A Milestone for Ohio High School Sports
Badin High School captured the Bengals Regional Championship earlier this year, securing its spot in the inaugural OHSAA Girls High School Flag Football State Championship. The victory marks the second consecutive year the Bengals have risen to the top of the regional tier, setting the stage for a historic showdown in Canton.
The state championship represents the first time the Ohio High School Athletic Association has officially sanctioned girls flag football as a championship sport. Eight high schools from across the state will converge at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium for a single‑day tournament, with the final game slated for 2:30 p.m.
Championship Day Details
Games are scheduled to begin at noon, featuring a slate of matchups that pit the four regional finalists — Badin, St. Ursula, Princeton, and Mount Notre Dame — against the final four teams emerging from the Cleveland Browns Regional Championship. All contests will be televised on Spectrum and streamed via spectrumnewsapp.com and OHSAA.tv, giving fans multiple ways to follow the action.
The tournament’s spotlight extends beyond the field, highlighting the growing popularity of the sport. This year’s edition saw 41 schools participate, a 21‑team increase from the previous season, underscoring the rapid expansion of girls flag football throughout Ohio.
Individual honors were also announced during the regional final, with Badin’s Addilyn Marshall earning Offensive MVP after a standout performance, and Blake Sakach taking Defensive MVP for his pivotal contributions. Their recognitions reflect the competitive balance and talent emerging in the new championship landscape.
As the championship approaches, Badin’s coaching staff and players remain focused on preserving their 2025 title. The team’s preparation blends rigorous practice schedules with an emphasis on sportsmanship, aiming to set a benchmark for future generations of high school athletes in Ohio.