The inaugural Mount Pisgah girls flag football team is making a statement. The team is currently undefeated at 6-0 after beating Mount Bethel, Hebron, Chattahoochee, Dalton Academy, Denmark and South Paulding.

Since flag football is a fairly new sport at many schools, there are no divisions, and games are played against 1A-6A opponents. As it is Pisgah’s first year, GHSA requires a JV schedule, so the team will be ineligible to compete for a state title. However, the advantage of the JV team is that 8th graders can play as well as seniors.

Coach Merry and Coach Osborne lead the flag football team, and the senior captains are Riley Pickren and Aubrey Sabatino. 

The rules are fairly similar to traditional football, but of course, pulling flags instead of tackling. It is also 7 on 7, and the field is a little smaller than traditional football. Fumbles count as a dead ball, but interceptions are still played traditionally. 

Riley Pickren is the starting quarterback and she is a huge reason for the team’s early success. 

“Riley has an amazing arm. She throws absolute dimes,” said junior Kylee Yi, the team’s running back and outside linebacker.

The team environment is extremely positive, and the girls are constantly encouraging and cheering on teammates. 

“My favorite part of the team is how we always hype each other up and celebrate the small moments,” said Sabatino.

As flag football is gaining popularity, Mount Pisgah is on the forefront of embracing the sport and making it a part of the athletics community.