Section V Shines in 2025 All-State Honors
The New York State Sportswriters Association has released its 2025 all‑state flag football teams, naming seven athletes from Section V to the first‑team list. The selections span Classes A, B and C, reflecting the depth of talent across the region and marking one of the most competitive seasons in recent memory.
Among the honorees, Emma Rascoe of Webster Schroeder capped her high school career with a spectacular statistical run. She threw 63 touchdown passes and was credited with 78 total touchdowns, guiding the Warriors to a 14‑2 record and a Section V Class B championship. Her performance has been praised as a benchmark for future players in the section.
Nela Lopusanova from Bishop Kearney and Payton Kinney of East Rochester earned Class C first‑team all‑state honors for the second consecutive year, underscoring their sustained excellence. Both athletes have been key figures in their teams’ deep playoff runs and have drawn attention from college recruiters.
Awards Across Classes
The all‑state roster also highlighted individual accolades: Gina Iannuzzi of MacArthur was named Class B Player of the Year, while Sophia Puccia from Penfield secured a spot on the Class A first team. Selena Maldonado of Hornell and Olivia Bucci of Pioneer joined the Class C first team, and Ellie Edwards from Pioneer received the Class C Player of the Year award. In total, 29 players from Section V were recognized across the three classes.
Section V’s representation reflects a broader growth in flag football throughout upstate New York. With increasing participation and competitive balance, the region continues to produce standout athletes who excel both on the field and in the classroom. The New York State Sportswriters Association’s selections not only celebrate individual achievement but also spotlight the rising profile of the sport in the state.