It’s called a Foundation Game. And, really, it’s nothing more than a glorified scrimmage, with the gate proceeds going toward the Sac-Joaquin Section’s scholarship fund.

But Tuesday night’s flag football Foundation Game between Ceres and Pitman didn’t feel like a scrimmage.

It felt more like the Super Bowl, and it was foundational in more ways than one — setting a solid foundation for the Pride’s initial foray into flag football.

“I’m excited,” said head coach Matt Vasconcellos. “I know we have a young group, and the team we played tonight had about 25 games last year, so you could some of their experience. And our girls are brand new to the game, but I think we went toe-to-toe, and we’ll only get better, especially after this week’s completed.”

On Thursday, Pitman will head to Newman for a scrimmage at Orestimba High, then will return to Newman on Saturday for a 9 a.m. tournament there.

For fans interested in seeing how flag football is played, Turlock High’s foundation game is tonight at 7 against Oakdale at Joe Debely Stadium.

Here are a few basics: The field is 80 yards long and must be 40 to 50 yards wide. Play consists of two 24-minute halves, with a running clock. Only in the final two minutes of each half will the clock stop on incomplete passes and for players going out of bounds. Teams play with seven players each, and first downs are made by crossing the 20-yard line, the 40-yard-line, and the other 20-yard line. When the line to gain is 5 yards away or less, no running is allowed … the ball must either be passed or pitched. No intentional contact is allowed in flag football … that is to say, you can’t bump or block an opponent. A screen block is legal (similar to a screen in basketball), but it must occur behind the line of scrimmage, and the screener must be set and still. If the ball carrier’s flag-belt falls off, defenders can stop the ball carrier with a one-hand touch. Ball carriers are not allowed to spin 360 degrees to avoid being downed, and they cannot use their hands or arms to protect their flag. Defenders can only grab the flag; grabbing the shirt or shorts is a no-no. A maximum of two defenders can rush the quarterback, but any rusher must start from 7 yards off the line of scrimmage. If a team elects to “punt,” the “receiving” team automatically gets the ball at their 20-yard line.

“I’ve been telling our team, ‘Hey, I really think we can go far this year,’” said senior Elexi Pulido. “I truly believe in this team.”

Vasconcellos also believes in his team. More than that, he believes in the sport.

“I want people to know that flag football is a sport that’s just about ready to blow up,” said Vasconcellos, who expressed excitement by the size and intensity of the home crowd. “It’s going to be on the Olympic card in 2028, I think we’re going to see it in colleges,  it’s all up and down the state, and all over the nation. It’s such a great opportunity for these young ladies.”