The girls flag football season kicks off Sunday afternoon.

Nine area teams are competing in the inaugural season including, West Branch, East, Campbell, Liberty, Howland, Mineral Ridge, Newton Falls, Champion and Warren Harding.  Other regional teams include Marlington & Rootstown.

"It's very exciting because it's never happened before," said West Branch's Allie Brammer. 

Its expected that more than 160 schools will play this spring.

"Universities like Baldwin Wallace and Mount Union are adding it to their schools so it was just a matter of time," said Warriors coach Rick Mulinix.

The schedule is spread out over five Sunday's and teams will play at least two games.  The opening games are at Rayen Stadium with start times of 1pm, 2pm 3pm and 4pm. Games are also scheduled for Liberty, Champion, Campbell and Warren Harding.

"I think its going to be fun and we have a lot of girls who really work hard," said Alli Kanagy.

The schedule is set so the athletes can compete in other spring sports.

Both the Cleveland Browns and Cincinnati Bengals are strong proponents of girls flag football.