North Carolina’s decision in May to officially sanction flag football as a high school sport has turned a club‑level pastime into a fully recognized competition, prompting schools to invest in programs, coaches, and facilities.
Among the programs that have seized the moment, the Wakefield Wolverines from Wake Forest stand out. The squad finished the 2025 season without a loss, posting a 27‑0 record and capturing the state championship, a feat that has propelled them to the No. 1 spot in the 2026 preseason rankings.
Preseason Top Ten
The rankings reveal a competitive depth that stretches from the Triangle to the coast. Cardinal Gibbons in Raleigh follows at No. 2 with a 17‑2 record last year, while Willow Spring in Fuquay‑Varina holds third after a 16‑3 finish.
Leesville Road in Raleigh and Holly Springs in Holly Springs round out the top five, each posting strong records of 18‑5 and 18‑3 respectively, underscoring the breadth of talent across the region.
Further down the list, Eastern Guilford in Gibsonville, Ashley in Wilmington, Southern Nash in Bailey, Apex in Apex, and Rocky Mount in Rocky Mount occupy positions six through ten, each bringing a distinctive style and community support to the growing sport.