A historic first
On May 16, the Ohio High School Athletic Association will crown its first state champion in girls flag football at the Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton. The event marks a milestone for girls sports in the state, bringing together the top eight teams that earned their spots through regional competitions.
The tournament is the result of a collaborative effort among the Browns, the Bengals, the Pro Football Hall of Fame and the OHSAA. Regional tournaments sponsored by the Cleveland Browns and Cincinnati Bengals produced the qualifying teams, with Madison and Hamilton Badin emerging as champions of their respective brackets.
Game day schedule and coverage
Quarterfinal matches will kick off at noon, followed by semifinals at 1 p.m. The championship game is slated for 2:30 p.m. Live coverage will be provided by Spectrum News 1, while streaming will be available through SpectrumNewsApp.com and OHSAA.tv. Admission to all games is free, inviting families and fans to experience the action in person.
Beyond the competition, the tournament reflects a broader growth of the sport, with 162 schools across Ohio now sponsoring girls flag football. Organizers hope the showcase will inspire further participation and investment in the coming years.
Cliff Hickman, a longtime advocate for youth athletics, was present at the event's announcement, underscoring the community's commitment to expanding opportunities for female athletes.