Undefeated Eastern Guilford Chasing Ladies Flag Football Title
courtesy of Mike Fanning for GreensboroSports.com
Heading into the third round of the flag football playoffs this Wednesday, the Wildcats boast a perfect season, a Guilford County Championship title, and a team chemistry that their coach describes as “special.”
At the helm of this surging program is Head Coach Daniel Griffith, who spent over three seasons assisting the boys’ tackle football program before becoming the inaugural head coach for the Wildcats’ flag team last season.
When asked about the adjustment from coaching tackle football to the girls’ flag game, Coach Griffith, a Catawba College alumnus, emphasizes his mission: giving the young women the “Total Football Experience.”
“There are differences for sure, and a learning curve, but I am doing my best to give these ladies the Total Football Experience,” Coach Griffith noted. “There are some things that really translate well like the play concepts, coverages, and passing routes. Things like hustle, reading hips, good angles—all that matters.”
Griffith stressed that his biggest takeaway from the last two seasons has been the need for flexibility and adjustment, both in preparation and on the field. However, the one constant is his emphasis on effort.
“We work, work, work. It is what we do,” he said. “I am blessed with a team that are ‘football junkies.’ The chemistry is so strong. They play for each other, want to be coached, [and] want to be better every time out.”
That palpable chemistry and work ethic manifested in the team’s crowning achievement this season so far: the 2025 Guilford County Championship. What truly defined their regular season, however, was their dominant defense. “I think we only gave up one defensive touchdown all regular season,” Griffith reflected. “That is a testament to how they practice during the week and execute on gameday.”
The success of the 2025 team, according to Coach Griffith, is built on the foundation laid by the previous squad. “You cannot talk about the 2025 season without talking about the 2024 squad,” he explained. “We had a ton of youth last year, and those players came back wanting to be even better. They set the tone before the season even started that they wanted this year to be special.”
While Coach Griffith was quick to praise the entire squad, he highlighted several key players who have defined the Wildcats’ run.
Leading the charge is Harmony Yelverton, #12. “She was named our Captain for a reason, she defines leadership and sets the temperature. I call her our ‘alpha,'” Griffith said. “Her setting the tone helps to get everyone engaged and focused.” The offense runs through quarterback Mauri Jerman, #22, whom the coach praised for her high football IQ and excellent decision-making. Jerman’s dynamic partnership with WR Madison Calvin, #19, gives the Wildcats dangerous playmaking options in the passing game.
On the defensive side, the praise was equally high for Raniyah Lyons, #9. “She may be the best flag puller I have ever seen in doing this the last two years. Great hands and awareness to make and finish plays,” the coach raved. Finally, defensive back Tyla Smith, #2, has proven to be a dangerous threat in the secondary. Her ability to read routes was evident when her pick-six against Northeast Guilford was the game winner in the County Championship Game.
As they prepare for the high-stakes third round on Wednesday, the Wildcats are embracing the pressure. “The third round is not the finish line for us. They love the competition and the pressure and are excited about what is to come,” Griffith concluded.
With a perfect record and a unified focus, Eastern Guilford is ready to prove that their “Total Football Experience” is more than just a philosophy—it’s a path to a championship.