FAIRHOPE, Ala.— Fairhope High School introduces the first season of flag football with a season set from August through October. Girls in grades 9-12 are eligible to play. Each home game, consisting of a JV and Varsity competition, will be at Founders Park in Fairhope.
“We started the girls flag football team to provide more opportunities for our female athletes to compete and expand their athletic skills,” said Justin Commetti, head coach. “Our mission is to empower young women through the sport of flag football by promoting teamwork, discipline, and leadership.”
The Lady Pirates have been practicing for two weeks in preparation for their first game on Tuesday, Aug. 26. Each practice runs from 3:30 to 5 p.m. and begins with team stretching and conditioning followed by practicing plays and running scrimmages.
Girls flag football creates a space for young women to participate in male dominated sports and serves as a way for each female athlete to grow physically and mentally within flag, separate sports and effort on and off the field.
“I was inspired to participate in flag football because I always thought the sport was fun but never had an opportunity to play competitively. I also think it will help me improve in basketball by improving my speed, agility, and decision making,” said Addisyn Laughman, senior.
Previously, girls were allowed to participate in football-based activities such as powderpuff; a student-led female sport that consists of a two hand touch rule and only one game to prepare for. The flag football team differs as it offers female players set practices, head coaches and multiple games with more intense competition.
“I joined flag football because I have grown up around the sport and it’s such a big part of our culture down here so I thought it would be fun to get to play it. It has definitely helped me with reactivity, footwork, and conditioning which all translate over great in preparation of my upcoming basketball season,” said Lucia Jordan, senior.
Other schools in the county with teams are Baldwin County High School, Daphne High School, Foley High School, Robertsdale High School and Spanish Fort High School. The state of Alabama endorsed flag football four years ago. As of 2024-2026 region classifications,
64 teams are registered into eight regions of 6/7A play. More teams have been added this year, so AHSAA will reclassify to determine regions for 2026-2028 and teams within each region at the end of the 25-26 school year.
“Our team has been practicing hard after school, and the progress in just two weeks has been incredible. While most of our players came in with little to no flag football experience, they have been eager to learn and are adjusting quickly to the demands of the game,” Commetti said.
Since this is the first year, many players have joined with no experience requiring them to work twice as hard. This hard work is shown through their intense practices, time dedicated to learning flag football and memorized plays.
The Lady Pirates are set to compete against Spanish Fort and anticipate a win in their season opener next Tuesday at Founders Park. Tickets are available through Go-Fan.
