Historic Debut: Richwoods High School Launches Girls Flag Football

Richwoods High School Athletics has introduced a new IHSA sport this school year: Girls Flag Football. This marks the inaugural season for this exciting addition. The game features seven players on offense and seven on defense, similar to traditional football, but with key differences. Notably, physical contact is prohibited; instead, players wear flags on their hips that must be pulled to stop a play. The game begins on the team’s own 20-yard line, with the offense given four plays to advance the ball 20 yards for a new set of downs. After scoring a six-point touchdown, the offense can opt for a one-point extra point from the 5-yard line (pass only) or a two-point extra point from the 8-yard line (run or pass).
Matches are divided into two 20-minute halves with a 2-minute halftime, though the field dimensions remain the same as in traditional football. This pioneering group of Knights is making history as the first team in both school and state history to compete in this new IHSA sport.
Coach Robert Penney, who also leads the Girls Wrestling team, is deeply invested in Richwoods’ girls’ athletics. When asked about his goals for the team, Coach Penney said, “Every game is important, but the city games are always of great importance and bragging rights. The first year will hopefully set the tone for a long history of city titles. Looking long-term, winning in the state series is really the most important goal.”
The team currently boasts a 4-1 record and has five games remaining before the IHSA state series begins. Sophomore standout Acosia Morris, who excels as both a receiver and linebacker, cites the team’s cohesion and strategic play as her favorite aspects of the sport. “The teamwork and the diverse plays we run make us the most successful team possible,” she says. Like her coach, Acosia’s primary goal is to secure a state series victory.
This Saturday, September 21st, Richwoods will host a tournament featuring matches against Kankakee and Peoria Manual. We extend our best wishes to the Lady Knights as they continue to make history!