KANSAS CITY, Mo. — On Thursday, Sept. 10, the Kansas City Chiefs announced their Week 1 Kansas High School Flag Football Coach of the Week recipient for the 2026 season.
DeSoto High School Head Coach Dustin Parks is the Week 1 selection for his team's performance in the first week of the high school Flag Football season. This weekly honor aims to recognize a Kansas Flag Football head coach for their success and leadership, on and off the field.
As part of his recognition, Parks will receive a $500 grant from the Hunt Family Foundation, a Chiefs bucket hat, a certificate of recognition and a custom game ball.
Just one week into their inaugural season, Head Coach Dustin Parks has led the DeSoto High School girls varsity Flag Football team into a new era. The Wildcats took the field for the first time on Sept. 2, defeating Piper High School 14-0. They claimed 12 points in the second quarter, from two touchdown efforts, though they missed both PAT conversion attempts. They later secured the final two points of their 14-0 shutout via a fourth-quarter safety.
"To get a win in our first game is a real boost for the new program. It shows the girls what all their hard work can accomplish," Parks said. "I'm proud to be awarded this honor. The girls really worked, and it showed on the field. They have given me a great team for my first year coaching high school flag."
In addition to taking the head coaching role with DeSoto girls varsity Flag Football, Parks serves as an assistant coach for the DeSoto girls varsity basketball team, where he still contributes during the winter season. He also simultaneously works as a Physical Education teacher at DeSoto High School.
As of April 2026, girls high school Flag Football became a sanctioned sport in the state of Kansas. The vote by the Kansas State High School Activities Association (KSHSAA) made Kansas the 18th state to sanction girls Flag Football, beginning with the 2026-27 school year. The season will include six to 10 regular-season games. Backed by the Kansas City Chiefs high school girls Flag Football initiative, 28 high schools, and counting across the state, started girls Flag Football programs last year. Since the recent KSHSAA vote, even more schools have taken it upon themselves to create teams.
Now in its 30th year, The High School Coach of the Week program is a joint initiative between the Kansas City Chiefs and the National Football League. In addition to highlighting head coaches for their team's performance, this award honors individuals who make a difference in the lives of high school student-athletes by preparing them for life beyond football. The High School Flag Football Coach of the Week feature is in its first year, in Kansas, following KSHSAA sanctioning.
