Co-op girls’ flag football prepares for Fall 2026 kickoff
A few dozen Woodstock and Woodstock North high school girls are already considering lacing up cleats in the fall of 2026, as District 200’s first-ever co-op girls flag football team gets ready for the gridiron.
While the first official kickoff is still months away, momentum is already surging. More than 40 prospective athletes recently attended "meet the coaches" January meetings at each high school, signaling an interest in the sport that has been sweeping across Illinois since the IHSA officially sanctioned it in 2024.
Leading the charge is Jon Brown, a veteran physical education teacher and girls’ track coach at Woodstock High School. For Brown, this isn't just a new coaching assignment; it’s a return to his roots. A former standout quarterback at Providence Catholic High School — where he earned two state titles — Brown brings a deep tactical pedigree to the sidelines.
"I had a lot of girls come up and ask me about it last year," Brown said. "I talked to Dr. (Mike) Moan [Superintendent] in passing, and it put it on the radar. Ultimately, the school board and Dr. Moan get the credit for making this happen."
Brown has already spent months studying film from state champions like Maine South and consulting with their head coach, Carlos Panizo. Brown will be joined by assistant coaches Bobby Mickey, also a girls’ track coach and PE teacher, and Jay Justice, who coaches girls’ basketball and teaches elementary PE, to build a program from the ground up.
"Interest has been high," Brown noted. "I am looking for any girl who is interested in learning the game and wants a positive experience. Speed is a crucial component, but it’s all about the team."
The announcement of a local team is a long-awaited opportunity for Emma Bierman, a sophomore at Woodstock High School. Having already competed in basketball, track, and volleyball, Bierman is looking forward to the opportunity.
"I’m interested in joining because I played before for a rec team and liked it a lot," Bierman said. She already has her eyes on a specific role. "I hope to play quarterback because that position leads the team, and I’m able to guide others."
While the sport is growing rapidly—jumping from roughly 150 teams in 2024 to over 220 last year— local schools are still catching up. Woodstock Athletic Director Al Baker said Harvard is currently the only other school in the Kishwaukee River Conference (KRC) with a team.
Consequently, the Woodstock co-op will play an independent schedule for its inaugural season, facing off against schools from the Fox Valley, Northern Lake County, and Rockford areas.
Baker said Brown contacted him soon after girls' football was sanctioned, and said he’s the right leader to start the program.
"Jon is a great culture builder," Baker said. "Our girls' track and field numbers go up every year because he knows how to create an environment that kids want to be a part of. With Jon running the offense and Bobby running the defense, I think we have the potential to be competitive right out of the gate.”
The team is currently finalizing its summer camp schedule and plans to hold open gyms at Woodstock North as soon as equipment arrives.
The current plan includes about 20 games, primarily on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, with a home opener scheduled for Friday, Aug. 28, vs. Crystal Lake Central as a precursor to the Blue Streaks' boys’ tackle football season opener against Clinton (WI).
As the program looks toward its 2026 debut, Brown is also seeking community support. Local businesses or individuals interested in sponsoring the new program are encouraged to contact Woodstock High School.
"I think there are a lot of talented young ladies in both of these high schools," Brown said. "I look forward to putting them in the best position to be successful."