Flag Football Fills Long Island Fields, Squeezes Traditional Spring Sports

Jericho High School’s girls varsity flag football team finished its second season, marking a milestone for the program. The sport has spread quickly across Long Island, drawing athletes away from traditional spring activities. The shift has created a visible change in the local athletic calendar, with flag football now competing for players in a crowded spring schedule.

The program did not start as a varsity sport. For years, the Long Island Flag Football League allowed athletes of all ages to play. In 2022, former Athletic Director John Mankowich proposed adding the sport to the school’s roster. Parents and students in the district pushed for the option, noting that schools in other parts of the country were already doing it. Head Coach Peter O’Malley left his middle school baseball coaching position to prepare for the Jayhawks’ first season. The team held an interest meeting in the fall before its inaugural season, followed by winter workouts to help students decide if they wanted to commit.

Interest surged after the first spring season in 2025. Assistant Coach Allison D’Antonio described the growth as an understatement when she called it a blowout. She noted that students who had never considered playing a sport felt confident trying flag football because it was new to many athletes. D’Antonio said the sport is accessible, fast-paced, and competitive, with a role for everyone. She added that it is not too difficult to understand, despite the plays players must remember, and that it is fun and addicting. The game emphasizes teamwork and quick decision-making.

Other spring sports have felt the pressure. Varsity Lacrosse Assistant Coach Alana Mercante said the addition of flag football made it challenging to retain lacrosse players. Softball coaches reported a similar drop in interest and difficulty filling rosters. The influx of players into flag football has shrunk the talent pool for established spring sports, forcing those teams to adjust their recruitment and roster strategies.

Some players have found benefits in the shift. Jericho lacrosse player Chloe D’Antonio, a class of 2028 student, chose to stay with lacrosse because the popularity of flag football made it easier for her to get playing time. She said she felt she would not see the field if she joined the flag team. She also described lacrosse as a calmer environment compared to the larger, more energetic flag football group.

The rise of flag football has reshaped the spring sports scene on Long Island. Jericho is one of many towns experiencing this shift. The sport has moved from a recreational league activity to a varsity option, altering how schools allocate spring athletic resources. Coaches in traditional sports now compete for players in a market where flag football offers a new, accessible alternative.