As PCDS gears up for the annual 7v7 Flag Football Tournament, junior tournament leaders Turner Ashby and Devin Desai have worked vigorously to expand the competition and implement improvements, with matches set to take place on the soccer fields through January and February.

In spring 2025, the inaugural 7v7 Flag Football Tournament commenced. The student body took an immediate interest, with six teams signing up, and many students watching the games for fun.

However, the first year also came with its struggles and learning pains. Ashby and Desai were quick to point out prior issues. Ashby stated, “We thought we needed to have a more compact schedule with a tighter amount of games, and the rules were a little bit shaky last year. We need to keep that more rigid.” Desai added, “One of the big things was that games last year were very defensive and that’s not as exciting from a viewer’s perspective.” Still, the matches attracted a following, with many students participating and putting their full effort on the field. As the season ended in a one-possession finale, the stage was set for an even more thrilling tournament this year. 

This season, nine teams have signed up for the tournament, a significant increase from the previous year. “We were really happy with the amount of support. Nine teams is a great number, and we are really happy because we got representation from all four grades, including a team with a mix of grade levels,” Ashby said. 

However, with an increase in the number of teams, expansion was required.  “Originally we were planning on having one round, but because of the nine teams, we wanted to have each team play two games before going into the tournament, and have some elimination games, which will create some exciting ‘do-or-die’ moments,” Desai explained.  

As this season begins, Ashby and Desai are still making a few final improvements.  “We have a ranking this year which wasn’t the case last year. We are going to base it on the in-game performance, and the rules have been freed of controversy,” Ashby said. “It’s going to be great.”

“I’m looking forward to watching the players progress and seeing how teams utilize the different strategic aspects and behind-the-scenes work to ultimately win the tournament” Ashby said.  The duo’s hard work has clearly paid off, and the stage is finally set for teams to give it their all. Watch through the coming weeks to see who will win the second annual PCDS 7v7 Flag Football Tournament.