The NFL Flag Football League has made its return back to Richmond Hill for the 2024 football season. As far as the middle school championship goes, head coach Darrell Thomas has the team to beat.  

Last season, Thomas coached in the same league, but the team name was different, as he coached the Eagles. This season, his squad will be with the Texans. 

“I hate that we aren’t the Eagles anymore,” Thomas said. “We were the Eagles in flag and tackle football, so I wanted the Eagles again. But I don’t mind winning it all as the Texans.”

Thomas returns most of the players from last year’s championship team, but they did lose a few key players, while also gaining a few fresh faces. 

“You know, our star tailback moved to Florida,” Thomas said. “He was a big piece of the offense. I know we are going to miss what he brought to the table, but I think we have some good players this year too.”

Thomas returns six players from the Eagles’ squad. Justice Thomas, Trae Wadsworth, Jacob Cordell, Adrian Thompson, Braydon Difabio and Dyllon Sullowski. They also return their tackle league defensive coordinator, Joseph Blendowski. 

“I feel like we have as good of a shot as anyone this year,” Thomas said. “We return our quarterback and several Wideouts that we have had for awhile now. That will be a good connection offensively.”

While the jerseys and team name changed for Thomas and his group, the message is the same: win the middle school championship.