For the first time, a California team will finish No. 1 in the MaxPreps Top 25 high school flag football rankings for the fall season — and
JSerra Catholic (San Juan Capistrano) left no doubt.
The Lions went 28-0 against a rugged schedule, capped by a 25-20 win over
Orange Lutheran (Orange) in the Southern Section Division 1 final — their third victory over the Lancers this season.
Making JSerra Catholic's run even more impressive was the youth on the roster. Led by freshman QB
Kate Meier, who leads the team in touchdown passes, the Lions were able to win the Southern Section Division 1 final.
Kai Beary also put her stamp on the game by catching a touchdown pass in the championship game. The dominant defense was led by freshmen
Tessa Russell and
Ava Irwin, who combined for 34 interceptions on the year.
No. 2
Central (Phenix City, Ala.), the reigning national champion, continued its dominance in 2025 with a third-straight state title. The Red Devils finished 20-0 and extended the nation's longest win streak to 57 games.
Maine South (Park Ridge) checks in at No. 3 after a 26-3 season and the program's second Illinois state championship.
Laila Abukhalaf led the way in the title game with five catches for 98 yards and two touchdowns while the defense allowed more than seven points in just four games all season.
At No. 4 is
North Oconee (Bogart), which broke through after back-to-back title game appearances the previous two years. The Titans finished 23-3 and captured Georgia's Division 3 state championship — the first in school history.
The
Hamilton (Chandler, Ariz.) Huskies were flawless this season and featured maybe the top pass-catch duo in the country in
Marlie Phillips and
Samaya Taylor-Jenkins, who caught 121 passes for over 1,700 yards and 32 touchdowns.
No. 6
Mountain Vista (Highlands Ranch, Colo.) also deserves mention after completing a perfect 19-0 season for the second-straight year. Senior quarterback
Ariana Akey and wide receiver
Braelynn Looney continued their dominant season in the state title game, connecting on 12 passes for 116 yards and a touchdown.
Final MaxPreps Top 25 fall flag football rankings 28-0
Southern Section Division 1 champions.
2. Central (Phenix City, Ala.)Record: 20-0
Class 6A-7A state champions.3. Maine South (Park Ridge, Ill.)Record: 26-3
State champions.4. North Oconee (Bogart, Ga.)Record: 22-3
Division 3 state champions.
5. Hamilton (Chandler, Ariz.)Record: 21-0
6A state champions. 6. Mountain Vista (Highlands Ranch, Colo.)Record: 19-0
Class 5A state champions.
7. Orange Lutheran (Orange, Calif.)Record: 25-3
Southern Section Division 1 runner-up.
8. Greenbrier (Evans, Ga.)Record: 22-3
Division 2 state champions. 9. Huntington Beach (Calif.)Record: 25-2
Southern Section Division 1 semifinalist.10. Pope (Marietta, Ga.)Record: 20-3
Division 5 state champions. 11. Wakefield (Raleigh, N.C.) Record: 27-0
State champions.12. Menlo School (Atherton, Calif.) Record: 16-2
Central Coast Section Open Division champions. 13. Willowbrook (Villa Park, Ill.)Record: 23-1
State runner-up.14. Blessed Trinity (Roswell, Ga.)Record: 19-5
Division 4 state champions.15. Lambert (Suwanee, Ga.)Record: 19-3
Division 5 state semifinalists. 16. Camarillo (Calif.)Record: 25-3
Southern Section Division 1 quarterfinalist.
17. Glenbrook South (Glenview, Ill.)Record: 17-3
State semifinalist.18. Moody (Ala.)Record: 22-3
Class 1A-5A state champions. 19. Newport Harbor (Newport Beach, Calif.)Record: 23-3
20. McClatchy (Sacramento, Calif.)Record: 24-5
Sac-Joaquin Section Division 1 champions.
21. Carmel (Mundelein, Ill.)Record: 21-2
State semifinalist. 22. Milton (Ga.)Record: 21-4
Division 4 state runner-up.23. Southeast Bulloch (Brooklet, Ga.)Record: 18-2
Division 3 state semifinalist.24. Cardinal Newman (Santa Rosa, Calif.)Record: 24-0
North Coast Section Division 2 champions. 25. Dos Pueblos (Goleta, Calif.)Record: 24-3
Southern Section Division semifinalist.
