LEXINGTON, Ky. — The local flag football team, Lexington Elite, has secured a spot on the national stage after winning the NFL Flag regional tournament held in Indianapolis on November 17. This victory allows them to compete in the upcoming NFL Flag Championship next July, where they will represent the Indianapolis Colts.
Coaches Michael Logan and Eulaun Beasley have dedicated years to honing their team’s skills, tracing their coaching beginnings back to grassroots efforts at the YMCA. “We got a bunch of kids together that liked to play football, and it became a competitive thing,” said Logan.
The journey for Lexington Elite has not always been smooth. Logan remembers the team’s struggles in their previous regional tournament eight years ago. “We got beat, three games. Games were over at halftime,” Beasley echoed. However, the team has steadily evolved into a dominant force in central Kentucky flag football.
Their recent triumph in Indianapolis was a testament to their preparation and teamwork. “We were locked in at Indianapolis. It didn’t feel like nobody could beat us there,” said quarterback Samuel Wilson. The team emerged undefeated throughout the tournament, overcoming challenges such as injuries and limited practice time.
The victory in Indianapolis not only boosts their morale but also highlights their commitment to representing their community. “Not only are they playing for themselves, they’re playing for kids from Douglass, from the YMCA, from Lexington,” Logan emphasized while addressing his team.
Looking ahead, the coaches and players are optimistic. “With a full roster and plenty of time to prepare, I feel like we could play tomorrow and we’d go win it,” said Wilson. Receiver Luke Kok expressed similar confidence, stating, “If we are healthy, I do think that we’ll be able to win it.” Meanwhile, running back Tyree Richardson remarked on the significance of the opportunity, noting, “Not many kids at this age get to do this.”
As the team gears up for the four-day championship tournament, they also look to raise funds for necessary expenses such as travel and accommodation. The coaches believe that with dedication and hard work, Lexington Elite can carry the winning momentum into the national arena.
