The hottest sport in Illinois? It’s Flag football

Flag football’s growth in Illinois has been anything but three yards and a cloud of dust.

Heading into it’s IHSA second season, more than 200 schools are participating.

“It was one of the sports that went through the (sanction) process the fastest,” IHSA Assistant Executive Director and girls flag football administrator Tracie Henry said. “But I also think it’s a sport that doesn’t require an extreme amount of infrastructure.”

Alongside the IHSA and the Chicago Bears, Gridiron Queens, a flag football club for middle school and high school girls based in Elgin, is doing its part to grow the sport and give kids more chances to have fun playing.

Countdown to kickoff continues

Kevin Schmit continues his countdown to prep football with a look at whether there should be separate playoff brackets for public and private schools.

Breaking down the CCL/ESCC Blue and White divisions

A pair of junior quarterbacks headline the players to watch in the CCL/ESCC White Division.

Carmel’s Trae Taylor hopes to lead the Corsairs back to the playoffs after missing them in 2024.

Izzy Abrams seemed to be playing better and better down the stretch for Montini in its run to the Class 3A championship. He hopes to carry that momentum into his junior season.

Loyola and Mount Carmel are coming off Class 8A and 7A state championships, respectively.

Both teams are in Class 8A now and face each other at the end the season.