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It's halfway through summer, and that means the fall high school sport season is just around the corner.
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.
The Arizona Republic is previewing players and teams ahead of the 2026 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 azcentral/sports/high-schools).
We'll start with the quarterbacks. This list is sure to spark debate, but it is undeniable that the talent level continues to rise every year.
1. Marlie Phillips, Peoria Liberty, Jr.
She's coming off another record-breaking season, where she surpassed her own state record with 104 touchdowns. She also broke the state record for most passing yards (6,079) in a single season. Phillips helped lead Chandler Hamilton to its second straight 6A state championship and another undefeated season and is 38-0 in AIA competition as a starter, but faces a new test with her transfer to Liberty.
2. Lacie Nemchick, Gilbert Highland, Jr.
She made history this offseason, becoming the first player from Arizona to receive a Power Four offer after picking up one from Nebraska. She was an instant impact player once becoming eligible after her transfer from Queen Creek Casteel, throwing for 1,698 yards and 32 touchdowns in nine games.
3. Amaya Moreno, Gilbert Campo Verde, Sr.
It may seem odd to have the top-ranked player by MaxPreps in 2025 at No. 3, but that’s just how deep the state is. Received an offer from Eastern Michigan this offseason. Moreno is arguably the best dual-threat quarterback in Arizona, throwing for 2,117 yards and 43 touchdowns while running for 624 yards and eight touchdowns in nine games to lead Campo Verde to the 5A state championship.
4. Isla Collins, Tucson Salpointe Catholic, So.
She looked nothing like a freshman last fall, throwing for 2,432 yards and 47 touchdowns and ran for 966 yards and 10 touchdowns. Collins was named the MaxPreps National Freshman of the Year. Guided Salpointe to the 4A state championship in the school's first season with the sport. She has spent the summer playing with the Under-17 United States national team.
5. Tierah Metcalf, Mesa Mountain View, Sr.
Continues to produce on the field despite a slew of coaching changes around her. She had her best season yet in 2025, passing for 4,134 yards and 56 touchdowns, and running for 877 yards and six touchdowns.
6. Amiaya Tice, Glendale Mountain Ridge, Jr.
She got to play her first season at the high school level after transferring from Phoenix Northwest Christian did not disappoint. Finished No. 5 in the state for passing yards with 3,866, to go with 43 touchdowns.
7. Isabella Garcia, Marana, So.
Coach Shaun Lara has another star on his hands. Garcia became only the second freshman in state history to throw for 4,000 yards in a single season, joining Marlie Phillips. Was second in the AIA with 61 touchdowns.
8. Campbell Reader, Scottsdale Christian Academy, Jr.
Don’t let her playing in the 3A conference fool you. She can sling it. Reader was one of only four quarterbacks in the state to hit 50 touchdown passes. Led SCA to an undefeated 16-0 season and the 3A state championship.
9. Sarah Mountz, Casa Grande, Sr.
It’s been a special partnership with her father, Alistair, as head coach. She’s gotten better each season, throwing for 2,867 yards and 46 touchdowns in 2025.
10. Alexa Montoya, Gilbert Mesquite, So.
Another freshman who played beyond her age in 2025. Threw for 2,154 yards and 48 touchdowns. But it’s Montoya’s running ability that separates her – she was tied for the state lead with 17 rushing touchdowns.
Honorable mention: Paige McCrabb, Mesa Eastmark, Sr.; Savana Soltero, Laveen Heritage Academy, Sr.; Emma Reynolds, Queen Creek, Sr.; Blanca Ventura Gomez, Flagstaff Coconino, Sr.; Lilah Barton, Gilbert, Sr.; Abigail Trillo, Chandler Valley Christian, Jr.; Kaelie Weishaar, Scottsdale Chaparral, Jr.; Karissa Behnke, ALA Gilbert North, Sr.; Kylie Pruitt, Phoenix Sandra Day O’Connor, Sr.; Sophia Coffman, Anthem Boulder Creek, 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 high school flag football quarterbacks
Continue reading...
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.
The Arizona Republic is previewing players and teams ahead of the 2026 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 azcentral/sports/high-schools).
