Key Takeaways
K–2 champions: Bengals, 39–36 over the Vikings
Grades 3–5 champions: Saints, 56–50 over the Patriots
Grades 6–8 champions: Panthers, 41–34 over the Cardinals
Playoffs: Every team played October 25 and November 1, 2026, at Hinsdale South High School in Darien, IL
Next up: NHL Street Floor Hockey, grades K–8, eight Sundays from January 10 to February 28, 2027
Championship Sunday is in the books! On November 1, 2026, the Bengals, Saints and Panthers won the Sunday Funday Sports NFL Flag Football titles at Hinsdale South High School in Darien, IL. It capped one of the best seasons in our 13-season history. The weather gods smiled on us, the players left each week happy (a few playoff tears aside, and we love their passion!), and the sidelines were full of cheering parents.
K–2 Champions: Bengals
The third-seeded Bengals finished a perfect 4–0 playoff run. They knocked off the second-seeded Commanders 40–36, then beat the top-seeded Vikings on championship Sunday. The Vikings battled back through the elimination bracket for a rematch in the final, and the Bengals won it 39–36.
Grades 3–5 Champions: Saints
The top-seeded Saints also went 4–0, scoring at least 46 points in every game. The second-seeded Patriots lost to them 65–58 in the winners’ bracket, then fought back through the elimination bracket to earn a rematch. The Saints won the title 56–50.
Grades 6–8 Champions: Panthers
The second-seeded Panthers took the hard road. A 33–26 loss to the top-seeded Cardinals, who hadn’t lost a playoff game, sent them to the elimination bracket. They beat the Rams 28–18, got another shot at the Cardinals in the final, and won 41–34 to finish 4–1. That made three straight games on championship Sunday.
Thank You, Sunday Funday Families
To the moms, dads and siblings who volunteered to coach: watching you throw touchdown passes (and interceptions!) brought back fond memories of coaching my own kiddos. Soak it up. We only get so many years to coach our kids.
To our teen referees: you kept the games fun, safe and moving, and you handled overzealous coaches and parents with cool, calm heads. It takes real gumption to stand up to adults as a teenager.
To the parents: you spent an hour of your Sunday with us, during NFL season! We know how busy schedules are, and we appreciate it.
To the players: I’m so proud of your effort and sportsmanship. You played hard, played fair and had fun, which is the whole point of the league.
Thanks also to our sponsors, Mighty Oak Athletic and Salon Sapphire, our student photographer, and everyone who played and gave during Pink Week for Gilda’s Club Chicago. See more game photos on Instagram and Facebook.
NFL Flag Football: Parent Questions
Does every team make the playoffs?
Yes. Every team makes the playoff tournament, which runs the last two Sundays of the season. Two losses eliminate a team before the final, and each division ends with one winner-take-all championship game, with no bracket reset. Teams eliminated on the first Sunday return for an exhibition game, so every team plays both Sundays.
Where and when is the league played?
On Sunday afternoons at the Hinsdale South High School practice field in Darien, IL. Players in grades K–8 play in K–2, 3–5 and 6–8 divisions. The 2026 season ran eight Sundays, September 13 to November 1, after a Combine Day on August 30.
Are there weekday practices?
No. Kids play one game each Sunday, about an hour, with no weekday practices and no travel. Learn more about NFL Flag Football.
Who coaches and referees?
Parents volunteer as coaches, and trained teen referees run the games. Teens who want to get involved can start on our Referee page.
Up Next: NHL Street Floor Hockey
We can’t wait to see you in the gym this winter! NHL Street Floor Hockey runs eight Sundays, January 10 to February 28, 2027, at Hinsdale South High School, between 4 and 7 pm. It’s co-ed for grades K–8, one hour a week, with no weekday practices and an NHL team jersey included. It sells out every season, and K–2 usually goes first.
Sunday Funday Sports is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit serving families in Darien, Hinsdale, Westmont, Downers Grove and across DuPage County, with four Sunday leagues: NFL Flag Football, WIFFLE® Ball, NHL Street Floor Hockey and Young3 3-on-3 Basketball. If your family loved this season, a Google review helps other families find us.
See you in the gym!
Coach Mike
Sunday Funday Sports
