Girls flag football: Scouting Cook County and Lake County
Girls flag football is back for its second official season as an IHSA sport. Here’s a look at what to expect from teams in Lake and Cook counties.
(Note: Teams with last year’s record listed as N/A are entering their first season as an official IHSA squad.)
Cook County
Barrington
Coaches: Head coach: Emily Behrendt; assistant coaches: Kim Domenz, Shane Goss, Blake Kuffel, Eric Kuffel
Last year’s record: N/A
Players to watch: Hayden Bern, sr., WR; Hailey Donovan sr., DEF; Gia Klauer, fr., QB
Buffalo Grove
Coaches: Head coach: Tim Miller; assistant coaches: Jim Farrell, Kevin Geldon
Last year’s record: 12-6
Players to watch: Hailey Cohen, jr., TE/CB; Leah Hampton, sr., QB; Sassha Lorman, jr., LB; Kerra-Elizabeth SeSerrette, jr., RB/LB; Sammy Wolverton, jr., C/CB
Worth noting: Buffalo Grove brings back five starters on offense and defense, and Miller said there are new players ready to fill the voids on both sides of the ball. ”I have high expectations for this team,” Miller said. “The girls have had a great attitude and are buying into the new offense coach Farrell is installing. We played really good defense last year, only giving up over 20 points once all season to the state champions, Fremd. With the new alignment to the MSL, we are in the more competitive division and our nonconference schedule is challenging as well. I think the new rule with the defense being able to rush from one yard off the ball will change the game significantly. Overall, our girls are ready and excited for the upcoming season.”
Conant
Coaches: Head coach: Lorel Cunningham; assistant coach: Bina Rubinson
Last year’s record: 6-6
Players to watch: Ella Bode, jr., WR/DEF; Annabel Danso, jr., WR; Rihanna Houston, jr., RB; Stelliah Howard, sr., WR; Maya Patel, jr., WR/DEF
Worth noting: The Cougars have some experience as they head into year No. 2. ”We are looking forward to our second season,” Cunningham said. “We should be coming back strong this year with many returning players, as well as some new players moving up from JV.”
Elk Grove
Coaches: Head coach: Courtney Lindfors; assistant coach: Kevin Modelski
Last year’s record: 3-10
Players to watch: Payton Blankenship, sr., QB; Lindsay Bobowski, sr., RB; Camille Fouche, sr., DE
Worth noting: “We return a lot of girls who have put in a lot of work to get better and it is a very special group we have this season,” Lindfors said.
Fremd
Coaches: Head coach: Becca O’Dette; assistant coach: Jake Rottsolk
Last year’s record: 14-4
Players to watch: Mackenzie Drake, sr., LB; Lily Mayer, sr., QB; Asya Poyraz, so., WR; Skyler Spedale, fr., RB; Vanessa Tasheva, sr., C
Worth noting: Fremd took home the state title in 2024. The Vikings beat Rockford Guilford 24-12 in the championship game after a 16-14 win over Bradley Boubonnais in the semifinals. “We are set on winning back-to-back state championships,” O’Dette said.
Hersey
Coaches: Head coach: Starr Dorsey; assistant coaches: Carolyn Crost, Pat Crost, Billy Loch, Javin Maestro
Last year’s record: 16-3
Players to watch: Ciara Brown, jr., QB; Ndidi Colletti, sr., RB; Shannon Conroy, sr., S; Angeli Dubon, sr., LB; Gabby Felman, jr., WR; Kyra Miller, sr., CB; Jillian Wandler, sr., LB
Worth noting: Dorsey was proud of his team’s 16-3 debut season and regional crown a year ago. “The inaugural season of flag football was a huge success,” Dorsey said. “I can’t say enough about the effort the girls put in. Two of our three losses were against Fremd, who went on to be crowned state champions. Our team has shown they’re hungry. They’ve dedicated themselves all offseason and have come back with a focus and energy that’s contagious. With our entire coaching staff returning and 14 seniors back on the field, we’re ready to get to work. The leadership from our returning players has been incredible and they are committed to taking this program to the next level.”
Leyden
Coaches: Head coach: Ryan McSherry; assistant coaches: Emma Dazzo, Shamoon Embrahimi
Last year’s record: N/A
Players to watch: Ciara Chiapetta, sr., Giulia Incandela, jr., Nataly Salgado, sr.,
Worth noting: Leyden is one of several teams making the transition from a club to an IHSA sport this fall. “There has been a huge turnout of girls and they are excited to start playing,” McSherry said. Leyden will have a varsity and junior varsity squad in 2025.
