As we start the new school year, we continue our old Ripon High (way or traditions). Although this year, we introduced a new sport to RHS. We have officially welcomed the sport of girls flag football and we hope it’s here to stay!
This is the first year RHS has had an official flag football team other than the Powder Puff game. We have two teams, junior varsity (JV) and varsity. The teams are coached by Mario Sanchez and Louis Rivera.
The game is a concept like football with a few differences. One of the biggest differences is there is no tackling, instead they pull flags which substitute the tackle. The game has a running clock of 24 minute halves. The team has to be prepared to play offensively and defensively. In fact, the team worked on skill and even played some scrimmages and tournaments before making RHS history on Wed. Aug. 28 2024. The girls played at home against Thomas Downey Knights for the first time, starting a new chapter at RHS.
“This is a really cool experience because this is the first ever home game,” Victoria Rich states. “This is history, we made history.”
The JV team ended quarter one tied, 0-0 and as the second quarter ended the Knights scored a touchdown but were not able to get the extra point. A couple minutes later the Lady Indians were able to catch and even defeat Downey 7-6.

The varsity team consists of many seniors and they are excited and glad to be a part of the first flag football team at RHS. The first quarter was rough for the Indians, although a touchdown was scored by Emily Paxton,senior.
When asked how the team did overall Paxon stated, “I think we did pretty good, it’s early in the season we’re building up to be a good team but I can tell we have the qualities to become a successful team.”

The game didn’t end with a victory for the Lady Indians but they hope to keep on going and practicing for the rest of their season. Come support the first flag football team at their next home game on September 5th!