The Buffalo Bills announced on Apr. 21 the High School Girls Flag Football Coaches of the Week for Buffalo, Rochester, and Syracuse regions. The recognition highlights coaches’ contributions both on and off the field, with each honoree receiving $1,000 for their teams and eligibility for an additional award at season’s end.
The program aims to support and promote varsity girls’ flag football by honoring coaches over a seven-week period. Each regional Coach of the Week is eligible to be named Coach of the Year, which includes an extra $1,000 grant toward their school’s flag football program.
For the Buffalo region (Section VI), Fredonia co-head coach Nick Bertrando was selected as Coach of the Week for his role in developing Fredonia’s program since 2023. Bertrando has led his team to a strong record of 40-6 over four seasons and consecutive division championships from 2023 through 2025. This season, Fredonia remains undefeated at 6-0 with key victories against Jamestown and Spencerport. Off the field, Bertrando emphasizes personal growth among athletes and community involvement through initiatives like supporting “Laurel Run,” benefiting individuals with developmental disabilities. His team has also been recognized as NYSPHSAA Scholar-Athletes.
In Rochester (Section V), Hornell head coach Mike Wilkinson earned honors after leading his team to a perfect start in its inaugural season. Wilkinson said: “In athletics, you need to work to earn the things that you achieve… I believe in instilling a passion and love for the sport in my athletes, while at the same time encouraging them to become a better version of themselves.” He cited Hornell’s first game win as his favorite memory due to overwhelming community support.
Syracuse East head coach Jeff Petties was named Syracuse region Coach of the Week (Section III). With two decades coaching various sports in Syracuse City School Districts, Petties brings experience and leadership that have shaped student-athletes across disciplines. Now in his third year leading flag football at Syracuse East, he has guided his squad to a notable record of 29–7 since its launch in spring 2024. Petties said: “The most rewarding part of flag football isn’t just competition, but the relationships built along the way… Providing opportunities to teach, connect, and strengthen team culture; through these experiences, the team grows closer.”
Girls flag football has seen rapid growth statewide—from just twenty Western New York teams participating in 2022 up to more than two hundred fifty-five public schools across New York State today—including ninety-one from Western New York sections VI (Buffalo), V (Rochester), and III (Syracuse). The sport became state-sanctioned last year; three out of five state champions so far have come from Western New York.
The Bills are now entering their second year supporting Modified Girls Flag Football at middle schools via grants provided by both their own foundation and Ralph C. Wilson Jr Foundation—expanding from twenty-one funded schools last year up to thirty-two this season.
At this year’s NCAA Convention held earlier this year, women’s flag football was added as an Emerging Sport for Women—a step toward full NCAA sanctioning—and will make its Olympic debut at Los Angeles’ games in 2028.
