The East Ridge High School flag football team entered its inaugural season with modest expectations, but a 3‑4 record now positions the squad for a playoff berth that feels anything but modest. The team’s journey has been marked by early growing pains, a dramatic four‑overtime clash with crosstown rival Woodbury High School, and a satisfying revenge victory that ended 26‑14 in favor of East Ridge.
A Rivalry That Tested Limits
The first meeting with Woodbury unfolded as a tightly contested battle that stretched into four overtime periods before ending in a tie and ultimately a loss for East Ridge. The experience, however, proved formative, teaching the players the intensity of district competition. A few weeks later the team reversed the script, delivering a decisive win that senior wide receiver Lane Stewart described as her favorite moment of the season.
Stewart, who shares captain duties with quarterback Camryn Atkin, credited the victory to the chemistry forged on the field and the confidence the program has instilled in its participants. "It’s more than just a win," she said, "it’s proof that we belong here and that girls can excel in a sport that’s still carving out its place in the high school landscape."
Atkin echoed the sentiment, noting that the flag football program has become a conduit for friendships that cross sport boundaries. The duo’s leadership extends beyond statistics; they mentor younger athletes, encourage newcomers, and help weave a sense of community that stretches from the locker room to the stands.
Coach’s Vision for the Future
Head coach Jon Balagot expressed pride in the team’s resilience and outlined an ambitious roadmap for the coming year. "We want to add a varsity squad, expand participation, and give more girls the chance to experience the camaraderie and physicality of flag football," he explained. The coach’s optimism aligns with a broader push from the Minnesota High School Flag Football League, which has doubled in size since 2025, now boasting over 100 participating schools.
Balagot also highlighted the tangible support the program has received, including a $10,000 grant from the Minnesota Vikings that helped launch the initiative. The partnership with local media, such as the Star Tribune, has amplified the team’s story, bringing additional visibility and encouragement to the players and their families.
The upcoming playoff match against Blaine at Tartan High School on Sunday, May 31, at 5 p.m. represents the next chapter in this fledgling program’s narrative. With a 3‑4 record, the team embraces the underdog role, hoping to translate early challenges into a postseason that could set the tone for years to come.