Yuma County girls flag football makes history with first AIA-sanctioned game

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) - History years in the making took place at Raider Field as Gila Ridge and Cibola squared off in the first sanctioned AIA high school girls flag football game in Yuma County.

The milestone was the result of growing interest in girls flag football throughout the community. For years, girls in Yuma County have participated in club teams and local catch-and-go leagues, helping build a foundation for the sport's arrival as an AIA-sanctioned high school sport.

For Gila Ridge head coach Josh Schreiber, being part of the historic moment was an opportunity he had envisioned for years.

"Honestly, I feel like I'm really honored to be a part of this," Schreiber said. "This is something that I've dreamt about for a long time for our community."

Schreiber said the players on the field will always be able to call themselves the first, regardless of which program they represent.

"These girls are the first, whether it be Cibola, Kofa, Gila Ridge, we are the first," Schreiber said. "And going forward, we were talking about it even on the bus on the way over here that this legacy starts right now."

Schreiber believes the significance of the moment extends beyond Yuma County. He sees girls flag football as an opportunity to provide young women with another avenue to showcase their athletic ability and potentially open doors at the next level.

"I think it's an opportunity, once again, for them to showcase the talent that they can have in many different facets," Schreiber said. "Although football's been considered a male sport for years and years and years, this opportunity here, this is a chance to be able to participate in this game."

As college programs continue to develop, Schreiber said the sport could eventually provide opportunities for local athletes to continue playing while pursuing their education.

"There's very few colleges out there right now and as they're building their programs, what a great opportunity for these girls to be on the forefront of that as well, and maybe get their schooling paid for," Schreiber said.

For Gila Ridge senior center and wide receiver Leila Casnave, the importance of the moment goes beyond being part of the first game.

"It's very important," Casnave said. "It just shows that girls can do anything guys can do."

Cibola junior quarterback Aaliyah Cantabrana hopes the sport can have a similar impact on younger girls who may be hesitant to participate in athletics.

"This helps girls be more confident," Cantabrana said. "A lot of girls are scared to try out for, other teams, like basketball, soccer, because they believe, they're not good enough or it's just for boys."

Cantabrana said she hopes her participation can inspire the next generation.

"I want this to prove that girls, can be confident in whatever they do," Cantabrana said. "I want to be a role model to all the little girls who are scared to try out, scared to play any sport."

While the first game marked an important milestone, both programs are already looking toward the future.

Cibola head coach Josh Stevenson wants to build the Raiders' program at multiple levels, giving younger players an opportunity to develop before reaching varsity.

"Future goals for us, we get it at different levels," Stevenson said. "So if we can get a freshman team, a JV team and a varsity team, I think that'd be great for next year at the very least."

Stevenson said having multiple levels would allow younger players to learn the program and prepare for varsity competition.

For Schreiber, that continued growth is part of what makes the beginning of girls flag football so exciting.

"They just continue to keep growing and growing the sport in this game and creating more opportunities for the girls," Schreiber said. "And this is just a start for them as well."

With girls flag football continuing to expand at the high school, college and international levels, the first AIA-sanctioned game in Yuma County could mark the beginning of a much larger chapter for the sport, and for the girls who will help shape its future.