A New Era for Girls Flag Football
The inaugural OHSAA Girls Flag Football State Tournament unfolded on Saturday with eight teams competing for the first ever state title, generating a buzz that resonated throughout Ohio.
In the championship match, Nordonia of Summit County edged out Mount Notre Dame of Cincinnati 20‑19, with freshman Ava McLendon leaping for the decisive catch that sealed the win.
The Knights’ triumph made history as the first OHSAA girls flag football state champion and only the second girls team to capture a state title at Nordonia, underscoring the rapid growth of the sport.
The day began with four simultaneous games, and the excitement was amplified for Badgers fan Uncle Rae as Berkshire secured a spot in the later rounds, adding a personal touch to the tournament’s narrative.
Senior quarterback Hadyn Paul, who will continue his athletic career at John Carroll University, described the feeling as ‘the craziest’ and expressed joy at playing both flag football and basketball in college.
McLendon added that the team is setting a strong pace for the future of flag football and other sports at Nordonia, promising a vibrant pipeline for upcoming talent.