Girls in the Canutillo Independent School District are ready to hit the gridiron as all-girl teams from Canutillo and Northwest Early College high schools prepare to join the first-ever Region 19 Female Flag Football Pilot Championship. According to Canutillo ISD, the NFL-endorsed event is set to commence this spring, inviting teams across El Paso to compete in a tournament beginning on April 29, with the championship slated for May 19-22.
Canutillo ISD Athletic Director and Head Football Coach Scott Brooks sees this as an opportunity to not only further the sport but to also engage more girls who "are interested in the sport." As obtained by Canutillo ISD, Brooks shared, "We have had a history of amazing female football players in our District and we know that more and more girls are interested in the sport." The Dallas Cowboys and Houston Texans have also gotten involved, providing mentorship and sponsorship for the league.
Earlier in the week, a mentorship draft saw coaches from the participating high schools partnered with NFL teams, coaches, and players. NFL Executive Vice President of Football Operations Troy Vicent and former NFL player Bobby Taylor administered the event. With their new partnerships, the CISD teams are set to play six games before the tournament and will get the chance to train and receive valuable coaching and equipment.
Victor Corral, coach at Northwest Early College, expressed the importance of the league for his students who previously could not participate in UIL sports due to the school being an early college. "We are proud of the academic success we have with our students, but now we will be able to also show that sports and fitness is also important here at Northwest," he said, as per Canutillo ISD. With excitement brewing among the students, Corral is certain they will "show that amazing Griffin prowess."
