Quaker Valley joins girls flag football revolution

By: Ray Fisher
Sunday, April 27, 2025 | 11:01 AM

Quaker Valley is one of 14 schools fielding new teams in the Pittsburgh Flag Football League this year.

The Quakers, coached by Guiseppe Rosselli, have been joined in the league by fellow newcomers Allderdice, Brentwood, Burrell, Deer Lakes, Latrobe, Mars, Montour, Nazareth Prep, New Castle, Perry Traditional Academy, Steel Valley, Thomas Jefferson and West Mifflin.

“At the start of the season, I was a bit concerned that we wouldn’t have the numbers to field a team,” Rosselli said. “There is a constant struggle with kids’ other activities, especially when compared to something new. It takes a special kind of kid to step out of her comfort zone and work at something completely new. It’s a big deal, and these kids should be celebrated for their effort. It is historic through my eyes.”

“I have been pleased with the girls’ effort to get better. They have worked so hard during a short period of time. Their effort has been inspiring and motivating for all of the coaches. This group doesn’t want to just play football; they want to win. It has been fun for everyone involved.”

Quaker Valley will be the host site May 4 for the league’s Week 5 game day; the Quakers will host all 10 division teams starting at noon. Admission is free.

QV is a member of the Western Division and is scheduled to play to two games on that date — against Seton LaSalle at noon and Ambridge at 1 p.m.

Last September, the PIAA voted to sanction girls flag football as a PIAA sport.

“Despite the formal voting in September, several WPIAL schools were proactive and started programs. Friends and former teammates coach a number of those programs,” Rosselli said. “Once it became official in Pennsylvania, I realized I had the time to commit to building a program. I immediately contacted QV athletic director Mike Mastroianni, who liked the idea and gave me his blessing.

“I took on this opportunity because I enjoy building something from the ground up with nothing more than an idea. The challenge of leading a group of kids that are breaking the door down and the first to walk through, in the history of our high school, is appealing to me and continues to drive my efforts throughout the season.”

The Quakers won their inaugural game March 30 against Our Lady of the Sacred Heart, 6-0, and were 3-2 and in fourth place in their division after five games.

“Flag differs greatly from tackle football,” Rosselli said. “Blocking is prohibited in our league (and in most leagues), so finding ways to get open and move the ball often relies heavily on misdirection. It is harder to pull a flag than it is to tackle someone.

“We focus on fundamentals of flag pulling defensively and flag-pulling avoidance offensively. If you can protect the ball, pull flags and make people miss flags, you have a chance to be successful. Flag positions are also different since there is no blocking.”

Quaker Valley is led by team captains Ava Hajok (C/WR/S) and Mia Duckstein (HB/QB/S), both freshmen, sophomore Maya Sidani (WR/LB) and junior Willa Herman (QB/LB).

Hajok scored the first touchdown in program history on an interception return against OLSH and was awarded the game ball.

Hajok also plays soccer and was a starting goalkeeper on the QV girls district championship team in the fall. Duckstein was a midfielder/defender.

Hajok, an all-section selection, stopped 15 of 16 shots in the PIAA tournament and sparked the Quakers to 17 shutouts, including two in the state playoffs.

“I’ve always loved sports and competition, and when I heard there was an opportunity to be part of the first girls flag football team, I knew I had to go for it,” Hajok said. “It’s not just about playing the game; it’s about stepping into something new, challenging myself and showing that girls can dominate in football, too. I wanted to be part of that change and help build something from the ground up.

“Being part of the first QV flag football team is honestly such an exciting and meaningful experience. It feels amazing to help pave the way for future teams and show what we’re capable of on the field. We’re out here working hard, learning a lot and proving that girls belong in every part of the game. I’m proud to be part of this team and grateful for everyone cheering us on.”

Other QV flag football team members include Alayna Gill (CB/WR), Ana Luiza Bacchi (WR), Ava Savage (WR/LB), Ella Palmer (WR/QB/CB), Mae Kruawangmon (LB), Maggie Watson (C/LB), Mila Harrison (WR/LB), Natalie Minnock (WR/QB/S), a goalkeeper on the girls soccer team, River Zaccone (WR) and Auden Cerniglia (CB).

Rosselli, assistant head coach Tyrone Gilliard and assistants Jordan Grassel and Susan Bauduin have established the blueprints and laid the groundwork for QV’s flag football program. The group wanted to construct it with a solid foundation.

“I enjoy the coaching process of incremental learning,” Rosselli said. “We will work with any kid who wants to play. At some point, they will find a passion for the game, and when that happens, they get hungry to learn and the process speeds up dramatically. Our job as a coaching staff is to avoid complacency and feed that hunger.

“We are trying to build this from the ground up. We are trying to build something that can sustain. Twenty years from now, when this program has solidified over the decades, this group will be remembered for being the first. I hope the girls take pride in that achievement.”

Moon, the defending state champion, and Seton LaSalle led the division standings with 4-0-1 records, followed by Aliquippa (4-1) and QV.

Rounding out the division were Montour, Sto-Rox and Ambridge, all at 2-3, and Bishop Canevin, OLSH and West Allegheny, all 1-4.

There are five divisions in the PFFL, which includes 50 schools across Western Pennsylvania. The top three teams from each division (plus one wild card) make the 16-team playoffs.

In 2025-26, flag football will be administered by the PIAA, just like any other PIAA sport. Until then, the league is managed by NFL Flag and PFFL.

“Both have been instrumental in bringing the sport to Western Pennsylvania and sanctioning it across the state,” Rosselli said. “Additionally, because of NFL Flag’s role in this effort, the Steelers donated flags, balls and a stipend for other costs like uniforms for all the programs, including Quaker Valley’s, that started their program this year.”

The Quakers, who practice three days per week, will play May 11 against Moon and May 14 against Montour.

“Being part of this team has shown me how strong and capable we are as female athletes,” Hajok said, “and I hope it inspires more girls to get involved and chase what they love, whether it’s on the field or beyond.

“This is just the beginning.”

Tags: Quaker Valley