Howard Community College's flag football team participated in a National Collegiate Flag Football tournament. Over the course of the weekend, playing four games, Howard endured a tough stretch, dropping four consecutive games despite flashes of competitiveness and effort on both sides of the ball.

Game 1 vs Kean University 

In the first matchup, Kean University was the opponent. Emmanuela Oga ( Randallstown, MD/Randallstown) caught a pass on the opening drive, and Georgia Day (Columbia, MD/Long Reach) (Columbia, MD/ Long Reach) rushed for 5 yards. Laila Stevens (Philadelphia, PA/Lower Merion) (Philadelphia, PA Lower Merion/ Norfolk State) had two receptions, one of them was a ten yard reception in the first half to keep the offense rolling. With 4:30 left Avery Richardson (Beltsville, MD/High Point) (Beltsville, MD/ High Point) earned a 50 yard reception and nearly ran it home for the Dragons first score of the season. Unfortunately, Howard was not able to convert, falling behind by one score before halftime. While the team showed resilience in the second half with improved passing and a late touchdown drive, the deficit proved too large to overcome, resulting in a loss. 

Game 2 vs Pennsylvania Western University California

Game two against Pennsylvania Western University California, had a different feel to it. Though there were still major defensive lapses allowing the opponent to capitalize on big plays. Howard's offense managed to move the ball more effectively, mixing short passes with occasional deep attempts, but turnovers at key moments stalled momentum and ultimately sealed another defeat.

Game 3 vs Rutgers

The third game was the most lopsided contest of the stretch. Rutgers kept pace throughout, earning scores with precise passing and tightening up defensively. Which created many turnovers for the Dragons. 

Game 4 vs Suny Courtland

In the fourth and final game of the skid, it started to click for the Dragons. On the opening drive, London Galbraith (Washington, D.C./Friendship Collegiate Academy) (Washington, D.C. /Friendship Collegiate Academy /Baltimore City Community College) grabbed a pass and ran it home for the first score of the Dragons 2026 season. Giving the Dragons a 7-0 lead after quarterback Ramiya Malik (Silver Spring, MD/Paint Branch) (Silver Spring, MD/ Paint Branch/ Cecil) rushed for the extra point. Suny Courtland responded immediately with a touchdown to even the score at 7-7. They managed to score again and Howard found themselves in a one score hole. London Galbraith (Washington, D.C./Friendship Collegiate Academy) grabbed her third reception of the game and ran the length of the field, which would have been a touchdown to tie it up, however a flag was thrown and the play moved back. Galbraith finished with over 80 receiving yards. It was a defensive juggernaut on both sides from that moment.  Howard was unable to close the gap, ending the game with another loss, but earning their first score and looking promising. 

Although the results were not as expected, the four-game stretch revealed areas for growth, including execution, consistency, and late-game composure. With adjustments and continued effort, the team will look to regroup and turn these lessons into stronger performances moving forward. The Dragons will play on April 11th, vs Harrisburg, in Pennsylvania.