Instead of using their usual yellow penalty hankies, tonight football officials will be equipped with special blue flags.

It’s the Washington Officials Association’s attempt to raise awareness about prostate cancer. September is National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month.

Here is some startling information about prostate cancer, taken from a Washington Interscholastic Activities Association news release:

“According to the Prostate Cancer Foundation, prostate cancer is the most common non-skin cancer in America, affecting one in six men. In 2008, more than 186,000 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer, and more than 28,000 men will die from the disease. One new case occurs every 2.5 minutes and a man dies from prostate cancer every 19 minutes. It is estimated that there are more than two million American men currently living with prostate cancer.”

It’s no coincidence that state football officials decided to use blue flags today, the anniversary of former Archbishop Murphy coach Terry Ennis. A year ago Ennis died from complications related to prostate cancer.

Archbishop Murphy plays host to a tough Eastside Catholic squad tonight at Terry Ennis Stadium. As if Murphy didn’t already have enough motivation this season, I’m sure thoughts of their former coach will inspire them.