Former Washington Commanders Players Boost Girls’ Flag Football Programs in Montgomery County
✨ Coach, Parents & Player Tips
Coach’s Clipboard: Turn game-day prep into a fun “pit stop” by having players call out each other’s cleats, water bottles, and flag belts before you pull out. This quick ritual builds accountability, crushes jitters, and guarantees you roll up to kickoff feeling polished, pumped—and ready to laugh at whoever grabbed mismatched socks.
Postgame Parents: Every time the doorbell rings, have your kid sprint up the stairs and back before you let them answer—those surprise stair sprints sneak in explosive leg power so they’ll blaze past defenders (and keep you both on your toes, too!).
Players Snap: When negative thoughts swarm you like mosquitoes, slap them away with three deep breaths. Lock onto the next play and let your hustle do the biting.
🔎 Feature Story
🏅 Former Commanders players visit flag football players in Wheaton
Former Commanders veterans Rocky McIntosh and Marcus Smith joined the team mascot and Commanders Command Force dance squad at Wheaton High School to celebrate the county’s flag football season finale, supporting 468 youth athletes across co-ed and girls’ divisions. The event highlights Montgomery County Recreation’s partnership with the Washington Commanders and underscores significant investment in girls’ flag football programs, boosting community engagement and the sport’s growth.
🌍 Regional Roundup
Kansas: Several Kansas high schools have launched girls’ flag football this fall with funding and support from the Kansas City Chiefs, offering students a new competitive outlet as the sport grows nationally ahead of its 2028 Olympic debut.
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Colorado (Aurora): The CHSAA is set to seed and release 4A and 5A state flag football tournament brackets this Sunday, using its Seeding Index updated with RPI and MaxPreps data to rank 20 teams in single-elimination play.
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Richmond, Virginia: In its second season since the VHSL introduced girls’ flag football, Richmond-area high schools have expanded participation—bolstered by Washington Commanders-donated uniforms—and are building skills, confidence and team bonds.
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Georgia (Rome): Rome High School’s inaugural girls’ flag football team drew over 70 athletes from multiple sports, led by Coach Jared Hughes with Atlanta Falcons backing, emphasizing academic standards, community support and collegiate pathways.
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⭐ Player Spotlight
Ta’Kai Baker – Quarterback and safety for Syracuse East (Henninger High School). She’s been named a finalist for USA Football’s Heart of a Giant award after guiding her team to an undefeated regular season, earning All-State honors, and mentoring youth both on and off the field.
“Ta’Kai Baker … has proven herself to be a leader defined by courage and resilience,” her coach said.
📈 Flag Growth Focus
🔥 Patriots Girls Flag Event
The Patriots hosted 150 girls at Gillette Stadium for their third annual Girls Flag Football Event, featuring pro mentors like Marcus Jones, Demario Douglas, Isiah Iton, and Renegades wide receiver Adrienne Smith. Competitors sharpened their skills in drills and challenges, with standout Charlet earning free game tickets and highlighting grassroots growth. By leveraging NFL talent and resources, the event boosts visibility and confidence for girls flag football.
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🔥 Arizona High School Flag Rankings
The Arizona Republic’s Top 10 poll highlights powerhouse programs like Chandler Hamilton and Mesa Red Mountain as undefeated leaders in a season that’s seeing more girls and co-ed teams across 4A and 5A divisions. Schools are expanding competition through out-of-state invitationals, reflecting the rapid proliferation of high school flag football in Arizona. Community voting through Oct. 9 further engages fans and supports program growth statewide.
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⚡ FlagSnap Daily Blitz
Sen. Mitch McConnell’s “URGENT!!” letter to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth restored football and other extracurricular activities at Fort Campbell and Fort Knox schools during the federal government shutdown.
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🏁 Final Whistle
“Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.”
— Arthur Ashe
