Capturing the Flag
Sparta - Two of Sparta’s flag football teams - the Patriots and the Chiefs - recently tasted sweet success upon winning their respective league championships, during the 2006 spring season of Youth NFL Flag Football. Coaches John Wilkins and Larry Spelman led their teams to victory in just their second year playing in the New Jersey Flag Football Association. The Chiefs, a Division 6 team comprising fifth- and sixth-graders from Sparta, capped off their 10-1-0 season with a 20-13 championship game victory over the Colts. The team members are Tyler Mastergiovanni, Brian Porter, Bradley Spelman, Ryan Spelman, Nick Vandertulip, and Kevin Wilkins. The Patriots, a Division 7 team comprising sixth- and seventh-graders, finished its 9-0-1 season with a 32-7 championship game victory over the Texans. The team members are Julian Feranola, Jon Figurelli, Rasheed Juiston, Mike Kane, Matt Pepe, Ryan Spelman, and John Wilkins. However, perhaps the biggest victory of this group of young boys was their 50-20 victory over the National Championship Team from Queens, N.Y. The nine-week season began on May 6 and concluded with the championship games on July 15-16. Each team chose the name of an NFL football team, and games were played every weekend in Wayne. “The kids did a wonderful job. They were focused all year and showed great sportsmanship,” said Coach Spelman, who has coached Sparta leagues for the past five years, and who played football himself at the University of Richmond in Virginia. Coach Wilkins also has an impressive background in tackle football. Wilkins played for East Stroudsburg University and in 1994 tried out for the New Orleans Saints. Due to the growing popularity of the sport, the coaches are considering a fall team, as well as a girl’s team, for the Sparta league. With natural talent and the opportunity to hone their skills and technique through the strategies and patterns of flag football, the coaches said they have no doubt these kids will go far. Youth Flag Football is sanctioned by the National Football League. It began in 1996 in an effort to educate youth about football and encourage good sportsmanship and athletic activity. The league is open to players age 5-17 with different divisions segregating the players by age group. While many rules are similar to those of tackle football, there are some distinct differences. For instance, rather than tackling the ball carrier, each down is over once the opposing team removes the flag that is attached by a snap on the ball carrier’s waist. Intentional contact is forbidden. Key Differences - Flag Football vs. Tackle Football 60-yard field vs. 100-yard field No intentional contact allowed vs. full contact is encouraged Five players on the field per team vs. 11 The football is never actually kicked vs. use of kicking for punts, field goals, and extra points Duration of game is 40 minutes running time vs. 60 minutes with clock stoppages End of play is when defensive player removes flag from ball carrier vs. defense must tackle the ball carrier All players are eligible to catch a pass vs. only designated players can pass No diving allowed while running with the ball vs. ball carriers may dive with the ball Pass rushers begin the play positioned at least seven yards from the line of scrimmage vs. defense lines up at the line of scrimmage Offensive rushing not allowed five yards before midfield and five yards before the goal line vs. offense may run any time Defense may not attempt to cause a fumble vs. causing a fumble is encouraged