying to be the first team to win a state championship for that pride full school past ten years.

Here we go.

To try and gain the next zone.

Third down and six Kitchens is under duress again.

Her flag is pulled and she is ruled down.

They're going to call it a sack.

And it is Riley Hall, the sophomore with her 14th sack of the year, sets up fourth and long.

Just shows you how fast she is.

I mean, 0-100 wide open, relentless effort there.

You gotta pull that flag the first time.

If you don't, offense continues to roll the play.

Nice job on the flag on the first chance.

And the punt coming again from Madi Veal tight spiral.

And it is right to Riley Hall.

But when it hits the ground, it is down and they will rule that the drive will begin with first and 20 at midfield.

That's a key difference, Dave versus first and one from the 39 yard line.

Yeah, where that ball hits the ground is where the ball should have been spotted.

So again first and one first, first and 20 I think everybody knows from an offensive play calling situation changes your your playbook here.

But again, Harris County had a lot of success so far this first half.

They've had the ball three times.

They've scored three touchdowns.

Cauley rolls.

Right.

And she gets squeezed but gets it away.

It's complete to Huff down the near sideline.

And she steps out of bounds and has her flag pulled.

Good pursuit from Shanira Brown.

I mean this is a 30 yard jump pass okay.

She's rolling to her left.

Jumps up in the air over a rusher in her face.

Finds the open outlet.

Second down.

I mean completely showing off right now in the first half.

Two minute warning coming up Harris County does not have to snap the ball here if they don't want to.

Stack up.

They will.

Cauley stepping up.

Deep shot looking for Pettit and overthrown.

And that'll take us to the two minute warning with a minute 57 on the clock.

Black Makhail Hardy Joshua Washington Cannon Cannon third Garner Tigers.

So the clock stops.

So under 2 minutes here, we'll go back to normal tackle football that we see on for the boys games.

First downs, incomplete passes, touchdowns and so forth.

So plenty of time here with two time-outs, under 2 minutes.

Cauley pass is complete and a sliding pull that time.

Great hands from Hagans shy of the line to gain is going to bring up fourth down and one.

Just the running back just slips out of the backfield.

Shows how fast Jenkins is right there as a running back.

Usually blocks.

But again, once the rushers get comfortable with the two blockers boom.

There goes the running back out there for a completed pass.

That was Kaydence Jenkins on the catch.

Tight formation calling the Tigers need a yard.

She'll look to pass and it's complete to Mertz who's inside the ten down towards the goal line before finally Kitchens pulls her flag.

It'll be first and goal from the five.

One day we'll have the center as our impact player, but you've seen a bunch of different passes today caught by number 18 and just takes the ball and gets upfield.

Spin moves.

Missed the first tackler picks up even more yards.

Clock stops briefly for the first down.

It'll start back up.

Well for Mertz.

That's her third catch of the day to lead all Tigers.

So clock approaching a minute.

Harris County trying to go four for four with four touchdowns.

And that's a touchdown saving pull right there.

Good hands from Shanira Brown again she's been everywhere defensively as that pass is completed to Kaydence Jenkins again.

Just takes the short route.

Cuts the distance down in half.

Yeah the clock's running.

But you got two more time-outs.

Obviously it's four down territory.

Nothing but time here for the Tigers.

So second and goal from the four.

Cauley over the middle.

Complete touchdown Aubry Mertz in that center position.

Just her fifth touchdown of the year.

But she was critical on that drive.

Athletes all over for the Tigers on offense.

So many weapons again with the legs by the quarterback the arm by the quarterback.

We're chasing receivers downfield.

Talented wide receiver corps.

Oh, yeah.

There's one more.

The person who snapped the ball in there becomes open person there for a touchdown.

So the point after try and in this time Mason Maguire reels it in.

And for Harris County they continue to build their lead.

One more look at Aubry Mertz Little give and go there with the center and quarterback.

Yep.

Nice job right there for the flag.

Poole.

But we're already in the end zone.

Too much space there allowed by the defense.

For that easy pitch and catch for six points.

So with 30s left, can Washington County pull off something here late?

And it's a pitch around the right side.

That's Hagans.

And that right there is the best play Washington County has had all day.

They pick up their first first down.

Like you said, you want to get some kind of positive energy to finish off this half Gordon locker room.

Just got to play pitch and catch.

Three score game clock wins again.

Kitchens right.

And a play made in the backfield.

Great hands.

Caitlin Allen with the pull.

And that's going to be the end of the first half a clinical performance from Harris County in the first 20 minutes.

They couldn't have played much better.

Coach Kinsey knows as he fires up the crowd.

We'll catch up with Jon Nelson here momentarily, but for possessions, four touchdowns and Harris County with a dominant first half here at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

And let's go down to Jon Nelson.

Thank you very much.

Wiley here with the coach.

You told him before the game you wanted to prove to the rest of the state that you've got one of the most potent offenses around.

I think four scores in your first four possessions.

I think that's going to pretty much take care of that so far.

Yeah.

Our girl's whole first half man heart hustle determination.

They just you know we've played that way all year.

Don't quit.

Don't back down.

Don't give up.