Maine South
Coaches: Head coach: Carlos Panizo; assistant coach: Dino DiLegge
Last year’s record: 24-3
Players to watch: Emerson De La Cruz, jr., WR/S; Aribella Spandiary, sr., QB
Worth noting: Spandiary finished as the top passer in the state last season with 5,301 yards and 70 touchdowns. “The team will face a challenging schedule with 14 of our 2025 opponents finishing last season ranked in the top 25,” Panizo said.
Maine East
Coaches: Head coach: Heather Mahmoud; assistant coach: Aime Bravo
Last year’s record: 1-13
Players to watch: Junie Balthazar, sr., WR; Oyin Olurotimi, jr., RB; Angie Wszolek, sr., WR/C
Worth noting: The numbers are way up as Maine East is poised to continue growing the sport. “This year we are proud to see that our program has grown to 35 girls,” Mahmoud said. “We have a very young team which hopefully will be the foundation of our program. These girls are eager to learn and succeed, and it is refreshing to see as a coach. I am so proud of these girls for coming out and playing this amazing sport that has taken the world by storm and continues to gain popularity.”
Maine West
Coaches: Head coach: Gaby Goldman, Assistant coaches: Adam York
Last year’s record: 17-3
Players to watch: Sofia Aldmeyer, sr., QB/C; Itzel Iturralde, fr., CB/LB; Cassie Mach, sr., C/WR/S; Kaitlyn Nutley, sr., WR; Alyssa Phillip, jr., QB/WR/CB
Worth noting: Maine West won its conference title last season. They will play with a wide range of experience, from freshmen to seniors. “We have a pretty new team; five players on varsity are brand new to flag football,” Goldman said. “We are beyond excited for our second IHSA season and to show Illinois how hard we’ve been working. Our JV is also looking extremely strong and talented this year with 11 freshmen who are new to flag football and 15 overall new players.”
Palatine
Coaches: Head coach: Mike Hernon; assistant coach: Emma Grochowski
Last year’s record: 5-7
Players to watch: Avery Demovysky, jr.; Madelyn Lebo, jr., WR; Lily Royer, jr., RB; Bailey Weber, fr., QB; Allie Whitcomb, jr., WR
Worth noting: Hernon is looking for Patrina Hodes to add speed to the mix, and he expects Addie Borchers and Ella Mazzochi to play strong roles as well. “We are looking forward to (our) second season competing in flag football,” Hernon said. “We will be athletic and young this fall. Sydney Spedale is a new addition who brings size and strength in the middle. Look for the contribution of talented freshmen Kate Cartwright, Sophia Sims, Natallie Hanrahan, Melanie Lebo, Megan Fuksa, and Kamila Flores Vargas.”
Prospect
Coaches: Head coach: Mike Bosco; assistant coaches: Seth Hettel, Anthony Laudando, Jack Kociuba, Michelle Tantillo
Last year’s record: 13-5
Players to watch: Liz Aicher, sr., WR; Gianna Catanzano, sr., RB/MLB; Maeve Johl, jr., WR/DB; Libby McDonough, sr., QB; Sienna Murray, sr., RB/S; Taryn Sorenson, sr., QB/DB
Worth noting: Prospect is a program like many others in Illinois — watching its numbers explode, from 44 players out for the team last season to 75 this year. “We fell short of our goals last season but we have a lot to build on,” Bosco said. “We are returning the majority of our team. Last year, we beat the state champion Fremd Vikings in a shutout on the road, and had a final game winning drive against third-place finisher Whitney Young at home.”
Rolling Meadows
Coaches: Head coach: Todd Schaap; assistant coaches: Matt Andriano, Steve Damhauser, Rick Divito, Mike Pond
Last year’s record: 8-5
Players to watch: Anna Andriano, jr., OFF/DEF; Kate Andriano, fr., LB; Lizzy Andriano, sr., RB; Caylee Del Boccio, jr., QB; Iris Jordan, jr., DEF; Patty Lewicki, jr., DEF
Worth noting: Schaap said newcomers Eve Kakavetsis (jr.), Cara Cruz (so.), Meghan Riggi (so.) and Brynly Heffernan (fr.) are “showing signs of brilliance.” Schaap has many more reasons for optimism. “Watch out for seniors Audrey Grezal, Stella Gagliardo and Monse Ramirez, who provide leadership for our girls but also vital roles on our team. We have a super tough schedule this year but also went from 14 girls at the beginning of tryouts last year to over 70 girls, while losing four graduating seniors.”
