- November 26, 2024
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The U10 Phantom Phenoms, a flag football team from Palm Coast, will begin play Thursday, at the ESPN Wide World of Sports.
The National Football League has been in a lockout for more than 115 days, and there still is no guarantee that a deal will be hammered out in time for the 2011-2012 season to begin on time.
But here, in Flagler County, one team in particular is playing football — and playing well.
The Phantom Phenoms, a flag football team comprising players from the Phantom Flag Football League, will be contending for an Amateur Athletic Union national title July 7 through July 9, at Disney’s ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, in Orlando.
T.J. Rosenthal, head coach of the Phenoms, said the team was formed about one month ago when they found out about the tournament.
The U10 team features players from the Phantom Flag league in its inaugural season and has 10 players. The national tournament will be a 5-on-5 format.
“The team was literally put together less than one month ago,” said Rosenthal, one of the team’s four coaches.
The team features several versatile athletes, he said. Brock Underberg will be under center as quarterback and brings a strong arm and good decision-making to the field.
“He’s our little Peyton Manning,” Rosenthal said. “He can make quick decisions on the field and adjust and get the ball to where it needs to be.”
Underberg hands the ball off to two elusive running backs: Dahrius Bobovan and Mailek Gibson. Bobovan is one of the fastest players on the team, according to Rosenthal, and Gibson has quick moves and a lot of agility.
Lining up to catch passes are four wide receivers: Chris Howard, Gary Gomez, Keaton Shamp and Tymothe Rosenthal.
“All of the wide receivers have great hands and speed,” T.J. Rosenthal said.
Wesley Magnell and Jayson Jahn are the team’s two flex players, which means they can play running back, wide receiver and even center. The team’s dedicated center, however, is Tate Underberg.
Additionally, most of the players play defense, but Rosenthal said the team has “shutdown” cornerbacks who are capable of stopping the opposing team’s wide receivers.
Rosenthal said the team plays exceptional defense, and the offense is built around that defense. “We have speed players in the middle who prevent the other team’s running backs from getting big plays,” Rosenthal said, adding that the team has strong flag-pulling players, too.
“Obviously, there’s a lot to learn in a short amount of time,” Rosenthal said. “We’ve put together a program and playbook that plays to this team’s strengths. We’re excited to show off our skills that we have to the nation.”
The Phenoms will square off against three other teams — from West Volusia, Orlando and Miami — en route to a chance at national flag football stardom.
Rosenthal also said that though this is the only team competing in tournaments, more teams will be created as the Phantom Flag Football League continues to grow.
“We plan on making these teams and tournaments a regular part of the organization,” he said.
Contact Andrew O’Brien [email protected].
MEET THE TEAM
Brock Underberg, quarterback
Chris Howard, wide receiver
Dahrius Bobovan, running back
Gary Gomez, wide receiver
Jayson Jahn, flex
Keaton Shamp, wide receiver
Mailek Gibson, running back
Tate Underberg, center
Tymothe Rosenthal, wide receiver
Wesley Magnell, flex
