Flag football season has started! How do our coaches see their teams doing this year?
School name: Chicago Ag Science
Returning starters
– Taya Rice (SR) – WR/DB
– Aubrie Parker (SR) – WR/DB
– Autumn Robinson (SO) – QB/DB
– Melanie Long (SO) – WR/DB
– Maddie Jefferson (JR) – RB
Newcomers
– Sarah Ashley Briggs – (FR) – DB
– Autumn Finister – (FR) – WR/DB
Coaches outlook:
– Excited for the season, we have a lot of girls back from a good team last year, we were one play away from the state quarterfinals last year, so girls are hungry and have been working hard. Looking forward to watching the team grow throughout the season
School name: Chicago Vocational Career Academy (CVCA/CVS) Cavaliers
Last season’s record: 10-3
College commits: Duwania Langston- Benedictine University
Returning starters (name, class, position, stats and honors):
Dalyia Langston-Junior, QB/RB/DB/LB, 28 Total touchdowns, ALL Conference
Shayvon Malone- Senior, RB/LB, 10 TDs,
Jayonna Rogers- Sophomore, WR/DB, 8 TDs
Ashanti Griffin-Sophomore, Snapper/LB, 3 TDs
Dora Johnson- Senior, DT, 2 TDs
Returning non-starters (name, class, position, stats):
Shekinah Humprey, Sophomore, LB/WR, 1 TD
Kaitlyn Stanback, Senior, RB, 1 TD
Tamia Hughes, Junior, RB, 1 TD
Top newcomers (name, class, position):
India Mclean, Freshman, WR
Alexandria Mitchell, Sophomore, WR
Kenyla Terrell, Senior, QB/RB
Adriana Lemon, Sophomore, LB
Lylah Taylor, Sophomore, DT
Coach’s season outlook:
We have a solid group returning with aspirations of winning our conference, city and state.
School: Corliss Trojans
Last Year Record: 4-3 conference (5-6 overall)
Coach’s season outlook: The Lady Trojans are gearing up for the 2025-2026 welcoming back 8 returning players, 5 of which were starters. The Lady Trojans are led by Sr. LB/WR Diamond Howard, who is a 3-year starter and Sr. LB/WR Rendan Brown, who is also a 3-year starter. The Lady Trojans are also led by Jr. RB/WR/DB Montreniq Hinton, who, in her first year, led the Lady Trojans in touchdowns last year. Sophomore WR/RB/DB Ta’Davia Victory was a big part of the Lady Trojans team and returns to play an even bigger role this year. Sr. WR/DB Ja’Cedes Farley was also a big part of the Lady Trojans team, making big-time plays on offense and defense for the Lady Trojans.
Key Reserves include Jr. DB/WR Mikia Shaw, who saw action on the field last season and looks to help and have a bigger role this upcoming season. Sophomore LB/WR Aniya Williams and Sophomore DB/WR Daja Simms also return and look to have bigger roles in helping the Lady Trojans win this season.
The Lady Trojans are excited about newcomer Sophomore WR/DB Daizha Brown, who looks to add speed and athleticism to the Lady Trojans team. The Lady Trojans are also excited to add Freshman WR/DB Destiny Hale and Freshman LB/WR Dawndrea Johnson, who looks to compete and help the Lady Trojans compete in a major way.
Starters Returning:
Sr. LB/WR Diamond Howard
Sr. LB/WRRendan Brown
Sr. DB/WR Ja’Cedes Farley
Jr. RB/WR/DB Montreniq Hinton
Sophomore RB/WR/DB Ta’Davia Victory
Key Returning Reserves:
Soph LB/WR Aniya Williams
Jr. DB/WR Mikia Shaw
Soph DB/WR Dajah Simms
Key Newcomers:
Sophomore WR/DB Daizha Brown
Freshman WR/DB Destiny Hale
Freshman LB/WR Dawndrea Johnson
School name: Crane Med Prep
Last season’s record: 12-2
Social media handle: craneathletics (Instagram)
Returning starters (name, class, position):
Za’Nylah Moaton Junior, Safety/QB
Chrishawnda Wright, Senior, DB/Center
Taniya Reynolds, Junior, DB/RB
Coach’s season outlook: Crane is looking to win conference for the 3rd year in a row. We beefed up the non-conference schedule with some of the top contenders in the state last year. They are looking to be in the City Championship game and going deep in the state tournament.