And they've just gone out there and they just they battled the whole first half have battled.

We've just got to finish.

We got we got a second half to play.

And then that obviously let's talk about things defensively as well.

Getting pressure on the quarterback, not letting that speed get to the outside.

You're clamping them down too when it comes to that yardage.

Yeah I got to tell you maybe I'm not you know tracking right.

But I think that might have been the first first down they got in the first half.

Our defense has just been.

So I mean shout out of a cannon.

They're just aggressive.

We're going after everything.

It's just I'm super proud of the girls man.

They were so ready to play.

Thanks for your time.

Thank you.

Harris County they are dominant 25 on the board.

Halftime show coming up in just a second here on the great GPB.

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They handle bugs and critters.

Welcome in to our GPB Halftime Show!

If you're just now joining us, I'm Nicki Noto Parmer and it is halftime of our first state championship game between Washington County versus Harris County.

And this is just day one of our state championship coverage.

Let's go ahead.

And we're going to take a look at our scoreboard.

Thanks to our friends over at Georgia EMC.

And right now you guys, it's all the Tigers.

The Tigers are leading are leading Washington County 25-0 four possessions, four touchdowns and an absolute dominant performance by Harris County.

So from the Georgia EMC scoreboard to our friends over at Georgia EMC, we've got some awards to hand out in.

Our friend John Nielsen has more.

One.

Two three.

The 36 participating Georgia Electric membership cooperatives would like to congratulate all the winners of the GHSA Cooperative Spirit Sportsmanship Award in 2025.

Ced e. This award honors schools that exhibit exemplary sportsmanship during competitive events.

Only one school in each region in each classification is chosen to receive this annual award.

The GHSA takes into consideration all aspects of sportsmanship, making the award a tribute to the entire community.

Introduced in 2006, this award reinforces the GHSA philosophy that everyone associated with high school activities, from athletes to spectators, should adhere to the fundamental values it represents.

Georgia EMC in the 36 participating Georgia Electric membership cooperatives are proud to sponsor the Cooperative Spirit Sportsmanship Award.

Congratulations to all the winners this year.

Thanks, Nelly and thanks to our friends over at Georgia EMC for the Cooperative Spirit Sportsmanship Awards.

Zulma Valdivieso Gutierrez is our you save at Pharmacy player.

She's a soccer player from Cedar Shoals High School who knows a thing or two.

Will Rylee three about scoring goals.

Take a look.

She's a very instinctual player.

It just pops into her head and she goes.

She knows how to move and how to place herself while the ball is moving up the field so that she's in the best position to then receive the ball and score.

Hitting 100 goals as a junior is like a crazy stat to have.

She led the state in scoring last year.

So she scored 58 goals last season.

So that's a hat trick, a game which to even hit a hat trick in a game is insane.

But to hit one nearly every single game is phenomenal.

I think she will not only do well, but succeed at the next level.

Because.

This is one exceptional athlete.

Now, look, she was known for hat tricks.

And this is the perfect transition to who I have up here with me right now.

I've got head coach of Greenbrier.

We've got James Smith.

Now.

You know a thing or two about a hat trick, but in football terms, you've won a three-peat back to back to back.

When it comes to flag football, can you just talk a little bit about the culture of winning that you've got going?

Well, we hope we have the three-peat.

You're going.

For, going for the three-peat.

Okay.

Let's go for it.

Three.

We're going for it.

Well this is my first year as head coach.

Okay, okay.

I was the defensive coordinator the past two years.

And Coach Jordan decided to bounce on us.

And I came in, and fortunately, we have an extremely good senior group, and we have just a wonderful group of girls anyway.

But that senior group has led us back here and a great coaching staff, and it's really been an amazing ride.

I couldn't have done it without the girls and the coaching staff.

Absolutely.

Now, I know you had an incredible senior quarterback last year.

She's gone on to do bigger things and better things, if you will.

But right now you've got a quarterback.

Sophomore Addisen Odom.

Right now she has thrown for over 3,300 yards with 50-4 touchdowns and 11 interceptions for a Wolfpack squad.

Your record is 21 and three.

Can you just tell me a little bit about Addisen?

What makes her special?

Addisen is amazing.

I mean, she she has all the physical attributes, but she's also very mentally strong.

I know she's had little bumps here and there, but she's a sophomore.

She's, you know, she might be almost 6 tall, but she's still, you know, still a baby at heart.

But she's amazing.

She doesn't get rattled real easy.

She's kind of cool and calm and we're excited about her being on this stage because she deserves it and she's worked hard for it.

Coach, you're you're familiar to this stage now.

Last year in the semis, you're going up against Jenkins.

There there.

Our next flag football game flag Division two football game is coming up next with Greenbrier Jenkins.

Now you played Jenkins in the semis and you won.

And they haven't won a state title for their women in their school history.

They're going to come out hungry.

So how have you prepped message wise physicality wise with your team to get them ready for this game, to just play their game?

Well, we told our girls, you know, our first state championship, we were going up against Lithia Springs, who had been there three years in a row, and we were the young team and they had all the seniors, but we came in hungry and we kind of jumped on them or we held our own against them.

We said today, you can't do that.

