Final Four: Florida’s Most Dangerous Rushers.
- Sergio Diaz

- May 9
- 8 min read

The road to Tampa has been built on explosive runs, broken angles, and game-changing speed. Across Florida’s 1A, 2A, 3A, and 4A classifications, the Final Four is now loaded with some of the most dangerous rushers in girls flag football. These athletes have carried offenses through district battles, regional wars, and pressure-packed playoff moments, proving that one touch can change the entire game. From elusive playmakers in open space to physical downhill runners who refuse to be denied, the state’s top rushers are now one step away from championship glory. With the brightest lights ahead, every possession matters, every yard matters, and the race to become a State Champion is officially on.
Faith Newton | Somerset Academy Canyons | 10th Grade
Faith Newton has quickly developed into one of the most disruptive defensive forces in Florida girls flag football. The Somerset Academy Canyons sophomore has totaled 18 sacks for 110 yards lost and averages 1.8 sacks per game, consistently collapsing pockets and changing offensive game plans. Along with her pass rush impact, she has added 35 flag pulls and 2 pass deflections, showing her versatility and toughness on every down. At just a 10th grader, Newton is already making a name for herself as one of the state’s rising defensive standouts.
Talayah Ahkdar | Edison High School | Senior
Talayah Ahkdar has been a dominant defensive presence for Edison High School all season, heading into the state championship Final Four. The senior has recorded an elite 32 sacks for 77 yards of loss off sacks while averaging 1.8 sacks per game, consistently applying pressure in critical moments. She has also added 4 hurries and 43 total flag pulls, showing her ability to impact both the pass rush and open field defense. As Edison makes its push toward a state title, Ahkdar stands out as one of the key defensive leaders fueling their run.
Jennifer Burton | Edison High School | 10th Grade
Jennifer Burton has emerged as a versatile defensive playmaker for Edison High School heading into the state championship Final Four. The sophomore has totaled 23 sacks for 46 yards of loss off sacks while averaging 1.3 sacks per game, consistently creating pressure in the backfield. In addition to her pass rush impact, Burton has recorded 76 total flag pulls and 5 interceptions returned for 57 yards, showcasing her ability to disrupt both the run and passing game. As Edison continues its championship run, Burton has become a key two-way defensive weapon fueling their success.
Mia Sanchez | Edison High School | Freshman
Mia Sanchez has made an immediate impact for Edison High School as a freshman heading into the state championship Final Four. Despite her young age, Sanchez has already totaled 10 sacks and 22 flag pulls, consistently stepping up in key defensive moments. Her quick development and ability to contribute against top competition have made her a valuable piece of Edison’s defensive rotation. As the postseason intensifies, Sanchez continues to show that she is one of the program’s rising young standouts with a bright future ahead.
London Jones | Tampa Catholic | 11th Grade
London Jones has been a consistent defensive disruptor for Tampa Catholic heading into the state championship Final Four. The junior has posted 21 sacks for 90 yards of loss off sacks while averaging 1.2 sacks per game, along with 51 hurries that have constantly pressured opposing quarterbacks. In addition to her pass rush production, Jones has also contributed multiple flag pulls with 55, 4 interceptions, and 2 pass deflections, showing her all-around impact in coverage and in the backfield. As Tampa Catholic makes its postseason push, Jones remains one of the key defensive forces driving their success.
Jeremeicia Robinson | Boca Ciega High School | Senior
Jeremeicia Robinson has been one of the most dominant pass rushers in Florida girls flag football heading into the state championship Final Four. The senior has recorded an incredible 60 sacks while averaging 2.7 sacks per game, consistently overwhelming opposing teams and dictating game tempo in the backfield. She has also added 22 hurries and a total of 83 flag pulls, proving her impact extends beyond just quarterback pressure. As Boca Ciega continues its postseason run, Robinson stands out as a relentless defensive force and a key leader on the field.
Lashay Williams | Boca Ciega High School | Senior
Lashay Williams has been a dominant defensive presence for Boca Ciega High School heading into the state championship Final Four. The senior has totaled 53 sacks while averaging 2.7 sacks per game, consistently breaking through offensive lines and disrupting plays in the backfield. She has also added 29 hurries, 85 total flag pulls, and 1 pass deflection, showing her ability to impact every level of the defense. As Boca Ciega continues its postseason push, Williams remains a key leader and one of their most consistent defensive forces.
Neveah Ward | Miami Northwestern | 11th Grade
Neveah Ward has emerged as a steady and productive defensive force for Miami Northwestern heading into the state championship Final Four. The junior has totaled 29 sacks for 68 yards of loss off sacks while averaging 1.7 sacks per game, consistently generating pressure and disrupting offensive rhythm. In addition to her pass rush production, Ward has recorded 65 total flag pulls, showing her reliability in open-field defense and ability to finish plays. As Miami Northwestern continues its postseason run, Ward remains a key contributor anchoring the defensive unit.
Jala Hymes | Robinson High School | 11th Grade
Jala Hymes has been a disruptive defensive playmaker for Robinson High School heading into the state championship Final Four. The junior has totaled 23 sacks for 112 yards of loss off sacks while averaging 1.2 sacks per game, consistently applying pressure and collapsing the pocket. She has also added 62 total flag pulls, along with 1 interception and 4 pass deflections, showcasing her ability to impact both the pass rush and coverage game. As Robinson continues its postseason push, Hymes remains a key defensive weapon fueling their championship run.
