It’s rare to witness a new sport be added to your school, and to your county. he recent addition of girls’ flag football has caused participation and viewership of the sport to take off. With 21 players spread across all grades playing for the varsity team, and six different teams from the county playing at Wootton for the inaugural games, the sport has gained support at the games and anticipation in general.
To watch the inaugural girls’ flag football games at our home was one of a kind for spectators, but playing in them was even more special to the players. Senior Maddy Mathew said flag football is e unique when it comes to gametime but culture of the game as a whole is special as well. “It is really unique and a fun experience, especially to be a part of the first-ever flag football game in Montgomery County, and to share it with five other teams. It was really exciting. I think that all the teams were waiting to compete and it was very spirited the whole event. It’s cool that I can say that I was a part of Wootton’s first girls’ flag football team,” Mathew said.
The team’s current record is 4-1 after their 34-12 home win against B-CC on Oct. 1. After winning the opener against Clarksburg 14-13 in overtime, their season has snowballed, winning even more games. Their next game is against Whitman away on Oct. 9.
Junior Megan Lomotan, a key contributor to their first win against Clarksburg with a pick six and game-winning touchdown, said that their hardest opponent only made them better for the next game. “The hardest game was against WJ when we lost 7-0. It was hard because it was our first loss of the season, but we picked our heads up and won the next game 34-12, which was also our senior night against B-CC,” Lomotan said.
Senior Tali Rosen said she hopes that the season keeps going in the same direction. “I look forward to all of our upcoming games as it is my favorite part of the sport. My favorite memory that I have made already is winning our first home game against Clarksburg in overtime with a huge crowd. We all played together for the first time and it was cool seeing all the parts come together and to see us win,” Rosen said.
As the first-ever player to score a touchdown in school flag football history, Lomotan said she hopes that the culture of the sport will continue to thrive and carry its energy through the team, ultimately trying to make a long run in the playoffs. “The culture of the sport is amazing and truly historic. Our goal is definitely to win the playoffs. I think this team is capable of it and I am really excited for what’s to come,” Lomotan said.
