Montana is gearing up for its inaugural season of girls' flag football, a sport that has moved from a experimental pilot to a full‑scale high school offering this fall. The Montana High School Association has designated the sport as a pilot phase, and 39 schools across the state are now participating, with the number set to grow as the program expands to all Class AA schools.
A New Chapter for Montana High School Sports
C.M. Russell High and Great Falls High will field the first two teams in the state, joining Bozeman High, Bozeman Gallatin, Helena High, Helena Capital and Belgrade in the upcoming 2023‑24 season. Their debut match is scheduled for August 29 at Memorial Stadium, with Great Falls High playing at 2 p.m. and C.M. Russell High following at 3:30 p.m.
The game follows a seven‑on‑seven format on an 80‑yard field. It consists of four 10‑minute quarters, a five‑minute halftime, and scoring from the 3‑yard, 10‑yard and 15‑yard lines is worth one, two and three points respectively. Unlike tackle football, there is no kicking except for punts, and the emphasis is on speed, precision and teamwork.
Coaches Brian Crosby of C.M. Russell High and A.J. Griffith of Great Falls bring extensive experience from girls' basketball and baseball, respectively. Both are focused on building a strong foundation, emphasizing teamwork and steady growth as the teams take shape.
For players such as Steely Stubblefield from C.M. Russell and Faith Oakland from Great Falls, the new sport represents a chance to be part of history. Oakland, who previously considered tackle football, and Stubblefield, who sought a fall sport after enjoying powderpuff games, are eager to help shape the culture of their new programs.
The excitement extends beyond the field. Athletes like Belle Schroeder from Great Falls see the sport as an opportunity to help build a new team dynamic and to be part of a historic moment for girls' athletics in the state.
The state flag football tournament will be held in Billings on October 7‑8, featuring all 16 Class AA schools that are part of the pilot phase. The event promises to showcase the growing popularity of the sport and the talent emerging across Montana's high schools.