You've got to be the hunters.

You've got to be the ones that go after them.

They're going to come hard because they have an extremely good team.

Their quarterback is a is a general.

You watch film on her and she is she's driven.

You can tell she's really talented.

So we've just got to take it and make sure we don't get down and we just keep punching and go.

Awesome.

Well it's going to be a great matchup.

I can't wait to watch it.

Coach.

Good luck.

Thank you so much for your time as you try to go for a three-peat.

All right.

Appreciate it.

Thank you.

And thanks to our friends over at Georgia Access for this interview.

There you have it.

Right there.

That is the halftime score right now of our current game.

Flag football Division one Harris County 25 to nothing over Washington County.

Again.

They had four possessions four touchdowns.

No slowing them down.

Well we've got more football that's going to be coming up.

Let's go ahead and take a look at the rest of the games that we have coming up after this game.

We've got our flag football Division two.

It's Jenkins and Greenbrier.

We just spoke to Coach James Smith.

We've got more football coming up right here on GPB.

We'll be right back.

Let me know if I can help you with anything.

Just looking.

I only buy local and sustainable, so.

Oh.

Well, that shirt's not local.

You should be wearing cotton.

Georgia's a major supplier of cotton worldwide, so if you'd like to buy local to support Georgia, buying cotton is a great place to start.

It's renewable and sustainable.

Naturally.

Thanks.

That's a polyester fiber made of oil.

By the way.

Where's your dressing room?

From ninth grade through graduation, Georgia Futures provides tools to help you plan and pay for college, as well as prepare you for your career beyond high school.

Create your account today and explore the possibilities at GA Futures.

GPB sports broadcast of this game is made possible by supporters of the, including the National Federation of High Schools.

What?

Come on.

Where are you?

Oh!

Come on.

Oh, what a bad call.

Lindell.

You have no business being out there.

Terrible.

You know, I'm a person too.

Harris County dominated the first 20 minutes of our Division one flag football state championship.

Ready to begin the third quarter alongside David Reynolds.

The flag football rules expert guru on Wiley Ballard.

And.

Well, let's take a look at some of the highlights.

Harris County.

It was a clinical destruction there, especially offensively, behind the play of Madalynn Cauley.

I mean, Dave, what made her so special?

Her legs extend the play.

Her eyes are down the field.

Don't rush anything.

Taking the defense.

Take what the defense gives her the touch.

Pass over the top right there for that touchdown.

A lot of confusion created by number 5 with the ball in her hands.

And for Cauley she threw for 100 yards in the first half.

A couple of touchdowns as well.

And then rushed for 54.

So although 154 yards she's responsible for all of it.

Meanwhile, the Washington County side Dave, they got to find a way to start moving the football a little bit and try to get some more positive plays after what was a challenging first half.

And John Nelson is going to be standing by.

In fact, he's standing by right now with head coach Jay English.

Thank you very much.

Wiley here with the coach.

What did you talk to him about?

We just got to play our ball.

I mean, we kind of we kind of got, you know, a little, little.

I guess it was too big for us early.

Made some mistakes, ran a couple wrong routes, didn't pull flags, got to stay in coverage.

5-A really, really good.

We just got to do the opposite of what we did the first half.

We'll keep an eye on it.

Thanks for your time.

Yes, sir.

Thank you.

Send it back upstairs.

Waco's got a tall order.

Wiley.

We'll see what they've got planned here as we get ready for the second half.

Well, there's one positive.

They do have the ball, John.

And Dave, this is a three score game.

Yes.

Harris County has scored four touchdowns.

But flag football, you have a chance to score six.

And then if you so choose, you could go for as many as three extra points.

So again it's still a steep hill but it is technically a three score game.

Even though in tackle football it would not be.

And like coach said right there, you know not the best first half you've ever wanted, but you've also beat a couple of really good teams over the course of the year.

Going back to playing Greenbrier.

You lose, you lose there, but you won two games in the postseason.

St.

Vincent, Columbus two really powerhouse teams in flag football.

So you know, again find that confidence.

But again dig deep right here.

Okay.

Let's make a statement.

Let's claw back let's get back in this one play at a time.

Just pitch and catch.

Don't force anything and see what happens.

What can happen over the next 20 minutes.

So off we go.

Jade Kitchens at quarterback.

Still trying to find that first completed pass today.

That one was intended for Destiny Mullen her first year playing flag football.

Softball player.

You know, if you're Harris County on defense, you're going to do the same thing you've been doing rushing to okay, you're rushing.

Maybe a linebacker walked up.

Apply that pressure.

Continue to make number 3 uncomfortable with the ball in her hands.

This time it's a direct snap and it's Hagans with it.

And she's still up.

Down the sideline.

The flag comes loose just shy of midfield.

That's the best play offensively.

Washington County has had all day.

Little trick play right there.

Nice job coach.

Drawing something in the dirt during half a nice job by number 9.

Just keep on running down the field.

Yeah your flag might have been pulled a couple yards back.

But keep running.

Picking up more yards.

Does that qualify as a Statue of Liberty?

I like it.

So first and one Kitchens pass falls incomplete.

Looking for Shanira Brown.

