Flag football is back for a second, even stronger season

The second year of high school flag football in the Treasure state kicked off Saturday with the defending state champion Glacier Wolfpack and runner-up Flathead Bravettes Butte-bound to start the season.

Last year the rival crosstown schools went toe-to-toe in the title game at Washington-Grizzly stadium in a contest that came down to the final play of the game when Glacier stopped Flathead from converting a two-point conversion.

The Bravettes return 11 players from the program last year and Coach Lisa Koehler is enthusiastic about the turnout of athletes looking to compete this season.

"I am excited to see the numbers as a whole grow. It shows promise and the need for the sport," Koehler said.

The Bravettes will look to the trio of Harlie Roth, Kenlie Roth, and Quinlenn Tennison for leadership on and off the field as they were selected as captains by their teammates.

"Every year I look forward to a new group of athletes excited to learn,” Koehler said. “I think they have shown a huge amount of growth in a short time and hope we can continue to have fun, compete and get better each week. It is all about team chemistry and getting them to work together."

The Wolfpack had a strong turnout with 60 girls set to compete this fall and will field four teams in the first tournament of the year in Butte.

“Any girl involved now has a friend who is like ‘Shoot. I want to be a part of that, real positive, real exciting thing,’” Glacier coach Mark Kessler said.

Glacier will lean on a strong core of seniors with 17 total.

“Outstanding leadership within that group,” Kessler said.

One key name to watch for Glacier is Noah Fincher, who is back after hauling a 62-yard reception in the state title game. Kessler expects her to do a little bit of everything once again for the Wolfpack and said she is a “playmaker on both offense and defense.”

Another key returner for Glacier is quarterback Kai Johnson, who played a key role in the team’s state championship a year ago.

“Able to make every throw, great to see her growth at the game of football and playing quarterback,” said Kessler.

Kessler noted the team has some fresh faces who have experience playing other sports for the Wolfpack, including Glacier’s state champion softball team, the basketball team, and members of the track and field squad which has helped create a competitive spirit.

As for some other fresh faces on the flag football scene, two new schools are rolling out teams: Lockwood High School in Billings and in the Mission Valley, St. Ignatius is also on board.

Both Kalispell schools and their counterparts will be vying for a trip back to the state title game that takes place Sept. 28 in Butte.

Another key game to watch is the crosstown clash between Flathead and Glacier set to take place at Legends Stadium on Tuesday, Sept. 19 at 7 p.m.