School has already started in some districts here in Arizona and that means the fall high school sports season is quickly approaching.
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.
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).
Quarterbacks were up first. Then it was the wide receivers. To round out the offense, this week are the centers.
In flag football, there are two types of centers: blockers and receivers. The rules allow those who snap the ball to go out as a wide receiver, or they can stay in and block. It all depends on the player’s skill set and the team’s philosophy and strategy.
The Republic's top flag football centers
1. Jasmine Guerrero, Gilbert, Sr.
Widely regarded as one of the best centers in Arizona. She has great zip on the ball at the center position. Her elite instincts, burst off the ball, route quickness and playmaking ability separate her.
2. Bella Blum, Gilbert Highland, Sr.
She’s an exceptional center with dependable snaps, while also having some of the best hands on the team. Her ability to memorize plays and above-average football IQ makes her a dependable offensive weapon. Hauled in 71 receptions for 508 yards and seven touchdowns in 2025.
3. Mazie Brown, Marana, Jr.
She plays everywhere and is an incredible athlete, but center is her starting position. A key part of the offense. Coach Shaun Lara expects her to have even more receiving yards than last season (695).
4. Kelci Riforgiate, Tempe Corona del Sol, Jr.
One of the most reliable centers in the state. She delivers accurate snaps, including directional snaps. Beyond snapping, she’s a big target with the hands to match it. Her versatility makes her more than just a center, creating matchup problems. Her numbers should jump even higher with new quarterback Victoria Beakes.
5. Delilah Merkley, Queen Creek Crismon, Sr.
She's a dependable playmaker who makes an impact every time she steps on the field. A reliable target in the passing game, her consistency, toughness and team-first mentality make her an important part of the Rattlers' offense. Had 31 receptions for 325 yards and five touchdowns in 2025.
6. Ally McCall, Phoenix Sandra Day O’Connor, Sr.
Very few snap the ball as hard and consistently as she does. Also required to run routes.
7. Brynn Wilt, Buckeye Verrado, Jr.
As a first-time center last season, she seamlessly slid into the starting role. She helped anchor the offense with 48 receptions for 424 yards and five touchdowns.
8. Zalene Tavares, Casa Grande, Sr.
She’s more of a blocking-focused center and excels at snapping. All of her snaps were clean last season, with none going over quarterback Sarah Mountz’s head.
9. Cali Seeker, Goodyear Millennium, Jr.
One of the team leaders. More of a blocker than a receiver. Returns as the starter.
10. Tati Castro, Tucson Salpointe Catholic, Sr.
Spent 2025 as the second-string center and now gets the chance to step into a bigger role. Will begin the season as the starter.
Honorable mention: Allie Jensen, Glendale Mountain Ridge, Sr.; Evie Kissinger, Anthem Boulder Creek, Jr.; Eve Denton, Mesa Mountain View, Sr.; Lucy Stravitz, Scottsdale Christian Academy, So.; Ricario Campa, Gilbert Mesquite, Sr.; Kaylin Pinarelli, Prescott, So.; Naia Hatch, ALA Gilbert North, So.; Zoe Uphoff, Gilbert Campo Verde, So.; Lucy Rigby, Gilbert Campo Verde, Fr.; Aaliyah Bribiescas, Chandler Basha, Sr.; Ava Richardson, Mesa Red Mountain, Jr.
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 high school flag football centers
