Cardinals QB Kyler Murray helps AIA launch high school flag football
The first AIA-featured flag football game had Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray doing the honorary coin flip at Mountain View High School.
Arizona Republic
As flag football enters its second year as an official Arizona Interscholastic Association sport, a new era has arrived.
A third conference, 4A, has been added to accommodate the expansion in the state as more schools add programs, joining 5A and 6A. A new broadcast deal is in place, with the Arizona Cardinals and Arizona’s Family teaming up to show eight games this fall. Each of these moves reflects the rising interest in the sport on a statewide level as it continues to see growth globally with the addition of flag football to the 2028 Los Angeles Summer Olympics.
As The Arizona Republic previews the 2024 flag football season, we are ranking the top 25 players in the state for the 2024 season, regardless of position. This was a tough list to narrow down with so many talented athletes. The Republic reached out to coaches in the state to provide input for the list. We also cited additional players of note.
(Position key: “ATH” refers to athlete; “R” refers to rusher.)
Top 25 flag football athletes in Arizona
1. Samaya Taylor-Jenkins, WR/FS, Chandler Hamilton, Jr.
Widely regarded as one of the most dangerous players in the state. Led all players with 23 touchdown receptions last year. Won the MVP for the Under-17 team for Team USA at the Junior International Cup in July. Her uncle, David Smith, was the all-time sacks leader at Hamilton when he graduated.
2. Madison Coger, WR, Gilbert Campo Verde, Sr.
She was the main catalyst for the Coyotes’ 5A state title, racking up a staggering 2,417 yards. Named The Republic’s Offensive Player of the Year for 2023. She is an exceptional receiver who is a threat each time she touches the ball.
3. Korey Roberts, WR/S/QB, Mesa Red Mountain, Jr.
One coach said she might be the best overall player in the state. Roberts had to step in and play quarterback after an injury, but she is a deadly wide receiver and safety. Supreme athleticism.
4. Katelyn Jewell, QB, Waddell Canyon View, Sr.
Jewell torched the state for a sizzling 55 touchdown passes last season to lead all quarterbacks, helping the Jaguars reach the 5A state championship game. She’s a two-sport athlete who also plays basketball. The 5-foot-9-inch gunslinger is usually mentioned first by opposing coaches.
5. Tierah Metcalf, QB, Mesa Mountain View, So.
Had a stellar freshman season, showing composure beyond her years as she helped the Toros win the 6A state title over Glendale Mountain Ridge. She tossed 28 touchdowns and also threw for 3,214 yards, third most in Arizona last season. Utility softball player as well. Primed for another big season.
6. Adrian Griffin, ATH, Tucson Marana, Sr.
Marana is one of the most talented teams in southern Arizona and the whole state, and Griffin is arguably the most talented player on that team. A coach said she was the best athlete on the field during the JustChilly tournament on the day that he watched in June. A three-sport athlete who also plays basketball and runs track and field.
7. Maycie Bassett, LB, Waddell Canyon View, Sr.
Was the anchor of the defense last year, which was one of the best units last year with nine shutouts. Finished second in the state with 117 flag pulls and sixth with 26 sacks. Bassett is The Republic’s reigning Defensive Player of the Year.
8. Isabella Pap, QB, Gilbert Campo Verde, Jr.
While Coger was dazzling defenders with her shifty moves, Pap was the one delivering the ball to her. Pap threw for a state-leading 4,009 yards — the only quarterback to reach that number — en route to a championship to go with 29 touchdowns. One of the best pocket passers in Arizona.
9. Lexi Harper, QB, Mesa Desert Ridge, Sr.
An opposing coach said she is the most accurate thrower in the state. She makes split-second decisions while running nearly full speed, and if she does take off, good luck catching her. While her production may drop due to graduation taking away a top target, Harper is still seen as an elite RPO quarterback.
10. Malaysia Roebuck, WR/S/DB, Tucson Marana, Jr.
One of the star players for Marana. Tallied 17 total touchdowns in 2023. It must run in the family: her older brother, Dezmen, committed to Washington for football in June. Dad, Sean, is an assistant coach for the team. Her little brother, Sean, played on the freshman team last year.
11. Ginny Wilson, R, Mesa Mountain View, So.
A fearsome force on the line. She caused havoc in backfields last season, racking up 31 sacks as a freshman. The next closest freshmen defender was at six sacks. Wilson forced teams to lose 152 yards, which was second-most in the state. One of the reasons why the Toros won the 6A title.
12. Khalia Dana, WR/DB/LB, Gilbert, Sr.
Quarterbacks need to take note of where she is on the field at all times. She collected 11 interceptions last season, tied for No. 3 in Arizona. But she’s also someone who needs extra attention when she lines up at wide receiver – she had 11 touchdown receptions as well.
13. Nami Singer, R, Tucson Marana, Sr.
Might be the best rusher in the state. Nobody had more sacks than Singer last year with 34. She’s a true nightmare for offenses, plugging up the pocket before plays can even develop. Quick off the line and to the ball.
14. Sadie Christensen, WR, Mesa Mountain View, Jr.
Was one of the favorite targets for Metcalf in 2023. She was ninth in the state for receiving yards (885) and had seven touchdowns. With another offseason to develop chemistry with her star quarterback, Christensen is in line to produce again.
