History was made on Tuesday night when 38 girls from James Madison High School took to the grid iron and played the first flag football games officially representing Warhawk Nation. The Warhawks (1-1) came away with a victory over Langley High School while losing to crosstown rival Oakton High School.
Since mid-September, the Warhawks have been practicing in preparation for opening night. Over the last five weeks, under Head Coach Justin Bowen, they have worked on skills, strategies, and conditioning to get ready to play and compete. Like other varsity sports, the girls are practicing six days a week while balancing their academics and outside obligations.
Flag football is experiencing significant growth across the United States due in part to its non-contact nature, gender inclusivity, and promotion by organizations like the NFL. Youth participation has surged, with millions now playing, and high school girls' flag football is becoming a sanctioned varsity sport in many states. While not yet sanctioned by the Virginia High School League (VHSL) there are 51 club teams throughout Virginia which includes 25 teams from Fairfax County High Schools. The Washington Commanders have played a big role in sponsoring the growth throughout Northern Virginia. The sport's inclusion in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics is also a major factor driving its expansion and increasing its visibility.
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For more information about the James Madison High School Girls’ Flag Football team, please visit the James Madison Athletics website.
