Broncos player Bryce Jurin (front center) celebrated his team’s win with his parents and brother after the game.

The Bills bench was ever-ready to go for the next play.

Article and photos by Elean Gersack

It was a super season for kids in the Castle Pines Athletics NFL Flag Football program.  On Wednesday, October 7, the top teams in three age groups came together for the season ending Super Bowl at Elk Ridge Park. 

The season started with opening games on August 15 and rolled into playoffs, which were held on October 3.  Advancing to the Super Bowl were the Denver Broncos vs. the Buffalo Bills in the 6-7 year-old category; the Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. the Seattle Seahawks in the 8-9 year-old category; and the Dallas Cowboys vs. the Philadelphia Eagles in the 10-11 year-old category.  In the end it was the Broncos, Seahawks and Eagles that came out on top. 

Castle Pines Athletics has offered flag football since 2011; however, this season NFL Flag Football was launched as part of the NFL Play 60 program which encourages 60 minutes of exercise daily.  With fun warm-up music and reversible team-branded jerseys and NFL flag belt, the kids and coaches really got into the game.

Scott Miller and Jeff Pruett coached the Buccaneers.  “We got beat by a good team tonight,” said Pruett.  Miller shared that he was proud of how his team played throughout the season and appreciated having a solid group of kids able to play ball right in the neighborhood.  The objectives for the season were to have fun and hopefully make it to the championship game – which they did. 

One of the Broncos players, Bryce Jurin, shared that he likes to play all positions, but he likes offense the most.  “It’s important to be a good sport, it’s fun, and I like being with my team and my coaches,” he added.  His parents, Colleen and Eric said that the season gave kids a close insight into the NFL, good sportsmanship practice, and weekly goals to learn. 

The Bills defense was ready as they took on the Broncos during the Super Bowl on October 7.

Castle Pines Athletics is a recreational based sports program bringing fun and a no pressure atmosphere to practices and games right here in Castle Pines.  With the new NFL Flag Football program, the excitement was even more evident.

The fun will be back.  Registration for all spring sports programs, including NFL Flag Football, will open on January 1, 2016.  Flag football is co-ed and girls are encouraged to play.  Register early for the season, which will run March 28 through May 25, 2016. 

Volunteer coaches are always needed.  Castle Pines Athletics would like to extend a huge thank you to all of the coaches who support the CPA programs with a special thanks to Coach Scott Miller and Coach Tom Johnson who were instrumental in helping bring the NFL Flag Football program to the community. 

To learn more about NFL Flag Football, visit www.castlepinesathletics.com.  To learn more about the NFL Fuel up to Play 60 program, visit www.fueluptoplay60.com.

“Ready, set …. break!  The Broncos huddle up before a big play” at the Super Bowl on October 7.