During a time when baseball, softball, track and tennis seem to get most of the publicity this time of year, a sport that has gained momentum is flag football.

I can remember when the sport began, and while teams such as Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood Hills and Dillard dominated early on, other programs began to dig in, get some coaches and attract players to compete.

Now, as much of the rest of the state jumps into the competition, it’s the BCAA that has put itself in the spotlight with teams such as Miramar, which won a state title a few years back, still competing and making a solid showing.

Flag football has been embraced by the Miami Dolphins, which have opened their facility each year to hosting events that expose the sport and make it more attractive to play.

Even the parental and student body support has risen through the years. Go to some games and it’s amazing how football players have embraced their female counterparts and find themselves cheering on the girls.

In addition to Miramar, there are other programs who have flourished as well. Schools such as Cypress Bay, where players such as Jackie Sterman and Eugenie Ward have sparked the Lightning. There is also Plantation.

The Colonels are among the teams that have a chance to jump into the state championship mix this year with players such as Shakira Walker and defensive standout Rickita Burnette making plays.

Last year, one of the top programs around was Pompano Beach. The Tornadoes are right back it again this year with athletes such as Lala Fulmore, Kysswanna Williams and  Hannah Hamilton.

Monarch is another team that has been impressive with athletes such as Alison Jagemann, Samantha Mendez, Chelsey Borris, Anna Sandoval, Katie Gutmann and defensive specialist Kelsey Brennan leading the way on both sides of the ball.

One of the programs that have maintained success through the years is Western, where the Wildcats boast quarterbacks Kristi Schnepp and Kristi Smith, and gifted receiver Jessi Lucarelli.

Hollywood Hills, which had been one of the premier programs in the area since the sport began, is making things happen once again this season with players such as two-way standout Adebola Adeoba and Duletta Benjamin.

Douglas is also back in the talent mix this season with quality quarterback Kelsey Taylor and defensive specialist Staci Colbacchini.

Blanche Ely’s Victoria Graham, Shanteria Strowbridge and Jeanie Etinete have paved the way for the Tigers. Everglades is another program that has been impressive with players such as Jackie Collazo.

Among the other schools to showcase some quality athletes include Pembroke Pines Charter with Courtney Hodges, Devon Rivero, Danielle Smith, Moya Parague, Kendra Menard and Casey Schmidt. Coral Springs is also making major strides again this year with players such as Timoya Archer, Nicole Samsel, Janelle Thompson and Marisa Sunanon. McArthur and Taravella have also come up with key wins as Mitchley St. Louis and Gabrielle Lucas have sparked the Mustangs, while quarterback Megan Doll, Laura Galvez, Sarah Silversmith and Carina Victoria have been impressive for the Trojans.

You can reach Larry Blustein via e-mail at FloridaKids1@hotmail.com. He can also be heard every Thursday night (9-10) on the Miami Dolphins High School Gridiron Report on WQAM (560 AM).