Penn Kingsmen capture 2026 Indiana high school girls flag football state championship
The Indianapolis Professional Football Team and the Indiana Flag Football Coaches Association announced Saturday that Penn High School’s Kingsmen were crowned the 2026 Indiana high school girls flag football state champions. The title game concluded at Grand Park Sports Campus in Westfield, Ind. Penn defeated Lawrence North 34-28 to claim the second-ever state title.
Penn reached the championship after a 33-27 victory over Fort Wayne Snider in the state semifinals and then secured the final win over Lawrence North. Fall 2026 marked the second season of girls flag as an emerging sport in Indiana, an initial step toward possible IHSAA sanctioning. The season featured 108 teams from more than 50 cities and towns, and 88 teams competed in the postseason for a chance to reach the state finals.
The Kingsmen completed the season 18-0, averaging more than 34 points per game while allowing eight points per game on defense, the Indianapolis Professional Football Team said. Head coach Jerimiah Maggart led the squad to the undefeated record. Penn will be honored during the Indianapolis Professional Football Team game against the Miami Dolphins on Nov. 15.
The Indianapolis Professional Football Team noted that Indianapolis Professional Football Team Girls Flag Football is fueled by Gatorade and sponsored in part by Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital as part of the club’s effort to introduce the game to new players and fans, especially girls. The IHSAA may vote to sanction the sport as early as May 2027. Schools and communities interested in fielding a team in 2027 may visit Indianapolis Professional Football Team.com/GirlsFlag for more information.
NFL Sports Blog Take
Penn’s unbeaten run and close wins in both the semifinal and final underline the rapid growth and competitive balance in Indiana girls flag football. With 108 teams statewide and the IHSAA weighing formal sanctioning, the sport has clear momentum and the Indianapolis Professional Football Team’s sponsorship and the Nov. 15 recognition at an NFL game will raise visibility for programs seeking to expand opportunities for female athletes. Continued investment from partners such as Gatorade and Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital will be important as the sport seeks wider acceptance and support.