After a successful first season of flag football for smaller schools across the state of Arizona, many programs are excited to begin the playoffs in the 3A and 4A conferences this week.

MINGUS

After making the 4A state playoffs a season ago as a No. 10 seed, only to lose to Benjamin Franklin 28-7, Mingus (12-2, 5-1 4A Grand Canyon) is back for more and are currently riding a five-game winning streak.

“I really feel that the success of our program can be attributed to our dedication, commitment, and practice during the offseason. We participated in summer tournaments, practices and scrimmages, playing against some of the toughest schools in our state and country to inspire our drive and raise the bar,” coach Dave Moncibaez said.

Players to watch include Karstyn Richardson, Maddie Babcock, Kambra Hahn and Rory Murphy, a senior quarterback who had 2,277 passing yards this season, good enough for second in the region.

“These girls have put a lot of blood, sweat, and tears, into the season,” Moncibaez said. “We are ready to put Mingus on the map.”

The No. 3-seeded Mauraders open the 4A state playoffs by hosting No. 14 Bradshaw Mountain on Wednesday, Nov. 12. Kickoff is scheduled for 6 p.m.

EASTMARK

The No. 2-seeded Firebirds (11-3, 5-0 4A East Sky) have won three straight heading into the 4A state playoffs and will host No. 15 Westview on Nov. 12, 6 p.m.

Eastmark’s Kinsley McCarty is a player to watch as she led the team in scoring this year despite recovering from an ACL injury a year ago. Another wideout to watch is Mikaela Oberstein, who played tackle football her freshman year.

PRESCOTT

The Badgers (14-2, 6-0 4A Grand Canyon) come into the state playoffs as the No. 1 seed and are looking to hoist a state championship trophy after coming so close a season ago, losing 10-7 in the title game against St. Mary’s.

Players to watch for Prescott include quarterback Rianna Aguilar and speedster Maggie Maneely, which have both helped the program win 29 games in their first two years in the league.

Prescott opens the 4A state playoffs against No. 16 ALA-Queen Creek on Nov. 12, 6 p.m.

OTHER TEAMS TO WATCH

Flagstaff earned a No. 5 seed and hosts No. 12 Lee Williams, a team they beat 10-9 in mid-October. The Eagles (12-2) lost on a last-second play to No. 1-seeded Prescott near the end of the season, and lost by one score to Mingus (10-3) on Oct. 28. … No. 4 Salpointe Catholic (12-1) recorded 11 shutout victories this season in 13 games played allowing points against Marana (44-10 loss) and Casa Grand (31-6 win). The Lancers have outscored their opponents 529-50 this season, and they open the 4A state playoffs against No. 13 Deer Valley.

3A STATE PLAYOFFS

SCOTTSDALE CHRISTIAN

The No. 2-seeded Eagles went undefeated (12-0) in their first 3A conference flag football season, outscoring their opponents 488-21.

Coach Ryan Fisher said their success is based on the culture created in year one, which is based on faith, fun and accountability.

“We have fun. We joke. We laugh. We encourage each other. Our players enjoy watching each other’s success,” Fisher said. “We hold each other accountable. We have a standard of play and if you want minutes on the field, you must play to the standard.”

Players to watch include junior running back Nola Bynum, who scored 18 touchdowns this season and had 50 catches to lead the club. Quarterback Campbell Reader completed 70% of her passes this season, throwing 42 touchdown to just four interceptions and rushed for 11 scores.

“We feel good about our offense, but we do understand execution is the key to our success,” Fisher said.

The Eagles open against No. 15 Scottsdale Prep. on Wednesday, Nov. 12, 6 p.m.

Gilbert Christian heads into the 3A state playoffs with a 10-2 record and a No. 3 seed as they host No. 14 Highland Prep. in first round action Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2025, at 7 p.m. (Gilbert Christian Athletics/Courtesy)GILBERT CHRISTIAN

Despite a recent 46-7 loss to Scottsdale Christian, the Knights (10-2) earned a No. 3 seed in the upcoming 3A state playoffs and are ready to take on No. 14 Highland Prep. in round one Nov. 12, 7 p.m.

One standout player to watch for Gilbert Christian is wide receiver Alexa Enman, who led the team with 43 catches for 432 yards and one touchdown.

“She is an all-around player that led the team in rushing, receiving, receptions and punt returns,” coach Corey Enman said.

At quarterback, Alyssa Cervantez completed 103 for 178 passes for 1,023 yards and seven touchdowns, while defensively, Riley Bublitz sets the tone and led the league with 13 sacks.

HERITAGE ACADEMY

The Heroes (12-0) were undefeated this season, outscoring their opponents 467-13 and earning a No. 1 seed in the upcoming 3A state playoffs. They’ll host No. 16 ALA-Ironwood at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 12.

Heritage, coached by Steve LaDrigue, who led the softball team to a 2A title in 2024, oversees a good crop of talent from Laveen starting with quarterback Savana Soltero, who has thrown 18 of her 37 touchdown passes this season to twin sister Sienna.

Soltero completed 120 of 179 passes (67%) for 1,788 yards overall, throwing only four interceptions.

OTHER TEAMS TO WATCH

St. John Paul II went 11-2 this season as they will host No. 13 Seton Catholic Prep. to open the 3A state playoffs Wednesday, Nov. 12, at 6 p.m. … Valley Christian quarterback Abigail Trillo completed 218 of 357 passes for 40 touchdowns and just five interceptions in 12 games this season, leading the Trojans to 10-2 record. … Benjamin Franklin has another standout quarterback in 3A as they feature Olivia LaMont, a senior who tossed 19 touchdown passes and threw for more than 1,600 yards this season. The Chargers open the playoffs as a No. 6 seed hosting No. 11 Horizon Honors.

Brian M. Bergner Jr. has covered professional, collegiate and high school sports for more than 20 years. Follow him on X at @AzPreps365Brian or on Facebook at @Five2MediaWorks. Have a story idea? Email Brian at bbergner@azpreps365.com.