MaxPreps is recognizing outstanding performers in high school flag football to close out the fall 2026 season by naming the top player in each state. Selections are based on team success and individual excellence in addition to local and state accolades.
In a 34-18 win over Vista Ridge (Colorado Springs) in the state championship game, Peterson completed 21 of 39 passes for 339 yards and four touchdowns. She also rushed for a touchdown and had four flag pulls and an interception on defense.
For the season, Peterson threw for 4,750 yards and 69 touchdowns. She also found the end zone six times on the ground.
Peterson piled up 12,507 passing yards and 193 touchdowns in her three-year varsity career.
Participation in flag football topped 100,000 athletes nationwide for the first time during the 2025-26 school year, an increase of 48.7 percent over 2024-25 alone. More than 20 states will sanction championships through the fall, winter and spring seasons in 2026-27.
Each state's MaxPreps Player of the Year will be considered for inclusion in the MaxPreps All-America Team, which will be released at the end of the spring season.
Past MaxPreps Colorado Players of the Year
2024 – Ariana Akey, Mountain Vista (Highlands Ranch)
2025 – Ariana Akey, Mountain Vista (Highlands Ranch)
