OWEGO - Owego girls flag football began their first week of practice on Monday and with little time to spare. The River Hawks will open the 2025 season in just six days.

Coach Rusty Virkler's team is looking to make the most of the next few days though, despite how hectic the short preparation time might make things.

"It's definitely chaotic because we have our first game in six days. So we try to get everything in, and with a lot of newcomers who have never played football before, there's a lot of new verbiage and trying to get them up to speed," said coach Virkler.

Owego is coming off a 2024 season to remember. Last year's team won the Section IV Division II championship, before their season ended in the state semi-finals. Coming into the first week of the 2025 spring sports calendar, coach Virkler hopes the uptick in numbers will help keep the momentum going.

"It's awesome. So we had 37 last year, 51 officially sign-up this year and we had 42 today. As you know in the freezing cold, so it's a great turnout and makes me super excited for the season," Virkler said.

"We had a class of seniors that many were three year starters and played both ways. Obviously we are losing some pretty big pieces, but we have some really good returners and some good newcomers as well. So I am really excited for this season," added coach Virkler.

Owego girls' flag football will play their first game this Saturday, March 22 at 3 p.m.