The Road to Tampa: The Dream of Every Florida Flag Football Team
- Sergio Diaz
- 5 days ago
- 13 min read
Every season begins with the same dream, reaching the State Championships in Tampa.
For players, coaches, and communities across Florida, the journey to Tampa represents months of sacrifice, commitment, and dedication. Talent alone is not enough. The biggest challenge is getting everyone on the same page. Can every player buy into the vision? Can everyone commit to practice every day? Can everyone stay focused when adversity strikes?
The regular season is one thing. The playoffs are another.
Many programs are familiar with their local opponents and the teams they face year after year, but playoff football brings a completely different level of intensity. The first challenge is winning a district championship. For some teams, that accomplishment alone is a major
milestone. But once a district title is secured, the road becomes even tougher as teams enter the regional playoffs, where every game can end a season.
Then comes the Final Four.
Reaching the Final Four means earning a spot among the best teams in the state. At that point, a program is just one victory away from competing for a state championship. More importantly, they have already arrived in Tampa, the destination every team envisioned when the season began.
Hosted by the NFL's Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the Florida Girls Flag Football State Championships are played inside the organization's indoor practice facility. The venue provides a championship atmosphere unlike any other in high school sports. From the moment teams walk through the doors, they understand they have reached the highest stage Florida flag football has to offer.
For the teams that fell short in the Final Four, the disappointment is understandable. It is difficult to be great for an entire season and come up one game short of playing for a title. However, those programs should hold their heads high. Reaching the Final Four means establishing a standard of excellence. It means becoming one of the teams that others must chase in order to reach Tampa.
For the teams that advance to the state championship game, the stakes rise even higher.
Regardless of the outcome, those programs have earned the distinction of being one of the top two teams in their Florida region. That achievement alone speaks volumes about the players, coaches, and culture that carried them through the season.
And for the teams fortunate enough to leave Tampa with a state championship trophy, their legacy changes forever. State champions become the standard. Their programs earn respect. Their culture becomes recognized. Their system becomes admired. Future opponents measure themselves against them, and future players aspire to become part of what they have built.
Winning a state championship is more than a title. It is the reward for months of commitment, sacrifice, and belief. It is proof that a team successfully navigated every challenge along the road to Tampa and emerged as the best in the state.
And that is why every season begins with the same dream.
Tampa.
Freshman standout Morgyn Jackson delivered a strong Final Four performance, finishing with 6 receptions for 109 receiving yards and 2 touchdowns, averaging 18.2 yards per catch. She also made an impact on defense with an interception against Ava Wotipka of Somerset Academy Canyons. Tampa Catholic’s defense as a whole came up huge with three interceptions off Wotipka to keep their team alive, and Jackson’s two-way production was a key factor in their Final Four run. However, Somerset Academy Canyons won in overtime intercepting Tampas QB1 Morgan Hence in OT, And then Ava Wotipka launched a TD Throw to advance to the State title game.
Bolles High School’s first year with a flag football program was nothing short of impressive, as they quickly established themselves as one of the most promising new programs in the state. We got to witness two 8th graders from Bolles put on a show against top Miami program Edison. Bolles opened the game taking a deep shot on the first play from scrimmage, resulting in an explosive 66-yard touchdown connection from 8th grader Kayla Bliss to fellow 8th grader Patricia Freeman. It was a rare early breakdown of an Edison defense known for speed and athleticism, and it immediately set the tone. Although that was Bolles’ only score, their defense held Edison to just 14 points in a very impressive showing. Victoria Soares added 3 sacks, while Leila Goll came away with 2 interceptions against Rakia Louis, widely regarded as one of the top quarterbacks in the state and country. In their first season, Bolles captured a district title, a regional title, and made an impressive Final Four appearance, earning respect across the state. Expect them to be right back in contention, with another Final Four run likely in the 2027 season.
For two years, I waited for the opportunity to scout Kendall Sadberry in person.
Sometimes you can't rely solely on statistics. We've all seen situations where numbers don't tell the full story, and unfortunately there are cases where stats get inflated or misreported. That is not the case with Kendall Sadberry.
After finally watching her compete live at the highest level, I can confidently say she has earned her place among the top Dual-Threat QB1s in the State of Florida.
