Mountain Ridge vaulted up The Arizona Republic’s high school flag football rankings following a huge 30-0 win over Mesa Mountain View, a rematch of the first-ever 6A championship game in state history back in 2023.
Tempe Corona del Sol also saw a big jump after three shutout wins to start the 2026 season. Here are the updated Republic rankings, as of Sept. 21, 2026. Vote in our poll for the team you think should be No. 1 after the first week of games. Poll closes at 6 p.m. Sept. 24. Print readers can find the poll online with this story at azcentral.com/sports/high-schools.
1. Gilbert Highland (1-0)
Showed why they’re the team to beat in Arizona, taking down a talented Gilbert Campo Verde roster 41-16 in the season opener.
2. Gilbert Campo Verde (1-1)
Rebounded from the tough loss to Highland with a resounding 69-0 win over Tempe McClintock, with senior quarterback Amaya Moreno tying the state record with 10 touchdown passes.
3. Chandler Hamilton (2-0)
Win streak is now at 40 games after beating Gilbert 17-14 and Waddell Canyon View 28-10. Tough times are ahead, though, with an injury to sophomore quarterback Athena Vasquez and the starting center. Senior wide receiver Markiah Riley is taking over at QB.
4. Glendale Mountain Ridge (2-0)
The biggest jump from the preseason following the statement 30-0 win over Mesa Mountain View. The Mountain Lions look like a contender.
5. Tempe Corona del Sol (3-0)
Moves up a few spots after three shutout wins to start the season. The defense might be the best in the state.
6. Mesa Mountain View (0-1)
Coming off a loss to Mountain Ridge. Has the chance to rebound with games against No. 9 Marana and Gilbert Williams Field.
7. Peoria Liberty (1-0)
Skirted by Laveen Cactus Canyon with a 7-0 season-opening win. Faces a big test against No. 3 Hamilton this week.
8. Phoenix Sandra Day O’Connor (2-0)
Newcomer to the list after the impressive 14-7 win over Marana on the road. Takes on No. 1 Highland, which will show coach Robert Latona a lot about his team.
9. Marana (1-1)
Up-and-down for the Tigers, taking down 4A finalist Mesa Easmark with ease, 42-14, and then losing to O’Connor. It’s an all-Mountain View week, with games against Marana and No. 6 Mesa to try to get back on track.
10. Tucson Salpointe Catholic (2-0)
Dominated both games to open up 2026, beating Tucson 56-0 and Marana Mountain View 50-0.
On the bubble: Queen Creek Casteel, Mesa Red Mountain, Gilbert, Chandler Basha, Queen Creek, Casa Grande, Phoenix Xavier Prep, Scottsdale Desert Mountain, Prescott, Scottsdale Christian Academy.
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