Flag football has introduced itself as the new sport at SCHS this fall. Surrounding high schools, such as Gunn, Mountain View and Wilcox, have also introduced flag football teams this year, but statistics show that none of their teams have been as successful as the Bruins.
As of the time of this publication, SCHS Bruins hold a 17-4 record. Offensive Coordinator Pedro Martinez sees the success as a gateway for more opportunities in the coming years.
“Obviously success brings up more eyes and attention… that more interest (means we) might have to talk to other girls about coming out next year,” Martinez said.
The coaching staff have been able to create a positive team outlook they hope will influence more athletes to join the team in following years. Wide receiver senior Aviana Rangel credits the coaching staff for gaining the interest of the team’s players.
“I think the coaches helped convince a lot of girls to try it out, and then once we tried it out, we kind of figured it was actually fun,” Rangel said.
The coaching staff, including head coach Michelle Bumbaca, praised the team for their efforts so far this season, but in particular, she gave credit to the senior athletes.
“We have a core group of seniors that are kind of pushing us through and winning games for us,” Bumbaca said. “Just phenomenal athletes. As they embark on their last year of high school, they’ve played high school athletics for three, three and a half years.”
Sports may face challenges during their first season as they navigate the scene, but flag football has overcome them quickly. Bumbaca noted that what separates the flag football team from most other teams on campus is the abundance of athletes who play multiple sports.
“We have a few basketball, a few softball, some track, definitely soccer girls, a couple wrestlers. I would say the majority of them are dual-sport athletes.” Bumbaca said
The popularity of the new flag football team reflects the increase in the sports attention around the world following the Olympic announcement that stated flag football will be played in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic games. Bumbaca observed that the anticipated inclusion has become a discussion point that grew following the 2024 Olympics, with many looking forward to watching it.
“Of course, of course, I will. I love the Olympics in general, but I’m happy to see them adding another woman’s sport.” Bumbaca said.
The inclusion of flag football in the Olympics provides an outlet for the engagement of a new audience. Sophomore Iris De Leon in particular showed interest in watching it.
“I would watch flag football if it was promoted. I think it’s interesting, just as interesting as other sports,” De Leon said.
Including flag football in the Olympics may also allow for the mainstream appearance of the sport. Martinez believes flag football possesses live television potential if it were to follow a schedule similar to the WNBA’s separation from the NBA.
“Like the NBA, it’s during a certain time of the year. The WNBA starts during the NBA offseason,” Martinez said. “So in a fair world, we’re looking to be in (an NFL offseason slot).”
Flag football as a whole is statistically showing previously unheard of success and is still rising. Junior Stacy Martinez is optimistic about the success of the sport and widespread potential.
“I feel like it would just take lots of great players, commitment and coaches to advertise the sport,” Martinez said. “If people spoke about it a lot more, it would become more mainstream and more popular.”