Everything about flag football is new for almost everyone involved. For the coaches, for the players, for Homewood-Flossmoor High School, even for the state, the sport is new.

So far, though, Vikings Coach Walter Collins said there’s a lot of enthusiasm around his team.

“Everybody saw the need because there’s a lot of kids in the fall that are not doing anything athletically,” Collins said. “This was just about encouraging our kids to try new things and be comfortable with new experiences.” 

The IHSA officially introduced girls flag football in February 2024, and the first season was last fall. IHSA schools voted 464-82 in favor of making girls flag football a sanctioned sport. Last year, 156 teams were entered into the state series. That number is expected to grow significantly this season. 

The District 233 school board approved the sport in March. Collins and his staff of six held camps over the summer and tryouts in early August. He said 95 girls came out for the team, with 35 making the final cut. 

H-F is fielding a varsity and a junior varsity team.

“We tried to nurture it and it grew. Word of mouth spread fast,” Collins said. 

The players already have been rewarded for joining, as they were invited to the Chicago Bears training camp Aug. 2 in Lake Forest. The Vikings met some of the players, got some autographs, toured Halas Hall and watched practice from the VIP seats.

They left with some new gear.

“I thought it was a fantastic opportunity for our young ladies,” Collins said. “It helped with the buy-in because it let everybody know that this is a big deal.” 

Almost all of the Vikings are still learning, though. Only two players have any experience in the sport. Early practices were spent teaching the basics of football. Installing an offense and defense were left for later. 

The schedule opens at Sandburg on Aug. 27. 

“This whole summer was about the little nuances, football rules and the route tree, position on defense, how to move offensively and defensively, the principles of why are you doing what you’re doing,’ Collins said. 

Izzy Thurman, a senior whose first sport is softball, will play quarterback. Collins likes her competitiveness and athletic experience, even if it’s not on the gridiron.

Thurman came out because she wanted to play quarterback. Throwing a softball is a little different from throwing a football, though. She compared it to throwing a curveball.

“The first time I threw a football was the first day of camp here,” Thurman said. “I’m not the fastest and I’m pretty sturdy. I know we can’t knock people over but I know I can throw pretty hard so that is my strength. I was like ‘Let me try that.’” 

The newness of it all wasn’t scary for the girls on the team. In fact, it was part of the appeal for Thurman.

“I get to help try and build something,” she said. “It’s a new program, and it’s getting a lot of attention. If we do well enough, it’ll get some real popularity, and I think that’s a good thing.” 

With that in mind, the way H-F will define success in this inaugural campaign isn’t through wins and losses. Collins said he’ll feel like the season is what he wanted it to be if all 35 players stay with the team and stay healthy.

“It’s just about progress and building that foundation,” Thurman said. “Showing progress throughout the season is the most important part.”