A Season of Excellence
The 2026 All‑Big Bend flag football season has drawn widespread attention, not only for its high‑octane play but also for the individual honors that have been bestowed upon its brightest stars.
Kendall Sadberry of Chiles High School was selected as the league’s Player of the Year after a season that showcased her ability to throw for 2,205 yards and 33 touchdowns while also adding 617 rushing yards and nine scores on the ground. Her all‑around production helped shape a Chiles offense that ranked among the nation’s top‑15 spring programs according to MaxPreps.
Coach Justin Kurlander earned Coach of the Year after guiding the same Chiles squad to a state final four, where they fell just short in a semifinal against American Heritage. Under his direction the team combined a potent passing attack with a balanced ground game, a formula that proved resilient against elite competition.
The All‑Big Bend First Team features standouts such as Danielle White and Hannah Bowden from Florida High, Jamiya Brown and Samorja Waller of Lincoln, as well as Kemyra Smith from Rickards and the duo of Sophia and Quinn Davis from FAMU DRS. Their performances underscore the depth of talent across the region’s schools.
A strong Second Team includes players like Katie Vernon and Ali Harllee from Chiles, Mykell Bradham of Godby, and Brooke Marshall from Leon, among others. Honorable mentions were spread across Chiles, Lincoln, Rickards, Godby, Leon, Wakulla, Florida High and FAMU DRS, reflecting the breadth of programs that are competitive at the highest level.
Beyond individual accolades, the season’s narrative is one of growth for flag football in the Big Bend area. With schools investing in structured programs and community support rising, the sport is poised to expand its footprint and perhaps soon rival traditional tackle football in local prominence.