School name: Englewood STEM
Last season’s record: 4 wins and 3 losses
Returning starters (name, class, position):
Trinity Spencer – Sophomore – Wide Receiver/Quarterback
Aniyah Turpin – Senior – Rusher/Wide Receiver – Lead flag puller
Duriana Brooks – Senior – Rusher/Wide Receiver – Lead Rusher
Kimani Vines – Junior – Center
Heiress Harris – Sophomore – Wide Receiver – Lead Receiver
Top newcomers (name, class, position):
Mariah Pope – Freshman – Quarterback
Beautiful Pearson – Freshman – Wide Receiver
Coach’s season outlook: We are a family. We are PANTHER strong. We build, we work hard and we have fun.
School name: Kennedy High School
Last year’s record: 10-4-1 overall; 5-2 Conference
Key Returnees:
Joceline Ruberg
Veronica Rios
Sophia Renteria
Leila Bautista
Ariana Hernandez
Serena Reyes
Emily Stasik
Keisy NIno
Alani Avila
Gabriella Grijalva
Andrea Vallecillo
Evelina Zuniga
Key Newcomers:
Aliyah Guadarrama
Amelia Solis
Ceilia Torres
Sofia Buzo
Samantha Petrey
Elizabeth Carrero
Jaida Colon
Megan Jurevis
Coach’s Season Outlook:
Looking to continue to improve and making a run for conference and in the playoffs.
School name: King College Prep
Last season’s record: 15-3 (Regional Champions, Sectional Finalist)
Social media handle: @KCPGirlsFF
Returning starters (name, class, position and honors):
We only had 3 Senior last season so this year basically the entire team returns.
Nyerra Neal QB (2023 All State, All City, All. Conference) SR
Janyla Lee WR (2024 All City, All State) SR
Jamariae Lewis WR (2024 All City) SO
Emmanuella Marseille WR, JR
Harmoni Puckett, SR
Taniya Harris QB, JR
Aniya Holt R, SR
Kennedy Knox, LB JR
Charde Bogan, CB, SO
Rachel Branch, CB, SR
Returning non-starters (name, class, position):
Dakota Owens, S, SO
Kaleeya Anderson, LB, SO
Top newcomers (name, class, position):
Jayda Collins, JR, WR
Tauri Frye, SR, WR
Fredrenae Nelson, FR, Rusher
Nia Eruteya, FR, WR
Coach’s season outlook:
We have been knocking on the door for the past 2 seasons. In 2023, we went 17-1, won the CPL Summer League before falling short of the City Championship. In 2024, we went 15-3, won the Red Conference for the second straight year, and had a #1 sectional seed. We won the Regional Championship but lost the Sectional Championship to a really good Whitney Young team, whom we played twice that season. This season, I believe this is the most talented roster we’ve ever had. We have talent, youth, and for the first time, we have real Senior leadership experience. I think for us, it is going to be about our ability to manage expectations, staying healthy, and dealing with adversity. Early test against the city champions Taft and highly state-ranked Maine South two days in a row will test our character .
School Name: Lake View High School
Last Year’s Record: 11-1
Key Returners:
Nat Mendez, Captain – C – Junior
Syrena Robles – Captain – QB – Junior
Xochi Rosales – RB – Senior
Jasmine Wyatt – RB/S – Senior
Key Newcomers:
Karla Alvarez, WR – Freshman
Karen Guachun – Corner – Junior
Mayrin Andres Vega – WR – Junior
Coach’s Season Outlook: We’re excited to bring back key players from last year, build on our incredible success from our inaugural year, and are looking to win our division to compete in the Tochito Bowl.
School name: Lincoln Park High School
Last season’s record: 2-5
Social media handle: lphs_girlsflagfootball
Returning starters (name, class, position, stats and honors (if any):
Jakiaya Berry, Senior, Center
Amari Davis, Senior, TE
Delilah Perez, Senior, LB
Mariah Martinez, Senior, CB
Kennedy Trotter, Sophomore; WR
Marialbert Villalonga, Junior, R/S
Returning non-starters (name, class, position, stats):
Olivia Santiago, Senior, QB/WR
Top newcomers (name, class, position):
Colette “Coco” Schimp, Freshman, WR
Juna Crampton, Freshman, RB/WR
Mia Pensinger-Sok, Junior, R/S
Coach’s season outlook: Hoping to get some strong wins under our belt and to continue to grow the team. We have hopes of developing a Jv level team by next season with all the interest that has been shown as this sport continues to gain popularity among young women.
