On Monday, Aug. 31, during the sunny, high-90s afternoon, Poly’s varsity flag football team geared up for their second game in school Poly history, playing West Covina. Composed of members from every high school grade, the new girls flag football team Panthers are united by their athleticism and interest in the sport. But how did this new team come about?
In the fall of 2023, the CIF introduced girls flag football as an official sport. Soon after, efforts to establish a Poly team began, though not enough interest was shown for the sport to come into fruition. However, in the spring of 2026, Poly’s Women’s Service League hosted the Powder Puff, a traditional high school girls flag football game, between upper school grades. Poly, along with many other high schools across the country, have hosted Powder Puff games as a way to generate school spirit and female empowerment.
After the event, current captains Brynn Connolly ‘27, Harper Doyle ‘28 and Claire Hoecker ’28 came together afterwards and decided to recruit enough girls to start a varsity flag football team. Hoecker explained, “It was after Powder Puff, I think, [when] I saw how everyone had a really fun time, and that kind of inspired us to try and start a team.”
When the Panthers competed against West Covina’s three-year running flag football program, they experienced the challenges of both an early-season game and an inaugural program, losing 38-6. Nonetheless, a sequence between junior receiver Hoecker and sophomore receiver Lori Ohanian, who sprinted over 40 yards to the end zone, led to their first touchdown. The team has an overall record of 0-3 with experience and understanding of football varying among Poly’s players. Connolly shared, “This is a new team. We need to learn how to play the game before we can win and compete very strongly. So I think just taking mistakes from every game and getting better. Every game and every practice is very important to us.”
However, the Panthers all share the desire to have fun as they establish a new program. Beyond learning the rule book and football jargon, this year’s team is expected to set the standard for the team years to come. Whether that be establishing or upperclassmen roles, they are uniquely positioned to dictate the team’s customs and culture.
Senior receiver Areni Ohanian stated, “Every practice is exciting and everyone always has lots of energy. I hope to leave behind the positive vibes and joy that the sport brings and I hope future years have just as much excitement.”
Doyle shared, “I like winning games, playing more too and getting more experience.”
Unlike other varsity sports, very few female athletes play flag football as their primary sport. Especially because external flag football mentorship, club teams and collegiate flag football teams are not common, opportunities to pursue the sport at a higher level are difficult.
The Panthers, however, have an exciting chance to train under a diverse and experienced coaching staff. Head coach Kennan Jones, a men’s flag football player looking to play in the 2028 Olympics, is accompanied by coach Lee Patrick Sullivan and coach Gary Payton, both basketball coaches, as well as coach Jamie Bell, a soccer coach.
Reflecting upon the athletes’ and coaching staff’s diverse range of athletic backgrounds, Kennan said, “You get a mix of all the best athletes.”
Each member has a role on the team and has the opportunity to accumulate game experience, especially underclassmen, who can bring their skills gained this year into future seasons.
Preparing for their upcoming match against Rio Honda Prep on Tuesday, Sept. 22, the Panthers are continuing to hone their skills, treating each game as a chance for improvement. The players also encourage any interested female athletes to still join the nascent team.
