BHS Introduces Fantastic Flag Football Program

Flag football’s vigorous and high-spirited activity is more than just a sport. Its history is being created vivaciously year by year. Blake Girls Flag Football is one of the many new sports teams in MCPS that compete in this highly strenuous sport. Women athletes have been creating pathways for the younger generation, whether with basketball, soccer, or flag football. 

The background of flag football traces back to the early 1940s, being a sport used in military training. As time went on and the face of American culture started changing, the first-ever flag football team was created in 1979 by Diana Beruldsen. From then on, it was history being produced over the decades. A revolutionary decision made by a single person impacted generations down to the 2024-2025 fall season for MCPS. Principal Snead mentioned in a class seminar that the process took two years, down to the sponsorships and the program being created. Sponsorships are a great way to elevate the parties involved, for the team and the organization. Our Blake Girls even got to play with the Ravens during the summer! Additionally, Under Armor, this program’s joint partner, took care of their uniforms. 

Flag football is more than just a secondary sport. Both sports have different dynamic and celebratory practices. The assertive drive and passion can be compared, although you can see the determined mindset behind the player’s eyes in flag football. Full of quick instinct and ambition, the two athletic competitions can be compared and contrasted in different ways. Physical contact or tackling is one of the main components of football, whereas in flag football it is strictly prohibited. Watching the games of our Bengal Girls, you can see how this sport can prepare them for winter and spring sports to come. It increases players’ safety while still building potential for exterior sports like softball, or volleyball. The game’s focus on running could be used for indoor track, and its strategy and calculation for basketball, and more. 

The Bengals Girls ended their season with a 3-6 record.. Neyla, a freshman, claimed it was exciting to be joining a varsity team in her freshman year. One highlight of the season was beating rival school Paint Branch High School 14-6. That game took more than teamwork, but a family out on the field to be able to win. Wrapping up the season, we saw highs and lows. There’s no sun without rain, so it’s good to keep in mind that it’s new and fresh, and things may need to be tweaked. And with Flag Football being new, it’s some players’ first time. All of our Blake Girls have the drive to succeed whether it be in sports or school, and seeing it up close and personal was special. Watch out for the Bengals, but make sure you don’t get your flag taken!