LINDEN PUBLIC SCHOOLS

LINDEN PUBLIC SCHOOSL, NJ — The New York Jets will host a marquee girls flag football matchup Wednesday as Linden High School Tigers faces Union High School Farmers in the Gatorade Girls Flag Series at the Atlantic Health Jets Training Center.

Kickoff is set for 4 p.m., with the game livestreamed by Big State Sports.

Linden vs. Union Live Stream: https://www.youtube.com/live/DhN1XpeaMDM?si=kwMbbdkp8Ti-OtWK

Linden (4-4, 3-2 Big Central–Silver), led by head coach Al Chiola, enters the contest looking to build on a 32-0 win over Scotch Plains-Fanwood. The Tigers have shown resilience throughout the season, rebounding from an early 0-2 start to even their record heading into the high-profile showcase.

Union (5-0, 5-0) arrives unbeaten, having outscored opponents by a wide margin behind a balanced attack that has powered the Farmers to the top of the division standings.

The event is part of the Jets’ continued investment in the growth of girls flag football, one of the fastest-rising high school sports in New Jersey. Following the game, Jets staff and the winning coach will select a Gatorade Flag Player of the Week from the victorious team. The honoree’s school will receive a $1,000 grant to support its flag football program, and the player will be recognized on-field at a future Jets home game.

The matchup comes at a pivotal moment for the sport. New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association officials are expected to vote next month on whether to grant girls flag football full sanctioning status, a move that would further cement its rapid rise across the state.

For Linden, one of the area’s pioneering programs, Wednesday’s game represents both a competitive test and a showcase of how far the sport has come, with a statewide spotlight and the backing of an NFL franchise.