Ohio made history this spring as the Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA) staged its inaugural girls flag football state tournament, bringing together the state's most promising programs in a single‑elimination format that drew packed crowds and national attention.
Berkshire entered the semifinals with a season defined by resilience, having already upset Cincinnati St. Ursula 34‑18 earlier in the year. Coach Josh DeWeese praised the squad's commitment, singling out Ivy Martin and Kelly McCandless for their standout performances. The game against Nordonia was tightly contested; Berkshire led 20‑20 with just 1:30 left on the clock before Nordonia surged ahead with a late touchdown and two interception returns, sealing a 38‑20 victory.
Madison, in its first year fielding a girls flag football varsity team, faced Cincinnati Mount Notre Dame in the opening round. The match began with an early deficit that proved difficult to overcome, and despite a valiant effort the team fell 26‑20. Coach Jay Ross noted the experience as a learning moment, emphasizing the team's determination and the limited senior roster that had carried the program from its infancy.
Nordonia's championship run culminated in a 20‑19 win over Cincinnati Mount Notre Dame, a game marked by a dramatic final drive that saw the winning touchdown and a defensive stand that preserved the narrow lead. The victory underscored the competitive balance of the tournament and highlighted the rapid growth of girls flag football across the state.
Both programs now look ahead with optimism. Berkshire will lose seven seniors to graduation but has set high expectations for the next cohort, while Madison aims to build on a debut season that proved the sport's viability even in its first year. Their journeys reflect a broader trend of expanding opportunities for female athletes in traditionally under‑represented sports.
Looking Ahead
The tournament also showcased the role of local institutions in supporting the sport; the University of Dayton, where Kelly McCandless will continue her athletic career in soccer, was cited as a point of pride for the community. The matches were held in venues across Ohio, including facilities in Canton and Akron, drawing fans from across the region and signaling a promising future for the sport's development.