School name: Lindblom
Last year’s record: 7-9
Social media handles: Instagram: @Lindblomflag_ Twitter: @Lindblomflag
Starters returning (name, position, year in school, honors):
Samaria Crowder, QB, Junior, 2023 All Conference, 2024 All City- 3rd team
Zoe Silas, DB, Senior
Cydnee Johnson, WR, Sophomore
Taylor Harris, DB, Junior
Christina Brown, DB, Sophomore
Daniyah Liggins, RB, Junior
Key reserves returning (name, position, year in school):
Nyilah Harris, WR, Junior
Kaitlyn Gaines, DB, Junior
Shayuana Harris, WR, Junior
Key newcomers (name, position, year in school):
Nyalah Williams, WR, QB, Freshman
Haley Mayfield, DB, Sophomore
Avery Thompson, HB, Sophomore
Coach’s season outlook:
With an All-City Quarterback and some promising receivers, we are hoping to have a strong season! The team has almost doubled in numbers this season and we are looking forward to having a competitive season. The team is more dedicated and is ready to bounce back.
School name: North-Grand HS
Last season’s record: 6-4
Social media handle: Insta: @northgrandathletics
Returning starters (name, class, position):
Bryanelis Rivera, 2026, QB
Ailany Orgetga, 2026, LB
Mya DeJesus, 2028, WR
Jaslynn Rodriguez, 2028, WR
Cynthia Myers, 2028, S
Heidi Villanueva Guzman, 2027, Rusher, RB
Kaitlyn Prince, 2026, LB/RB
Tarriana Walker, 2026, C
Jamalis Santiago, 2026, WR
Returning non-starters (name, class, position):
Anglea DeLaCruz, 2027, LB
Stephanie Rodriguez, 2026, LB
Natalie Carrera, 2026, RB/LB
Top newcomers (name, class, position):
Adriana Lozano, 2028, RB
Demetriah Allision, 2029, LB
Lisette Aparicio, 2029, LB
Jaliah Banuelos, 2027, LB/RB
Hailey Candelaria, 2028, LB
Dariana Washington, 2026, Rusher
Coach’s season outlook: North-Grand lost a few key offensive and defensive players to graduation. However, the coaches feel we have a strong mix of newcomers and veteran players who are more than capable of filling those holes. We are excited to see who steps up to lead both the offense and defense this year.
School Name: Phoenix STEM Military Academy
Last Year’s Record: 3-8
Returning Starters:
- Itzel Aguilar, Sr., WR & RB
- America Sanchez, Sr., RB, WR, Safety
- Anne Johnson, Jr., QB
- Karen Arce, Soph., Center
Key Newcomers:
- Denisse Mata, Soph., Linebacker, Rusher
- Jessica Monreal, Soph., Linebacker
- Gianni Ortega, Soph., Defense
- Mia Sowell, Jr., Defense
- Gisselle Villarreal, Fr., Defense
Coach’s Season Outlook:
As a new team, we are embarking on a journey this season not only to play the game but to build a strong foundation. This foundation is based on self-respect, respect for others, resilience, giving our best efforts, and, most importantly, learning the game of flag football.
School name: Prosser Career Academy
Last season’s record: 10-6 overall (5-2 conference)
Social media handle: Insta: pcagirl.flagfb
Returning starters (name, class, position, and honors):
Myonnia Johnson, Senior, RB/Safety, All State, Bears Player of the Week
Litzy Cruz, Junior, Center/Defensive End
Lindsay Santiago, Senior, Receiver/Rusher
Chrystina Williams, Senior, Receiver/Defensive Back
Olivia Cambray, Junior, QB
Returning non-starters (name, class, position):
Meztly Beltran, Junior, Receiver
Guadalupe Flores, Junior, Receiver
Top newcomers (name, class, position):
Cora Johnson, Sophomore, Receiver/Rusher
Harmony Gayles, Freshman, Receiver/Defensive Back
Gianna Munoz, Sophomore, Rusher
Coach’s season outlook: Myonnia Johnson is one of the top five players in the state and one of the top two in the city. We expect to compete for a conference title and to win several playoff games. Watch out for two of our newcomers – Cora and Harmony.
School name: Rickover Naval Academy
Last season’s record: 3-8
Returning starters (name, class, position):
Liana Beltran Sr
Litzy Estrada-Aguado Jr
Sophia Lopez Jr
Kayla Mateo Sr
Dakota Perez Sr
Melissa Sanchez So
Sofia Fuentes So
Jenelly Rodriguez So
Top newcomers (name, class, position):
Camila Urzua Sr
Isabella Hernandez So
Isabella Gallardo Jr
Juliana Senorski Jr
Game to watch:
September 22 at Rickover for Senior Night
Coach’s season outlook:
As a first-year coach new to flag football, Rickover is focused on taking the season one day at a time.
