First ever Somerton Night Bowl brings top flag football talent together
SOMERTON, Ariz. (KYMA) - The first-ever Somerton Night Bowl brought some of the Southwest's top flag football teams to Perricone Park on Saturday night. Giving athletes an opportunity to compete for a cash prize while preparing for larger tournaments on the national circuit.
Ten teams from across Arizona and Southern California took part in the tournament, including five local squads and teams from Phoenix, Tucson and Orange County.
The event was held under the iFLAG circuit, formerly known as USA Flag, which oversees the sport's 5-on-5 Air Out rules and hosts regional and national competitions across the country.
For tournament organizer and AZ Lobos co-founder Jacob Gettings, the goal extended beyond the final result.
"I wanted to bring a few guys and a few teams together and have a solid tournament," Gettings said. "We got a great turnout. We got five squads from Yuma and five squads from out of town. It's all around, I'm excited for it."
The tournament also attracted nationally ranked Blueprint out of Orange County. Among its players was Samuel Herrera, a Cibola graduate, who welcomed the chance to compete back home.
"It means everything to me really," Herrera said. "Especially because I got a lot to prove against the guys that I played against here before I moved away. So coming out here, bringing a team from California, some of the best out there, I just really want to come here and show that there's levels."
Beyond the competition, the Night Bowl served as a tune-up for next month's iFLAG San Diego Bowl, where hundreds of teams are expected to compete.
Strong performances there could earn teams a qualifying bid to the iFLAG National Championships in Tampa, Florida, scheduled for January.
Gettings said hosting events like the Somerton Night Bowl not only helps players prepare for high-level competition but also creates opportunities for the local community to enjoy the sport.
"You know I love seeing it because it's all open," Gettings said. "For the community it's free admission. We're probably going to be out here until 2:30 in the morning for the championship game. Just seeing all these people around, more people coming in, it's awesome to be able to bring people out. It's a great night for some football."
With national qualifying opportunities on the horizon, organizers hope the inaugural Somerton Night Bowl becomes the first of many events showcasing the growing popularity of competitive flag football in the region.
