Starting the fall of 2026, Howard County public high schools will be kicking off girls flag football. The rapidly growing sport is in part thanks to the Baltimore Ravens leading this movement in Maryland.
“Girls Flag Football is rapidly growing in popularity, and we are excited to add it to our already outstanding athletics program for the 2026-2027 school year,” Bill Barnes, HCPSS’ superintendent, said in an exclusive Wingspan interview over email. “HCPSS thanks Dr. Ball and our partners in Howard County Government Recreation and Parks, the Baltimore Ravens and Under Armour for supporting this fantastic program.”
With the support of the Baltimore Ravens and other parties, HCPSS gains one more fall sport for female students to get involved in.
According to Baltimore Ravens’ Senior Manager of Marketing and Football Outreach, Adam Rudel, “Beginning this year, through our partnership with Howard County Public Schools and the Howard County Department of Recreation & Parks, student-athletes will have the opportunity to compete in this fast-growing sport.”
Thanks to the collaboration of the Baltimore Ravens, HCPSS and the Department of Recreation & Parks, girls scored another win.
“Together, we’re building a future where every girl who wants to play has the chance to suit up and be part of the game in Maryland.” Rudel said in an exclusive Wingspan interview over email.
A trial run of the season is scheduled to begin in October 2025, but not through HCPSS.
According to Centennial High School’s Athletic Director Rebecca Clark, “Rec & Parks is going to help us out with registration and getting everything organized for us, so practices and games might not take place on Howard County School property.”
Coaches and players are being rounded up in eagerness for flag football’s debut.
For current seniors, this will be their only chance to play flag football in representation of their high school.
“Its kind of a shame, it’s such a growing sport that definitely should be played more.” CHS senior Sophia Cortez, 26’ said.
Should all go as planned, the 2026-2027 school year will offer varsity and perhaps even junior varsity flag football teams across the county according to Clark.
“I was hyped when I heard we were going to have it!” CHS junior Madeline Salter said. “I’m looking for something fun to do during the fall season of my senior year so this would be the perfect extracurricular.”