But this down and distance is an opportunity to where you can take some shots.

Right?

Yeah.

Not many times you're going to see the rest of the week where it's first and one on a, on a flag football field.

But like you just said, opens the playbook up.

We don't have to force anything.

With the 2 yards right there between the offense and the defense.

Even on fourth down, you're probably still going for an offense on that play.

Kitchens trying to step up.

Her flag is pulled.

She ruled down.

Yes, it will be another sack.

Second of the day for the Harris County defense.

And Tyler Norman making the play.

Third down.

Washington County.

Nice job.

Just relentless effort.

Nice job.

That's classic screen blocking right there.

And flag football.

But nice job by the sophomore rusher running right by that screen block, pulling the flag on the first try.

So now it's third down.

And three things.

Not quite as comfortable as they were a play ago with just that 1 yard gain for the mixed zone Kitchens pass incomplete.

She was looking for Hagans.

And you can see some of the frustration for the Golden Hawks right now.

Big fourth down coming up.

Obviously you're going to go for it, but definitely one.

We have a couple plays in a row of positive offense.

And then again, just the speed by the Tigers on defense making it really uncomfortable for the offense of the Golden Hawks.

After that long 24 yard rush for Aeria Hagans nothing doing in this next series.

And time-out called by Washington County did not like the look there.

And Coach English wants to talk about it.

Here's a look at the stats beginning this third quarter.

And they really do tell the whole story.

Just two combined yards and one first down for Washington County.

They've had much more success here in the third quarter thus far.

But I mean just the tip of the cap there to Harris County.

They've converted two of four third downs and then the two third downs.

They didn't convert.

They converted on fourth.

Exactly.

And the first downs there to have 25 points on five first downs just shows you how much offense production we're seeing by the Tigers here so far.

Again by the legs by the arm.

Dual sport a dual threat quarterback play completely elite quarterback for the Harris Tighe Harris County Tigers.

And those 11 catches are spread across five different receivers.

All right so fourth down opening possession of the second half for Washington County out of Sandersville.

Kitchens steps into it.

The pass is complete.

Destiny Mullen secures it, picks up the first down and there's the first pass completion for Washington County today.

That's a big one.

Yeah.

Good job converting right there on fourth down.

Finds the junior running across the the field.

But even with the the big play right there you see how challenging it is with the rushers in the front.

The receiver going to the ground Tigers bringing the heat.

And Mullins he's had some of the most significant catches for Washington County during this playoff run.

And a pitch ahead.

Now a pitch back.

Washington County getting a little fancy here between Madi Veal and Aeria.

Hagans.

But right on it with the stop Bailey Hetzel.

Again very common offensive strategy for flag football is the pitch and catch relationship.

Okay, not everybody has that quarterback.

And then just throw the ball 40 yards downfield so that pitch and catch relationship it's very common in flag football.

Nice job of changing up the play call, trying to find a little momentum here.

So second down and ten.

And now a pitch and a third pitch down the left side inside the ten yard line.

How about that ball movement from Washington County.

And Alyssa Thomas was the one who ended up with it.

And I'm pretty sure you heard Coach English on the audio there.

Nice job on the sideline picking him up, saying one more.

Right.

Nice job just picking that one last time to the complete edge.

Getting Fowler up down the field.

And the pitch game now has the Golden Hawks soaring down the field.

First and goal from the six.

It's the Kitchens and she has to get rid of it.

And she did.

Scrambling the right side.

The pass is.

Jack Holland.

And take a look at this number.

This is our sixth year with flag football as a GHSA sanctioned sports a sport in the number of teams competing has more than tripled in the last six years.

Shout out to the Falcons being a big part of this.

Amanda Dinkel and the Community Relations Department.

Georgia high school.

The schools themselves wanting the sport added to their school.

Kitchens has it intercepted down the left side.

It's Pettit they'll say she stepped out inside the five, but an interception for Pearson Pettit her sixth of the year.

And that keeps the shutout intact.

A lot of teams this year have not thrown the ball towards number 4.

And that shows you why.

Nice job jumping the route, completely shutting down that drive.

She had more in her mind than just the pick, but you can see her when she found out she was rolled out of bounds, she thought about going 75 yards.

Who put that sideline over there?

What are we doing?

I do think the field is 40 yards wide today.

I think.

So deep in their own territory.

But Harris County in control.

Cauley on the wheel route complete to Huff.

And it's Higgins who yanks her flag just shy of the zone to gain.

32.

Mychal Aeria Hagans.

Put the volleyball, put the volleyball player in motion right there, a little misdirection if you're Harris County on offense, just keep doing what you've been doing.

Misdirection.

Finding different receivers every play.

Beyond the play of Madalynn Cauley they're at the quarterback position.

Dave, what have you liked about Harris County their offense today?

It feels very versatile and still through.

Aubry Mertz does not have a flagpole.

It's a race towards the end zone and a lunge and a pull inside the ten.

What heart there from Jade Kitchens, but it is a massive game for Aubry Mertz.

That's now her fifth catch.

Nail on the head right there.

Wiley you just crushed the question.

What do we like about it?

Everybody gets to play flag football.

This is not a one on one matchup here.

