In 2011 three of our four DAC flag tournament teams were formed in late September, approximately two weeks after our annual shape-up. Our tournament goal was to provide an opportunity for the kids to play in an NFL sponsored tournament. The tournament teams were made up of children who were available for ample practice; but also required a commitment to work in conjunction with their coaches and league to ideally fill the role of putting DAC's best foot forward for these events.
Prior to participating in the tournaments, these teams also played an ample amount of scrimmages to help them prepare for the competition. The number of teams participating in any given per age group can range anywhere from 12 to 32, with teams traveling in from all over the country. Many of these teams come from leagues such as ours but also from leagues much larger than ours. Some of these competing programs have more than 1000 kids in them. In addition, some of these programs play all year round.
On October 16th, 2011, DAC sent a team to the NFL Northeast Flag Regional at New Canaan, Connecticut. Our team made up of boys from 12-14 went 2-1 and finished in 2nd place in their division. They successfully and easily defeated their first two opponents but lost in an elimination game 7-6 and failed to qualify for the playoffs.
On November 6th, DAC sent three teams to Baltimore to play in the NFL Regional tournament at MTT Stadium, the home of the Baltimore Ravens. We sent in two teams made up of boys ages 9-11. The Dac's Wildcats had a roster of 10 kids. This was this team's first tournament experience. They competed in three close games but came up a little short in each of the games. The other team of 9-11 year olds, the DAC's Marksman was able to win two out of their three games, but lost also did not get a chance to advance to the playoffs.
The 12-14 DAC Marksmen was able to convincingly win their division going 3-0. There was a large crowd for their playoff game which translated into an exciting atmosphere; however, the result was a 14-13 defeat for the Marksmen. The team trailed 14-0 heading into the second half but came back with a fury and was an extra point away from tying the game with 15 seconds left in regulation. Instead of going for the tie, the team unsuccessfully went for the two points and the win. The kids had a terrific NFL Flag experience and a great time playing in an NFL professional stadium. Many of our families made this into a mini weekend family getaway.
Closing out the season, the group participated in one more tournament, which was held on November 26th, 2011 at the Parade Grounds in Brooklyn, New York. DAC sent three teams, with one of the 12-14 year old teams making the playoffs and our 9-11 year old team winning a title. This Marksmen team practiced and competed on and off for the past two years and was able to put every facet of their game together as they convincing won the tournament giving up only a single touchdown the entire day.
We are looking forward to a great 2012 flag season which will probably begin with a tournament in May of 2012 in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. Fall 2012 will also be our inaugural launch of girl's flag football ages 12-14. If you are interested in DAC flag football, please be sure to check back for more details.
The following DAC in house photos are from the 2011 NFL sponsored flag tournament.
DAC Flag Tournament Committee
