(Dec. 12, 2024) – Two Cherokee Youth Girls Flag Football teams battled to the finish at 2024 Georgia Recreation and Parks Association (GRPA) State Championships hosted Dec. 6-7 by the Jackson County Recreation Department. The 14U Cyclones bested their competition, earning the championship nod in their division while the Cyclones finished as runners-up.
Cherokee County Recreation and Parks flag football teams began in the fall of 2021 thanks to a grant from the Atlanta Falcons and Blank Foundation.
“With this stellar performance, Cherokee County has firmly established itself as a powerhouse in girls’ flag football,” said Cherokee Recreation and Parks Athletics Division Director Shawn Schumacher. “As the sport continues to grow, all eyes will be on these exceptional athletes as they build on their success in the years to come.”
The 14U team’s historic victory represents a significant milestone in Georgia’s youth sports. The team dominated the competition, beginning with a 26-0 win over Jackson County followed by a 44-0 win over Sandy Springs before clinching the championship with a 25-19 triumph over Gilmer County.
The 12U team opened with an impressive 32-0 victory against Jackson County, followed by a 26-6 win over Camden County but ultimately falling 20-6 in a championship rematch against Camden County.
The championships, held at Panther Stadium at Jackson County High School, featured flag football talent from across Georgia. The event celebrates athleticism, teamwork and sportsmanship with teams from various counties competing for top honors.
Flag football, a non-contact adaptation of American football, offers an engaging and safe environment for players to develop skills such as agility, strategy and teamwork. For more information on the Cherokee Youth Girls Flag Football program, visit PlayCherokee.org.
