FLAG FOOTBALL: 2025 Girls Flag Football Preview with storylines to follow

EDITOR’S NOTE: Added Seminole Ridge to the list of teams as potential state title contenders in Class 3A.

The 2025 Girls Flag Football season in Florida kicks off today with the start of the regular season.

Since covering girls flag football in full since the 2016 season, we have seen a lot change in the growth of the sport and in almost 10 years’ time things are coming full circle to where we thought things would be, but was doubted by many when we first started covering girls flag football.

While the sport of girls flag football still has a lot of growth ahead, the future of the growth is taking many positive steps forward towards its journey of being debuted as an Olympic sport come 2028 when Los Angeles will be the host of the 2028 Summer Olympics.

With that said here is our preview of the 2025 season with several storylines we will be following for the 2025 Florida High School Girls Flag Football season.

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THE NUMBER OF CLASSIFICATIONS EXPAND

When we started covering girls flag football in 2016, the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) just expanded the sport from one classification to two classifications after starting with one classification in the 2002-2003 school year.

When digging back into our archives on our coverage of girls flag football when return to one of our first articles covering the History of Girls Flag Football in Florida, we are amazed just how much growth there has been in the sport since 2016 with the number of schools now fielding teams.

As such, the FHSAA is entering the 2025 season with the sport not adding just one classification but expanding by two classifications, doubling the number of classifications from two to four. That means now their will be four state champions in girls flag football, and even more teams qualifying for post season play and reaching the state championship each season.

Just to give an idea of where things are at now here is a look at just how much growth there has been in girls flag football in Florida since 2003 with the total number of teams each year. All years include independent teams in total number unless noted.

ONE CLASSIFICATION

2003: 92

2004: 113

2005: 119

2006: 112

2007: 152

2008: 159

2009: 157

2010: 179

2011: 186

2012: 192

2013: 201

2014: 221

2015: 234

TWO CLASSIFICATIONS

2016: 256

2017: 289

2018: 296

2019: Assignments list not found

2020: 279*

2021: 261^

2022: 282

2023: 330

2024: 393

FOUR CLASSIFICATIONS

2025: 447

*Does not include independents

^Some schools did not field teams due to impacts from COVID-19

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POTENTIAL STATE TITLE CONTENDERS

Given that the number of classifications has now doubled means now double the state championship winning teams there will be had.

Let’s take a look a quick look at some of the teams we feel have a potential chance to win each classification. The records listed are from the 2024 season.

CLASS 4A

Alonso (Tampa) (18-1) – Despite not making it out of the regional bracket in 2024, we cannot have a list that does not include one of the most successful flag football program in the state. The Ravens have been a top-tier program under head coach Matt Hernandez and have returning athletes back like quarterback Gabby Werr (3,474 yards passing, 59 touchdowns) and WR/DB Makenna Sturgis (1,402 yards receiving, 34 touchdowns; 14 flag pulls, eight interceptions).

Fort Pierce Central (19-2) – The Cobras were a very hot team in 2024, and they have shown how far they have come under head coach Nick Clements over the last few years. Don’t underestimate the chances here for them to run the table as quarterback Adriene Rivera is back for her senior year after throwing for nearly 4,600 yards and 60 touchdowns in 2024.

Miami Palmetto (20-1) – Last year’s Class 2A state champion is now in Class 4A should have a few key athletes back including quarterback Ava Alvarez who threw for over 2,600 yards and 49 touchdowns. Don’t put doubt on the Panthers to make another deep playoff run in 2025.

Lennard (Ruskin) (19-4) –Last year’s Class 2A state runner-up, the Longhorns came up just one-point short and they are going to be a favorite to win the Class 4A state championship in 2025 under head coach Travis Combs. However, replacing 5,000-yard passer Abby Elwell at quarterback is no easy task, but don’t underestimate what Combs can do as a coach with the talent he has.

Timber Creek (Orlando) (15-2) – A state quarterfinalist in Class 2A last year, the Timberwolves had their most successful season in program history behind Jarlene Durate who they will need to replace due to graduation. However, don’t place doubt that now the Wolves have tasted a deep playoff run, what they could do in 2025.

Wellington (15-4) – A state semifinalist in Class 2A in 2024, the Wolverines have made strides over the years as a program. However, the biggest struggle that could impact Wellington is seeing who can fill Keelin Coleman’s shoes after throwing over 3,600 yards and 52 touchdowns as a senior last year.

Western (Davie) (17-1) – Yes Class 4A, is going to be wide open as you throw in Western to the mix, a state champion just a couple of years removed. The Wildcats who were bounced in the regional semifinals in 2024, should have Anabella Puccio back who threw for over 1,000 yards and 19 touchdowns last season, but will have to see who emerges in the receiving department as several top receivers have graduated.

CLASS 3A

Braden River (Bradenton) (18-2) – The Pirates made their deepest playoff run in program history, reaching the state semifinals for the first time before falling to eventual Class 1A state champion Robinson. With losing 3,600-yard passer in Cydnee Brooks, the Pirates will have to find someone to fill her shoes, but if the taste of success in 2024 is anything, Braden River has to be counted for among the teams to be in the running for the Class 3A title in 2025.

