Cate Liu

Girls’ flag football chant “Go cats” for good luck heading into the second half of the game in a dead heat with the Poolesville Falcons.

The girls’ flag football team lost the first-ever game in MCPS history on Wednesday to the Poolesville Falcons 1-0 in double overtime.

Both teams struggled to find their footing and regulation time ended with no score as the game went into overtime. The Wildcats won the coin toss in overtime and took possession of the ball at the 3-yard line. They had one play to get in the end zone but didn’t succeed.

However, neither did the Falcons. Possession was then reversed during the second overtime and the Falcons punched it in on a controversial call and went up 1-0. WJ had one last chance to tie the game or win it outright. They elected to go for the tie and did not convert.

“We did well, we didn’t take advantage of the opportunities we had,” coach Butch Worden said. “We should have won the game. We had some passes we didn’t catch and some interceptions we didn’t get but the way the ball went it really came down to a call at the end of the game. We did not know that on a penalty there are a lot of things that happen in boy’s football that don’t happen in flag football and one of them is that you can actually have a turnover on a penalty that doesn’t happen in football.”

The game was played at Wootton High School, one of four sites around the county hosting the games. Representatives from the Washington Commanders and the Baltimore Ravens were also on hand along with Under Armor, all of which are sponsoring the league.

“I am excited that the experience for female students is another option because they’re limited as far as activities,” Principal Nicole Morgan said. “It’s a great representation of who we are and it’s a gateway to regular football. I believe women can play football and this is a great start for MCPS. I’m very proud of it, that’s why I’m out here. It’s about the fun they’re having. They’re excited and it’s just great and I’m really happy to be there for them, to witness it, for the very first game.”

After playing her first game, captain and quarterback Ellie Weinstein had a thrill of emotions about the game and her first experience on the team.

“When they said flag football, I was ecstatic,” Weinstein said. “It’s such a fun sport. It’s such a good way to meet people and be part of an inaugural team is amazing. I think we need to maybe be a little more serious and focused but at the end of the day, my team is amazing. We love each other. We connect as the season goes on and our chemistry will improve. I think we are unstoppable.”

The Wildcats will play their second game on Wednesday Sept. 11, against Northwood at WJ.