Battle5 Gridiron National Youth Flag Football Championship

Battle5 Gridiron / Dallas. The ultimate testing ground for the best youth flag football athletes in the country. This past weekend, more than 1,040 kids from nine states descended on Dallas, Texas for the Battle5 Gridiron Tournament of Champions. All for the chance to claim the title of “National Champion”. But as the saying goes, it’s not (all) about the destination. It’s also about the journey.

And for us here at Gridiron Football, the journey began six months ago. That’s when we first dreamt of hosting a flag tournament unlike any other. And in classic Gridiron style, it had to have some pretty epic Game Day swagger. That meant world-class venue, professional DJ, tents, flags, elite partnerships, live-streamed games, professional media coverage, photo studio, ESPN-style interviews, the best football officials in the state, and of course next-level championship swag.

As the Texans would say, y’all, we did it.

• 356 games played over 21 hours on 14 flag football fields
• 4,794 total attendees
• 104 teams comprised of 1,040 athletes (from 6-17) and 312 coaches
• 3,432 flags pulled
• 5,284 professional photos taken
• 500 snow cones, 450 hot dogs, 250 plates of nachos, 120 pizza slices and 150 bags of popcorn eaten; 450 bottles of water and 300 gatorades drunk
• 15 division champions, 4 of whom were girls-only
• 47 miles walked by each Gridiron staff person to make sure it was the best tournament ever

Oh, and did we mention we had special guest appearances from current Dallas Cowboys' Tight End starter, Jake Ferguson, among other former NFL greats?! 🤯

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BATTLE5 GRIDIRON / SATURDAY [ DALLAS EDITION ]

 

30 minutes away from The Star in Frisco, Saturday’s pool play was hosted at Lovejoy High School in Lucas, Texas. A sprawling campus featuring brand new, state-of-the-art turf fields. The day before, Gridiron team members spent 8 hours setting up flags, tents, cones, pylons, signs, tables, concessions and partner booths. Everything had to be perfect.

 

 

Teams began arriving at 6am, ready to kick-start a packed day of competition. Over the next 10 hours, 240 games were played across 10 flag football fields. Parents, siblings and friends lined the sidelines and bleachers, tents and umbrellas their shade from the hot Texas sun. And a bustling vendor village filled with a dozen premier sports brands and concessions made sure players and fans alike were kitted out with the best equipment and food (Chick-fil-A, anyone?!).

 

 

Jasmine, mother of 11-year-old Jordan, told us: “This is our first tournament. It’s really organized. [Jordan’s] having a ball. He’s probably the youngest on the team. But I can see him maturing. I can see him growing in the sport. And I’m loving it.”

While late afternoon thunderstorms cut the competition short, it couldn’t have been a better day– or a better stage– for what was to come on Sunday. Check out the highlight reel here!

 

 

BATTLE5 GRIDIRON / SUNDAY [ DALLAS EDITION ]

Basketball may have the “Big Dance”. The NFL may have the “Super Bowl”. But in our totally unbiased opinion, both fall short compared to Battle5 Gridiron / Day 2 at The Star.

In this extraordinary setting, home to the Dallas Cowboys, 1,040 athletes competed for the chance to take home the title of “National Champion”. From 8am to 9pm, 96 games were played on the same turf as football greats. The stands filled with 3,442 parents, friends and siblings.

 

 

Encouraging messages, game play highlights, and Q&As with players rolled on the big screen. And a professional DJ mixed music for everyone inside and outside. Between games, players could walk through the vendor village, step into a professional photo studio with neon lights, or watch as ESPN-style interviews took place with coaches, Gridiron operators, and former / current NFL athletes. Not to mention pick up exclusive tournament swag (i.e., on the softest t-shirts ever created).

