Bedford students, coaches highlight growth of girls flag football; community donor supplies warm-ups

Members of the Bedford City Schools board heard on-the-ground updates Tuesday night about the district’s girls flag football program and a community donation of team warm-up gear.

Coach Rondale Reed, introduced as Bedford High School’s head girls flag football coach, told the board the program has grown rapidly in his second year. Reed said more than 40 students tried out this season and the roster was trimmed to about 30 players divided roughly evenly between varsity and junior varsity.

The program’s assistant coaches, identified in the meeting as Coach Tiff (Tiffany) and Coach Kendall, attended. Reed said players represented the school at a statewide showcase of more than 500 girls and that colleges have begun offering scholarships tied to the sport. He described flag football as a five-on-five, skill-based game that requires catching and flag-pulling skills.

Deandra Evans donated team warm-up uniforms, Reed said, and board members thanked Evans and the coaches. Reed noted the team will host a game on April 3 with games scheduled from 4 to 8 p.m.; he offered to send the board the team’s specific play times. Board members and school officials encouraged community attendance and praised the coaching staff’s work with student-athletes.

Board members also noted the sport’s appearance on a national stage and the NFL’s involvement in supplying jerseys and supporting showcases. No formal action or funding requests were made during the presentation; the board’s remarks were expressions of support and thanks.

The board’s public remarks closed by inviting community members to attend the April 3 game and applauding the student athletes and volunteer coaches for expanding athletic opportunities for girls in the district.