And then the relentless effort there by the snapper.

Absolutely phenomenal effort.

You can't teach that.

It never slumps.

Nice job getting up the field and keep on playing until that last whistle.

And I'll say this too Dave I know it's been a tough day for Washington County, but it would have been pretty easy to just accept the frustration and let Mertz go.

Give Jade Kitchens some credit there for showing some heart.

Find a way to continue to compete despite the lopsided score.

And now the ball is thrown back and falls on the ground.

It'll be second down now and Coach Kinsey looks a little confused.

Might be the first time he hadn't liked what he's seen all day.

Yeah, again, shout out to the Golden Hawks here.

It's frustrating, but keep playing right.

Keep playing.

Keep enjoying the day.

Keep applying that pressure.

Nice job right there.

By Aeria Hagans.

Forcing the issue for the Tiger offense.

This is the fifth possession for Harris County this morning.

They have scored on each of the first four.

They.

From the four.

A little misdirection reaching towards the goal line and short Kaydence Jenkins trying to break through.

She does pick up a couple of yards.

Makes it third and goal from the two.

Again all the the misdirection by the quarterback to extend the play.

Let's just do a little inside handoff.

Harris County not forcing the issue.

Brings up third and two.

Cauley zips it in and the pass is complete.

Touchdown Harris County Aubry Mertz with another one.

What a performance for the junior center.

She's caught two touchdown passes today Dave.

She had just four on the season.

Again nice job by the quarterback.

Can't say enough.

Just taking what the defense gives you.

The rush right upfield.

Boom on a short down center's open.

Nice job finishing the drive.

And the pass is complete.

Hannah Huff with the point after.

And that is the end of the third quarter.

Harris County up 32 to 0-1 quarter away from their first ever flag football state championship.

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The GHSA football playoffs and Championships are brought to you by Alfa Insurance.

We're more than just an insurance company.

We're a part of your community.

GPB sports broadcast of this game is made possible by supporters of the GHSA, including the National Federation of High Schools.

This high school gym used to be packed most nights.

Not anymore.

Do you know why?

Because bad behavior by fans, especially adults, has caused a shortage of game officials across the country.

You see, without officials, we can't have sports.

Don't let this become reality.

It's time for a change.

Let's bench bad behavior for good.

It has been all Harris County.

As we start the fourth quarter, the Tigers, on the cusp of their first ever flag football state championship, looking for their fourth shutout in five playoff games.

And a lot of smiles there on that Tiger sideline as they look like they'll be bringing home a state championship trophy to Hamilton.

Been all all gas, no breaks for the Tigers showing the top end speed showing the flag.

Poole ability showing the ability to pitch and catch on offense.

All cylinders wide open.

So Washington County, who moved the ball well on their last drive before an interception at the goal line.

This pass is complete and thrown back from Kitchens to Hagans to Alyssa Thomas.

That pitch game has really helped out the Golden Hawks offense.

Different style of offense is obviously on display this morning here.

One definitely here for the the Golden Hawks just get the ball on the edge.

Keep pitching, keep getting the ball up field.

Don't stop until we hear the the whistle.

And given where we are in the game and with the score.

Dave, it is important to note that there is a run rule, if you will.

Mercy rule.

You get to the 40 yard line that time or should say 30 yard line on this 80 yard flag football field.

But if the margin is 19 points or greater at the two minute mark in the fourth quarter of the game does end right?

So that 9 minutes there on the game clock, unless something changes pretty quickly for the Golden Hawks.

Two minute warning will be the end of the season.

Yeah, I think if you're playing for Washington County right now, you'd love to just find a way to crack that goose egg on the scoreboard.

Came so close.

Got inside the five yard line on the last drive after hardly moving the ball at all in the first half.

And on second down, modest gain brings up third down and manageable.

Probably around the seven Hagans again on the catch.

Come on.

Right here.

Got to get to midfield on third down.

Kitchens will run for it.

She's going to be short but picks up 4 yards.

Fourth down and three.

And really no reason not to go for it here.

We do want to give a little love to the Harris County Tigers.

Notable alumni as well.

Josh Pate, of course know his work.

Jordan Jenkins, Tae Crowder, Taquon Marshall.

You know Crowder.

Marshall.

They were on that same team at Harris County about ten years ago.

So of course Jessica Carter as well in the WNBA Mississippi State Bulldogs.

So on fourth down Kitchens flag is pulled.

She is sacked again.

Riley Hall with her second sack today.

And the Tigers will take over.

Gotta love how you walk up the linebacker just applies that pressure.

Even making the quarterback roll a little bit.

Just gotta pull that flag the first time and has done that a bunch of times today.

That's a good way to get off the field in a hurry.

And again, the Tigers are back on offense on the plus side of the field.

Alyssa.

So Harris County, 5 minutes away from winning the state championship with a 30-2 point lead.

As Dave mentioned, the game will end at two minute warning.

Just a. Phenomenal effort weaving in great work in the run game that time from Abigail Zimmermann.

That'll bring a first and goal situation, and it feels like every button that Coach Kinsey has pressed has work today.

Offensively.

Yeah, exactly.

Especially when you score a couple times early.

