Blazing A Trail

During the 2021-22 school year, Long Island became the latest location to add Girls Flag Football as a varsity sport — and the Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District was one of the first to get involved. There was just one question, though: who would abandon their usual sports — lacrosse, softball, track and field — all to learn a brand new game?

In their first attempt at live competition, Bellmore-Merrick found themselves overmatched and unsure of how to compete on a new playing field. It seemed like a long season lay ahead for the girls.

With a fierce work ethic and desire to win, the girls turned disappointment into motivation, improving their skill, bonding as a team, setting an example for young female athletes — and, eventually, setting their sights on making it to the first ever Long Island Championship. This is the story of their journey.