Fletcher (Neptune Beach) (12-4) – A lot of talk over the offseason has mentioned the Senators being a top team in the Jacksonville-area and in the state in 2025 and returning quarterback Jasmine Cross is a big reason why. After reaching the regional finals in Class 2A last year, Fletcher has a big chance to run deep in the new Class 3A. Cross who threw for 2,834 yards and 45 touchdowns in 2025 stands to have an impressive senior season.

Homestead (17-3) – Making their deepest playoff run last year, the Broncos should be in the mix for another deep run in 2025 Jerniyah Fowles expected to return after throwing for over 3,300 yards and 49 touchdowns in leading the Broncos to the state quarterfinals in Class 1A last year.

Mainland (Daytona Beach) (9-5) – The Buccaneers have risen up to be a competitive flag football program over the years and despite a first-round exit in Class 1A in 2024, Mainland could have a path to success in Class 3A. Brielle Jackson who threw over 1,900 yards and 21 touchdowns in 2024 returns.

Miami Southridge (15-3) – Making a deep run to the Class 2A regional finals in 2024, the Spartans could have a shot at a deep run in Class 3A this season. Part of that is the expected return of Mary Quinones at quarterback who threw nearly 2,900 yards and 47 touchdowns.

Pace (16-6) – State semifinalist in Class 2A last year, Pace returns some key athletes, including senior quarterback Amaya Pablo who has been a star since her freshman year. Pablo threw for over 4,500 yards and 61 touchdowns last season. Pablo loses a couple of her favorite receiving targets but has others returning including Kenna Pacitti and Emma Sutton. Patric Riley takes over as the second head coach in program history for the Patriots.

Pembroke Pines Charter (18-4) – The Jaguars made their deepest playoff run in 2024, finishing as the Class 1A state runner-up after upsetting Choctawhatchee in the state semifinals. The Jaguars however, are going to see some changes this year with a new head coach in Maria Espindola taking over from Keidran Willis stepping down. Quarterback Ava Rivera returns after throwing 4,400 yards and 61 touchdowns last season.

St. Thomas Aquinas (Fort Lauderdale) (13-5) – The Raiders who are still fairly new to the flag football scene over the last few years has risen up pretty quickly and are knocking on the door to matching the counterparts on the tackle side who just won their sixth consecutive FHSAA Football State Championship. Derek Duque has been in the flag football coaching circles for while having success at Monsignor Pace before launching the Raiders program. Duque will have to replace the talents of 2,800-yard passer in Stella Guiterrez but has a lot of returning athletes that will make the Raiders a force in the classification.

Seminole Ridge (Westlake) (14-3) – One of the original powerhouses of girls flag football in the Sunshine State, Seminole Ridge has been looking for the first state championship in a decade and the path to returning to the top is there now in Class 3A. The Hawks will have a strong quarterback in sophomore Aubrey Fogel who threw for nearly 2,800 yards and 42 touchdowns as freshman in 2024.

CLASS 2A

Choctawhatchee (Fort Walton Beach) (16-2) – Another deep run that ended in a state semifinals loss last year, the Indians return some key pieces including Diaris Morales who threw for over 2,500 yards and 39 touchdowns. Head Coach Jim Bay’s team has something to prove in 2025 despite being in the same class with nemesis Robinson (Tampa) once again.

Clay (Green Cove Springs) (13-2) – The Blue Devils made one of their deepest playoff runs in several years, reaching the state quarterfinals before falling to Choctawhatchee. Several impressive athletes return including head coach Jared Moses’ daughter Teaghan who threw for over 2,000 yards and 31 touchdowns in 2024.

Jensen Beach (14-7) – A perennial playoff team in recent years, the Falcons could be in the Class 2A mix as they will return a 3,500-yard passer in Paige Bressman for her junior year. Last year Bressman threw for 44 touchdowns in helping the Falcons reach the regional finals in Class 1A.

Ed White (Jacksonville) (16-4) – The Commanders have the reigning 2024 Jaguars All-PREP Coach of the Year in Bachir Saoud returning and with that some talented athletes as well. One key athlete returning is quarterback Kyra Jackson who threw for over 1,400 yards and 15 touchdowns but has to replace top rusher Tyra Pierce who graduated.

Lecanto (15-2) – Rick Keeran has built the Panthers program up over the last few years to be a team that will make deep playoff runs, but like others know the path could go through Robinson to win it all. However, it is safe to say you have to throw Lecanto into the mix with a quarterback in Peyton Dison most likely returning after throwing for 2,700 yards and 51 touchdowns in 2024.

Pompano Beach (14-4) – Making one their deepest playoff run in program history last season, the Golden Tornadoes could be in the Class 2A mix but will have to do it without Haley Nolan who threw for over 2,000 yards and 20 touchdowns for Pompano Beach in 2024.

