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As the Ohio High School Athletic Association adds sports, girls flag football could potentially be the next one, according to Elyria coach Matt Wilson.
Backed by the Browns, flag football’s expansion has opened the door of possibilities for girls all over Northeast Ohio. April 11, Ely Stadium hosted its first flag football event.
“There are more people talking about football in the school. It brings attention to the sport as a whole,” Wilson said.
Along with Elyria were Elyria Catholic, Lorain, Shaw, Medina Highland, St. Joseph Academy, Lutheran West, Valley Forge and Euclid. With flag football being an Olympic sport, the game is rapidly growing.
“I think this is a great opportunity for women to show that they can also play sports that guys do,” Elyria’s Amya Williams said. “This helps kids that want to exercise or have fun. We are being a part of a family.”
Elyria had 30 girls join the team, which was enough to have varsity and junior varsity squads.
“This is just fun. It is not something that is really serious right now. We are all just trying to have fun and learn,” Elyria’s Camryn Kelley said.
Kelley quarterbacks for Elyria. Playing football was something she always wanted to do.
“I always played football with my brothers. When I saw that we were having a team, I knew that I had to play,” she said.
Elyria’s varsity team played games against Lutheran West, Shaw and St. Joe’s.
Each game was competitive, and the Pioneers showed their excitement for the game. It was showcased in Elyria’s first game against the Longhorns, as it lost, 24-20, on the final play.
Wilson, who once coached girls basketball at Berea-Midpark, is also Elyria’s tackle football coach in the fall.
Lorain is coached by Andrew Judson, who also coaches coed flag football in the Dream Youth Football Conference in Lorain. He also took the time to include Elyria Catholic and Elyria in the league.
“To me, it is finally here,” Judson said. “We get to do things that other counties do. We played a lot of football in Cuyahoga, Columbus and even at the Hall of Fame (in Canton). These girls have been everywhere last year. Now, we are hosting games in Lorain County. It is awesome.”
Judson said it is his passion to coach football and teach people the game.
“To give you an example, one of our (teenage) boys was at practice the other day and he said that he wished boys practice was like this,” he said. “These girls want to learn, they want to play and they are locked in. They practice hard and they play hard. We are here to give girls whatever opportunities they have.”
Wide receiver Seliany Melendez is a standout for the Titans. This was a sport the senior wanted to do since she was a freshman.
“I am just so thankful, because I did not think that (flag football) was not going to look anything like this,” Melendez said. “This shows you how many people are interested in taking flag football to the next level.”
Lorain played Medina Highland and St. Joe’s
Elyria Catholic endured a couple of injuries. Yet, the Panthers, coached by Chase Farris (tackle football coach) and Eric Miscuda were excited to compete.
“There are a lot of teams out here that are great. The girls are having a blast out here. They are competitive, and (Ely Stadium) is a good facility,” Miscuda said.
