The Maple Grove Crimson entered its maiden season of girls high school flag football with a roster of about 70 athletes, quickly proving that the sport could thrive in the Twin Cities suburbs.
After capturing their district title, the team fell just short in the playoffs, dropping a close contest to Minnetonka, a neighboring community that would go on to claim the state championship.
Most of the Crimson players also balance flag football with other high school sports, and the program has kept its practice windows narrow, limiting sessions to Sundays while signaling a willingness to broaden the schedule next year.
Rapid Growth Across Minnesota
The championship itself was claimed by Rosemount, which edged out Rogers in the title game, underscoring the competitive depth across the state. Beyond the on‑field action, the sport’s reach is expanding rapidly, with 104 schools offering flag football to girls this spring — more than double the participation level seen just a year earlier.
Local districts are already planning to support expanded practice times and additional games, reflecting a broader push to provide more athletic opportunities for young women and to nurture the next generation of multi‑sport athletes.