Robinson (Tampa) (24-0) – Until you can beat them, you might just have to deal with them and honestly no one has been able to knock off the Knights when it has mattered the most in the state championship game. Robinson has won eight state championships in a row going back to 2016, excluding 2020 when no state champions were crowned due to the cancellation of the 2020 season. Overall, the nine-time state champions are going to be the heavy favorite to win Class 2A and will have plenty of talented athletes back including quarterback Haidyn Spano who threw for over 4,500 yards and 84 touchdowns in 2024.

St. Petersburg (13-3) – The Green Devils made another deep playoff run last season behind quarterback Tiana Robinson who has since graduated. Head Coach John Reed has been impressive in helping Pinellas County become more relevant in the flag football scene in recent years and the Green Devils depending on who can step up a quarterback in 2025 might just be in that mix once more.  

CLASS 1A

Bradford (Starke) (8-2) – Head Coach John Staples returns after a one-year hiatus and with that he has two talented athletes in quarterback Arnayshia Griffin and Nichelle Brown, both who were making waves just two years ago. With the coaching and some of the key players from the team that went 16-1 in 2023 back, Bradford could have a path to a very deep and fruitful playoff run in 2025.  

Florida High (Tallahassee) (13-2) – A team that has been on the rise in recent years, Florida High is a team being talked about after their impressive performance at the 2025 Jaguars Girls Flag Football Preseason Classic over the weekend. While the Seminoles will need a quarterback to replace Rachel White (1,800 yards passing, 38 touchdowns in 2024), there is a ton of talent ready to carry the Seminoles deeper than the regional finals finish they had last season.

Miami Edison (11-3) – There is no team that should be happier than Miami Edison who will not have to face a potential path to a deep playoff with Robinson now in Class 2A this year. The Red Raiders who have had a history with Robinson in years past that have kept them from winning a potential state championship as one of the top programs in Miami-Dade County now has a path to that coveted state championship. That could start behind the arms of Rakayia Louis, who as a sophomore in 2024, threw for over 3,000 yards and 35 touchdowns.

Somerset Canyons (Boynton Beach) (18-2) – If there was anything impressive about the Cougars it is the fact they were led by a quarterback that is going to be one of the top flag football prospects by the time she graduates in a couple of years. Ava Wotipka, who is a sophomore this year, threw over 2,900 yards and 58 touchdowns along with rushing for 1,225 yards and 10 more touchdowns as a freshman last year in leading the Cougars to the state quarterfinals. Do not discount what this program will be able to do in 2025 with the new Class 1A being wide open for the taking.

Tampa Catholic (12-7) – After reaching the regional final for the first time last season before losing to Robinson, the Crusaders now have a path to build on the growth and success of 2024 with a wide-open chance to go even further in Class 1A in 2025. Returning quarterback Ava Kopp will be one athlete to watch who threw over 1,200 yards and 15 touchdowns in 2024.

Wildwood (11-1) – A program only a few years old, shocked Class 1A and made its deepest run to the state quarterfinals knocking more established programs along the way like Mainland, Jones and Lecanto along the way before running into Robinson. The Wildcats will have Zoey Brown back who started last year as an 8th grader. Brown threw for over 1,300 yards and 18 touchdowns along with rushing for 701 yards and 12 touchdowns.

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STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS RETURNING TO TAMPA

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will once again host the FHSAA Flag Football State Championships at the AdventHealth Training Center over three days from Thursday, May 8 through Saturday, May 10.

Last year marked the first time an NFL facility hosted the FHSAA Flag Football State Championships in the 20-plus year history of the sport in the Sunshine State and had one of the highest turnout rates for attendance, partly thanks to free admission to the state championship that was taken care of by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Foundation.

This year’s state championship will include eight state semifinal games and four state championship games resulting in 12 flag football games to be played inside the indoor training facility of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Dates and times for each of the matchups will be announced closer to the state championships as the state series playoffs progress through each of its rounds in late April and early May.

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JAGUARS TO ONCE AGAIN TO HAVE MASSIVE FLAG FOOTBALL COVERAGE

FloridaHSFootball.com is once again partnering with the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2025 to promote several events with the Jacksonville Jaguars Community Foundation including the recent 2025 Jaguars Girls Flag Football Preseason Classic which featured over 60 teams and expanded to include full regulation fields for the first time in the history the event.

Once again, this year, FloridaHSFootball.com will be helping the Jaguars select nominees each week during the 2025 regulars season for Girls Flag Football Player of the Week, along with promoting Coach of the Week, Game of the Week as well as the Jaguars ALL-PREP Top 25 which recognizes the Top 25 girls flag football athletes in the Jacksonville Jaguars market.

For Coaches & Teams in Duval, Clay, Nassau, St. Johns, Baker, Putnam, Bradford, Flagler & Columbia Counties, they will be able to nominate girls flag football athletes during the 2025 Girls Flag Football Season each week starting every Thursday through Sunday morning to be considered for the Girls Flag Football Player of the Week. Coaches in these counties should save this link to be able to nominate their athletes: https://form.jotform.com/250475271053149

Information regarding the Jaguars ALL-PREP Top 25 including nominations will be sent out near the end of the regular seasons to coaches in the Jacksonville Jaguars market via email to coaches and athletic directors.