Catholic Knights Flag Football Journey: From Newcomers to State Championship

Catholic Knights Flag Football Journey: Many of the key players on Catholic’s inaugural flag football team made a return for the Knights’ second season. However, there was a significant gap in the lineup—the quarterback position left vacant by Andy Aiken.

Enter Jehle Dickson, her backup and a wide receiver who had previously filled in for Aiken in mop-up roles. The question loomed: could she step up to the full-time quarterback role?

“Obviously, we had Andy, and (Dickson) always played behind her,” noted Catholic coach Whitney Toole. “She can throw the ball. She was young last year and has finally settled into what we know she can do. She believes in herself now and has gained confidence.”

Dickson never saw herself as a quarterback until the Knights decided to field a flag football team last year and held tryouts for potential players.

“In tryouts last year, Coach gave us the ball to see who could throw, and I was one of them,” Dickson said. “I grew up with a brother and all boy cousins, so it comes from playing in the front yard as a little kid, I guess.”

Moving from a backup to the starting quarterback is a considerable leap, and the senior knew she had to put in the work during the offseason to develop into the passer and offensive leader the team needed.

“She’s a natural passer, but we worked almost every day this summer,” Toole said. “We’d work on passing—hey, we’ve got to throw 30 good ones—she was constantly working, and I give her all the credit for that. She put in as much time as she needed to.”

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Dickson recalls those workouts not just for the physical demands of the position but also for the mental aspects. While not one to seek the limelight, the quarterback position demands leadership.

“It was hard, especially at first,” she said. “As a quarterback, you’re the leader of the team, especially the offense. It was hard, but we just worked at practice every day and really worked on finding what we were good at and sticking to it.”

The first three games of this season involved first-year programs, providing no significant challenge for the Knights. As the season progressed, Dickson evolved into the quarterback Catholic needed to make a run at the championship.

“She has definitely come far,” senior tailback Ann Cobb said. “Like all of us, we’ve adapted to it and gotten used to our team as a whole, and she’s just throwing rockets now. She’s always been good, but she’s more comfortable now in knowing that she’s good. But it’s more of a humble confidence; it’s not cocky.”

Dickson acknowledges her progress over the season, attributing it to the guidance of Coach Toole, Assistant Coach Mrs. Christie Binns, and the support of her teammates. As the wins stacked up, Dickson transformed from a quarterback reliant on the defense—the Knights shut out 15 of their 20 opponents—into a leader who molded her offensive unit into a productive group.

“Jehle is a great quarterback,” said Haley Ishman, a receiver and defensive back for the Knights. “Andy was also a great quarterback, too. Having Andy leave and having another strong quarterback come makes it better. We can still be good with her on the field.”

Catholic reached the finals of the qualifying tournament last year but fell short against Central-Phenix City. This year, the Alabama High School Athletic Association split the flag football programs into two classifications. Central will play Vestavia Hills for the 6A-7A title, while Catholic will face Wenonah for the 1A-5A championship on Wednesday at the University of Alabama’s Bryant-Denny Stadium.

The Knights (17-3) boast an 11-0 record against 1A-5A competition, with all three losses coming in overtime to Class 7A programs.

“At the beginning of the year, Coach Toole told us they were splitting it into two classifications, and we were all excited,” Dickson said. “We were like, we know we can do this. It’s crazy to think after six months of practice we’re going to the state championship.

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Our Reader’s Queries

What are 4 basic skills needed to play flag football?

Flag Football Skills for athletes of all levels include four activities: Precision Throwing, Long-distance Throwing/Punting, Agility and Speed Drills, and Running and Catching.

What is the history behind flag football?

Touch football is said to have originated in the 1930s, with flag football gaining popularity in the 1940s as a recreational activity for military personnel. The emergence of recreational flag football leagues followed in the late 1940s and early 1950s.

Which city is considered the birthplace of first national flag football organization?

Formed in the 1960s in St. Louis, Missouri, the inaugural national flag football organization was the National Touch Football League. From 1971 onwards, the league has held an annual national championship game.

What are the age groups in NFL FLAG?

NFL FLAG offers the same backyard football fun you’ve always loved, so why not keep playing? This program is perfect for boys and girls aged 5-17, providing a fun and safe non-contact football experience.