The Etowah football field is welcoming the female flag football team for its first official season, and they are ready to win big. 

   “We have a lot of very competitive girls this year. The idea of winning would be great. Our biggest struggle last year was beating Sequoyah, so we are hoping to beat them this year,” Amanda Massey, flag football coach, said. 

   In past years, Powder Puff Football has proved popular, so Arthur Blank, owner of the Atlanta Falcons, saw an opportunity to provide a new experience for female athletes. Blank donated money and resources to the Georgia High School Association last year to start the state’s first school flag football teams. Blank also opened up the Mercedes-Benz Stadium, home of the Falcons, to the girls to play the state championship playoffs. 

   “I expect us to work hard and become better each game we play,” Kali Terza, senior, said. 

   Last year, Etowah was one of 20 Georgia flag football teams that had the privilege of playing in the state championship playoffs. 

   “It was so much fun last year watching all the teams play and being a part of a sport that allowed us to go there [Mercedes Benz Stadium],” Terza said. 

   The team is working diligently to make it to the state championship playoffs once again, practicing every day before and after school. Last year, they placed third; this year, they are shooting for first. 

   “I really love morning practices because we get the entire school to ourselves, and we get our muscles and brains working for the day,” Maggie Bradley, senior, said. 

   Support the Etowah flag football team at home in its next game tonight at 5:00 where the ladies face Sequoyah High School. 

   The upcoming games are: 

Nov. 12 at 7:00 at River Ridge 

Nov. 17 at 7:00 at Creekview