Celebrating Excellence on the Field
The Detroit Free Press, in partnership with the Michigan High School Football Coaches Association, has released the league’s first all-state team, a milestone that underscores the rapid rise of girls flag football across the state.
Seventy players from 25 schools earned nominations, and after a vote by coaches and media members, the association named its first-team and second-team selections, as well as a list of honorable mentions.
Lainie Dorow of St. Joseph was crowned Offensive Player of the Year after guiding her squad to back-to-back state championships and collecting multiple Detroit Lions Player of the Week accolades.
Defensive standout Capri Easley from Wayne Memorial took home Defensive Player of the Year, having topped the state with 14 sacks and secured a college scholarship offer from William Penn University.
The first-team roster spans every position, from quarterbacks and running backs to pass rushers and defensive backs, each player distinguished by impressive statistics and on-field impact.
The second-team and honorable-mention lists also showcase a deep pool of talent, with many athletes posting career-high numbers and drawing attention from college recruiters.
Coaches say the selections reflect not only individual excellence but also the growing competitiveness of the league, which now serves as a pipeline for college programs and potentially professional opportunities.