Flag Football Growth: Roster Shifts Challenge Spring Sports

Jericho High School’s girls varsity flag football team finished its second season in the spring of 2025, a milestone that marked a rapid shift in athletic participation on Long Island. The program’s expansion has coincided with a decline in enrollment for traditional spring sports, particularly lacrosse and softball, at the high school.

The sport did not begin as a varsity offering. Students and parents in the Jericho district initially participated in the Long Island Flag Football League, which includes athletes of various ages. In 2022, former Athletic Director John Mankowich proposed adding flag football to the school’s roster. The district had previously seen other schools adopt the sport, prompting local families to request a similar option.

Peter O’Malley, the head coach, prepared for the inaugural season by stepping down from his middle school baseball coaching position. The team held an interest meeting in the fall before its first season and began off-season workouts in the winter. These sessions allowed students to learn the rules and decide whether to commit to the team.

The sport gained traction quickly during the first season. Allison D’Antonio, an assistant coach for the varsity team, described the increase in popularity as an understatement. She noted that the rise has been amazing to witness, with students who had never considered playing a sport feeling confident enough to try something new. D’Antonio attributed this appeal to the accessibility of the game.

D’Antonio described flag football as fast-paced and competitive, with a role for every player. She said the rules are not too difficult to understand, despite the need to remember specific plays. The sport emphasizes teamwork and quick decision-making, which she believes builds character in a fun environment. She called the experience a lot of fun and even addicting.

Other spring sports programs have reported difficulties retaining players since flag football was added to the roster. Alana Mercante, the varsity lacrosse assistant coach, stated that flag football has made it challenging to keep lacrosse players on the team in the spring. Softball has also experienced lower interest and a harder time fielding a roster following the emergence of flag football.

Some athletes have found benefits in the shifting landscape. Chloe D., a member of the lacrosse class of 2028, chose to remain in lacrosse because the popularity of flag football made it easier for her to secure playing time. She explained that she felt she would not see the field if she joined the flag football team. The larger number of girls on the flag team also meant that lacrosse provided a calmer environment for her.

Jericho is one of many towns on Long Island where flag football has seen a surge in participation. The sport has taken over local athletic schedules, leaving softball diamonds dusty and lacrosse fields empty during the spring season. The next scheduled season will determine if this trend continues or stabilizes.