This fall marks the second anniversary of women’s flag football, with the program debut taking place in January 2024. The players were introduced via the pep rally on the afternoon of October 4th. Twenty-two talented athletes have rostered this season, making it the largest flag football roster in Green Level athletics history.
Unique in its principles, flag football is a no-contact sport that utilizes procedures of tackling, diving, blocking and screening. Respective of its name, athletes will wear a belt containing a flag that is tethered to the side. A no-contact “tackle” is merely pulling the flag from the constraints of the belt.
Wake County Public School System supports 19 schools with women’s flag football, five of which are found within the SWAC conference: Panther Creek, Holly Springs, Middle Creek, Apex, and of course, Green Level.
After speaking with Senior Saliha Miral, a pillar for this program’s flag football team, she emphasizes her optimism while trekking into uncharted territory this awaited season. Miral states, “This team is a lot newer than last year, we lost a few Seniors, we overall have very good chemistry, with a lot of new girls learning new things. The coaches are young so the environment is very open and welcoming. That dynamic in itself is the perfect environment for anybody new looking to come out.”
As an individual unfamiliar with the sport of flag football, I also prompted Saliha about a traditional game-day and what it looks like for Green Level’s flag football, to which she responded, “On Saturday’s we traditionally have 6 games, with the first game starting earlier in the morning. We arrive between an hour to hour and a half early to put on our cleats and warm up. Each game lasts around an hour and we have between 15-30 minutes before we start our next game. Depending on if we win or lose our second game we will keep playing or be sent home, kind of tournament style. Vendors come to each game to ensure athletes are remaining fueled.” As discerned by the athlete herself, this sport is lively and fast paced. As the athletes compete tournament style, they must quickly transition their style of play to accommodate for their next competitors.
One of the most significant accomplishments for the program last season that I felt was worth mentioning was their third place finish in the final tournament. Senior Miral states, “Last year, I found myself on the cover of the newspaper because I had a pick six during a moment when it appeared as though we were going to lose and it secured our spot for third place in the tournament last year. I got interviewed by High School OT. I think continuing to push for moments like this will guide us through this new season.” Women’s flag football will continue to make history in this upcoming season as they begin to expand on their previous endeavors and experience cultivated during last season. They will be a force to watch!
