​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.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThe 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.Hamilton Huskies quarterback Marlie Phillips (1) looks to throw the ball against the Red Mountain Mountain Lions during their 6A AIA Flag Football Championship game at Corona del Sol High School in Tempe, on Nov. 24, 2025.2. 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.Highland Hawks quarterback Lacie Nemchick (7) throws the ball against the Red Mountain Mountain Lions during their 6A semifinals playoff game at Campo Verde High School in Gilbert, on Nov. 19, 2025.3. 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.Campo Verde Coyotes quarterback Amaya Moreno (1) scrambles out of the backfield against the Chaparral Firebirds during their 5A AIA Flag Football Championship game at Corona del Sol High School in Tempe, on Nov. 22, 2025.4. 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 na