PHX Reporter

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 was 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, named Cardinals 2023 Offensive Player of the Year, excelled in their 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 Xavier out of their end zone.

Cardinals owner Michael Bidwill has long been an advocate for girls' flag football growth. Whether it was when AIA sanctioned it in 2023 with Kyler Murray in attendance or through initiatives like flag football fields outside State Farm Stadium -- something Bidwill noted he "wishes we would've come up with earlier because it's super popular" -- it's been something consistently championed by his organization.

"We're elevating the game of football in many different ways," Bidwill said while crediting Cardinals COO Jeremy Walls for 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 ladies, and it's overdue."

"It's their time," he added. "And I'm glad we're doing."

McBride reflected on how Tuesday's game reminded him of his high school days playing ball in Colorado: "It throws me back to Friday Night Lights and being out here competing against other high schools around state." He continued by noting its competitive level: "This is a really competitive level; I'm glad I was here."

With backing from entities like Arizona’s Family network along with support from State Farm stadium among others involved within NFL circles – McBride expects similar progressions regarding women’s professional sports overall including potential Olympic inclusion down line stating optimistically: “With Olympics pulling it in – I think could become professional sport where girls get paid.” He concluded saying: “It's just matter time.”