Last week in girls flag football, there were some standout performances and results that caught the attention of fans and coaches alike. Two games, in particular, stood out for their exciting finishes and the insights they provided into the teams involved. Let’s take a closer look at these games and the impact they had on the teams.
In the first game, Highland faced off against Hart in a thrilling matchup that ended in a 28-27 victory for Highland in overtime. Hart, playing their season opener, showed incredible resilience by rallying from a 20-6 halftime deficit to force overtime. Despite their efforts, Highland ultimately secured the win with a 2-point conversion.
Junior wide receiver Jessica Gutierrez was a standout player for Hart, finishing with four catches for 84 yards and a touchdown, as well as 23 rushing yards on three attempts. Junior running back Ellie White also had a strong performance, with seven carries for 66 yards and two touchdowns. Hart’s head coach, Josh Masmela, praised his team’s effort and resilience, noting that the game showed they can compete with top teams in the league.
In the second game, Knight faced off against West Ranch in a closely contested matchup that ended in a 27-19 victory for Knight. Despite a strong start from West Ranch with two quick touchdowns, Knight mounted a comeback to secure the win. West Ranch’s head coach, Mark Hornberger, acknowledged the challenges his team faced against a formidable opponent but remained optimistic about their growth and improvement moving forward.
In addition to the exciting games on the field, there was also significant news off the field regarding the future of flag football. The National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) announced plans to establish playing rules for flag football, recognizing the sport’s growing popularity at the high school level. With the establishment of the NFHS Flag Football Rules Committee and plans to set rules for the 2025-26 season, the future looks bright for flag football as a sport of inclusivity and opportunity for young athletes.
Furthermore, with the recent announcement of flag football’s inclusion in the 2028 Olympics, the future of the sport looks promising for both girls and boys programs. The increasing participation in girls flag football, with a doubling of players from 2022-23 to 2023-24, highlights the growing interest and potential for the sport to continue to thrive.
Overall, last week’s girls flag football games showcased the talent and determination of the teams involved, while also highlighting the exciting developments in the sport at both the high school and international levels. As the season progresses, fans can look forward to more thrilling matchups and continued growth in the sport of flag football.
