Brookings Football League Gets Flag Football Program Off and Running

June 30, 2021

Bruin High School varsity football coach and the Bruin Football Association picked up and continued the flag football program, originally started as a summer activity by the Curry County Juvenile Department, in 2018 and has grown it into an exciting summertime experience enjoyed by almost 100 local boys and girls.

Nathan Owens chased by Packer defender Liam Shaw

The NFL Flag program has been around for about 10 years nationally and locally now for 6 years. As part of the USA Football organization and member of the NFL flag football program which helps keep costs down and a universal nationwide program to follow, the Bruin Football Association organizes the teams, games and seasons, and high school kids ref the games.

Tenley Travis breaks away for the endzone as Preston McVay reaches for the flag.

NFL started the concept to promote physical activity for youth and to grow the many avenues that the game of football has to offer. Over the last 11 years the NFL Flag program has grown in to many areas and levels, and some community colleges are offering it as a varsity sport for females. NAIA level programs such as Southern Oregon University, are watching how the program evolves and the Bruin Football Association is hopeful the growth will continue.

Jayden Parras runs for extra yards as Caleb Chapman tries to pull the flag.

“The Bruin Football Association has been fortunate to have some of same coaches in the program, for the last 3-4 years, and it really has helped drive the competition, strategy and complexity of the game. The growth has been amazing to see.” coach Bavaro told the Compass.

Brody Bavaro throws deep as Wylie Kammeier applies the pressure.

“With past players now coaching teams and our current BHHS football players are officiating, cultivating a K-12 vision we are trying to build, its also a great opportunity for our High School Football players to help out our future Bruins and give back to community that has done so much for them.”

Aiden Holmes gets to the outside as Jace Peterson-Salcido chases him down.

“I love the sight when you drive down Lundeen Lane coming into Azalea Park and see all the cars parked on the side of the road, a full parking lot, and 90 plus kids running around on the field, in their NFL uniform playing.” “The best thing about flag football is it provides an opportunity to a version of the greatest game ever. It really brings back the back yard fun!”