EVERETT — One local youth flag football team is receiving the opportunity of a lifetime this upcoming February, where they will compete in the NFL Flag National Tournament the weekend of the Pro Bowl.
The Everett Elite 14U Flag Football team has had an incredible undefeated season. The team is being led by coach Jacob Hiatt, who has been with this team since 2015.
“I have always loved football, I played flag and tackle and I thought I would give it a shot when my son turned 6 years old and it just sort of blossomed from there,” Hiatt said in an email. This team isn’t new to success: They have won league, county, and state championships, but this will be their first time competing at a national level.
“We have faced some great teams from all over the state but we have yet to be stopped,” Hiatt said. The success Hiatt and his players have had this season is truly amazing. With both himself and the players being excited to be heading to nationals, he still wants to keep the players focused for what is next. He is currently having his players study opponents’ film, cardio workouts, and setting up scrimmages with local teams.
“To be able to go as far as we have after so many years of (working) together. It is truly humbling and a great honor to be able to represent our area on a National level,” Hiatt said.
In order for the team to make it to Las Vegas, Hiatt started a GoFundMe campaign to raise $3,500 for travel and lodging expenses.
“We are finding it is very expensive to move a whole team together out of state and I want to do the best I can to offer the support for the players who might not be able to afford it,” Hiatt said.
The National Tournament consists of the eight best flag football teams in the country. Winners of the tournament will get rings issued by the NFL and of course bragging rights. The championship game will be aired on ESPN.
If you would like to contribute to the Everett Elite’s campaign, visit: https://gf.me/v/c/xczm/pk52m-help-our-team-get-to-nationals