 

(Interviews with Gridiron CEO, Gene Scheurer, and former Seattle Seahawk, CJ Prosise) 

 

(Interviews with former US Gymnist, Tia Orlando, and former New England Patriot and Denver Bronco, Josh Barrett) 

 

(Interviews with Dallas Cowboys' Tight End starter, Jake Ferguson, and Gridiron DFW Commissioner, JG Hickman) 

 

But in the end, a champion must be crowned. Or 15 in this case. And they were. In the outdoor plaza, winning teams enjoyed individual award ceremonies against the backdrop of our Battle5 Gridiron banner and the Ford Center. In addition to the ultimate bragging rights, each team took home a 36” team trophy (in the shape of a Dallas Cowboys helmet), individual trophies, custom hats, custom jerseys courtesy of Battle Sports, and a paid half-bid to The One hosted by USA Football next month.

 

But regardless of whether a team won or lost, each walked away knowing they just had a once-in-a-lifetime experience and left everything on the field.

“Gridiron’s 2023 Battle5 was by far one of the best tournaments our team has played in.  Starting w/ team check-in to event layout, to facilities, to the fields the kids played on thru to the officials they had managing the games… Todd Cadwallader and the Gridiron staff set the bar and in some cases took things to a whole new level.”

- Geoff Godsey, Assistant Coach: Cedar Park Bulldogs NTX 9U

On a special note, we were proud to host four exclusive divisions for girls, ages 9 to 17. Here at Gridiron Football, we’re honored to take the lead ensuring boys and girls have every opportunity to pursue their athletic dreams and benefit from the character development and life lessons this sport provides.

 

 

But this is only the beginning. Boston is next. Who’s ready?

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WALL OF CHAMPIONS

6 and Under (Coed/Boys)

TEAM BLITZ / Dallas, TX

Players: Avery Watkins, Boss Peacock, Caeden Franklin, Camden Camacho, Cameron Bryant, Kyler Nicholson, Kyson Wormley, Triton Hollins  Coaches/Team Admins: Sammy Salas, Kyle Peacock, Shamar Bryant

Runner-Ups

VISION BOYZ / Oldsmar, FL

Players: Antonio Dixon, Austin Osadchey, Bryant Burch, Carmelo Padilla, Cobee Davis, Emmanuel Gamble, Jr., Gerard Glenn, Jr., Kingston Campbell, Messiah Hitson, Tyler Henderson  Coaches/Team Admins: Arkise Hayes, Emmanuel Gamble, Sr., Keona Dixon

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7 and Under (Coed/Boys)

CEDAR PARK BULLDOGS / Cedar Park, TX

Players: Cruz Riley, Diego Gomez, Jr., Isaiah Duran, Khareem Miller , Marcellus Yates, Jr., Mason Mukala  Coaches/Team Admins: Diego Gomez, Marcellus Yates, Rene Duran

Runner-Ups

TEAM BLITZ / Dallas, TX

Players: Isaiah Wormley, Jackson Hines, Kaysten Carbajal, Max Young, Michael Collins, Preson Fannin, Seven Swinney, Tabius Swinney, Ty Dockery  Coaches/Team Admins: Danny Hines, Dominique Swinney, Sammy Salas

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8 and Under (Coed/Boys)

TEAM BLITZ / Dallas, TX

Players: Braylen Ramon, Cane Reeves, Kadrian Chacon, Kaysten Carbajal, Koda Graziadei, LaMichael James, Jr., Landon Rodriguez, Mekhi Hill, Neven Davis, Noah McPherson, Ty Dockery, Xaiymarviyon Mccuin  Coaches/Team Admins: Josh Chacon, LaMichael James, Sammy Salas

 

Runner-Ups

Centex Sauce Babies / Austin, TX

Players: Darius Baker, Jayceon Thornton, Khareem Miller, Lobe Overton, Kyree Swinney, Lawson Folts, Lorenzo Lawson-Zigler IV, Marcellus Yates, Jr., Sterling Shepard, Zyheir Darks  Coaches/Team Admins: Charles Bender, Chad Folts

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9 and Under (Coed/Boys)

Cedar Park Bulldogs NTX / Dallas, TX

Players: Cane Reeves, Jace Godsey, Jayden Ray, Kiyan Willis, Noah Ewing, Preston Hartfield, Roman Hollins   Coaches/Team Admins: Devin Hartfield, Geoff Godsey, Kevin Ray, Jr.