We'll start with the quarterbacks. This list is sure to spark debate, but it is undeniable that the talent level continues to rise every year.
The Republic's top 10 flag football QBs
1. Marlie Phillips, Peoria Liberty, Jr.
She's coming off another record-breaking season, where she surpassed her own state record with 104 touchdowns. She also broke the state record for most passing yards (6,079) in a single season. Phillips helped lead Chandler Hamilton to its second straight 6A state championship and another undefeated season and is 38-0 in AIA competition as a starter, but faces a new test with her transfer to Liberty.
You must be registered for see images
2. Lacie Nemchick, Gilbert Highland, Jr.
She made history this offseason, becoming the first player from Arizona to receive a Power Four offer after picking up one from Nebraska. She was an instant impact player once becoming eligible after her transfer from Queen Creek Casteel, throwing for 1,698 yards and 32 touchdowns in nine games.
You must be registered for see images attach
3. Amaya Moreno, Gilbert Campo Verde, Sr.
It may seem odd to have the top-ranked player by MaxPreps in 2025 at No. 3, but that’s just how deep the state is. Received an offer from Eastern Michigan this offseason. Moreno is arguably the best dual-threat quarterback in Arizona, throwing for 2,117 yards and 43 touchdowns while running for 624 yards and eight touchdowns in nine games to lead Campo Verde to the 5A state championship.
You must be registered for see images
4. Isla Collins, Tucson Salpointe Catholic, So.
She looked nothing like a freshman last fall, throwing for 2,432 yards and 47 touchdowns and ran for 966 yards and 10 touchdowns. Collins was named the MaxPreps National Freshman of the Year. Guided Salpointe to the 4A state championship in the school's first season with the sport. She has spent the summer playing with the Under-17 United States national team.
You must be registered for see images attach
5. Tierah Metcalf, Mesa Mountain View, Sr.
Continues to produce on the field despite a slew of coaching changes around her. She had her best season yet in 2025, passing for 4,134 yards and 56 touchdowns, and running for 877 yards and six touchdowns.
You must be registered for see images attach
6. Amiaya Tice, Glendale Mountain Ridge, Jr.
She got to play her first season at the high school level after transferring from Phoenix Northwest Christian did not disappoint. Finished No. 5 in the state for passing yards with 3,866, to go with 43 touchdowns.
7. Isabella Garcia, Marana, So.
Coach Shaun Lara has another star on his hands. Garcia became only the second freshman in state history to throw for 4,000 yards in a single season, joining Marlie Phillips. Was second in the AIA with 61 touchdowns.
You must be registered for see images
8. Campbell Reader, Scottsdale Christian Academy, Jr.
Don’t let her playing in the 3A conference fool you. She can sling it. Reader was one of only four quarterbacks in the state to hit 50 touchdown passes. Led SCA to an undefeated 16-0 season and the 3A state championship.
You must be registered for see images attach
9. Sarah Mountz, Casa Grande, Sr.
It’s been a special partnership with her father, Alistair, as head coach. She’s gotten better each season, throwing for 2,867 yards and 46 touchdowns in 2025.
10. Alexa Montoya, Gilbert Mesquite, So.
Another freshman who played beyond her age in 2025. Threw for 2,154 yards and 48 touchdowns. But it’s Montoya’s running ability that separates her – she was tied for the state lead with 17 rushing touchdowns.
Honorable mention: Paige McCrabb, Mesa Eastmark, Sr.; Savana Soltero, Laveen Heritage Academy, Sr.; Emma Reynolds, Queen Creek, Sr.; Blanca Ventura Gomez, Flagstaff Coconino, Sr.; Lilah Barton, Gilbert, Sr.; Abigail Trillo, Chandler Valley Christian, Jr.; Kaelie Weishaar, Scottsdale Chaparral, Jr.; Karissa Behnke, ALA Gilbert North, Sr.; Kylie Pruitt, Phoenix Sandra Day O’Connor, Sr.; Sophia Coffman, Anthem Boulder Creek, 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 high school flag football quarterbacks
Continue reading...