It does take the pressure off offensively.

Zimmermann find a couple yards here.

Find a couple of yards there.

Go over the top for a big gain.

All cylinders.

And when GPB first started televising these flag football games Dave there weren't a lot of offenses that you saw that were this sophisticated.

And that's what you love about the the flag football where it's at now, the speed, the execution has all increased.

It's remarkable to see what the players have bought into.

It's remarkable the coaches and administrators have bought into to where when you talk about teams that make it to this stage, they're all athletic, they're all fast.

What got them here is playing pitch and catch.

So that's how you get to not only 307 teams playing across Georgia High School, which is remarkable in a couple of years.

But the execution and the speed at which they're doing that is phenomenal.

And a lot of players will see over the next three days.

On the flag side, we'll play flag football in college, some getting full scholarships, deep ball overthrown, looking for Pettit.

And the flag football world.

Right.

We got a couple of schools that play in air ball and there's money there.

And that's what we need to continue to grow is not only the schools here in Georgia.

High school to continue to play this game and grow this sport in the state.

But as more colleges, next level schools keep adding their programs, now we've got Olympics coming up for flag football.

So the exposure there, the sport not only in this state but across the country, going to the Olympics, across the globe is where this is at.

It's hard to believe how far the sport has come in Georgia, say, seven or eight years ago when the Falcons started, it in 2018 as a club sport, deep again incomplete.

Looking for Pettit one more time.

That'll bring up fourth down as we're under 5 minutes to play.

And Harris County well on their way to their first flag football state championship.

We got some great matchups coming up.

Saw Nikki Nodo she had a chance to visit with Greenbrier head coach James Smith at halftime.

Greenbrier going for the three-peat out of Evans, Georgia over in the Augusta area.

And of course, you've got Jenkins High School making their first ever state championship appearance in a girls sport in school history.

Down in Savannah.

This pass is complete.

Pettit headed towards the goal line, but her flag is pulled and there's a stop for Washington County on fourth down.

Might not be the positive energy you want there.

By the Golden Hawks off Golden Hawks defense.

Been a long day for them, but good job right there on the short side of the field of not giving up any more points.

I don't want to jinx it here, Dave, but I feel like we've got at least give Michael Gurley some recognition our white hat today.

Not a single penalty in this game.

Some point we were waiting to introduce him.

It never happened.

Hagans pitches out to Thomas or Kitchens.

I beg your pardon.

Let's go down to Jon Nelson on the sideline.

So you've taken the headset off at 313.

You've been you've been running piece of energy all game long here.

Yeah, man.

You know, just hoping my girls will feed off of it.

You know just stay you know hyper aggressive dialed in the whole game.

And they've been man they've been locked in.

They've been so locked in.

The offense that we've seen out here today.

Obviously it's been off the charts.

How deep is the playbook how much memorization has to go on with that playbook.

When you have a. Player.

Oh yeah.

When you have a player like Madalynn Cauley on your team, your playbook can be this thick and there's nothing she can't process.

There's nothing she can't take in.

And I mean, I don't know if there's anything this girl can't do.

On offense.

And so now you get a pick.

Once again, we talked about offense.

And we have we have to talk about your defense here a little bit.

What's it like to see them come up as stout as they have on a on a decision day.

Our defense has been absolutely lights out.

Fantastic.

And I'm so proud of those girls.

Absolutely proud of them.

Back upstairs to close it out guys.

The final seconds till the two minute warning.

Great stuff Nelly.

You know coach Kinsey Sutton Mychal Washington Virginia has got to be excited to watch this one play out 5 seconds away in the Harris County Tigers are state champions in flag football 32 to nothing.

The final and the Tigers bring home the title.

When they Warren Gordon Harris County 32 Wolsin Jacobe Moss.

Oh my God.

North Cobb state champions.

What a performance for the Harris County offense!

And they finish it in style with an interception from Hannah Huff.

Again, handshakes.

Great season for both teams.

Washington County a team nobody expected to be here in the championship game.

And Harris County their first ever state championship appearance.

And Dave they got the job done and then some.

Yeah, it's just fun to watch quarterback flag football probably across the state is centered around the quarterback position.

And she showed why she's one of the top quarterbacks in the state.

Again shout out to the center.

Get involved.

Offense the ball going every direction at a high level.

Exactly what you want.

And that's how you win a state championship.

So congratulations to Harris County.

Yeah.

Madalynn Cauley at quarterback.

She was just magnificent.

You look at her stats on the day 15 for 22 183 yards.

And she also rushed for 54 yards combining for five total touchdowns.

And then Aubry Mertz like you said at the center position, she had six catches for 85 yards and two scores.

And you can see how excited Coach Kinsey is.

This has been a special senior group.

When you asked him about it this week, Dave, you mentioned how emotional he got when talking about these seniors and what this state championship could mean.

And you can see right there in that huddle right there, coach just pumped.

They almost had an interception in the second quarter.

And coach is on the ground tapping the ground.

He wants it.

So we talked to him over the week.

He paused for a second after being in the bin, seeing the big stage, the big bright lights, what it meant for for Hamilton, Georgia.

And so again, that's exactly what we want.