Kendall Sadberry is nearly impossible to contain. She has game-changing speed that can crush a defense's hopes in an instant. In fact, she's the fastest QB1 I've ever evaluated in person. What separates her from others isn't just her athleticism—it's her poise, intelligence, and ability to consistently move the chains while putting her team in scoring position.
She can throw accurately on the run to either side of the field, extending plays that most quarterbacks simply cannot. Her endurance is remarkable, allowing her to maintain a high level of play from start to finish. Whether she's beating defenders one-on-one with her legs or carving up a defense through the air, she forces opponents to defend every inch of the field.
Her footwork is elite and creates nightmares for opposing defenses. Every movement is calculated, explosive, and difficult to predict.
What impressed me even more was her impact on defense. Kendall plays with the same intensity and passion on that side of the ball as she does at quarterback. She recorded an interception in the Final Four and brought an energy level that was impossible to ignore.
Kendall did everything she could to help put her team in position to win.
However, with just 31 seconds remaining, St. Thomas Aquinas scored late and ended Chiles' State Championship run.
Despite the heartbreaking loss, one thing became crystal clear: Chiles is built to return.
Mark my words—Chiles will be back in the Final Four in 2027, and Kendall Sadberry will be leading the way.
After the game, several coaches and players spoke with me personally and shared the same sentiment:
"Thank God we don't have to face Kendall Sadberry anymore."
They described her as impossible to control and nearly impossible to stop.
That's the level of respect she has earned from the top programs in Florida.
After the game, I had the opportunity to speak with Kendall during an emotional moment. As the disappointment of the loss set in, I left her with a simple message:
"One game does not define you. I'll see you next year in Tampa."
The future remains bright for one of the most feared Dual-Threat QB1's in Florida.
We look forward to watching Kendall Sadberry continue her journey and compete once again in 2027.
One of the most inspiring moments we witnessed throughout the State Championships had nothing to do with touchdowns, interceptions, or the final score.
On Friday, Miami Northwestern was the first team to take the field in the Final Four. What caught our attention was seeing Miami Edison arrive nearly seven hours before their own game to support and cheer on Miami Northwestern.
For those who may not know, Miami Edison and Miami Northwestern compete in the same county. Despite Northwestern handing Edison their only loss of the season, Edison still showed up and showed love to a fellow elite program. That speaks volumes about the mutual respect between these two teams.
Then, when Miami Edison took the field at 4:00 PM, Miami Northwestern returned the favor by showing up hours later to support Edison.
In an era where rivalries often overshadow respect, these two programs reminded everyone what sports are truly about. It's about setting the standard, respecting the game, and respecting one another.
Championships are won on the field, but character is revealed off of it.
What we witnessed between Miami Northwestern and Miami Edison was bigger than football—it was a powerful example of sportsmanship, leadership, and unity.
That was one of the most inspiring moments of the entire tournament. 🏈🔥
Both Miami Edison and Miami Northwestern advanced to the State Championship, representing Miami-Dade County on the biggest stage. While Edison would capture a state title of its own, Miami Northwestern faced the ultimate challenge on Saturday: the Robinson Knights of Tampa.
When it comes to girls flag football in Florida, Robinson is the standard.
Led by Coach Joshua Saunders, Robinson entered the championship game with 10 state titles in the previous 11 years. After Saturday's victory, the Knights now own an incredible 11 state championships in 12 years—an achievement that places the program in legendary status.
Miami Northwestern may have been the more athletic team on paper, but Coach Saunders once again proved that elite preparation, execution, and system football can overcome even the most talented opponents in the state.
One of the most impressive stories from Robinson's championship run was QB1 Annie Keith. Originally a wide receiver, Keith has become a natural under center and was outstanding throughout the weekend.
In Friday's Final Four victory, Keith completed 34 of 42 passes for 313 yards, 6 touchdowns, and 0 interceptions while posting a 140.2 quarterback rating.
Then, in the State Championship game, she was even better—completing 40 of 45 passes for 361 yards, 4 touchdowns, and no interceptions while recording a 139.2 quarterback rating.
On the opposite sideline was a player we consider the best wide receiver in Florida and arguably the best wide receiver in the country: Dezaria Hampton.
