History was made on Thursday, May 1st, when Ridley High School’s newly formed Girls Flag Football Club took to the field against longtime rival Interboro High School in the inaugural Hen Bowl - a brand-new tradition game modeled after the beloved Turkey Bowl rivalry played by the boys’ football teams. This landmark game marks the first-ever meeting between the two schools’ girls flag football teams.
The Hen Bowl celebrated the growing excitement and participation in girls flag football across the region, and this year’s matchup became a spirited clash between two passionate programs. Both teams have worked tirelessly in their first season, developing skills, building team chemistry, and laying the foundation for a new tradition in Ridley and Interboro athletics.
Senior Captain, Reese Martin reflects on “being part of Ridley's first ever flag football team has been an incredible honor. From day one, we've put in the work, the heart, and the hustle to build something bigger than ourselves. We had the chance to set the standard for flag at Ridley and we made it count. This is just the begging of a legacy.”
The shared rivalry between the two schools adds another layer of intensity and pride to the evening, as both programs aim to take home the very first Hen Bowl title.
“I couldn't be any happier or excited for today's players and those that follow that will be able to represent Ridley football in its greatest tradition,” said Ridley’s Coach Richard Coia. “As a former Ridley football player, it is truly a blessing to have the opportunity to coach, educate and mold a new and inspired audience. Taking part in the expansion of the game and bringing it to this new demographic will promote inclusion and bring the community even closer together. I'm proud to have a critical role in this movement.”
In a thrilling match, Ridley High School's Girl's Flag Football team secured a decisive 7-0 victory over Interboro. Elise Martin's passing touchdown, along with Jamie Wojciehowski's receiving touchdown and standout defensive performance with 7 tackles and 2 tackles for loss, contributed significantly to the win. Alexis Heller and Abby Manley added interceptions, while Jaylynn Gale stood out defensively with 9 tackles and 3 tackles for loss. Brook Beatty's 5 receptions and 2 pass breakups further underscored Ridley's strong team effort in the game.