The final high school flag football rankings for the season reveal a landscape dominated by Long Island teams that turned the field into a showcase of precision and endurance. At the apex, Half Hollow Hills emerged as the Class A state champion, finishing the year with a flawless 19‑0 record that underscored their consistency from the opening whistle to the final overtime.
In the Class B division, MacArthur clinched the Long Island title in dramatic fashion, edging Hauppauge 25‑19 in overtime. The victory was sealed by Taylor Garro’s decisive touchdown, marking the program’s first Long Island championship and capping a campaign that featured a dual‑threat quarterback who also amassed 2,431 passing yards and 1,139 rushing yards.
Hauppauge’s path to the Suffolk Class B crown was equally compelling. Led by quarterback Taylor Mileti, the team posted a 26‑7 win over Deer Park, a performance that highlighted Mileti’s poise under pressure and contributed to a season that saw the team finish atop its local bracket.
Key Players and Statistical Milestones
Samantha Heyman’s arm proved lethal throughout the year, throwing three touchdown passes in the championship game and finishing with 70 season touchdowns, a statistic that placed her among the most prolific passers in the region. Meanwhile, Gianna Ponticello of Plainedge logged 45 touchdown passes, and Sofia Larrea drove Sachem East’s offense with 36 scores, each contributing to their teams’ deep runs.
Defensive standouts also left their mark. Lia Bono’s 163 flag pulls anchored Herricks’ defense, while Vinte’ya Rountree of Floyd recorded 152 pulls and nine interceptions, helping his squad advance to the playoffs as the No. 6 seed before capturing the Nassau Class A championship.
The season’s statistical leaders extended beyond the quarterback position. Taylor Gabel of Deer Park combined 1,139 rushing yards with 2,431 passing yards, illustrating the hybrid nature of modern flag football where athletes often excel in multiple roles. Leah Calderone of Syosset added a defensive spark, returning five interceptions for touchdowns and reinforcing her team’s reputation as a well‑rounded contender.
Beyond individual accolades, the championship narratives reflect a broader trend of competitive balance across Suffolk and Nassau counties. From Herricks entering the playoffs as the sixth seed to rise as Nassau Class A champions, to Syosset’s defensive resurgence, the 2026 campaign will be remembered as one where underdogs seized opportunity and established new benchmarks for excellence.