Sports

Madison reaches girls flag football postseason

By Star Beacon, Ashtabula, Ohio The Tribune Content Agency

May 6, 2026 9:34 AM

COLUMBUS - Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton will host the inaugural Ohio High School Athletic Association girls flag football state championship May 16.

Eight schools will qualify to the one-day state tournament in the home of the Pro Football Hall of Fame Game and the OHSAA tackle football state championships.

Madison earned a 12-4 overall (9-1 in the Eastern Orange Division) mark.

The Blue Streaks qualified to the Browns Regional Championship as the 13th seed, which is a wildcard advancement.

Madison is scheduled to play Monday.

"We're ecstatic to get this opportunity," coach Jay Ross said. "We did not want to end our season yet. We believe our best football is ahead of us.

"An extremely young and talented group and talented group of athletes. Cannot wait to show what Madison Flag is all about."

Kennedy Ross, a three-year captain, has committed to Heidelberg University.

In Ashtabula County, Edgewood finished the regular season at 8-2. The Warriors finished 17th in the region, with the top 16 advancing to the playoffs.

Pymatuning Valley went 4-6, Conneaut 3-7, Jefferson 2-8 and Saint John 1-9 in the regular season.

The Browns and Cincinnati Bengals will host regional tournaments in early May.

The regional finals are May 11, with the top four finishers from both regions earning a spot in Canton on May 16.

There are currently 162 high schools in Ohio that sponsor girls flag football. The Browns, Bengals, Pro Football Hall of Fame and the OHSAA are collaborating to conduct the state tournament.

"We are very excited for this state tournament and would like to thank the Pro Football Hall of Fame for hosting it inside Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium," Doug Ute, OHSAA Executive Director said. "This sport has grown so fast over the last few years and we are proud that the young ladies will compete for an OHSAA state championship inside the stadium. We look forward to being a part of a great day in Canton."

Four playing fields, which are 25 yards wide by 70 yards long, will be set up inside the stadium. The quarterfinals will start at noon on four fields, followed by the semifinals and championship game.