SEB flag football team participates in national tournament in Canton, Ohio.
Southeast Bulloch High School’s flag football program has been an unstoppable force in Georgia, and in the summer of 2025, the Yellow Jackets will take their talents to national prominence at the NFL FLAG Championships in Canton, Ohio. The journey to this point has been built on hard work, perseverance, record-breaking performance, and community unity—all converging in a story that reflects athletic passion, teamwork, and the pursuit of excellence.
In December 2024, Southeast Bulloch secured its fourth consecutive Georgia state championship in a thrilling overtime victory at Mercedes‑Benz Stadium in Atlanta. Their 13–6 win over Columbus not only extended a nearly undefeated streak—82 wins and only one loss—but also accomplished what no other school in state history had done. This victory cemented SEB’s status as a dominant force and set the stage for broader ambitions at the national level .
That single blemish came at the hands of Columbus, but even that setback couldn’t diminish their momentum. As the team approached the season finale, they reflected on that lone defeat as a pivotal learning moment—a reminder of the fierce competition in Division 1, which spans schools from 1A to 7A classifications, all seeking to test their mettle against Southeast Bulloch .
Having clinched the state crown, the focus immediately turned to the next big goal: qualifying for the national tournament in Canton, Ohio. The NFL FLAG Championships, held at the Pro Football Hall of Fame, would gather more than 280 regional champions—including elite girls and boys teams—between July 18 and 21, 2024, and again in 2025 . For SEB, earning a spot among this national elite meant continuing their winning ways and balancing significant logistical challenges: travel, equipment, uniforms, tournament fees, and other expenses that fall outside standard school budgets .
That’s where Southeast Bulloch’s community stepped in with a fundraising initiative that perfectly aligned with their needs. Partnering again with Helpful Tees, a fundraising platform that sells custom apparel with no upfront costs, SEB launched a campaign in early February 2025. Through mid‑February, they offered a special “4x State Champs” shirt, with all proceeds dedicated to funding their trip to Canton . This spirited campaign reflected the community’s collective effort to ensure the program’s excellence could shine beyond state borders.
As the fundraising grew, so did excitement among the players. Two standout seniors, Jadyn Williams and Jaci Kitchings, had already experienced national exposure when they were selected for the inaugural NFL Flag Showcase at the Pro Bowl in Orlando on February 2, 2025 . Competing on an 18-and-under showcase roster, representing high school girls from around the nation, they arrived feeling both nervous and hopeful. Tension erupted into exhilaration once they hit the field, culminating in a dominant 28–0 win, during which Kitchings scored twice .
That memorable weekend was made even more spectacular when SEB’s dynamic duo were congratulated by NFL stars Justin Jefferson and Bijan Robinson—moments that underscored the growing recognition of girls’ flag football and the program’s rising profile . Yet, amidst all the celebrations, the players never forgot the upcoming challenge: representing Southeast Bulloch—and Georgia—at the national tournament in Canton in mid‑June 2025 .
In parallel with their fundraising efforts, players didn’t allow the off‑season to slow them down. Over the spring and early summer months, a rigorous practice schedule prepared them for the elevated competition. Their coaching staff, led by Marci Cochran, devised intensive workouts, video study, and drills aimed at sharpening every facet of their game. Passing accuracy, quick reflexes, flag‑pulling efficiency, play recognition—all were drilled to perfection.
The stakes were higher than ever. Winning at the national level would require not only athleticism but also mental toughness, adaptability, and the ability to perform under pressure. In regional play, SEB had already proven they could rise to the occasion—and in Canton, they would confront the best teams in the country.
And what a stage it is: Canton’s Pro Football Hall of Fame Village offers more than competition. For many athletes, it’s a dream to walk the halls of football legends, to gaze at exhibits that memorialize the sport’s greatest heroes, and to feel history in every corner . For SEB’s players, a tour of the Hall was more than a perk—it was a source of inspiration, a reminder that they were part of a broader story of football’s evolution.
The NFL FLAG Championships themselves are a marvel. Over three intense days, regional champs from each NFL market compete in tightly scheduled matches. Live action is broadcast across ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN Deportes, NFL+, and YouTube, with at least six hours of linear television coverage a day . The finals, featuring 15U boys and 17U girls, reach millions across ABC, Disney Channel, ESPN Deportes, and streaming platforms. If SEB could make a run, their performances would be seen by national audiences—and potentially the world.
But beyond the cameras and the roar of the crowd lies the true heart of the tournament: camaraderie, mutual respect, and the shared love of the game. The players exchange jerseys, talk about tactics, and form friendships that often extend beyond the tournament. These connections can last a lifetime, and for many athletes, it’s the conversations in the locker room that resonate as powerfully as any touchdown.
For Southeast Bulloch’s program, Canton represents validation—and a chance to build a legacy. Winning four state championships is historic; performing well nationally would elevate their program to new heights. College recruiters, national media, and flag football aficionados would be watching. But even without a championship title, making a deep run, demonstrating sportsmanship, and showing unity would be victories in their own right.
In preparation, SEB considered every variable. Travel logistics were complex: accommodations near Canton during the tournament, transportation to and from the Hall of Fame Village, meals to keep the athletes fueled, and recovery plans to ensure they could perform day after day. There were also administrative duties: permissions, health clearances, emergency protocols. Tags and wristbands to verify participants, itineraries for bus drivers and chaperones—everything had to be in place.