Despite Robinson controlling the game, Hampton put on a show throughout the weekend. In the Final Four, she recorded 6 receptions for 201 yards and 2 touchdowns, including a 66-yard score. In the State Championship, she followed that performance with 12 receptions for 235 yards and 3 touchdowns, including a 57-yard touchdown reception.
Even with Hampton's explosive production, Robinson never lost control of the game. Their offense continued to answer, their system continued to execute, and their championship experience showed when it mattered most.
When the final whistle blew, Robinson defeated Miami Northwestern 42-34 and secured another State Championship.
Eleven state titles in twelve years.
That is a DYNASTY.
Robinson has cemented itself as the powerhouse program of Florida girls flag football, and every team in the state is now chasing the example Coach Joshua Saunders and the Robinson Knights have built in Tampa. 🏆🏈
The 1A State Championship featured a heavyweight quarterback battle between two of the best signal callers in Florida flag football.
On one sideline was Rakyia Louis, one of the premier pocket QB1s in the game. On the other was Ava Wotipka, who we consider to be the best Dual Threat Quarterback in the state of Florida.
Miami Edison struck first when Rakyia Louis connected with the great Malaysia David for an early touchdown. Moments later, Edison defensive standout Torri Cotman made one of the biggest plays of the game, recording a Pick-6 off Ava Wotipka and giving Edison early momentum.
But that's when a switch flipped for Ava.
Many quarterbacks would become hesitant after throwing an interception, especially against a defense as talented as Miami Edison. Ava did the exact opposite.
She came right back and delivered a deep strike to one of the top wide receivers in the state of Florida, Avery DeMayo, over the same defender who recorded the interception. It was a statement throw that showed confidence, toughness, and belief in her playmakers.
Ava continued to battle, launching touchdown passes to Jazlyne James and 7th-grade phenom Alexis Kramer, keeping Somerset Academy Canyons within striking distance.
Unfortunately, Somerset suffered a major blow when Avery DeMayo took a hard hit while competing for a jump ball and was forced to leave the game. DeMayo had been one of the most dangerous receiving threats in Florida all season and played a huge role in Somerset Academy Canyons' run to the State Championship game in Tampa.
Despite Somerset's efforts, Miami Edison never took its foot off the gas.
Rakyia Louis continued to lead scoring drive after scoring drive, while the Edison defense consistently came up with key stops. As the game wore on, the lead became too much to overcome.
When the final whistle sounded, Miami Edison had secured a 33-12 victory and captured its second consecutive State Championship.
Back-to-back state titles.
Miami Edison has established itself as one of the most dominant programs in Florida girls flag football, and their performance in Tampa left no doubt why they sit among the state's elite. Their combination of quarterback play, explosive weapons, and championship-level defense was on full display when the lights were brightest.
The State champions once again reside in Miami.
🏆🏈 BACK-TO-BACK STATE CHAMPIONS.
One of the biggest stories to come out of the FHSAA State Championships in Tampa was the emergence of Lennard QB1 Hayden Schofield.
We first noticed Hayden back in 2025 at the Palm Beach Shootout. At the time, she was leading Lennard's JV squad, but it didn't take long to realize she was different. She consistently led scoring drives, delivered impressive throws throughout the tournament, and displayed a trait that can't be taught—the killer instinct to take over football games.
There was something special about Hayden even then.
Fast forward to 2026, and Hayden earned the call-up to varsity during the playoff run. What followed was one of the most impressive postseason performances by a young quarterback in the state.
In the Regional Final, Hayden helped lead Lennard past the No. 1-ranked Alonso Ravens, 13-7, punching the Longhorns' ticket to the Final Four in Tampa.
Waiting for them was Harmony, the No. 1 seed from their region. Hayden responded with a masterclass performance, completing 16 of 19 passes for 141 yards and 5 touchdowns while posting a 120.8 quarterback rating. She also added 56 rushing yards and distributed the football to eight different receivers, showing complete command of the offense.
The Lennard defense was equally dominant. Against Harmony, the Longhorns recorded four interceptions, including three by Joselyn Brush and one by Stacey Reducindo. The defense completely changed the momentum of the game and helped propel Lennard into the State Championship.
Then came the ultimate test.
An undefeated Park Vista team led by Head Coach Andrew Joseph, one of the premier programs in Florida girls flag football.
