BY GENE NARDI
Last weekend, the Seminole Ridge High School football program hosted its second annual flag football tournament. Sixteen teams played in adult men’s and women’s divisions on two different fields at the school.
The event has gained popularity in the year since its inception. The Acreage/Loxahatchee area is known for its flag football programs, which helps explain the school’s success with its girls flag football team, collecting five state titles in the past seven years.
Alumni from the Hawks’ tackle football program and the girl’s flag program participated as competitors on various teams. Several alumni stopped by just to catch up with old friends and watch some football.
“Flag football is so big out here, it’s just perfect for the community,” head football coach James Parson said. “One of the referees used to play out here. Now we get to pay him on Friday nights.”
Parson is building tradition at Seminole Ridge and maintains relationships with former student-athletes. “We have several returning players from both programs out here playing on teams,” he said.
The tournament was a two-day event, with the first day being pool play. On day two, teams participated in a playoff system to determine the tournament champion in each of the divisions. Teams had the potential to play up to seven games total, based on their performance.
The tournament served a dual purpose: one, to provide an activity for people in the community who chose not to travel for the holiday weekend, and second, to serve as a fundraiser for both programs at the school.
Concessions were available throughout the day, and the Hawks apparel tent was on scene so fans could show their school spirit.
Parson took over the Seminole Ridge tackle football program after last season and directed the team to a 20-14 victory over South Fork High School in the spring game. The Lady Hawks flag football program, directed by coach Scott O’Hara, capped an impressive undefeated season (17-0) with its second-straight state title last season, beating Martin County High School 25-7.
Parson is already planning next summer’s tournament.
“I’m going to get it on the calendar early,” he said. “We may keep it on the holiday weekend, because some people stay around and are looking for something to do.”
There is no doubt the community will look forward to this new tradition that has created an opportunity for alumni and supporters to catch up on what’s happening.
ABOVE: Team All Madden (in orange) vs. Team Adrenaline (in blue) play in the women’s division.
