WILMINGTON, N.C. (WECT) - Ashley High School won the inaugural state flag football championship game against Apex High School.After trailing 7-6 at halftime, the Eagles turned it around in the second half, eventually winning the game 13-7.Sawyer Rigdon was named the Most Valuable Player of the state championship game. Her teammate, Mia Agrillo, was named the Defensive Most Outstanding Player. Apex’s Lindsey McKinney won the Offensive Most Outstanding Player award.The flag football state playoff was a first of its kind event. The sport is not officially sanctioned by the N.C. High School Athletic Association, so the state championship is technically an unofficial title.Flag football is considered one of the fastest growing high school sports in the United States. The Carolina Panthers have invested money in the sport in North Carolina. The Panthers say 119 high schools in the state are participating in the sport this year.Copyright 2024 WECT. All rights reserved.

Ashley High School's flag football squad secures victory first

WILMINGTON, N.C. (WECT) – Ashley High School claimed victory in the first-ever state flag football championship match against Apex High School. Despite being behind 7-6 at the halftime, the Eagles made a comeback in the second half, ultimately securing a 13-7 win. Sawyer Rigdon earned the title of Most Valuable Player in the championship game. […]

WILMINGTON, N.C. (WECT) – Ashley High School claimed victory in the first-ever state flag football championship match against Apex High School.

Despite being behind 7-6 at the halftime, the Eagles made a comeback in the second half, ultimately securing a 13-7 win.

Sawyer Rigdon earned the title of Most Valuable Player in the championship game. Her fellow player, Mia Agrillo, was honored as the Defensive Most Outstanding Player. Lindsey McKinney from Apex received the Offensive Most Outstanding Player distinction.

This flag football state playoff marked a pioneering event. The sport is not officially recognized by the N.C. High School Athletic Association, making the state championship technically an unofficial accolade.

Flag football is recognized as one of the fastest expanding high school sports in the United States. The Carolina Panthers have channeled funds into the sport across North Carolina. The Panthers report that 119 high schools in the state are involved in the sport this year.