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Historic First Season Underway for Flag Football

 

Fox Chapel girls flag football player in a red jersey runs with the ball during a game.

There is a new sport at Fox Chapel Area High School: Flag football is making its debut this spring.

The PIAA declared the sport as sanctioned by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania for this season, and more than 50 WPIAL schools will participate.  

Brandon Rios will helm the program's initial campaign. He has 28 girls out for the team who have been practicing and incorporating themselves into the new sport. 

“We’ve had a good amount of interest, especially for a 7-on-7 sport,” Coach Rios said. “We’re going to field a varsity and a JV team.”

Football is a passion for Coach Rios, who has been involved with the Fox Chapel Area football program in various capacities. 

“I love football,” said Coach Rios, who teaches at the high school. “When this opportunity opened up, it met me where I was at. I liked the idea of starting something at the school that would give the girls an opportunity to play and perform. That was something I wanted to be part of.”

A Fox Chapel girl's flag football player in a black jersey throws a pass during a game.

Coach Rios said he has a roster of a good number of athletes, but not many have experience playing organized flag football. 

“They don’t have a ton of formal experience playing football, but they have played other sports,” he said. “They have to take the time to learn the terminology, learn basic formations, and learn the plays. The great thing is, they’re trying hard and giving us their best effort. It’s been really great just seeing them grow already within a week of practice. I’m proud of them. So many of them are trying something new, taking that first step of trying something unknown and putting themselves out there, which is hard for anyone to do, especially in high school.”

Coach Rios said a few girls have stood out as ready to take on leadership roles on the team, including freshmen Josie Franchino and Delaney Drum, as well as junior Gia Mort. Coach Rios also said that sophomore Izzy Morado looks to be stepping up to handle the quarterback position. 

Getting in on this sport on the ground floor gives the girls an opportunity to build a foundation for future Fox Chapel Area girls.

“I’m really excited,” coach Rios said. “They’re getting a chance to play an awesome game. We have a large responsibility to set the tone for the program moving forward. We’re not just doing it for ourselves; we’re doing it for generations to come. We’re setting a tone for the program that can pave the way for them to take pride in, continue to play, and take the mantle of what we set.” 

The season begins March 16 as the Foxes host Seneca Valley, then travel to North Hills the next day. 

“We definitely want to get the program off on a good setting, meaning the girls are enjoying the sport, they’re able to understand the game better, they’re able to feel more confident, and it’s something they can be proud of,” the coach said. “If we’re doing the process correctly, and we are playing the right way, focusing on the details and getting better as players, the wins and losses will take care of themselves, and we’ll be where we need to be.”