Rio Americano debuted its first-ever girls flag football team in early September in a home game against Capital Christian. Rio Americano is joining many other high schools that have introduced girls flag football teams.

Rio Americano’s flag football team was among many created by the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF), the governing board of all high school athletics. 

The CIF integrated flag football into a greater range of athletics to give students more sports options. They first started practicing during the second week of school.

Throughout the game, both teams showed incredible effort and athleticism.

“I felt really nervous,” senior Kenesha Smith said. “After we went through it, [we] gave each other pep talks. Even though we didn’t win, we’re still Rowdy Raiders and here for the second [game].”

Although the Raiders lost the game 27-6 there were smiles from beginning to end.  

The team felt extra pressure because it is Rio’s first year with a girls flag football team.

“It is hard to go through losing the first game even though we tried our best,” freshman Clara Timson said.

“The future plans for the team are to keep recruiting girls and building the program so it can grow into a sport that is welcoming to all girls looking to play the fastest growing sport in America,” said team coach Tory Gordon. 

The girls flag football team lost their second game 12-2 at Vista del Lago on Sept. 14.

Their last game on Sept. 28 ended in a loss 63-7 at Christian Brothers.