{
  "id": 9864386,
  "title": "Anniston High flag football team builds momentum in 2026",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/25/anniston-high-flag-football-team-builds-momentum-in-2026",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-25T23:49:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/anniston-high-flag-football-team-234900080.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Anniston High School flag football team has seen significant growth since its founding five years ago. Initially, the program started with around a dozen players but has now expanded to 19 athletes from seventh through 12th grade. Head coach Jessica Young, a physical education teacher and assistant athletics director, emphasized the academic success of the players, noting that several starters are dual-enrollment students. Flag football, a non-contact sport played with a cloth tassel instead of a tackle, has gained popularity statewide, with over 170 schools now participating.\n\nThe expansion of the program was made possible through grants from the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation and the Atlanta Falcons, which provided essential equipment. Among the team, senior quarterback Arianna Storey has been a constant presence since the program's inception. Storey, who grew up as one of few girls in her family, found a platform for her football aspirations through flag football. She expressed her gratitude to Coach Young, stating that the program has evolved from uncertain beginnings to a championship contender.\n\nStorey, a multi-sport athlete excelling in basketball and softball, highlighted the program's transformation, calling this year one of her best. The team's success this season is attributed to rigorous preparation and a shared goal of winning the postseason. Coach Young highlighted the team's dedication to practice and their shared vision of winning the championship or making history.\n\nBeyond the scoreboard, Young prioritizes academics and character development, ensuring that all starters are enrolled in dual-enrollment courses. She stressed that education comes first, aiming to produce productive citizens. Storey, a senior, plans to study electrical engineering in college while continuing her flag football career, targeting colleges such as Enterprise State Community College, Alabama State University, and Faulkner University. The Bulldogs play their home games at Lott-Mosby Memorial Stadium, with game schedules available on Anniston City Schools’ social media pages. Tickets for games are priced at $8 or $10 at the gate.",
  "summary": "At a glance: — Anniston High's flag football team has expanded to 19 rostered players across grades seven through 12 since its founding. — Head coach Jessica Young emphasizes classroom success, noting that multiple team starters are dual-enrollment students. — Flag football has grown statewide from a new initiative into a sport featuring more than 170 participating schools. When Anniston High ...",
  "key_points": [
    "Anniston High flag football team grew from 12 to 19 players in five years",
    "Coach Jessica Young emphasizes academic success of players",
    "Senior quarterback Arianna Storey leads team to championship contender status"
  ],
  "editors_take": "The growth of Anniston High's flag football team reflects a broader statewide trend, with rising participation and investment from organizations like the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation and Atlanta Falcons.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Yahoo Sports",
        "title": "Live updates: High Desert Week 6 high school football scoreboard",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/26/live-updates-high-desert-week-6-high-school-football-scoreboard",
        "published": "2026-09-26T00:00:40.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}