The Fiesta Sports Foundation is back at it, shining a spotlight on Arizona’s top high school football talent by announcing the 2026 Fiesta Bowl All-State Football Teams. Both boys’ tackle and girls’ flag football teams are honored this year.
This recognition, now in its third year, highlights 50 outstanding student-athletes from all over the state. They’re being celebrated not just for their skills, but for their achievements off the field, too.
The selected athletes will be recognized at the UMB Bank Fiesta Sports Foundation Football Kickoff. That event promises all the energy of a college football gameday and also supports Arizona educators through the Wishes for Teachers program.
Spotlighting Arizona’s Elite High School Football Talent
The Fiesta Bowl All-State Football Teams announcement really puts Arizona’s rising football scene on display. This year, 29 boys made the tackle football list and 21 girls were chosen for flag football.
These athletes come from a wide mix of schools, which says a lot about the depth of talent here.
Recognizing Excellence in Boys’ Tackle Football
The boys’ tackle team features standouts from 16 different schools. Basha High School leads the way, with six athletes making the cut, including:
- Noah Roberts (RB) – Committed to Texas
- Jake Hildebrand (OL) – Committed to Arizona State
- Mikey Barth (Kicker) – Committed to Arizona State
Other names worth mentioning:
- Will Mencl (Chandler) – Nation’s top-ranked QB, committed to Oregon
- Jai Jones (Chandler) – WR, committed to Wisconsin
- Roye Oliver III (Hamilton) – WR, committed to USC
- Zerek Sidney (Desert Edge) – WR, committed to Washington
- Benjamin Lowther (Centennial) – OL, committed to Stanford
- Mikyal Davis (Desert Edge) – DB, committed to Oklahoma
These guys are top performers on the field and have put in the work to go even further.
Celebrating Achievements in Girls’ Flag Football
The girls’ flag football team is just as impressive, drawing from 16 schools across Arizona. Highland High School stands out with three players on the roster:
- Ela Witcher (WR)
- Emma Frost (DB)
- Lacie Nemchick (Athlete)
More standout selections:
- Amaya Moreno (Campo Verde) – QB
- Marlie Phillips (Liberty) – QB
- Kayla Tacker (Casa Grande) – WR
- Demi Woods (Hamilton) – Rusher
- Ginny Wilson (Mountain View) – LB
These athletes have shown real skill and sportsmanship, raising the bar for everyone coming up behind them.
Keynote Speakers and Event Highlights
The UMB Bank Fiesta Sports Foundation Football Kickoff, presented by Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, is shaping up to be a can’t-miss event. This year, the keynote speakers are:
- Mike Gundy – Former Oklahoma State Head Coach
- Jack Swarbrick – Former Notre Dame Athletic Director
Both bring decades of experience and will have plenty to share with the athletes and their families. You can bet their stories and insights will stick with the crowd.
Event Details and Community Impact
The Football Kickoff is set for Friday, August 21, at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess. Expect the sights, sounds, and all the energy of college football gameday—it’s going to be a lively atmosphere.
The event also supports the Wishes for Teachers program, which is the largest statewide initiative giving direct support to Arizona teachers.
Since 1971, the Fiesta Sports Foundation has been committed to creating memorable experiences through sports. Their efforts, including the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl, Cactus Bowl, and other community events, help provide vital resources for Arizona nonprofits focused on youth, sports, and education.
Honoring Consistent Excellence
This year’s All-State teams include several athletes who’ve been recognized again and again. Three student-athletes have made the All-State list every year since 2024:
- Noah Roberts (Basha) – RB
- Jake Hildebrand (Basha) – OL
- Kayla Tacker (Casa Grande) – WR (Flag Football)
Eight others earned back-to-back honors, including:
- Mikey Barth (Basha) – Kicker
- Ryder Noche (Brophy) – Kickoff Return/Punt Return
- Marlie Phillips (Liberty) – QB (Flag Football)
- Amaya Moreno (Campo Verde) – QB (Flag Football)
- Claire McMahon (Campo Verde) – WR (Flag Football)
- Kinsley McCarty (Eastmark) – WR (Flag Football)
- Demi Woods (Hamilton) – Rusher (Flag Football)
- Ginny Wilson (Mountain View) – LB (Flag Football)
Arizona high school football keeps raising the bar, and these students are leading the way.
Conclusion
The 2026 Fiesta Bowl All-State Football Teams for boys’ tackle and girls’ flag football really spotlight some of the best high school football talent in Arizona. These athletes have put in the work on the field, but they’ve also shown real leadership and commitment off the field too.
The Fiesta Sports Foundation keeps finding ways to support and highlight these student-athletes. They’re giving these players a real chance to shine and maybe even inspiring the next wave of talent.
Curious for more? You can check out the official announcement for all the details.
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