Runner-Ups

TA Longhorns / Dallas, TX

Players: Carder Payne, Cason Evans, Daxsyn Rivas, Donovan Johnson, Joshua Wheeler, Kaiden Searcy, Ke’Aryian Harnage, Legend Hoover, Nayden Polk, Rylan Grube   Coach: Justin Grube

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10 and Under (Coed/Boys)

TA Longhorns / Dallas, TX

Players: Aiden Pullum, Brytten Taylor, Daelan Garrett, Isaac Parks, Jr., Jacadyn Harrison, Jade Duffey, Julain Purvis, Kingston Daniels, Landyn Clemons, Lennon Combs, Princewill Njoku III, Silas Valencia, Ty Terfehr   Coaches/Team Admins: Justin Grube, Mo Valencia

 

Runner-Ups

Army Black Knights / Dallas, TX

Players: Bayne Freeman, Cade Eagle Strain, Eduardo Amador, Elijah Medina, Kason Scully, Liam Song, Steel Strain   Coaches/Team Admins: Edwin Medina, Matt Song, David Freeman

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11 and Under (Coed/Boys)

Team Blitz / Dallas, TX

Players: Cayman Stowers, Cruz Chacon, Jae White, Kristopher Martin, Noah Salas, Noah Valencia, Reece Graziadei, Sean Malone, Silas Valencia, Troy Manley, Youri Agoh   Coaches/Team Admins: Sammy Salas, Josh Chacon, Andrew Manley

Runner-Ups

Can’t Lose / Rockwall, TX

Players: Ahmad Tucker II, Ashton Neroes, Braedon Bryant, Damarion Johnson, Kyron Brown, Ryder Hamilton, Tai Gordon, Taino Salgado   Coaches/Team Admins: Marshall Gordon, Juan Selgado, Richard Delgado

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12 and Under (Coed/Boys)

Metro Select / Colleyville, TX

Players: Braylon Walker, Eric McElroy, Josiah Frye, Langston Chalk, Makana Keliikipi, RaySean Darthard-Strambler, Vahn Malvo, Xavier Miles   Coaches/Team Admins: Steven Arnold

Runner-Ups

Can’t Lose / Rockwall, TX

Players: Ahmad Tucker, Anderson Hoefer, Asher Barcus, Darian Williams, Davion Blunt, Julian Armilla, Julian Reyes, Kyron Brown, RRamon Fulcher II, Tai Gordon, Taino Salgado, William Gaston   Coaches/Team Admins: Derrick Bradley, RRamon Fulcher, Richard Delgado, Juan Selgado

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13 and Under (Coed/Boys)

Spartans

Players: Darren Akuin, Humza Harsolia, Jeremiah Post, Michael Toner, Milo Glenn, Reese Houston   Coaches/Team Admins: Arif Harsolia, Dennis Akuin, Matt Houston

 

Runner-Ups

Hub City Hawgs

Players: Bostyn Thornton, Hayden Reyna, Karson Motheral, Russell Stewart, Tealin Carter, T’Kai Newman   Coaches/Team Admins: Charles Mason, Tee Carter, TC Carter, Joel Craft

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15 and Under (Coed/Boys)

Tarheels / Rowlett, TX

Players: Andrew Johnson-Moss, Aubrey Robison, Benjamen Jocelyn, Chace Wesley, Dirk Williams, Izarick Dillehay, Kaden Jones, London Pendergraph, Marcus Thigpen, Roderick Rainwater, Zecheriah Crump   Coaches/Team Admins: Sam Pendergraph, Sean Harrington, Quentin Jackson, Anthony Wesley, Dirk Williams

Runner-Ups

Cyclones / Frisco, TX

Players: Blaine Masterson, Brady Guinn, Chase Halcovich, Elijah Decosta, Gavin Lowman, Rhys Lewis, Ryan Goode, William Loner   Coaches/Team Admins: Brian Guinn, Clyde Lewis

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17 and Under (Coed/Boys)

Coyotes / Turlock, CA

Players: Angelo Gonzalez, Anthony Pontes, Brandon Switzer, Brayden Silva Sousa, David Garcia, Derek Potter, Jr., Edgar Silva, Jr., Ivan RIvera, Joseph Delte, Nicolas Wiggs, Omar De La Torre, Scout Silva   Coaches/Team Admins: Christian Fullerton, Darron Silva, Robert Pacheco, Anthony Malik, Herb Fullerton

