The 4A flag football season has produced some interesting candidates for a postseason run.

The 16-team Arizona state tournament starts Tuesday and runs through Saturday, Nov. 21 with the championship game at 1:30 p.m. and is played at Corona del Sol.

There is a wide range of talent throughout the classification and just about anything can happen.

Just look at last year when Salpointe Catholic won the state title in its first year as a program as the Lancers went 16-0 in the regular season and playoffs.

“It takes a team that has challenged itself in the regular season,” Salpointe coach Barrie Pedersen said. “Being pressure tested against good competition exposes weakness and allows for real growth.

“Good coaching, good quarterback play, and a relentless defense are the most common characteristics of any championship flag football team.”

So, when the four rounds of the tournament are over and the gold ball is handed over to a team what program will receive it and what will it take to finish with a state championship?

If it is defense, look no further than No. 6 Mesquite.

The Wildcats went 12-0 in regular season games, and 13-1 overall. In non-tournament games, the defense gave up a total of seven points and had 11 shutouts. Yes, seven points total in 12 games as players like junior Norija Anthony (10 interceptions) and senior Katharine Rowley (10 sacks) made impactful plays.

If it is a team that maybe wasn’t on the radar in the preseason then it will be No. 1 ALA-Gilbert North.

The Eagles are 12-0 and outscored opponents 311-37 after going 12-3 in their inaugural season in 2025 and lost in the quarterfinals.

“It’s all about discipline, dedications and being accountable as a team player,” ALA-Gilbert North coach Alphonso Williams said. “When you’re a team player, and you’re playing for the other players on the team you have the culture you need.

“I think we’ve played that way all year and we need to keep it going.”

If it is a team looked to take the next step then it just might be No. 2 Eastmark.

The Firebirds finished as 4A state runners-up last season.

It’s usually a long, but very productive offseason for the team in any sport after finishing second. Most of the time it is a driving force to put in extra work and find something that will keep players from that feeling of falling just short again.

The Firebirds come in at 12-4 overall, but three of those defeats came against teams in either 6A or 5A. The only other defeat was 6-0 to ALA-Gilbert North.

If there is going to be the first champion from the northern part of the state, then there are two legitimate candidates in No. 4 Coconino and No. 5 Mingus.

Coconino went 12-1 with only defeat coming against Mesquite. The Panthers lost int the state semifinals in 2024 but were bounced in the first round a year ago.

Coconino has been very competitive, and this might be the program’s best team yet under the guidance of coach Andrew Roxas-Powers and second-year quarterback Blanca Ventura Gomez, who has thrown 44 touchdowns compared to 26 last season in 90 less attempts.

Mingus is one of the hotter teams as the postseason beings as the Marauders (12-1) have won 11 straight after losing 24-14 to Coconino in Sept. 12.

They lost in the state semifinals a year ago to Eastmark and coach Dave Moncibaez has a team that just might take that next step behind players like senior wide receiver Karstyn Richardson and senior rusher Maddie Babcock.

If there is a team that is going to run it back, it can only be No. 2 Salpointe after the Lancers defend their title with many of the same players from last year under Pedersen.

Salpointe loss to 6A power Marna and 5A defending champion Campo Verde but had little trouble versus 4A competition for the second year in a row.

It helps having a player sophomore Isla Collins, who had 67 touchdown passes, eight rushing touchdowns and more than 5,000 total yards.

There are six receivers with at least 30 catches, led by running back Jhianae DesRosier’s 83 receptions, and three with at least 10 touchdowns.

It will be hard to keep the Lancers’ offensive in check, but don’t forget about that defense.

“We lean on our defense,” Pedersen said. “We have one of the most dynamic defenses in the state. If we remain focused, keep everything underneath, pull flags and create turnovers everything else falls into place for us.”

It’s going to come down to one game, one team and maybe even one play.

“At the moment, the teams that stay focused on the basics are the teams that have the best opportunity to advance in the playoffs,” Pedersen said. “Throw the ball, catch the ball, pull flags, contain the quarterback, stay over the top and have a great time. It’s a recipe for success.”

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