HILTON HEAD ISLAND, S.C. — Hilton Head High is one of six Beaufort County schools now fielding girls flag football teams in the district’s first dedicated league for the sport. The pilot season is underway with games played inside the county.
Every high school in the district is in: Hilton Head Island, May River, Bluffton, Beaufort, Battery Creek and Whale Branch. Athletic director Carlos Cave said interest ran so high the district could have fielded more than six teams, and most squads maxed out their jersey slots.
The Carolina Panthers put up a $15,000 charities grant for equipment kits, Nike uniforms in school colors and extra gear. Part of that money bought protective guardian halo headbands meant to lower the risk of head-to-head contact during play.
The game uses seven players on each side, waist flags instead of tackling, and no blocking. Quarterbacks may throw or hand off but cannot run the ball themselves. Flag football is headed to the Olympics at the 2028 Los Angeles Games.
South Carolina has not yet sanctioned girls flag football as a varsity sport. Cave said he expects that within about two years. Until then, the county champion will represent Beaufort County at a Panthers tournament in Charlotte in November.
Across the Carolinas the sport has grown from a small North Carolina pilot a few years ago to hundreds of high schools and thousands of athletes. About 80 South Carolina schools are already in similar pilot programs.
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