Still, the most important work happened on the practice field. The coaching staff emphasized flag protection tactics, agility drills, zone and man‑to‑man defensive schemes, and mastering the nuances of timing routes—like fast outs, deep corners, and crossing patterns. They focused on situational football: three‑and‑outs, clock management, two‑minute drills. In Canton, every second matters.
Yet, more than technique, coach Cochran fostered a culture of confidence and resilience. The state title run had taught them to thrive under pressure. Their lineup included skilled passers, sharp route‑runners, tenacious defenders, and blitz‑capable athletes who could disrupt backfields. Depth was another key advantage: with 28-strong rosters, substitutions allowed fresh legs and diverse schemes.
Meanwhile, the entire Southeast Bulloch community rallied behind them. Parents, alumni, local businesses, and booster clubs volunteered and donated. The Helpful Tees fundraiser exceeded expectations, showing how collective belief in their journey could yield tangible support. The team posted updates on social media, sharing plays from scrimmages, photos of the players in practice drills, and heartfelt thank‑you messages to donors and supporters.
By mid‑June, the team—including Williams, Kitchings, and a strong senior class—was poised to leave Statesboro for Canton. The bus ride was filled with pep talks, video clips of their best plays, music, and team songs. Kids wore their “4x State Champs” tees. Parents and school administrators waved them off, offering final words of encouragement. This wasn’t just travel—it was a pilgrimage.
Arriving in Canton, the energy was electric. The Pro Football Hall of Fame backdrop loomed large. Fields buzzed with youth teams warming up. Coaches paced sidelines. Volunteers and tournament staff wore badges. Media trucks rolled out. It was flag football’s Super Bowl.
SEB’s first game was an early afternoon match against a powerhouse team from another NFL region. The opposition featured tall, fast receivers and a tough, coordinated defense. SEB responded with discipline—they executed short precise passes, used motion to confuse coverage, leveraged strong tackling flag pulls, and maintained possession. Their offense looked sharp; defense was aggressive yet controlled. When the final whistle blew, Southeast Bulloch had earned a 20-12 victory. The locker‑room high‑fives were infectious.
Game by game, they advanced. Each win increased their confidence. Coaches adjusted game plans based on opponents—shifting from blitz-heavy strategies to zone coverage, varying their run/pass balance, and rotating players to maintain freshness. Each night, players attended video reviews, watched scouting reports, and broke down clips to prepare.
By Day 3, SEB reached the semifinal round. The stadium field was packed. Tension was high. They played their hearts out, matching the opponent blow for blow. The game went into overtime. A key interception by Williams led to a short touchdown by Kitchings. With precise clock control, SEB sealed a 14–13 win. The crowd erupted. Their final victory punched a ticket to the national championship game.
Now faced with the ultimate test, they had to face a team that had dominated all tournament opponents by wide margins. SEB knew this would be their greatest challenge. Nonetheless, the journey—the wins and setbacks, the drills, the trips, the fundraising, the stage at Canton—already affirmed what this program had become: resilient, inclusive, and nationally competitive.
On championship day, Southeast Bulloch took the field with poise. They ran crisp routes, blitzed aggressively, and defended with intensity. But the other team executed better on key plays. In the end, SEB fell short, losing 18‑22. There were tears, but also mutual applause between teams. The trophy went to the undefeated squad, but SEB left Canton with a trophy of their own: national runner‑up.
The bus ride home was quieter. Players reflected on their journey, their shared experiences, their growth—on the field, in character, in friendship. They had done something remarkable: elevated their program from state royalty to national contenders. Community members met them at the school, flags waving, banners flying: “Welcome Home National Champs in Our Hearts.”
Back in Georgia, headlines framed their journey as historic: four‑time Georgia champions, national runners‑up, and trendsetters in girls’ flag football. The fundraiser success became a model for future teams. The program inspired younger athletes in the school and region to sign up, excited by the chance to compete on a national stage.
Southeast Bulloch’s achievements also contributed to national recognition of girls’ flag football. The NFL FLAG Championships, already gaining broadcast traction with ESPN and Disney platforms, further highlighted programs like SEB’s—skillful, competitive, and community‑driven . Their story illustrated why youth flag football was expanding—promoting fitness, leadership, opportunity, and gender equality.
As a result, college recruiters began noticing. More girls flagged interest. Team alumni considered coaching or mentoring roles for younger players, reinforcing the cycle of empowerment. The school officials saw value not just in athletic success but in community pride and student development.
By fall 2025, SEB was preparing for its fifth state campaign. The seniors who had led them to Canton would graduate, but underclassmen absorbing lessons from nationals felt ready. They aimed to defend the state title again, but also to return stronger to Canton. Practices resumed with fresh leaders stepping up. Coach Cochran emphasized the final phrase: “We go again.”
In the end, Southeast Bulloch’s 2025 national tournament experience was about more than wins and losses. It was about community coming together, young women finding their voice through sport, leaders emerging, and boundaries getting pushed. It was about showing—on a national platform—that flag football inspires grit, unity, and progress.
That summer in Canton, Southeast Bulloch didn’t just compete—they joined the ranks of the nation’s best youth athletes. They left their mark under the Hall of Fame lights and took home memories, confidence, and a blueprint for future generations. Four‑time state champs, national runners‑up, pioneers in girls’ flag football—and a community inspired.
