RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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See the full story · 1 sourcesSchool has already started in some districts here in Arizona and that means the fall high school sports season is quickly approaching.
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 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, starting with the quarterbacks . Then it was the wide receivers and centers. Now, it’s the defense’s turn. We begin with the rushers, whose primary job is to chase after quarterbacks.
The Republic's top flag football rushers
1. Kayden Kisler, Gilbert Highland, So.
She will have to sit out the first half of the season after transferring from Hamilton, but she’s going to make a huge impact right away once eligible. When it comes to pure speed, no player in the state at the position tops her.
2. Mariah Ruelas, Tempe Corona del Sol, Sr.
Never gives up on a play and is always chasing the ball, no matter the situation. Her explosive first step and growing football IQ helped her set the state record for most flag pulls in one season with 137, while also tallying 17 sacks. Has multiple college offers.
3. Alivia Escalera, Phoenix Sandra Day O’Connor, Jr.
When it comes to both rushing the passer and chasing down defenders, very few do it like her. She had 120 flag pulls and 23 sacks last season, the second-highest total in the state.
4. Maddie Babcock, Cottonwood Mingus Union, Sr.
Her speed and quickness make it very hard for opponents to get away. Don’t be surprised if you see her go airborne to pull a flag. Set the 4A conference state record with 50 sacks last season.
5. Avyanna Buchanan, Phoenix North, Sr.
Coach Guy Fennell is redesigning the whole defense around her. Fennell thinks Buchanan can reach 50 sacks, which would be close to the overall single-season state record.
6. Tatiana Melvin, Goodyear Millennium, Jr.
Followed up her impressive freshman season with an even better sophomore year. Tallied 36 sacks and 72 flag pulls in 2025.
7. Storm Ryan, Sierra Vista Buena, Sr.
She’s been one of the most reliable rushers in the state over the past two seasons, recording 23 sacks both in 2024 and 2025.
8. Kenzie Hackett, Chandler Valley Christian, Jr.
Agility is her strength. She reads the quarterback and knows where to be to pull the flag. She is scrappy and not afraid of a little contact. Her 24 sacks were a key piece of Valley Christian reaching the 3A semifinals. Also had 41 flag pulls.
9. Melodee Frost, Mesa Red Mountain, Sr.
She’s a three-year player who got to learn from one of the state’s best rushers, Ava Klene, and now is ready to apply those lessons learned as the starter. A short, quick and gritty rusher who is unrelenting.
10. Venice Aguilar, Avondale Highland Prep West, Jr.
Almost hit 40 sacks last season with 38. Coach Tabarius Johnson said Aguilar has looked phenomenal so far and that he expects a “huge jump” from her this season.
Honorable mention: Milayna Turner, Surprise Shadow Ridge, Jr.; Sienna Blackwell, Paradise Valley, Jr.; Melanie Carranza, Prescott Valley Bradshaw Mountain, Jr.; Miriam Edgeston, Campo Verde, Jr.; Malia Cooks, Phoenix Mountain Pointe, Sr.; Kambra Hahn, Cottonwood Mingus Union, Jr.; Mia Labor, Marana, Fr.; Eva Sher, Scottsdale Desert Mountain, Jr.; McKenzie Rose, Buckeye Verrado, Jr.; Lia Stewart, ALA Gilbert North, Jr.
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. Republic's top 2026 Arizona high school flag football rushers
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