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Flag football has seen explosive growth since being sanctioned by the AIA in 2023. There are four conferences, with a total of 159 schools participating heading into the 2026 season, which begins in September.
The Arizona Republic is previewing players and teams ahead of the upcoming season. We will be asking for your vote on the top players at each position and the top teams (the poll appears after the list; print readers can find it with this story online at https://www.azcentral.com/sports/high-schools).
Offense came first, with the quarterbacks, wide receivers and centers. Now, it’s the defense’s turn. We began with the rushers and are moving onto the linebacker position.
1. Isla Collins, Tucson Salpointe Catholic, So.
She may be the starting quarterback, but it’s actually not even her best position. Collins is better on defense. Started at linebacker for the United States Under-17 national team this past summer. Led all players at her position with 10 interceptions, returning eight of them for touchdowns.
2. Amyah Anderson, Tempe Corona del Sol, Jr.
A versatile and quick athlete who has played outside linebacker, middle linebacker and rusher throughout the season, excelling in each role. Her ability to quickly diagnose plays, take precise angles and consistently arrive at the ball made her one of the most reliable and disruptive defenders on the field to the tune of 119 flag pulls.
3. Kiley Olson, Phoenix Sandra Day O’Connor, Jr.
She is pure hustle with the work ethic to match it. Her quickness and intellect are her greatest attributes. Always in the right spot at the right time, racking up 124 flag pulls in 2025.
4. Ginny Wilson, Mesa Mountain View, Sr.
She’s got a high motor that allows to her to be poised and has the keen ability to adapt under chaos, helping those around her stay calm. Wilson has tallied 238 flag pulls and 41 sacks over the course of her high school career.
5. Allie Jensen, Glendale Mountain Ridge, Sr.
When it comes to both tracking down players and diagnosing pass plays, very few can do it like her. Had 116 flag pulls and seven intereceptions last season.
6. Alana Cross, Chandler Valley Christian, Sr.
She has the chance to be one of the best players in all of 3A. Had 54 flag pulls and eight interceptions last season. Arizona Cardinals All-Star selection.
7. Ella Mutters, Gilbert Highland, Jr.
Transferred from Gilbert Campo Verde in the offseason. A year-round flag football player who knows the game more than most. She’s making the switch from defensive back to linebacker this year after a combined 62 flag pulls and 12 interceptions in the past two seasons.
8. Deztany Toyota-Villalobos, Sierra Vista Buena, Jr.
Coming off winning gold in the mixed 4x400-meter relay at the USATF National Junior Olympic Championships, she’s ready to use that speed at middle linebacker. Coming off a season with 71 flag pulls, 12 sacks and six interceptions.
9. Jhianae DesRosier, Tucson Salpointe Catholic, Sr.
Always around the ball. Possesses great speed and elite quickness. Led the team in flag pulls last season in her first year of playing flag football, highlighted by an interception in the state championship game that led to a touchdown.
10. Jaylin Guerrero, Gilbert, Jr.
Switched over from safety right before the start of the season and immediately slotted in on the outside. She has elite instincts, speed and coverage — and the confidence to go with it.
Honorable mention:Sarah Mountz, Casa Grande, Sr.; Nishel Gaeta, Avondale Highland Prep West, Jr.; Savana Soltero, Laveen Heritage Academy, Sr.; Alexa Enman, Queen Creek Casteel, So.; Lauren Laaker, Glendale Mountain Ridge, Jr.; Marrietta Weaver, Paradise Valley, So.; Adelina Ortega, Sierra Vista Buena, Jr.; Jillian Avery, Peoria Liberty, Jr.; Jaylene Ayon Garibay, Gilbert Mesquite, Sr.; Niah Arias, Buckeye Verrado, So.
Logan Stanley is a sports reporter with The Arizona Republic who primarily focuses on high school, college and Olympic sports. To suggest ideas for human-interest stories and other news, reach out to Stanley at [email protected] or 707-293-7650. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter: @LSscribe.
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Vote. The Republic's top 2026 Arizona HS flag football linebackers
Continue reading...
