STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- A wave of talent and determination is heading from Staten Island to Canton, Ohio, July 17-20, as nine local teams prepare to compete at the NFL Flag National Championships.
With a blend of defending champions, rising stars, and dedicated coaches, Staten Island is ready to make some serious noise on the national stage.
Thursday morning kicks off with the High School Girls Division, where 3 of the 32 qualifying teams hail from Staten Island. Leading the charge is the defending 18U National Champion Staten Island Giants (SIG). Coached by Mike Colt and Vinny Baccale, the Giants are anchored by defensive standout Charlotte Soto and quarterback Abbie Mercado — both key figures in a promising run.
“We have some players back from last year’s championship team, but we have a lot of young girls,” said Colt, whose said the 18U division has since been changed to the High School division and encompasses 16, 17 and 18-year-olds. “Hopefully, the bright lights and TV cameras won’t get to them. I think they have had enough experience to get through it.”
Also representing the borough are two elite squads from The Home Team (THT), a familiar name on the national scene with championship pedigree of their own.
THT Blue, led by Joe Taglia and Jason Thurman, features standout WR/DB Ava Rotondi and QB Emily Salafia of St. Joseph by the Sea.
THT Yellow, coached by Anthony Martinez and Tommy DeAngelis, brings an explosive lineup headlined by MLB Ava Martinez and WR Isabella Castro.
In the 12U Boys Division, THT Boys are set to compete under the guidance of Brandon Sturman and Will Mitchell. With QB Izzy Sturman commanding the offense and deep-threat Will Mitchell on the outside, they’re aiming to make a deep playoff run.
The 10U Girls Division will be represented by two Staten Island teams:
THT, coached by Kevin Brockdorf, come in as one of the favorites to win it all, featuring national standouts Alana Lewis and Cali Marrero.
The Killa Beez, coached by Nick Vitagliano, bring serious firepower with QB Tyler Rose Vitagliano and offensive standout Valentina Garcia.
In the 12U Girls Division, Staten Island will be represented by the NY Knights Purple, led by Coach Derick Herbst and dynamic scrambling QB Emma Herbst.
tht flag
THT 13u copped the title at the Flag Football Youth World Championships.photo credit, Tom DeAngelis
The 14U Girls Division is stacked with talent, featuring 27 elite teams, including two from Staten Island— THT Blue and SIG.
THT Blue, the defending 13U national champs, are coached by Brandon Sturman and Tommy Tessorio and return a strong core: QB Ava Grace, Ariana Caruso, Kayla Brady, and Emma Sturman.
Staten Island Giants (SIG) 14U, coached by Colt and assistant Anthony Velazquez, are led by signal-caller Alexis Irizarry with offensive and defensive playmaker Madison Addeo and Kaylynn Varner making plays on both sides of the ball.
“We started to find our rhythm late in the season,” said Colt. “When we’re on, we can compete with anyone. Our battles with THT have made us stronger -- iron sharpens iron.”
Staten Island Giants 14U
The Staten Island Giants 14Us are one of the favorites to win the crown in the NFL Flag Championships. (Photo courtesy of Mike Colt)Mike Colt
\Colt said it’s Staten Island vs. everybody at the NFL flag championships and he’s rooting for all the teams from the borough.
“Let’s show the nation where the best flag football is played — right here in Staten Island and the Northeast,“ said Colt, an advocate of the sport in the borough. ”Good luck to all nine teams heading to Canton. Wear that jersey with pride and represent every boy and girl back home chasing the dream."
Staten Island teams competing at NFL FLAG Nationals:
12U Boys – THT (Jets)
10U Girls – THT (Jets)
10U Girls – Killa Beez (Ravens)
12U Girls – NY Knights Purple (Ravens)
14U Girls – THT Blue (Jets)
14U Girls – Staten Island Giants (SIG)
HS Girls – THT Yellow (Jets)
HS Girls – THT Blue (Steelers)
HS Girls – Staten Island Giants (SIG)
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