The countdown is on for history in the making. The first-ever OHSAA Girls Flag Football State Championship is set for May 16 in Canton, Ohio, marking a major milestone for high school sports and the explosive growth of girls flag football across the state.
Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium—already hallowed ground for Ohio high school football—will welcome eight teams to compete in the inaugural tournament. To accommodate the unique format of flag football, four adjacent playing surfaces (each measuring 25 by 70 yards) will be set up on the field, creating a dynamic, festival-like atmosphere for players and fans alike.
"We are very excited for this state tournament and would like to thank the Pro Football Hall of Fame for hosting it inside Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium," said Doug Ute, OHSAA Executive Director. "This sport has grown so fast over the last few years, and we are proud that the young ladies will compete for an OHSAA state championship inside the stadium. We look forward to being a part of a great day in Canton."
The excitement is well-founded. Ohio now boasts 162 schools sponsoring girls flag football in its debut season as an OHSAA sport, with powerhouse regions emerging across the map. Southwest Ohio leads with 41 teams, while Northeast and Central Ohio combine for 141 programs—a testament to the sport's rapid rise in popularity.
This year's state tournament follows a historic milestone: in 2025, Badin claimed the first state championship recognized by the Ohio High School Football Coaches Association, setting the stage for OHSAA's official sanctioning.
Action kicks off with regional tournaments running from Monday through Friday, leading to the finals on May 11. Those will be held at facilities associated with the Cleveland Browns and Cincinnati Bengals, giving the top teams a taste of pro-level venues. The top four finishers from each regional site will then advance to Canton for the championship showdown.
Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium is no stranger to big moments—it also hosts all seven divisions of the OHSAA State Football Championships each December. Now, it adds another layer to its legacy as the home of girls flag football's crowning achievement.
Whether you're a player, coach, or fan, this is a season to remember. And for anyone looking to gear up for the big game, there's never been a better time to rep your school or favorite team in style.