A Historic Tournament Awaits
The Ohio High School Athletic Association is set to host its first ever state-level girls flag football tournament on May 16, bringing together the region’s most promising programs under one roof in Canton.
Among the eight teams competing, the Madison Eagles enter as the top seed from northeastern Ohio, while the Berkshire Bears return for a second consecutive appearance, each hoping to translate early momentum into a championship.
Madison’s path opens against Cincinnati Mount Notre Dame, a formidable opponent that reached the national semifinals last year, while Berkshire will meet Cincinnati St. Ursula, a team that has steadily improved its roster over the past season.
Coaches Speak Up
Coach Jay Ross of Madison emphasized that his squad will stick to its game plan, stating, “We’ll continue to do what we do and have fun with it,” while Berkshire’s mentor Josh DeWeese added that his players are driven by “unfinished business” and a desire to prove the program’s growth.
Key offensive weapons for Madison include quarterback Gianna LaMarco, who frequently targets receivers Kennedy Ross and CC Alley, whereas Berkshire relies on the dynamic play of Kelly McCandless and Ivy Martin to stretch defenses and create scoring chances.
Both teams enter the tournament with high expectations, focusing on their respective strengths — Madison’s balanced attack and Berkshire’s aggressive defense — while the broader community watches with anticipation for a new chapter in high school sports.