In a groundbreaking move for Illinois high school sports, Girls Flag Football made its debut, and the Schaumburg High School team has begun its season with a 8-1 record. This exciting new addition was approved by the Illinois High School Association (IHSA) on February 5, 2024, marking a significant step forward in expanding athletic opportunities for female athletes.
The Saxons opened the season winning seven of their first eight games. With early wins over Streamwood High School ( 40-6), Elk Grove (40-0 ), Morton Cicero High School (22-6 ), the Saxons set the tone for their early dominance. The team attributes their successes to their coaches and their ability to collaborate. The Saxons only loss came against Hersey High School.
“The best part of flag football is that I am a part of a new community, a new beginning,” stated sophomore Stayan Porter. “We are making history, and it is such a blessing that I am a part of this.
Coaches Gruszka and Teschner are focusing on developing their players’ hand-eye coordination and strategic thinking, with flag-pulling drills forming a core part of training. But they are making certain to help players develop in all possible facets, although that can present a tough challenge.
“Our coaches are patient when it comes to us understanding the game” Porter added. “They want what is best for us, they want us to be successful and they do everything in their power so we can understand and be successful.”
“Flag football is really a game of pass, catch, and defense flag pulling. Many drills are similar to boys’ football, but we obviously adjust to pulling flags, which can be difficult for sure,” the coach Gruszka explained.
As the early season progresses, the girls continue to form bonds that increasingly contribute to their growing successes.
“It [flag football] helps me to be more comfortable and confident on the field,” stated Mia Phelps. “It’s allowed me and my teammates to talk about the small changes that will help on plays and my reads.”
The sport is played with players wearing belts with two flags. While similar in many ways to traditional football, some key differences include the fact that all offensive players are eligible to receive the ball, and there are designated areas on the field where running plays are prohibited. Additionally, quarterbacks have a maximum of seven seconds to either run or pass the ball, and fumbles are not allowed. After scoring, teams can choose to go for a one- or two-point conversion.
“The biggest challenge for sure was learning the rules and the flow of the game. It’s different from normal football, but the girls on the team have picked up on it well. They’re super motivated, which makes it fun for everyone,” Gruszka stated.
With regional, sectional, and state playoffs mirroring other high school sports, teams are already setting their sights on state-level success.
“My first goal is to make the girls students of the sport and have fun in the process. Of course, as a team, placing in state is always a goal,” Gruszka added.
“The addition of Girls Flag Football furthers the IHSA mission of creating participation opportunities for high school students in Illinois,” said IHSA Executive Director Craig Anderson. “The sport has experienced significant growth in a short amount of time, and our member schools are excited to see it become an IHSA sport.”
Girls Flag Football joins a growing list of sports and activities recently introduced by the IHSA, such as Girls Wrestling and Esports in 2022, Boys and Girls Lacrosse in 2018, and Competitive Dance in 2013. The inaugural state finals for Girls Flag Football are scheduled for Friday, October 18, and Saturday, October 19, 2024.
“The stereotype that football and wrestling are just for boys is long gone now,” coach Gruszka said.
“Don’t hesitate to join! It’s new so I get that there is trepidation, but if someone comes to one of the games they will instantly see how fun it is,” stated athletic director Marty Manning. “It’s fast, exciting, and has plenty of action.”