The 2025‑26 HighSchoolOT All‑State Flag Football Team brings together the brightest talents from a three‑year developmental period, just months before the sport receives official recognition from the N.C. High School Athletic Association. Presented by Talk It Out NC and First Carolina Bank, the roster celebrates athletes who have excelled across multiple seasons, earning first‑team, second‑team, or honorable‑mention honors.
First‑Team Highlights
Among the first‑team selections, several standout performances caught the eye. At linebacker, Mia Agrillo of Ashley brings a defensive presence that helped anchor her squad, while Lula Merid from Butler, a Barton recruit, impressed as a versatile back. Sophia Juhasz of Cardinal Gibbons, also a Barton commit, added depth at back, and Allie Berry from Cox Mill, the team’s quarterback, accounted for 42 passing touchdowns and seven rushing scores. Landry Johnson of Marvin Ridge, another Wingate recruit, earned first‑team honors at quarterback despite limited statistical disclosure, and Miracle Moore of Palisades contributed 910 total yards and 17 receiving touchdowns. Brooklyn Young of Palisades, a prolific passer, logged 1,639 yards and 28 touchdowns, while Quinn Pope from Wakefield topped the list with 4,094 yards and 57 passing scores. Lyla Bagwell of Wakefield added 1,352 yards and 19 receiving touchdowns, and Brenna Colleran contributed 1,346 yards and seven rushing touchdowns. Serenity Clark of Rolesville, a Barton recruit, earned second‑team honors at wide receiver, highlighting the breadth of talent across the state.
Second‑Team Notables
The second team also features strong contributors, including Caroline Smist of Ashley, who earned quarterback honors, and Kristen Kinard of Berry Academy, a two‑way player who amassed 431 total yards and five passing touchdowns. Bre Campbell from Butler and Maddie Plonk from Cardinal Gibbons round out the second‑team quarterbacks, while Isabella Kuhn of Corinth Holders led receivers with 1,124 yards and 19 touchdowns. Layla Hasan of Northern Nash added 1,261 total yards and 16 rushing scores, and Nikki Amend of Wakefield contributed 561 receiving yards and 13 touchdowns. Aly Sauerbrei from Willow Spring rounded out the group with 2,701 total yards and 37 passing touchdowns.
Commitments and Future Paths
Many of the honorees have already secured spots at Division I programs. Lula Merid will join Barton College, while Sophia Juhasz heads to Colby College. Landry Johnson is set to attend Wingate University, and Quinn Pope’s future looks headed toward a major program, reflecting the caliber of talent on display. These commitments underscore the pipeline of skill that will feed the sport as it moves toward official sanctioning.
A Sport on the Cusp
The recognition of these athletes comes at a pivotal moment. With the N.C. High School Athletic Association poised to officially sanction flag football, the spotlight on high‑school programs signals growing interest and investment. Sponsors such as First Carolina Bank and partners like Talk It Out NC are helping to elevate the profile of a sport that promises to expand participation and opportunities for young athletes across the state.