Artem Dolgushev

   Ever since Howard County public schools opened their doors to students in 1952, football has stood as a centerpiece of high school culture. For the past 74 years, football has exclusively consisted of 11-on-11 men. However, this year a new JV and varsity sport has been introduced to HCPSS: girls’ flag football.

   Girls’ flag football has a fast-paced ruleset that differs from traditional football. It features 7-on-7 gameplay, four twelve-minute quarters, and the use of flags that are to be pulled to end the play instead of tackling. Flag football has four attempts to gain ten yards, and players run or pass the ball to gain yards. 7 on 7 means a smaller roster with only a center, quarterback, running back, two tight ends, two receivers on offense, and seven total linebackers, safeties, and cornerbacks on defense.

   Flag football was officially ratified as an HCPSS sport this year, and the fall of 2026 is its inaugural season. Flag football has expanded the number of girls’ sports sanctioned by HCPSS and has provided girls new, exciting opportunities to represent their school and improve their athleticism.

“I’m really excited for the season; I think it will be an exciting new sport,” quarterback Katie Leader stated.

   The team is also excited for people to come out and watch the fast-paced 7-on-7 gameplay. With opportunities for big plays and high-scoring games, the team hopes to give fans an exciting season to watch.

“It’s exciting to watch. It’s a new sport, and we’re hoping to win a lot of games this year,” Leader shared.

   The flag football team has had multiple scrimmages in the past few weeks. While scores were not kept at these events, the team was already hard at work learning the rules, plays, and strategies in preparation for their season.

   “It’s definitely demanding, but we’ve been building discipline, and it’s been a positive experience for me,” junior Danielle Olaleye said.

   The flag football team will face off against Guildford Park and Oakland Mills on September 9th for their season opener. They’re hoping for two big wins to start off the season, and that Mustangs will come out to support them.