Ashley flag football team to compete in inaugural state championship
Championship is this Saturday at Durham County Memorial Stadium
WILMINGTON, N.C. (WWAY) – Ashley high school could win its first-ever football state championship this weekend.
But while the boys’ team had the best season in school history, it’s the girls’ team that’s making more history.
“The boys had a special year, special group, and special group of seniors that led us that far,” said Ashley Head Coach Dante Lombardi about their school record nine-win season. “But with this being so new, it’s also awesome to see.”
Before last year, high school girls in New Hanover County did not have this outlet. Now, they are hoping to continue its exploding popularity, as the NCHSAA mulls sanctioning it as soon as this month.
“For me personally, I’ve grown up watching, cheering, playing this sport and to be able to finally get my chance to be able to take it to the next level is super exciting,” said senior linebacker Mia Agrillo. “And I know the girls are so excited to be a part of something special like this.”
“This is like a dream come true for me. It’s amazing just to have and be able to play,” said senior quarterback Sawyer Rigdon. “I think there are nerves because it’s a state championship but overall, I think we are excited and ready to have fun.”
Lombardi has previous experience coaching girls’ flag football during his time in Florida. After an undefeated local season last year, the 2024 Screaming Eagles are pushing even further this year.
Ashley defeated local competition before advancing to the playoffs. In the postseason, they have taken down Hoggard, Corinth Holders and Cleveland. The final opponents remaining are Wakefield, then Apex or Apex Friendship in the championship. The Screaming Eagles coach has confidence in his team entering the tournament: “If everyone does their job, we should be successful.”
The sport is growing in recognition and numbers both locally and nationally – Lombardi called the growth ‘tremendous’. Not only did Ashley’s participation jump from the year before, but so did Hoggard’s, New Hanover’s and Laney’s.
Last year, Athens Drive head coach Tommy Smith coached both the boys and girls. But with both teams now playing in the fall, it’s believed Lombardi is the only head coach of both teams in the entire state. “I’m probably the only one dumb enough,” jokes Lombardi. In late September, October, and early November, he’d coach both teams twice a week with the girls also playing games on Saturday.