School name: Roosevelt High School
Last year’s record: 3-3
Key Returnees:
Makaylah Robinson
Arilee Burgess
Frances Ernst
Nicol Espejo Hernandez
Nahia Galeano Contreras
Andrea Luna
Ximena Vazquez Ortega
Yailin Vega
Key Newcomers:
Yuri Michell Villalobos Melendez
Mayerlly Alvarado Muñoz
Coach’s Season Outlook:
Looking forward to improving our record and building a culture that athletes lead.
School name: Solorio Academy High School
Last season’s record: 13-6
Social media handle: Soloriogirlsflagfootball
Coach’s Season Outlook: We have a lot of hungry new players to the sport who are adapting quick. We are in rebuild mode, but our competitive spirit hasn’t faded. We are ready for all the challenges that are coming our way. As my 5th year coaching this team this is the season I’m most excited about. No excuses play hard or go home
School name: Simeon
Last season’s record: 11-6
Social media handle: Instagram @simeongirlsflagfootball
Returning starters (name, class, position):
Jasmine Riggs – S (2027)
Ilmilya Gray – C (2026)
Elissa Roberts – DB (2027)
Janiya Pillow – QB, RB, R (2026)
Returning non-starters (name, class, position):
Amirah Manson – LB (2026)
Ariyah Black – RB, LB, R – (2027)
Top newcomers (name, class, position):
Amina Smith – WR (2028)
Arrier McKinley – R (2027)
Serenity Jackson – R, LB (2027)
Karesha Bradford – QB (2025)
Ja’Mya Sears-Cage – RB, LB (2028)
Exzaviona Clark – WR, DB (2027)
Coach’s season outlook:
After graduating the largest group since our program’s inception (15), we are a young team in the process of rebuilding and remaining competitive at the same time!
School name: Von Steuben
Last season’s record: 2-6
Returning starters (name, class, position):
1-Wiggins, Cherish, RB/Rusher, Senior
2-Keys, Jezeniah, DB/WR, Senior
3-Blanco, Annayeli, DB, Rusher, Senior
4-Onigbinde, Oluwafunmilola Adetokunbo, RB/WR, Senior
5-Alvarado, Amerie, QB/Rusher, Junior
6-Hankins, Laila, RB/WR/DB, Junior
7-Myatt, Lilianna, DB/WR, Sophomore
8-Carrillo, Gianna, Center/DB, Sophomore
Returning non-starters (name, class, position):
1-Castillo, Journie, RB/WR, Sophomore
2-Parkash, Kirtika, QB/Punter, Senior
3-Idowu, Fareedah, Rusher/RB, Junior
Top newcomers (name, class, position):
1-Jones, Mia, QB/WR/LB, Sophomore
2-Jove, Carlise, WR, Freshmen
Coach’s season outlook: The Von Steuben Panthers enter the 2025 season with high expectations after a rebuilding year in which they finished 2-6. With a strong core of returners and a wave of young talent, the Panthers are focused on establishing a winning culture and making noise in the conference. This group has the drive and ability to surprise people and take the program to the next level.
School name: Whitney M. Young Magnet High School
Last season’s record: 19-7, Finished 3rd in the IHSA State Playoffs
Social media handle: Instagram- wygflagfootball X-@wy_flagfball
Returning starters (name, class, position and honors):
DeTanae Dudley (11th grade, Wide Receiver, 1st Team All-State)
Ja’Mya Hamilton (11th grade, Rusher, 2nd Team All-State)
Nina Lloyd (12th grade, Safety, 3rd Team All-State)
Analisa Perez (11th Grade, Cornerback)
Kennedy Glover (12th grade, Safety, Honorable Mention All City)
Denisse Mayhay (12th grade, RB/Safety)
Naomi Fernandez (12th grade, Cornerback)
Arden Rubenstein (12th grade, Center)
Returning non-starters (name, class, position):
Georgia Lang (12th grade, Quarterback)
Leighton Hormuth (10th grade, Wide Receiver)
Gaby Papagiannis (10th grade, Wide Receiver)
Coach’s season outlook: New season, same goal! To do better than we did the previous one. It could be winning one more game this season, and our goal is accomplished. No pressure!
