Lawrence North High School’s girls flag football program is making headlines in Indianapolis. Freshman quarterback Heavynne Beard, who grew up playing tackle football, now leads the Wildcats as they pursue their first state title. The team finished as runner‑up in the state tournament last season and is determined to finish on top this year.
From Tackle to Flag
Beard began playing tackle football at age seven, often the only girl on the field. She later joined her school’s seventh‑grade team but stepped away when the boys grew “bigger, tougher and meaner.” When the Indiana High School Athletic Association (IHSAA) began considering girls flag football as an emerging sport, Beard’s football IQ caught the eye of flag coach Donny Mimms, who recruited her as a quarterback.
Growing the Sport
Girls flag football is now played in more than 100 Indiana high schools. The IHSAA counts 113 teams competing this year, and officials say the sport could be officially sanctioned as early as next spring. Assistant Commissioner Robert Faulkens likens its growth to girls wrestling, noting that once the sport was recognized, participation numbers “exploded.”
The Indianapolis Colts helped launch a competitive high‑school flag league for girls in 2023. Their “Road to 100” campaign, backed by a $1 million commitment from the Irsay family, supports start‑up needs for teams across the state. The campaign’s name reflects the minimum of 100 teams required for two consecutive years before the IHSAA can sanction a sport.
Game Play and Facilities
Lawrence North’s flag team practices on an open baseball diamond during the week and hosts home games on the soccer field. When the tackle team uses the football field, the flag squad gets a brief slot on Mondays. Recent school‑district improvements added artificial turf fields, giving the girls better practice space.
Flag football follows a 7‑on‑7 format without pads. Games consist of two 24‑minute halves, and defenders stop play by pulling flags from belts rather than tackling. Scoring includes 1‑ or 2‑point conversions after touchdowns, and teams line up at their own 14‑yard line for new possessions instead of punting.
Team Culture and Discipline
The Wildcats emphasize mental toughness and accountability. Players run laps for failing grades, talking during practice, or dropped passes. “Everybody needs to be yelled at and shocked back into reality,” senior defensive back Jada Akoforo said, noting that the coaches’ firm approach comes from love.
Six Wildcats earned college offers last season, and Beard hopes to add her name to the list. “My mom never got the opportunity to go to college, so I want to prove I can do it,” she said.
Looking Ahead
Lawrence North will play three of its games at Lucas Oil Stadium as part of the Indiana Black Expo’s Circle City Classic on Sept. 26. The team’s record so far includes wins over Lawrence Central, Pike, and North Central, with only one regular‑season loss to Warren Central.
With growing community support, a strong coaching staff, and the backing of the Irsay family’s initiative, the Wildcats are poised to make history and cement girls flag football as a permanent part of Indiana high‑school athletics.
Original reporting: Mirror Indy — read the source article.
