MADISON – In the “Sittin’ With the Supe” podcast, Superintendent Dr. Ed Nichols learned about the rules of the game, power of teamwork and other aspects of flag football as an emerging sport.

Nichols interviewed Kaila Holloway and Carly Thomas from the Girls Flag Football Team at Bob Jones High School. “Madison City Schools has been around about 25 years so it’s hard to start new a (sports) program in some ways, but this is our inaugural first year for flag football at Bob Jones,” Nichols said.

“The team is getting where we need to be,” Holloway said about their first season. Bob Jones Flag Football currently is undefeated at 2-0 after playing Huntsville and Grissom high schools.

Nichols said that most people don’t know the rules for flag football. “There’s no contact at all. You can’t tackle. You can’t push,” Thomas said.

“Blocking is like screening in basketball – you stand without moving your feet and stand with your hands behind your back,” Holloway said. “On the field, on defense there are seven players and on offense there are seven. You have wide receivers, runners and quarterbacks only — no linemen.”

The field for flag football is ‘shorter’ at about 80 yards. Two sets of cones like an alley tell the center where to set the ball.

Holloway and Thomas both are quarterbacks, their favorite field position. When not playing quarterback, they switch to running back.

Currently, 25 students are on the Bob Jones team. They compete with Sparkman, Grissom, Mae Jemison and Huntsville high schools.

“With flag football, if you’re interested, just join. No judging. Don’t think you’re not good enough. It’s a team effort. As long as you show up, you’re going to get better every day,” Holloway said.

“And don’t think you don’t know anything when you come, because the coaches are really good about teaching you,” Thomas said.

In other pursuits, Thomas also wrestles for Bob Jones and is the two-time state champion. Holloway is a softball standout.

“We’re excited about flag football and the opportunity for you and other students,” Nichols said. “I hope you can continue the success that you’ve had.”

“If we keep on with this success, we can go to state for a championship, right?” Nichols said. “Yes, sir,” both girls said in unison with a laugh.

Spectators are encouraged to attend games for flag football. “’Game ON’ as Mrs. Lambert would tell us!” Nichols said.

For flag football’s 2022 schedule, visit https://www.bjpatriots.com/sport/flag%20football/girls/?tab=schedule.