We want men like that teaching and coaching our student athletes in Georgia high school.

So congratulations to Harris County.

And they will be taking that state championship trophy down I-85.

What a day for Harris County.

And like we talked like we mentioned, it just began really from the jump.

As soon as that whistle blew.

Harris County got the ball first.

They scored on a long drive of 70 or beg your pardon, 64 yards.

And then once that momentum got going, it just snowballed out of control.

The defense was suffocating.

And Harris County clearly deserving the state championship here today.

Yeah.

To play five games in the playoffs and only give up seven points over those five games.

We can talk a lot about how the offense clicked and and moved around.

But the defense again bowing their neck and being relentless, pulling flags.

First time you got to do that and flag football.

If you don't man, it just gives the other offense that much more fun and Madden Tigers flew around, clawed it down and shut it down.

So here's County, the first of 13 champions, to be crowned here over the next three days at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

We still have four more flag football championship games as well.

But you see Coach Kinsey and the Tigers preparing to accept their state championship trophy.

And again, they've got a chance to do this four more times.

Got some great matchups coming up.

You've got Greenbrier and Jenkins later today followed by a couple of tackle football games.

And what makes this even more special?

Dave is getting to do it in this building too, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

And such a thrill win or lose, a chance to compete on this surface in this environment.

Really?

That's going to be something unforgettable.

Zayden.

Yeah.

Here's a look at what we have coming up today.

We mentioned Jenkins and Greenbrier.

They're in the Division two championship.

And then how about Bowdon and Lincoln County?

Our first tackle game.

That'll be class A, Division two, and then Creekside and Benedictine.

The Creekside Seminoles.

They have set a state record in points scored in a single season.

And they still have a game to play tonight.

Benedictine, meanwhile, outlasting Marist in a thrilling game about ten days ago down in the Savannah area.

So the Cadets and the Seminoles should be a lot of fun to watch that game here tonight, but Harris County defeats Washington County 32 to nothing.

Dave, what do you think we'll see from Jenkins and Greenbrier?

Yeah two completely different styles of offenses.

Jenkins.

Run heavy, a little more physical.

And then again, Greenbrier been there, done that.

Got the T-shirt.

So definitely competing different or conflicting different styles of programs and offenses.

But exactly what you want to see you want to see the excitement of, of different teams.

Here's a look at some highlights in case you're joining us.

Late Madalynn Cauley just a bulldozer today with that Harris County offense.

Pearson Pettit caught a touchdown pass.

She also snags the interception and Aubry Mertz.

Take a look at this play.

Those flags weren't taken loose.

Racing all the way down the field.

Jade Kitchens able to track her down, but ultimately Mertz gets in the end zone.

A couple of plays later, her second touchdown catch of the day.

And there's the moment Harris County, state champions of Division One in flag football.

Such an exciting moment for everyone down in Hamilton, either here today or watching.

And you see Coach Kinsey and his third season as the head coach at Harris County.

And I mean, that moment of walking up to the championship platform, Dave, it's it's hard to put into words how special that is exactly.

But you have to have that positive energy.

Those vibes last night in the team hotel, waking up with a good breakfast, clearing your mind.

You've been you've been working hard for this for several years.

It's not guaranteed for anybody in any year, but you're definitely happy when your name is called.

Your team has more points than the other team.

And there is the trophy state champions.

2025.

And Coach Kinsey is going to be followed by.

It looks to be his senior class.

And you see John Nelson following them up.

And I mean this is that senior class he was talking about Dave, a group that really led the Tigers through this championship run.

They've been building and building and building.

They've made some deep playoff runs but had never made it to the final game.

And not only do they make it here, but they dominate a 32 to nothing drubbing to win the state championship.

And we'll go down to John Nelson.

Now, this time, the championship presentation.

Over to John Nelson of Georgia Public Broadcasting.

Thank you.

Wiley Mallard.

Once again, time to present our first trophy here in three days of fun here at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

First and foremost, once again, shout out to everybody there at Washington County.

Sandersville, you represent every sport fantastically.

Thank you for your support here today to kick things off here in 2025.

But now it is time to catch up with the champs and our first champs of three days.

And to do it, it is Ernie Yarborough from the Georgia High School Association.

Our friends from Alfa Insurance.

Thanks, John.

And again, I want to echo what he said.

Congratulations to Washington County.

The folks that came all the way from Sandersville.

Let's hear it for those folks.

And for the group from Harris County.

You traveled well.

Good job.

You know, we are so pleased with the growth of this sport and nationally, it's been recognized as one of the top programs in the entire country.

And part of it is, is the commitment that these girls make to be involved in this program.

So on behalf of the Georgia High School Association, congratulations on your championship.

And we'll call up a representative now from, Alpha to present your coach with the championship trophy.

Congratulations.

Yes.

You got it.

Don't drop it.

Hold it up.

Oh!

Drop it!

Don't drop it.

The key words.

First trophy heading back to Harris County.

How does that feel?

Oh my God, look at how county showed up for us today.

Man, this is amazing right?

We I, I feel like I work in the best county in the state.

These girls are amazing.

It's just I'm so proud of them man.

