Beaufort Co. School District launches girls flag football pilot program; receive donation from Carolina Panthers

BEAUFORT COUNTY, S.C. (WTOC) - More than 100 girls are making history on the football field as Beaufort County’s six high schools launch girls flag football teams for a pilot season.

The season officially kicked off Wednesday at May River High School, where teams played the second slate of games. The event included team runouts and a $15,000 donation from the Carolina Panthers to support the new league.

At Hilton Head Island High School, senior Ashley Brothers is the team’s first-ever quarterback. She said playing football was something she and her father had talked about for a long time.

“I think it’s really cool. I’m honored, honestly,” Brothers said.

Brothers, who has played soccer, said she wanted to take part in the sport and be part of a historic first season.

“Girls can play any sport they want no matter what people say,” she said. “Boys don’t run football, like girls can do it too.”

Other players are trying football for the first time.

Jamanie Chaneyfield, a safety and receiver at Whale Branch High School, said she wanted to try something different from track.

“Just play and have fun. Bond with our team, bond with others, and make history,” Chaneyfield said.

The Carolina Panthers have supported the growth of flag football teams across the Carolinas.

Riley Fields, the team’s director of community relations, said the players are learning skills that extend beyond the game.

“They’re engaging in school in an entirely different way,” Fields said. “They’re learning what it means to be a teammate, to be part of a team.”

Fields said the girls’ competitive drive is already evident, and more playing time will help them build their fundamentals.

Across the Carolinas, more than 5,000 athletes are participating in flag football, which is set to make its Olympic debut in Los Angeles in 2028.

Beaufort County’s teams are expected to have the chance to compete for state championships in the coming years.

For now, players will use the pilot season to gain experience and grow the game.