15. Amaya Moreno, QB, Phoenix Mountain Pointe, So.
She made history last year when she split time playing quarterback on the tackle football team as well as the flag football team. Moreno is a dynamic player, showing she can excel in pads or with flags. Played on the U-16 team this summer for Team USA at the Junior International Cup.
16. Cadence McCanless, LB/ATH, Red Mountain, Jr.
She was all over the place for one of the state’s best defenses, if not the outright best. McCanless had 10 interceptions and 70 flag pulls, making her one of the few defenders in Arizona to reach those numbers. Even managed to haul in nine touchdown catches.
17. Noreal Sparks, WR/DB, Mountain Pointe, Sr.
Super athletic with incredible agility and body control. A menace everywhere on the field. One opposing coach thinks she is the best overall player at the school. Fifth in the state for most touchdowns last season with 17.
18. Kylee Thurman, LB, Mesa Mountain View, Sr.
With Wilson wrecking shop as a rusher, Thurman was cleaning up as a linebacker for a team that won the 6A championship. She had 97 flag pulls, which was No. 2 in the conference last season. Offenses have a tough time getting away from her.
19. Jalyssa Guerrero, RB/WR/S, Gilbert, Sr.
Super versatile and has done it consistently now. Can play running back, wide receiver, safety, and a little quarterback if asked. She would be a starter on any team in the state. She may not be the best at any one position, but she’s good at nearly all of them.
20. Kayla Tacker, S/WR, Casa Grande, So.
Only one other defender had more interceptions than her in 2023, and they have graduated now. Tacker grabbed 13 interceptions and could be poised for even more this season. The mantle of the state’s best defensive back may just reside in Casa Grande.
21. Trisha Stine, R, Mesa Red Mountain, Sr.
Was one of the main components of that fearsome Red Mountain defense. While McCanless was a nuisance at the second level and in the secondary for opposing offenses, Stine was cluttering things up front. She had 24 sacks, seventh-most in the state.
22. Moriah Green, DB/WR, Phoenix Mountain Pointe, Jr.
A shifty playmaker on both sides of the ball. Came up with six interceptions last season. With one of the top quarterbacks in the state throwing her the ball, Green should make some noise on the offensive end this upcoming season. Also runs track and field.
23. Emilee Searle, R/WR, Gilbert Highland, Jr.
This was a team that got mostly ignored last year, despite losing only one regular season game. While Searle’s teammate, senior rusher Abbigail Santa Cruz, got most of the attention in 2023, Searle can play either way and will likely be an even bigger part of her team’s success this year.
24. Isa Ady, R/RB, Phoenix Xavier Prep, Jr.
An up-and-coming name on the defensive front. She is quick and aggressive with a great defensive instinct as a rusher. Racked up 13 sacks last season. Should see those numbers rise more this fall. Will also see time at running back.
25. Khali Boller, Queen Creek Casteel, WR, Sr.
A nice, balanced athlete who has earned the respect of opposing coaches. With improvement projected to be coming at the quarterback position for the Colts, expect a huge 2024 season from Boller.
Others to watch: Ella Creech, QB, Phoenix Desert Vista, Jr.; Makenzie Pope, DB/WR, Waddell Canyon View, Sr.; Katelyn Dilworth, WR/DB, Chandler Arizona College Prep, So.; Sophia Marquez, LB, Mesa Red Mountain, Sr.; Myla Robertson, R/LB, Gilbert Campo Verde, Jr.; Serena De Rosa, R/LB, Gilbert Campo Verde, Jr.; Breana Saunders, QB, Goodyear Millennium, Sr.; Peyton Yankovich, WR/RB, Glendale Mountain Ridge, Jr.; Isabella Ceja, S, Glendale Mountain Ridge, Sr.; Cameron Mailloux, S/RB, Glendale Mountain Ridge, Jr.; Kaylei Yazzie, DB/WR, Mesa Mountain View, Jr.; Marlie Phillips, QB, Chandler Hamilton, Fr.; Naomi Ndayizeye, LB, Chandler Hamilton, Jr.; Aaliya Van Heel, WR/DB, Chandler Hamilton, So.; Remington Douglas, RB/WR, Chandler, Jr.; Autumn Saavedra, WR/LB/DB, Chandler, Sr.; Madison Sauni, WR, Chandler, Sr.; Carter Dille, LB, Gilbert Higley, Sr.; Simone Pfitzer, S, Buckeye Verrado, Sr.; Kaylee Markle, R/DB/S, Mesa Eastmark, Sr.; Kinsley McCarty, RB/S/QB, Mesa Eastmark, So.; Sophia Garces, DB/R, Mesa Eastmark, Sr.; Hannah Rouse, QB, Phoenix Mountain Pointe, Jr.; Grace LeDoux, WR, Phoenix Xavier Prep, Sr.; Imani Campbell, DB, Phoenix Xavier Prep, Jr.; Lacie Nemchick, QB, Queen Creek Casteel, Fr.; Izzy Guzman, LB/RB Queen Creek Casteel; Angel Griego, LB, Queen Creek Casteel, Jr.; Leah Alcala, S, Mesa, Sr.; Taylor Spragg, ATH, Phoenix Sandra Day O’Connor, Jr.
Logan Stanley is a sports reporter with The Arizona Republic who primarily focuses on high school, ASU and Olympic sports. To suggest ideas for human-interest stories and other news, reach out to Stanley at logan.stanley@gannett.com or 707-293-7650. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter:@LSscribe.
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Publish date : 2024-08-14 03:00:00
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