The 21st annual Prep Kickoff Classic kicked off at Wayne State University in Detroit, bringing together some of the state's most promising high school flag football talent. This year’s edition added two girls’ games to the schedule, headlined by a much-anticipated showdown between two-time defending champion St. Joseph and Macomb L’Anse Creuse North.
St. Joseph enters the contest with a roster that boasts top-30 recruits such as Aaliyah Lawson, Brielle Grant and Grace Peraino, and is anchored by quarterback Lainie Dorow, who was named Michigan Miss Flag Football in 2024. Dorow led the Bears to a 13-6 victory over Redford Union last season and will look to repeat the feat against a North team that fell just short of the state final a year ago.
The Bears’ path to the title has not been easy; a limited roster forced the team to rely heavily on depth and strategy. Their 2024 championship game was a defensive battle against Gibraltar Carlson, a rival they now meet again in the semifinals before potentially facing St. Joseph in the final.
Redford Thurston, fresh off a strong offseason in the Motor City Muscle League, returns with a renewed focus after reaching the second round of the playoffs last year. Their opponent, Gibraltar Carlson, finished as the state runner-up and will test Thurston’s newly assembled lineup that includes standout players Rayanna Lewis and Emiya Franklin.
Fans can attend the girls’ games on Aug. 26 free of charge, while the boys’ competitions on Aug. 27 and 28 will require a $15 ticket per game. The event marks the third consecutive year that Wayne State has hosted girls flag football, building on the inaugural 2024 matchup where Groves defeated Genesee 32-6.
A Growing Tradition
The expansion of girls flag football at the collegiate level has been mirrored by a surge in high school participation across Michigan. The Prep Kickoff Classic has become a showcase for the sport’s rising popularity, drawing scouts, coaches and media attention to the next generation of talent.
With the eyes of the state on Detroit this August, the stage is set for another memorable chapter in the growing narrative of girls flag football. Whether it’s the Bears defending their crown or Thurston aiming to break new ground, the upcoming games promise intensity, skill and a glimpse of the future of the sport.