Wamego High School Launches Girls' Flag Football Program

Wamego High School introduced its first girls' flag football team during a Friday night showcase. The team is part of the Kansas State High School Activities Association's new varsity sanctioning for the 2026-27 school year. The Red Raiders are already making an impact.
Wamego High School has formed its first girls’ flag football team, introduced during a Friday night showcase event. The squad, known as the Red Raiders, is already drawing attention in its early days. This launch comes ahead of the Kansas State High School Activities Association’s decision to grant varsity status to the sport for the 2026-27 school year. That sanctioning will make flag football an official competitive offering for girls across the state, expanding athletic opportunities beyond traditional sports. The Wamego program appears to be an early adopter, using the showcase to generate interest and build momentum before full varsity recognition takes effect.
This development could broaden high school sports participation for girls in Kansas, offering a new pathway for athletes who may not have found a fit in existing teams. As varsity status approaches, more schools may follow Wamego’s lead, potentially increasing school engagement and community support. The impact may be most felt by students seeking inclusive, fast-paced competition, while also normalizing flag football as a legitimate girls’ sport at the high school level.