Here are The Arizona Republic’s top high school defensive backs from the 2025 season. Vote in our poll for the player you think should be No. 1.
Here are The Arizona Republic’s top 10 flag football defensive backs from the 2025 season. Vote in our poll below for the player you think should be No. 1. Poll closes at 6 p.m. MST on Wednesday, Dec. 24. Print readers can find the poll with this story online at azcentral.com/sports/high-schools.
The Republic's top 10 flag football defensive backs from 2025
1. Kayla Tacker, Casa Grande, Jr.
Continues to be a ball hawk with 16 interceptions, her third straight season with at least 10-plus interceptions, to go with 16 pass deflections and 55 flag pulls as well.
2. Cameron Mailloux, Glendale Mountain Ridge, Sr.
A true three-level safety, racking up 92 flag pulls and 10 interceptions.
3. Stella Hulse, Scottsdale Chaparral, Jr.
Broke the single-season interception state record with 27, finishing ninth overall in the country.
4. Nola Bynum, Scottsdale Christian Academy, Jr.
Controlled the secondary of a defense that racked up 11 shutouts in 16 games and won the 3A title in undefeated season, recording 20 pass deflections, 11 interceptions and 23 flag pulls.
5. Emma Fischbeck, Mesa Mountain View, Sr.
In the conversation for top two-way player in the state, her 20 INTs were No. 2 overall in Arizona. Also had 45 flag pulls.
6. Samaya Taylor-Jenkins, Chandler Hamilton, Sr.
Even while putting up over 1,700 receiving yards and 32 TDs on offense, helped lead the backend for the 6A state champions Huskies with 14 INTs and 41 flag pulls.
7. Rylan Ernst, Chandler Valley Christian, Sr.
Has a knack for tracking the ball down, tallying 19 INTs to help lead Valley Christian to the 3A semifinals.
8. Malia Woodberry, Laveen Cesar Chavez, Jr.
A dynamic athlete, finishing the year with 17 INTs and five pick-sixes.
9. Caroline Workman, Scottsdale Desert Mountain, So.
Her nine INTs returned for a TD led the entire state, had 17 INTs overall on the season.
10. Maggie Maneely, Prescott, Sr.
She was a key force for Prescott earning the top seed in 4A and reaching the semifinals, recording 83 flag pulls, 16 INTs and 23 pass deflections.
Honorable mention: Makenna Johnson, Peoria Liberty, DB, Jr.; Sofia Villone, Tempe Corona del Sol. So.; Norah Curtiss, Scottsdale Horizon, DB, Sr.; Jolee Baddeley, Scottsdale Christian Academy, DB, So.; JohnTavia Course, Surprise Willow Canyon, DB, So.; Audrey Pacheco, Mesa Red Mountain, Sr.; Naveah Jones, Phoenix Desert Vista, Jr.; Corynn Foster, Gilbert Leading Edge Academy, DB, So.; Sieana Soltero, Laveen Heritage Academy, Jr.; Emmy Jacobson, ALA Gilbert North, Sr.; Brayah Andree, Queen Creek Crismon, DB, Sr.; Bree Dilley, Goodyear Estrella Foothills, DB, So.; Jamiya Jones, Laveen Cesar Chavez, Fr.; Tristan Hillson, Phoenix Arcadia, 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 [email protected] or 707-293-7650. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter: @LSscribe.
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Vote for 2025's top 10 HS flag football defensive backs
Category: General Sports