 

Runner-Ups

Unicorns / Katy, TX

Players: Dane Dillingham, Drew Dillingham, Jackson Walsh, Jayden Chang, Jonathan Rodriguez, Noah Brodt, Patricio Diez De Sollano, Payne Rainosek   Coach: Cale Dillingham

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9U Girls

TFL Lady Colts / Houston, TX

Players: Analise Keeton, Aris Trujillo, Blayke Zachrau, Evie Marcelle, Lana Smith, Londyn Scoggins, Maken Voakes, Naomi Lainez, Reese Rodriguez   Coaches/Team Admins: Robert Scoggins, Tayton Coffelt, Kelly Jatzlau

Runner-Ups

TFT / Houston, TX

Players: Ilyanah Rainey, Isabella Cosme, Isabella Vera, Jazariah McBride, Johnny Rogers, Kalina Kellogg, Leilani Sedwick, Sophia Hill, Tatum Bijou   Coaches/Team Admins: Azalea Flores Kellogg, Paul Sedwick, Clifton Rainey

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10U Girls

TFL Lady Colts / Houston, TX

Players: Brooklyn Dotson, Brynlee Jatzlau, Claire Alderete, Evie Marcelle, Lana Smith, Layla Carroll, Makena Voakes, Mariah Smith, Naomi Lainez, Reese Rodriguez, Sophia Alba   Coaches/Team Admins: Tayton Coffelt, Kelly Jatzlau

Runner-Ups

Can’t Lose / Rockwall, TX

Players: Arianny Reyes, Arielle Armilla, Brentlie Coffman, Claire Woon, Juliana Granados, Kinzy Woolf, Lené Davis, Lilly Thomas, Mikaela Hunt, Neriah Vaega, Sofia Hunt   Coaches/Team Admins: Richard Woon, Richard Delgado

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12U Girls

TFL Lady Colts / Houston, TX

Players: Addison Fowler, Brooklyn Dotson, Brynlee Jatzlau, Brynlie Furler, Demi Rodriguez, Eliza Martin, Kendallyn Releford, Layla Carroll, Lorinn Scoggins, Mariah Smith   Coaches/Team Admins: Tayton Coffelt, Davin Morgan, Kelly Jatzlau

Runner-Ups

Black Widows / Mineral Wells, TX

Players: Brentlie Coffman, Bryla Coffman, Brynn Paxston, Clarissa Calvillo, Dayla Taylor, Kalee Melo, Kinzy Wolf, Lily Gomez, Taiylen Craven   Coaches/Team Admins: RJ Coffman, Jason Woolf, Rachelle Coffman, Randi Meadows

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15U Girls

Can’t Lose / Rockwall, TX

Players: Emma Thomas, Ivanka Granados, Jailyn Cancel, Jeanne Weber, Jillian Mastel, Lily Dunnigan, Naomi Camacho, Reagan Merz   Coaches/Team Admins: Richard Woon, Javier Reyes, Jr., Tai Vaega

Runner Ups

Fierce Beauties / Fort Worth, TX

Players: Caylee Johnson, Danette Johnson, Kortne Jefferson, K’Maria Wright, Meckenzie Releford, Shaniya Marry, Shiloh Ellis, Symarra Burrell   Coach: Maurisa Goldston

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17U Girls

WestExpress / St. Petersburg, FL

Players: Riley Eason, Jadah Robinson, Diaja Rogers, Zariah Hercule, Ella Vanhoesen, Jessani Wilkins, Alijah Vaughn, Raven Pride, Ellie Swain   Coaches/Team Admins: Jesse P Wilkins, Jr., Magdalina Joseph

 

Runner-Ups

Fierce Beauties / Fort Worth, TX

Players: Carlette Mitchell, Danette Johnson, Mildred Ramirez, Savayah Dixon, Shaniya Marry, Taylor Smith, Tiyanna Mckinney   Coach: Maurisa Goldston