The quarterback for the Council Grove Braves elementary school flag football team has made it to the National Football League team level of the Punt, Pass and Kick competition.
It’s a goal she’s been working towards for a long time.
Jordan Carlson, the 9-year-old daughter of Justin and Lauri Carlson, placed first among Kansas and Missouri contestants in her division and behind a 9-year-old girl from Nebraska. More than 200 local competitions in the tri-state area were held during the summer and fall to determine the finalists for the 12 sectional contests in the three states. Jordan’s win came at a sectional held in Concordia.
On Nov. 26, Jordan was notified that she will be one of five girls from Kansas, Nebraska and Missouri who will compete for the Kansas City Chiefs team championship on Dec. 14 at Arrowhead Stadium.
The winner will move on to the national championships later this year, according to Justin Carlson.
Jordan is optimistic about her chances at Arrowhead. She’s been practicing for that moment since August.
“I practice two days a week for about two hours,” Jordan said in a telephone interview this week.
She’s confident of her kicking and punting skills and said that accurate passing will be important as distances are totaled.
Judges will tally the distances in each of the categories; the contestant with the greatest total number of feet will be declared the winner and will represent the Chiefs in the nationals.
Jordan’s mind, at this point, appears to be totally immersed in the upcoming Punt, Pass and Kick contest.
“What are you going to do in Kansas City?” she was asked.
Her response was immediate and stated with conviction, and had nothing to do with shopping or entertainment:
“I’m gonna win,” she answered.
chasecountycrawfords (anonymous) says...
This is young girl is a terrific person and a wonderful athlete. She comes from wonderful family and we are proud to have her represent Kansas. Good luck Jordan....we will be cheering for you! ;)
December 5, 2008 at 12:17 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )