By: Karlie Genevive, ’26 Summer Intern

The New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA) will conduct the 3^rd Annual Flag Football State Championships at Cortland High School & Homer High School (Section III) from June 6-7. Games kick off at 9:30 AM on Saturday, June 6th and conclude with finals starting at 11:00 AM on Sunday, June 7.

"We are honored to celebrate not only exceptional athletic achievement, but also the growth of a sport that continues to create opportunities, inspire leaders, and empower young women across our state,” stated Co-State Coordinators Jen Lapinski and Marissa Dauria. “The success of this championship belongs to every athlete, coach, official, volunteer, and supporter who has helped elevate girls flag football. Together, we are building a legacy that will inspire future generations."

The 2026 state tournament will be the second year there will be three divisions of competition. Four teams in Class A, four in Class B and four in Class C will contend for a state title.

In the Class A bracket, Penfield is back in the tournament aiming to finish the job after falling short in last year’s semifinals to Half Hollow Hills. After a sub-regional win over Kenmore (V), they edged Union-Endicott (IV) 25-6 in this year’s regionals and will face Shaker (Section 2) who defeated Syracuse East (III) 32-7. That semifinal kicks off at 9:30 AM on June 6th at Homer High School. Half Hollow Hills East (XI) and Herricks (VIII) faced off in the regional, with Half Hollow Hills East earning the victory to advance to the state semifinals. They will take on Middletown (IX) at 11:30 AM in the second semifinal game. The semifinal winners will clash for the Class A state championship game at Homer High School on Sunday, June 7th at 11:00 AM.

The semifinal matchups for the 2026 Class B State Tournament are now set. Clarence (VI) secured its place in the semifinals with a 19-0 victory over Binghamton (IV) in the regional round. The Red Devils will face Fayetteville-Manlius (III), which advanced after a commanding 26-0 win over Columbia (II). Clarence and Fayetteville-Manlius will meet in the state semifinals on June 6 at 1:30 PM at Homer High School. The other semifinal will feature Yorktown (I) and MacArthur (VIII). This matchup is scheduled for June 6 at 3:00 PM at Homer High School. The Class B State Championship game will be held at Homer High School on Saturday, June 7th at 3:30 PM.

The Class C field is officially set. At the top of the bracket, Susquehanna Valley (Section IV) edged Oneida (Section III) 7-6 in the sub-regional, to advance to the regional round. Susquehanna Valley then faced former Class C champion Pioneer (Section VI), where Pioneer earned a dominant 20-0 victory to secure its place in the state semifinals. Pioneer will take on Northeastern Clinton (Section VII) on June 6 at 9:30 AM at Cortland High School. The second semifinal features a team who didn’t make the bracket last year; Westlake (I). They will face off against Shoreham-Wading River who had a huge victory of 46-7 against Cold Spring Harbor in the regionals. The two will square off at 11:30 AM, also on June 6th at Cortland High School.

The winners will meet in the Class C Championship Game at Homer High School on Sunday, June 7th at 1:15 PM.

Tickets for each day are $13.60 (including fees) and kids 5 and under are free. Tickets are all-digital and can only be purchased here.

More information about the 2026 NYSPHSAA Flag Football Championships presented by NYCM Insurance can be found at nysphsaa.org