The State Championship turned into a defensive battle, but Hayden never looked rattled. The true freshman showed poise beyond her years, completing 19 of 31 passes for 158 yards and 2 touchdowns while adding 54 rushing yards. Once again, she spread the ball around efficiently, connecting with six different receivers throughout the game.
It wasn't flashy.
It wasn't easy.
It was championship football.
When the final whistle blew, Lennard had captured the first State Championship in program history, And at the center of it all was a true freshman quarterback who continues to exceed expectations.
A star has officially been born in the Lennard quarterback room.
Hayden Schofield's playoff run proved she belongs among Florida's rising stars, and if this postseason was any indication of what's ahead, the rest of the state should pay attention.
Lennard is going to be a scary team to face in the coming years.
And it all begins with QB1 Hayden Schofield. ⭐🏆🏈
The final State Championship matchup between Seminole Ridge and St. Thomas Aquinas delivered everything fans could ask for. It was a high-level battle featuring elite quarterback play, explosive offensive production, and some of the best athletes in Florida competing on the biggest stage.
For St. Thomas Aquinas, Sianna Gonzalez led the charge throughout the postseason. Despite STA having one of the deepest quarterback rooms in the state with Sianna and Sam Calavetta, Gonzalez stepped up when her number was called and delivered. She consistently moved the chains both through the air and on the ground, extending drives and keeping the offense on schedule. Her ability to launch deep balls created explosive scoring plays, including two touchdown connections with Emmi Merhi in the championship game.
But standing on the opposite sideline was Seminole Ridge quarterback Aubrey Fogel, and once again she proved why she belongs in the conversation as the top quarterback in Florida and one of the best pocket passers in the country.
Fogel is the definition of a pro-style quarterback. Her arm strength, accuracy, patience, and football IQ separate her from the competition. She never looks rattled, regardless of the moment or opponent. She welcomes pressure and thrives in it. Her ability to throw receivers open, manipulate safeties with her eyes, and attack tight windows down the middle of the field is special. Defenses struggle to read her because she is always one step ahead.
Even after Seminole Ridge lost star receiver Avaree Brant in the Final Four due to injury, Fogel elevated her game and never missed a beat.
In the State Championship, Fogel completed 31 of 41 passes for 291 yards, threw 4 touchdowns, recorded 0 interceptions, and finished with a 127.2 quarterback rating.
In the Final Four, she completed 34 of 48 passes for 345 yards and 4 touchdowns while posting a 92.8 quarterback rating.
Those numbers confirm what many already know—Aubrey Fogel can shine against ANYBODY, ANYWHERE, and on any stage.
Another player who stepped up in a major way was Ava Dowdell. The Seminole Ridge playmaker was dominant from start to finish, hauling in 11 receptions for 141 receiving yards and 2 touchdowns. She also made a huge impact on defense with an interception, proving she can change the game on both sides of the ball.
St. Thomas Aquinas fought until the final whistle and received outstanding performances from Sianna Gonzalez and Emmi Merhi, but Seminole Ridge simply had too much firepower.
Behind another masterclass from Aubrey Fogel and a championship performance from Ava Dowdell, Seminole Ridge secured its second consecutive State Championship and cemented itself as one of the premier programs in the country.
The scary part for the rest of Florida?
This team is not done.
Seminole Ridge has the talent, leadership, and culture to make another run, and don't be surprised if they're back in Tampa in 2027 competing for yet another state title. The Hawks are building a dynasty, and right now they remain the team everyone else is chasing. 🏆🏆🏈🔥
Special Thank You
Prestine Scouting would like to extend a special thank you to coaches Andrew Joseph and Joshua Saunders for helping provide access to cover the FHSAA State Championships in Tampa. Your support allowed us the opportunity to showcase and recognize some of the best flag football athletes in the state of Florida on the biggest stage.
We would also like to thank Jeremy Hernandez and the Florida High School Athletic Association for their assistance and professionalism throughout the event. The State Championships continue to be one of the premier events in high school athletics, and we appreciate the work that goes into making it a first-class experience for the athletes, coaches, families, and media.
We witnessed elite competition, unforgettable performances, and the future stars of the game competing at the highest level.
We are already looking forward to returning to Tampa for the 2027 FHSAA State Championships and continuing to shine a spotlight on the outstanding athletes and programs across Florida.
See you in Tampa next year. 🏈🏆
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