In 2026, the 3A Flag Football State Championships enter their second year of existence as the first round gets underway Tuesday, Nov. 10.

Here are the teams to watch this week:

SCOTTSDALE CHRISTIAN

No. 1-seeded Scottsdale Christian (12-4, 4-0 3A Central) had some adversity in the final week of the regular season, losing to Gilbert Christian (7-0) and Benjamin Franklin in the finale, 17-7.

The Eagles, which won the 3A’s first flag football championship in state history a season ago, still have all the confidence in the world they can repeat in 2026.

“We have a great culture, these girls love each other, love God, love competing – they simply are awesome to be around,” coach Ryan Fisher said.

Quarterback Campbell Reader is a big reason why the Eagles have been successful in their first two years of existence.

The junior completed 223 for 357 passes for 2,917 yards and 43 touchdowns compared to just six interceptions this year. She also ran 46 times for 277 yards and six scores, making her one of the top dual threats in Arizona.

She was tops among all quarterbacks in 3A in passing yards and touchdown throws.

“Campbell has really developed into a strong leader on offense,” Fisher said.

Her main target? Nola Bynum. The senior, who Fisher claims is one of the most under-recruited players in the state, caught 73 balls for 1,260 yards and 18 touchdowns this season.

Bynum ranks first in touchdown receptions among 3A players and was second to only Giovanna De Scala of Seton Catholic in receiving yards (1,383).

Scottsdale Christian opens with No. 16 Bourgade Catholic on Tuesday, 6 p.m.

BENJAMIN FRANKLIN

The No. 2-seeded Chargers (14-3, 2-0 3A Metro East) have won seven straight entering the state playoffs and are looking to make a run after losing to Scottsdale Christian in the state semifinals a year ago, 28-7.

They beat the defending-champ Eagles to end the regular season and are now primed to go on a run with hopes of being at Corona del Sol High School for the finals on Nov. 21.

“We really shifted focus as a team away from goals we thought we could achieve this year to more of a day-by-day, have fun and be loose, while playing hard type focus and the girls have responded exceptionally well,” coach Jake Thomas said.

Benjamin Franklin features quarterback Adlee Trujillo, who tossed 40 touchdowns for 2,544 yards passing the season. The senior started playing both ways about a month ago and has already recorded four interceptions in just five games at defensive back.

Senior wide receiver Amari Zincke has caught 47 balls for 684 yards and 14 touchdowns, with 45 flag pulls, 28 passes defensed and 14 interceptions, five of which she took to the house for a touchdown.

“She is young but has a ton of flag experience and is a major ace up our sleeve,” Thomas said.

Benjamin Franklin opens with No. 15 Valley Christian on Tuesday, 6 p.m.

GILBERT CHRISTIAN

Winners of four straight games heading into the state playoffs, Gilbert Christian (13-2, 2-1 3A Metro East) beat defending champ Scottsdale Christian 7-0 to end their regular season.

Was that victory a fluke, or the start of something for the Knights, who earned the No. 3 overall seed in this playoff bracket?

Time will tell.

“This senior class started the program [last year] as juniors. They came back this year and led a young roster that includes several freshmen in big roles,” coach Ronnie Sharpe said. “Our main focus this season has been building the girls’ confidence on the field and off it, and a lot of that comes from how they prepare.”

Players to watch include Adriana Vranicic, who had 65 carries or 565 yards and six touchdowns this season, and quarterback Alyssa Cerantez, who had 1,054 yards passing and 14 touchdowns.

Gilbert Christian opens with No. 14 Heritage Academy Mesa on Tuesday, 6 p.m.

SETON CATHOLIC

The No. 4-seeded Sentinels (10-5, 3-1 3A Central) finished the regular season on a five-game winning streak and likely feature the top wide receiver in 3A flag football in Di Scala.

The junior caught 73 balls for 1,383 yards and 14 touchdowns this season.

“We are still a young team with only one senior on the roster. The players love for one another [is special], and the constant drive to make each other better in practices and hold each other accountable [is impressive],” coach William Baker said.

The Sentinels open with No. 14 Arete Prep on Tuesday, 6 p.m.

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