Flag football has seen explosive growth since being sanctioned by the Arizona Interscholastic Association 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 linebackers. Defensive backs round out the defense. When it comes to talent level, this position almost rivals the quarterback. It’s one of the deepest groups in the state.
The Republic's top flag football defensive backs
1. Kayla Tacker, Casa Grande, Sr.
The best two-way player in Arizona, also starring at wide receiver. The state’s all-time career interceptions leader with 47, with one final season to add to it.
2. Stella Hulse, Scottsdale Chaparral, Sr.
Her defense helped propel the Firebirds all the way to the 5A state championship game. Set the state single-season record with 27 interceptions in 2025.
3. Jaiyana Bogan-Jacobs, Gilbert Campo Verde, So.
One of the nation’s most promising young basketball prospects is officially returning for another season of flag football and is ready to bolster the defending 5A champions. Tallied 16 interceptions last year.
4. Makenna Johnson, Peoria Liberty, Sr.
The longtime basketball player excelled in the school’s first season of flag football with 14 interceptions, catching the eye of colleges. Recently picked up a scholarship offer from Nebraska, becoming the second active prep in Arizona to get one from a Power Four school.
5. Sofia Villone, Tempe Corona del Sol, Jr.
She is a long and athletic defensive back with great range, instincts and a high football IQ. She reads quarterbacks extremely well, anticipates ball placement and has the ability to high-point the football. She’s also known for her signature one-handed interceptions. Has collected 26 interceptions over the past two seasons.
6. Caroline Workman, Scottsdale Desert Mountain, Jr.
Racked up 17 interceptions, among the best in the state, but her true strength was in what she showed she can do after the pick. Set the state record when she returned nine of those interceptions for touchdowns. She has uncanny anticipation, along with a fearless aggression, that allows her to constantly be in attack mode.
7. Malia Woodberry, Laveen Cactus Canyon, Sr.
She’s one of the top basketball players in the state for her class, but also excels on the football field. Had 17 interceptions last season. Has the ability to change the momentum of a game with one play. Anticipates routes well and closes quickly.
8. Berlyn Hoyt, Surprise Paradise Honors, Sr.
She’s aggressive and understands the game well, allowing her to play faster than her opponents. She has an instinct for finding the ball. Hoyt’s 17 interceptions are second among returning players.
9. Nola Bynum, Scottsdale Christian Academy, Sr.
One of the players in all of 3A and will be a key figure in SCA’s title defense hopes. She’s a ball-hawking safety with excellent speed and football instincts. Covers ground quickly, plays with confidence and puts herself in position to make a play on the ball, with 11 interceptions last season.
10. Karstyn Richardson, Cottonwood Mingus Union, Sr.
Her speed and quickness separate her. She is able to break on the ball, as well as smother any deep ball threat. Arizona Cardinals All-Star selection.
Honorable mention: Emma Frost, Gilbert Highland, Jr.; Naveah Jones, Phoenix Desert Vista, Sr.; Harmony Crosby, Chandler Hamilton, So.; Kinsley McCarty, Mesa Eastmark, Sr.; Jolee Baddeley, Scottsdale Christian Academy, Jr.; Tahlia Hempen, Glendale Mountain Ridge, Sr.; Halle Terelak-Foster, Prescott, Sr.; Bree Dilley, Goodyear Estrella Foothills, Jr.; Lily Slingerland, Queen Creek Casteel, Jr.; Jasmine Guerrero, Gilbert, Sr.
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 logan.stanley@usatodayco.com or 707-293-7650. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter: @LSscribe.
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Vote. Republic's top 2026 Arizona HS flag football defensive backs