Flag Football: First Season Paves Way For Future

This year was the first official girls flag football season for the Colorado High School Activities Association (CHSAA). The sport was so popular when it started that it fielded two classifications, with champions being determined in Class 4A and Class 5A.
 
All of the semifinal and championship games were played in November at the Jeffco and Trailblazer Stadiums in Lakewood, with Mountain View winning CHSAA’s inaugural 4A state title and Mountain Vista capturing the 5A championship.
 
Although in the end, it will be Mountain View and Mountain Vista’s names etched into the history books, this inaugural season has been such a great progression for offering additional opportunities for girls to participate in different sports.

“Personally, flag football has increased my love and understanding for the game,” said Ale Garcia, a junior on Northfield’s flag football team. “For the future, I hope flag football continues to expand and becomes a more serious sport for women.” 
 
Brooke Hunter, a captain for the George Washington flag football team, also touched on how she believes playing flag football has helped her become a better soccer player for the Patriots. 

“Flag football has impacted me personally by allowing me to create new relationships with my teammates and coaches,” Hunter explained. “It allowed me to try something new, and it was something that got me out of my comfort zone. It has also helped me get better spatial awareness for soccer.”
 
Although flag football is a new sport in Colorado, and is one that’s been known to many as being male dominated, the opportunities for girls to play has opened up a lot of doors for the younger generation.
 
“Flag football made me part of a new community that is now like a second family,” Denver South’s Emme Green said. “The sport and its fun and competitive atmosphere have made me a better athlete and teammate.
 
“In the future, I hope for it to continue to grow as a whole and gain more exposure so more people have the opportunity to play.”
 
All around, these players have had a wonderful experience playing flag football and are excited for the new year. Everyone hopes this sport will evolve and dominate in the industry.