Harvard High School athletics will take center stage this Friday with the annual Black and Gold games, but the spotlight will shine brightest when the girls flag football team makes history with the unofficial start of its inaugural season. The Hornets take the field at 4 p.m. at Dan Horne Field, marking a new chapter in Harvard athletics.
Head Coach Mike Stumpf believes his team is more than ready for the moment.
“This team is making history and they know it,” Stumpf said. “This team will be the foundation for the flag football program for years to come.”
The inaugural season is a response to growing student demand and part of a national trend. Athletic Director Barry Gurvey noted that flag football has become one of the fastest-growing sports in the country, with Harvard students actively seeking opportunities to participate.
"Kids were in my office asking about adding flag football," Gurvey explained. "I would like to see as many girls involved as possible so the program grows, student-athletes have fun, and hopefully win a few games."
That demand translated into a full 14-game season that will test the Hornets against schools across the region.
Senior running back Melissa Sanchez, who also competes in track and basketball, embodies the excitement surrounding the new program.
"This is all new and exciting. I love football, and I was a little upset that there's no tackling, but this is amazing," Sanchez said. "Once I heard about this opportunity, I knew I wanted to go out for the team. This is my last year, so I want to push hard and do my best. These girls want to improve and do well on the field. We have a great attitude–I love this team."
How Flag Football Differs from the Traditional Game
Harvard's flag football program will follow a unique set of rules. Teams play 7-on-7 with four 12-minute quarters, creating a fast-paced competition where every play matters. Unlike traditional football, there's no blocking or field goals, and first downs require 20 yards instead of 10. Scoring opportunities include 6-point touchdowns, with conversion attempts worth 1 point from the 3-yard line or 2 points from the 10-yard line.
Inspiration and Support from the Pros
The program received a significant boost from an unexpected source—the Chicago Bears organization, which has thrown its support behind Harvard's flag football program and others throughout the region. The Bears donated $2,500 and practice supplies to help launch the program, but what may have been the most memorable contribution came in the form of an exclusive invitation to training camp.
The Harvard girls attended Bears training camp as special guests, accompanied by team representative linebacker Tremaine Edmunds. For Stumpf, watching his players experience professional football firsthand was a defining moment for his fledgling program.
"This was a lightbulb moment for our team," Stumpf reflected. "When practice started and the crowd erupted, the girls were focused, making connections between practice and what they were seeing on the field. They were playing football too."
Creating Their Own Legacy
Gurvey emphasized the milestone these student-athletes are accomplishing, drawing parallels to the district's rich athletic tradition. Pointing to a football from 1925 displayed in his office, he shared the significance of being first.
"These girls are leaders," Gurvey said. "There will never be another first Harvard flag football game, first touchdown scored. Someday their football will be in the trophy case."
What’s Next for the Hornets
Following Friday's season-opening scrimmage, Harvard will open the regular season on the road at Dundee Crown before hosting its first home game on Thursday, August 28, with JV action beginning at 5 p.m. and varsity taking the field at 6 p.m. against Grant High School. As the Hornets prepare for that official home debut, one thing is certain: this team has secured its own place in Harvard athletics history.