The Arizona Republic is previewing players and teams ahead of the upcoming season. We will be asking for your vote on the top players at each position and the top teams (the poll appears after the list; print readers can find it with this story online at https://www.azcentral.com/sports/high-schools).
Offense came first, with the quarterbacks, wide receivers and centers. Now, it’s the defense’s turn. We began with the rushers and are moving onto the linebacker position.
The Republic's top flag football linebackers
1. Isla Collins, Tucson Salpointe Catholic, So.
She may be the starting quarterback, but it’s actually not even her best position. Collins is better on defense. Started at linebacker for the United States Under-17 national team this past summer. Led all players at her position with 10 interceptions, returning eight of them for touchdowns.
You must be registered for see images
2. Amyah Anderson, Tempe Corona del Sol, Jr.
A versatile and quick athlete who has played outside linebacker, middle linebacker and rusher throughout the season, excelling in each role. Her ability to quickly diagnose plays, take precise angles and consistently arrive at the ball made her one of the most reliable and disruptive defenders on the field to the tune of 119 flag pulls.
3. Kiley Olson, Phoenix Sandra Day O’Connor, Jr.
She is pure hustle with the work ethic to match it. Her quickness and intellect are her greatest attributes. Always in the right spot at the right time, racking up 124 flag pulls in 2025.
4. Ginny Wilson, Mesa Mountain View, Sr.
She’s got a high motor that allows to her to be poised and has the keen ability to adapt under chaos, helping those around her stay calm. Wilson has tallied 238 flag pulls and 41 sacks over the course of her high school career.
You must be registered for see images attach
5. Allie Jensen, Glendale Mountain Ridge, Sr.
When it comes to both tracking down players and diagnosing pass plays, very few can do it like her. Had 116 flag pulls and seven intereceptions last season.
6. Alana Cross, Chandler Valley Christian, Sr.
She has the chance to be one of the best players in all of 3A. Had 54 flag pulls and eight interceptions last season. Arizona Cardinals All-Star selection.
7. Ella Mutters, Gilbert Highland, Jr.
Transferred from Gilbert Campo Verde in the offseason. A year-round flag football player who knows the game more than most. She’s making the switch from defensive back to linebacker this year after a combined 62 flag pulls and 12 interceptions in the past two seasons.
8. Deztany Toyota-Villalobos, Sierra Vista Buena, Jr.
Coming off winning gold in the mixed 4x400-meter relay at the USATF National Junior Olympic Championships, she’s ready to use that speed at middle linebacker. Coming off a season with 71 flag pulls, 12 sacks and six interceptions.
9. Jhianae DesRosier, Tucson Salpointe Catholic, Sr.
Always around the ball. Possesses great speed and elite quickness. Led the team in flag pulls last season in her first year of playing flag football, highlighted by an interception in the state championship game that led to a touchdown.
You must be registered for see images attach
10. Jaylin Guerrero, Gilbert, Jr.
Switched over from safety right before the start of the season and immediately slotted in on the outside. She has elite instincts, speed and coverage — and the confidence to go with it.
Honorable mention:Sarah Mountz, Casa Grande, Sr.; Nishel Gaeta, Avondale Highland Prep West, Jr.; Savana Soltero, Laveen Heritage Academy, Sr.; Alexa Enman, Queen Creek Casteel, So.; Lauren Laaker, Glendale Mountain Ridge, Jr.; Marrietta Weaver, Paradise Valley, So.; Adelina Ortega, Sierra Vista Buena, Jr.; Jillian Avery, Peoria Liberty, Jr.; Jaylene Ayon Garibay, Gilbert Mesquite, Sr.; Niah Arias, Buckeye Verrado, So.
Vote: Who's No. 1?
Logan Stanley is a sports reporter with The Arizona Republic who primarily focuses on high school, college and Olympic sports. To suggest ideas for human-interest stories and other news, reach out to Stanley at [email protected] or 707-293-7650. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter: @LSscribe.
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Vote. The Republic's top 2026 Arizona HS flag football linebackers
Continue reading...