I'm so proud of them.

The group of seniors, I have to ask.

It's been a long road to get here.

You've gotten close, you've gotten close, you've gotten close, and now you've kicked the door in for the first time.

What does this group of seniors mean to you?

This.

These ladies are special, and I can't think of a more deserving group than these young ladies.

What they've endured, what they've gone through how they've battled through adversity.

They're just they're so special.

I got to tell you, I. I'm just I'm honored to have had an opportunity to be a part of their lives and coach them.

And, I mean, you got to watch what they did out there today.

These girls are just something.

They're next level, man.

They're elite.

And it was so fun to coach.

And the first trophy for 2025.

Heads down 1-85 to Hamilton Harris County state champs in flag football.

Let's send it back upstairs to Wiley.

And Dave.

Football Fridays in Georgia is presented by the Governor's Office of Highway Safety, reminding you to park your phone while driving.

Saves lives.

Heads up, Georgia.

Senate.

You wouldn't take a call during the big game.

Oh hey what's up man?

You wouldn't be texting while cheering on your team.

Jacket.

And you definitely wouldn't want to watch a video while marching with the band.

So why would you drive a car while distracted driving isn't a game when you lose on the road, it could lead to a crash.

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Welcome in to our first official tailgate party for our football championship!

Three day extravaganza!

Now, if we're having a tailgate party, that means we've already crowned one state champion and we're getting ready for another game coming up.

If you're just now joining us, I'm Nikki Noel Parmer, and we've officially crowned our first state champion of the day.

We've wrapped our flag Division one, and we have a final score.

Let's go ahead and take a look at our Georgia EMC scoreboard.

Harris County Tigers.

They bring home the title and they did it with a shutout.

Final score was 32 to nothing.

Madalynn Cauley.

Good grief.

She played lights out and was a huge reason that their offense was unstoppable.

And of course the defense man, they were dominant as well.

Well, Madalynn, she's our player of the game and our John Nelson is with her now.

Nelly.

Yes.

Yes he is.

They had to take her out really quickly for the team photo.

So we are going to there we go.

All right.

Here comes quick.

All right.

Here we go.

All right.

Can you ask her, John, if I still have eligibility?

Because I want to play on that team.

Unbelievable.

Our Nikki Nodo Parmer upstairs basically says she wants to know if she has eligibility.

Can she come and play with you?

Yeah, I mean.

I can settle for team mom.

I guess.

So, I mean, it's been a hard four years, but finally we got here and we just had a change in staff, a change in coach, as you probably know.

And he got us here.

So I mean just love to my team you know okay.

So since this is our player of the game presented by our friends at the Georgia Cotton Commission, the natural choice for Georgia and our natural choice for player of the game was was cricket here.

So the hat is yours.

Feel free to wear the hat at any time.

Well, and then the towel.

The towel goes home with you.

So drape that over your shoulder real quick because I need a third hand.

There we go.

Yeah.

So that stays with you.

This stays with you.

What has it been like with this offense?

Because it seems like it's just floating out there at times.

I feel like we've been practicing since summer and we've all just been clicking and clicking and clicking.

And even though we have different subs that come out, we've all just clicked and we bond.

And even though something doesn't go right, we all have the mindset of just forgetting about and moving on to the next play.

So and we all just trust each other.

And they're yelling at the top of their lungs cricket, cricket, cricket.

So we have to tell them about where the nickname came from.

So go for it.

All right.

So I used to play softball and they said that I hopped around the field a lot.

I was kind of a ball hog, so they started calling me cricket and it kind of stuck.

What is this ride been like for you and the other and the other upperclassmen that have been close, close, close.

But now you finally got it.

Well, for the last two years, my freshman year, we came here and we lost to Southeast Bulloch.

Of course, a good team.

Then the last two years we keep dropping in the Elite Eight, and we've said every year that this is our year.

We've always had a good team, but this year we finally had the fighting, finally missing piece.

You know, just a good coach that believes in us and and follows through.

And I feel like that's what really changed it.

And we all just started clicking on offense.

As I said before.

What's it like with this offense.

Because this offense at times I mean honestly, it's like trying to catch like a rain through your open hand or something.

You guys, it's difficult catching all of you guys with all the speed you've got.

I mean, we, we run so many routes every single day.

We run at least 50-1 hundred routes every day.

We have three different quarterbacks that throw.

So my arm doesn't get tired, but we just rep and rep and rep and we were we were prepared.

Preparation is key.

So how big is the playbook, by the way?

Pretty small.

We actually had a playbook at the start, but we started getting away from it and just using different hand signals and that started working.

So we've just been I mean.

Okay, so then, all right tell you what, can you do two hand signals real quick.

Give me like one of the touchdown passes.

What was the hand?

Give me a hand signal for one of the TD passes.

All right.

We had okay, right, right.

Okay, so translate that for me.

It means spread left.

Tango cash roll.

One of the best movies of all time.

Tango and cash are Georgia Cotton, commission player of the game.

And you want to talk about a cricket?

Definitely here.

One of the most prolific quarterbacks in the state state history when it comes to flag football.

Congratulations.

Take that back to Harris County.

Yes, sir.