The Jaguars PREP Flag Football initiative is checking a new box this weekend, the NFL Flag Championships which are being held at the Pro Football Hall of Fame Village in Canton, Ohio.
Two teams from the Jaguars PREP program emerged from a field which featured 98 teams across 11 divisions and travelled to the Clay County Regional Sports Complex in north Florida for the Jaguars Regional Championships in April. Teams traveled from as far away as Miami and Tampa to compete for a chance at a Championship appearance in Canton through this regional competition.
The 15U boys' squad led by head coach Brian Traster and assistant coach Michael Price, both former members of the US Men's National Team feature a roster of 10 boys from nine area high schools including Xander Edwards whose father Marc once played for the Jaguars.
The 18U girls' team is led by Ralph Graham Jr who is a 2024 NFL Flag Coach of the Year nominee and lists All PREP athletes Gabby Rourke, Ansley Hicks, Tremesha Harris and Jaguars PREP Player of the Year London Jenkins on their roster of 10 which represents nine north Florida high schools.
The games begin on Thursday, July 18th with ESPN picking up the tournament games starting on Friday July 19th.
The Jaguars PREP program has made a considerable investment in the program which supports and promotes youth Flag Football in recent years and the obvious results could net a championship or perhaps two for north Florida this weekend in Ohio.
"Football development is a key pillar of the Jaguars, and we remain committed to growing the game and providing youth the opportunity to build critical skills and character," said Adriel Rocha, vice president of community impact and football development for the Jacksonville Jaguars. "Our program is unique in the way we foster relationships and provide a top-tier experience for our flag athletes and coaches, and we are excited to see them represent the Jaguars on a national stage at the NFL Flag Championships."
The Jaguars PREP team is headed to Canton with the two teams and a considerable level of support which includes not only covering expenses for both the 15U and 18U girls but also top tier equipment for the competitors, custom Nike duffle bags with everything they'll need to compete at the highest level and be their best. That will also include a Jaguars PREP tent where team Mascot Jaxon de Ville will lend his quite vocal presence to the festivities.
