Rising Stars of Polk County Flag Football
The 2026 flag football season in Polk County has become a showcase of talent, with teams battling through a grueling schedule that has produced a mix of dominant performances and dramatic turnarounds.
Among the standout candidates for The Ledger’s Player of the Year, senior quarterback Zebrielle Canaday of Haines City continues to set the benchmark after capturing the award in each of the past two seasons, her leadership guiding her squad to a 9‑4 record, a third straight district championship and a run to the regional quarterfinals.
Sophomore quarterback Myah Batts from George Jenkins has emerged as a dual‑threat force, steering her team to a 12‑4 finish and a district championship game appearance, while amassing over a thousand passing yards and adding a prolific rushing threat that culminated in fifteen touchdowns.
Winter Haven’s senior wide receiver Quin Sanders has been a pivotal playmaker, contributing 54 catches for 819 yards and thirteen scores, his 24 flag pulls underscoring a relentless drive that helped the team reach the district semifinals.
Ridge Community’s senior wide receiver Abegael Benoit helped her side to a 9‑7 campaign, recording 57 receptions for 640 yards and eleven touchdowns, while her 20 flag pulls highlighted a consistent presence on the field.
Auburndale’s senior athlete Janae Blocker combined passing and rushing prowess, throwing for 461 yards and seven scores while rushing for 768 yards and nine touchdowns, her 20 flag pulls reflecting an all‑purpose impact that carried her team to the regional quarterfinals.
Davenport’s senior quarterback Alannah Hariston led her squad to a 7‑4‑1 record, throwing for 1,030 yards and ten touchdowns and adding four rushing scores, her 198 rushing yards illustrating a balanced offensive threat.
As the season progresses, the competition for the Player of the Year award intensifies, with each candidate’s statistical achievements and team contributions shaping the narrative of a county where flag football continues to rise in prominence.