Flag football has seen explosive growth since being sanctioned by the AIA in 2023. There are four conferences, with a total of 159 schools participating heading into the 2026 season, which begins in September.
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). Offense came first, with the quarterbacks, wide receivers and centers. Then it was the defense’s turn. We began with the rushers and linebackers and finished with defensive backs. Kickers are the last part of this preseason preview series.
Kickers are the hardest position to evaluate, since statistics are limited on MaxPreps. That will change in the upcoming season, as MaxPreps has added more kicking statistics in 2026. In flag football, kicking is especially strategic. Not every team attempts field goals, instead opting for an aggressive offensive approach.
The Republic's top flag football kickers
1. Emily Scott, Glendale Mountain Ridge, Sr.
Has range and accuracy. Finished 32 for 34 on PATs and was 3 for 5 on field goals. Made an in-game long of 35 yards, which puts her close to the top of the state for distance.
2. Laela Johnson, Chandler Hamilton, Sr.
She likely set the state record for most PATs in a single season with 110 in 2025, including 39 in a row at one point. Doesn’t attempt many field goals, but is incredibly consistent.
3. Mia Ikeda, Gilbert Campo Verde, Jr.
Combined for 89 points last season, drilling 71 PATs and hitting six field goals. Coach Brian Coger said she has hit from as far as 46 yards in practice before.
4. Ela Witcher, Gilbert Highland, So.
She is taking over kicking duties from the prolific Emilee Searle, hoping to beat Searle’s team field goal record of 41 yards. She was one of the top players for the soccer team that made a run to the Open quarterfinals in the winter. One state-title-winning opposing coach already said she’s the “best kicker” he’s seen.
5. Phoebe Linford, Chandler Basha, So.
Linford is one of those kickers who gets overlooked since her team rarely ever kicks. Finished 32 for 34 on PATs and 5 for 5 on FGs. Trains with Mikey Barth at times, Basha’s kicker for the tackle team and one of the top-ranked kickers in the country.
6. Keira Eisenberg, Scottsdale Desert Mountain, Jr.
Gets the job done almost every time she goes out, including icing a pivotal game against rival Phoenix Mountain Pointe. She was 25 for 26 on PATs and made five FGs, with a long of 27. Can potentially hit from as far as 35.
7. Adelina Ortega, Sierra Vista Buena, Jr.
She was flawless from the PAT spot, going 62 for 62. Also handles punting duties.
8. Ashlyn Hough, Queen Creek Ben Franklin, So.
She was impressive in her first season of kicking. Finished 41 for 42 on PATs and was 6 for 10 on FGs. Coach Jake Thomas said Hough has “just tapped into her power” when it comes to distance.
9. Bella Macedo, Chandler Valley Christian, Jr.
When it’s all said and done, she could be the top kicker in 3A. A third-year player who has taken on kicking duties this season. Macedo is a soccer player who coach Billy Ernt has turned into a football player.
10. Kaiya Smith, Queen Creek Crismon, Sr.
The multi-sport athlete, who is also the starting goalkeeper for the varsity soccer team that finished as 4A state runner-ups, made 59 PATs and four field goals last season for a combined 71 points. She is near the top in the state for points scored.
Honorable mention: Arabella Wickstrom, Scottsdale Horizon, Jr.; Valeria Portilo, Chandler, Sr.; Getsemani Lugo, Gilbert Mesquite, Sr.; Sarah Mountz, Casa Grande, Sr.; Sadie Bolenbaugh, Phoenix Mountain Pointe, So.; Cami Ramos, Waddell Canyon View, So.; Grace Hornburg, Phoenix Thunderbird, Sr.; Allison Bogle, Gilbert, Jr.; Nola Bynum, Scottsdale Christian Academy, Sr.
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 kickers
