A New Chapter for Girls Flag Football
Davie is set to field its first girls flag football team this fall, with the opening match scheduled for September 14. The program marks a significant step for the community, introducing a sport that is quickly becoming one of the fastest‑growing options for young women across the country.
Bob Richardson, a veteran of the flag‑football scene who has both played and coached for many years, will guide the squad. He brings a wealth of experience and a clear vision for building a competitive yet inclusive team.
The regular season will consist of 14 games, many of which will pit the Davie Eagles against schools in Guilford County and other neighboring districts. Richardson notes that the schedule is designed to provide ample opportunities for growth while testing the team against solid competition.
Games will follow a 7‑on‑7 format on an 80‑yard by 40‑yard field. Matches run 48 minutes, split into four 12‑minute quarters, with touchdowns worth six points. Possession starts with four downs to advance 20 yards, except on the opening drive.
Richardson is optimistic that the players will adapt quickly, citing their natural aptitude for learning and the enthusiasm they bring to practice. He describes the girls as “sponges” who absorb every drill and eagerly work on fundamentals such as catching and flag‑pulling.
The coaching staff anticipates a roster of 18 to 20 athletes by season’s end, with summer workouts already drawing between six and twelve participants. Although the North Carolina High School Athletic Association permits up to 18 regular‑season games, Davie is unlikely to reach that total in its debut year.
The local NPC league will be modest in size, featuring only a handful of teams, but Richardson sees the limited competition as a chance to focus on development rather than sheer volume of matches. He enjoys the process of teaching and watching the players improve week by week.
As the season progresses, Richardson expects the team to click and perform dramatically better once the initial learning curve flattens. The early games may look uneven, but he believes the foundation being laid will pay dividends as the players gain confidence and cohesion.