New Hanover County girls flag football teams face off in Buc Town
WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Girls flag football continues to grow across the Cape Fear, and three New Hanover County programs took the field Wednesday night as part of the sport’s first official championship season. Ashley, Laney and New Hanover faced off in Buc Town, bringing together players who are competitors during the high school season but, in some cases, teammates at other times of the year.
“We had our first travel season this past spring so we all play together in one team, so now playing against them is kind of like… it brings some joy to the game, brings some friendly competition. But also, at the end of the day, we all wanna win,” New Hanover quarterback and safety Victoria Quintana said.
This fall marks the first time girls flag football is an official N.C. High School Athletic Association championship sport. The playoffs begin Oct. 31, with the first state championship scheduled for Nov. 14.
The sport has grown significantly in recent years. Four years ago, the Carolina Panthers helped launch a pilot involving 19 schools and about 500 athletes. Now, more than 200 schools and 3,000 athletes are playing across North and South Carolina.
For some local players, that growth has opened opportunities they did not expect.
“I had been playing soccer for 10 years, and I just love this so much even more. Like, it was crazy. But yeah, so many different opportunities have come, so I’m really glad I did,” Quintana said.
Laney defensive lineman and rusher Maggie Bryant said she was introduced to flag football by watching her brothers play.
“My brothers actually both play, and so I would always go to their games for Under the Lights, then I tried out for this team, and ever since my freshman year, I’ve just always loved it and always played,” Bryant said.
Opportunities are also growing beyond high school. More than 100 colleges and universities have club or varsity flag football programs.
Ashley wide receiver Chloe Laverty said she already has opportunities to continue playing.
“I’m not sure where I’m going exactly, but I know I have a couple offers,” Laverty said.
Players are also looking at what the sport’s continued growth could mean for younger teammates.
“I’m excited for our freshmen on the team ’cause by the time they’re at my grade they’re gonna have so many more opportunities,” Quintana said.
There are still several matchups ahead for the local programs and plenty of flag football left to play as Ashley, Laney and New Hanover compete in the first season where a state championship is waiting at the end.
“I think we are going to just keep getting better and keep working at it,” Laverty said.
