Standing under the Tuesday night lights, Trey McBride shouted out "wow" after Hamilton High School's Samaya Taylor-Jenkins caught her first touchdown.
The exclamation was heard often throughout the evening, and it wasn't just because of the action on the field.
History was made Tuesday. With Dave Pasch, Ron Wolfley, and Dani Sureck on the call, the Cardinals became the first team to broadcast and fully produce a girls flag football game of the week.
"It's exciting to be a part of history and a part of breaking new barriers," Cardinals owner Michael Bidwill said. "We're hoping not only with the live broadcast, but with the replays that will be happening on Arizona's Family (network), this will be just an awesome opportunity."
Each player on both teams were introduced and as the television broadcast began, chants from both sidelines added to the excitement as kickoff neared.
McBride, the Cardinals tight end, took part in the organization's flag football event over the summer and he was familiar with the sport. For this game, he took part in the ceremonial coin toss, and once the game began could not take his eyes off the action.
"The camaraderie, how the girls cheer each other on, how they're all wanting each other to do great, and the competitive level that they have," McBride said. "I think they do a really good job. I think it's incredible that these girls are able to do what they do, and to have the Cardinals out here broadcasting it live. I think it's very special for them and the whole organization."
Hamilton's Samaya Taylor-Jenkins, the Cardinals 2023 Offensive Player of the Year, went off in the 48-14 victory over Xavier. She scored three touchdowns on offense, and returned one of her two interceptions for a fourth score. Her first interception was a Randy Moss-like leaping grab that kept the Gators out of the end zone.
Bidwill and the Cardinals have long been an advocate for the growth of girls flag football. Whether it was when the AIA sanctioned the sport in 2023 with Kyler Murray in attendance, or the flag football fields posted outside of State Farm Stadium -- something Bidwill said he "wishes we would've come up with the idea earlier because it's super popular" -- it's been something the organization has championed.
"We're elevating the game of football in many different ways, and they're seeing that we're doing other things around the Cardinals," Bidwill said, crediting Cardinals COO Jeremy Walls with his involvement. "It's great to put a spotlight on flag football at all levels, but especially tonight, it's great to put it on the ladies, and it's overdue.
"It's their time, and I'm glad we're doing."
McBride said the game on Tuesday was reminiscent of his day's playing high school ball in Colorado. "It throws me back to the Friday Night Lights and being out here competing against other high schools around the state. This is a really competitive level, and I'm glad I was here," McBride said.
And just like the rise of the NFL, with the help of the Cardinals, Arizona's Family, and State Farm, McBride expects the same from girls flag football.
"With the Olympics pulling it in, I think it could be a professional sport where girls are getting paid," McBride said. "It's just a matter of time."