Grey Smith | Choctawhatchee High School | 10th Grade
Grey Smith has been a highly active defensive force for Choctawhatchee High School heading into the state championship Final Four. The sophomore has recorded 17 sacks for 58 yards of loss off sacks while consistently generating pressure with 69 hurries throughout the season. In addition to her pass rush production, Smith has added 51 total flag pulls and 4 pass deflections, showing her ability to disrupt plays at multiple levels of the defense. As Choctawhatchee continues its postseason run, Smith stands out as one of their most productive young defensive contributors.
Maliya Minardo | Choctawhatchee High School | 10th Grade
Maliya Minardo has been an emerging defensive playmaker for Choctawhatchee High School heading into the state championship Final Four. The sophomore has totaled 12 sacks for 42 yards of loss off sacks while averaging 1.5 sacks per game, consistently applying pressure off the edge. She has also recorded 43 hurries along with 1 pass deflection, showing her ability to disrupt plays beyond just the stat sheet. As Choctawhatchee pushes deeper into the postseason, Minardo continues to develop into a reliable defensive presence on the field.
Ali Harllee | Chiles High School | 11th Grade
Ali Harllee has been a consistent defensive impact player for Chiles High School heading into the state championship Final Four. The junior has totaled 19 sacks while averaging 1.1 sacks per game, regularly applying pressure and disrupting offensive timing in the backfield. She has also added 26 hurries, 43 total flag pulls, and 14 pass deflections, showing her ability to defend both the run and pass at a high level. As Chiles continues its postseason run, Harllee remains a key defensive contributor with a strong all-around presence.
Tessa Vermillion | Chiles High School | 11th Grade
Tessa Vermillion has been a disruptive defensive playmaker for Chiles High School heading into the state championship Final Four. The junior has totaled 10 sacks while consistently creating pressure in the backfield, along with 27 hurries that have helped collapse opposing offenses. Vermillion has also recorded 2 interceptions and 1 pass deflection, showing her ability to make plays both at the line of scrimmage and in coverage. As Chiles continues its postseason run, she remains a key defensive contributor with growing impact on every level of the field.
Aimee Colson | St. Thomas Aquinas High School | 11th Grade
Aimee Colson has established herself as one of the most dominant defensive rushers in the state of Florida. The junior has recorded an elite 43 sacks while averaging 3.6 sacks per game, consistently overwhelming opposing offenses with speed and precision off the edge. She has also added 51 total flag pulls and an interception returned for a 55-yard touchdown, showcasing her game-changing ability in high-pressure moments. Widely regarded for her exceptional footwork and unmatched speed, Colson continues to set the standard for defensive impact as St. Thomas Aquinas pushes toward the state championship.
Ava Aiken | Seminole Ridge High School | 10th Grade
Ava Aiken has been a consistent defensive disruptor for Seminole Ridge heading into the state championship Final Four. The sophomore has recorded 17 sacks for 81 yards of loss off sacks, consistently breaking through the offensive line and impacting plays in the backfield. She has also added 47 total flag pulls, showing her ability to finish plays in space and contribute across the entire defense. As Seminole Ridge continues its postseason run, Aiken stands out as a reliable young defender with growing impact each game.
Bella Comini | East Lake High School | Senior
Bella Comini has been a steady defensive presence for East Lake High School heading into the state championship Final Four. The senior has totaled 13 sacks while averaging 1.0 sack per game, consistently applying pressure and disrupting offensive rhythm in the backfield. She has also recorded 27 hurries, 46 total flag pulls, 1 interception, and 3 pass deflections, showcasing her well-rounded impact across the defense. As East Lake continues its postseason push, Comini remains a reliable leader and key contributor on the defensive side of the ball.
Maia Hassan | Park Vista High School | 11th Grade
Maia Hassan has been a consistent pass-rushing force for Park Vista High School heading into the state championship Final Four. The junior has totaled 15 sacks for 71 yards of loss off sacks while averaging 1.3 sacks per game, regularly disrupting offensive timing and collapsing the pocket. Her ability to generate pressure has made her a key defensive presence throughout the season. As Park Vista continues its postseason run, Hassan stands out as one of their most reliable edge defenders.
Jordan Janssen | Tocoi Creek High School | 11th Grade
Jordan Janssen has been a dominant pass rusher for Tocoi Creek High School heading into the state championship Final Four. The junior has recorded 25 sacks for 180 yards of loss off sacks while averaging 1.4 sacks per game, consistently generating pressure and disrupting offensive game plans. She has also added 61 hurries along with 4 pass deflections, showing her ability to impact both the backfield and passing lanes. As Tocoi Creek continues its postseason run, Janssen remains one of the most disruptive defensive forces on the field.
Kayla Tiner | Tocoi Creek High School | 11th Grade
Kayla Tiner has been a well-rounded defensive playmaker for Tocoi Creek High School heading into the state championship Final Four. The junior has totaled 14 sacks for 77 yards of loss off sacks while consistently applying pressure in the backfield. She has also added 44 hurries, 37 total flag pulls, 1 interception, and 2 pass deflections, showcasing her ability to impact all levels of the defense. As Tocoi Creek continues its postseason run, Tiner remains a key contributor with a strong all-around defensive presence.



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