Schaumburg
Coaches: Head coach: Matt Gruzka; assistant coaches: Justin Teschner, Storm Warner
Last year’s record: 11-6
Players to watch: Mia Phelps, so., QB; Stayan Porter, jr., WR/LB; Sophia Snow, sr., RB/LB; Martha White, jr., WR/LB
Worth noting:The Saxons came on strong last year to win a regional, and they hope to build on that this year. ”Last season was a big learning year,” Gruzka said. “We will play the returning state champs, Fremd, twice this year, and also some very strong MSL teams twice. Our schedule will challenge us and we received new rules from the NFHS this year so the game has changed from last year. We are excited for the season and the girls are extremely focused this year.”
Wheeling
Coaches: Head coach: Alyssa Lucas; assistant coaches: Jennifer Orbe, Shawn Ryan, Jessica Stansky
Last year’s record: 4-11
Players to watch: Sofia Costantini, sr., FS; Haydee Cruz, sr., RB/WR
Worth noting:“Our keys to the season are to play with intensity and intentionality,” Lucas said. “We aim to lift each other to reach our highest potential together.”
Lake County
Antioch
Coaches: Head coach: Tammy Johnson; assistant coach: Kaylee Price
Last year’s record: 19-7
Players to watch: Adesewa Adeboyega, sr., WR/CB; Abbigail Fuesting, sr., RB/S; Tanner Ludwig, so., QB/LB; Sofia Manjarres, so., DEF
Worth noting: Antioch won its regional championship last season. “Our schedule is tough this year,” Johnson said. “We chose to schedule some of the best teams so we are able to learn and grow with the game. Since the speed of the game has significantly shifted with the new 1-yard rush rule, making small adjustments will be necessary in order for our Sequoits to experience success.”
Carmel
Coaches: Head coach: Ben Berg; assistant coaches: Benjamin Berg, Kathy Booher, D.J. Hartman, Kristy Heerdegen
Last year’s record: 9-3
Players to watch: Ayomide Akingbesote, sr., LB; Grace Booher, jr., WR/CB; Josie Hartman, sr., QB/S
Worth noting: Carmel won a regional championship last season before falling in the sectional finals to eventual state champion Fremd, 24-20. “With a number of experienced players, starters coming back, as well as some excellent newcomers, we have fairly high expectations for this season,” Berg said. “We talk about improving each day and being the best we can be. ‘Unfinished Business’ is our slogan.”
Grant
Coaches: Head coach: Kurt Rous; assistant coach: Carl Uphoff
Last year’s record: N/A (5-12 as club team)
Players to watch: Gera Buchanan, so., WR/LB; Addison Capko, so., WR/LB; Whisper Hunt, sr., WR/DB; Veronica Vera, sr., QB/LB
Worth noting: Since approving girls flag football as an IHSA sport, Grant has hired new coaches and hosted a summer camp. “The team should be vastly improved from last season,” Rous said.
Grayslake Central
Coaches: Head coach: Elena Herman; assistant coach: Jalen Dennis
Last year’s record: N/A
Players to watch: “Keep an eye out for our senior class, many of them have been playing since 2023 when it started as an activity,” Herman said. “They worked hard during summer camp and now at week two they continue to push themselves and their teammates.”
Worth noting: Like it is around much of the state, Herman said the sport is growing in popularity at Grayslake Central. “We are really excited about how many new players we have for this season,” Herman said.
Lakes
Coaches: Head coach: Greg Lyons; assistant coaches: Brian Phelan, Grant Murray, Nicole Repa
Last year’s record: 21-4
Players to watch: Sarah Annexstad, jr., S; Talia Dewy, sr., LB; Caroline Klimas, jr., WR; Madaline Loar, sr., QB/CB; Makayla Williams-Brock, sr., RB
Worth noting: Lakes enters its second season as defending conference champions. “We had a great first year, winning the NLCC title and a regional championship,” Lyons said. “We look to build on that success as we bring back all seven starters on defense and four starters on offense.”
Lake Zurich
Coaches: Head coach: Randal Dunbar; assistant coach: Nicole Pieper
Last year’s record: N/A
Players to watch: Avary Eckman, jr., WR; Kendall Hull, jr., WR/LB; Addison Leonard, jr., WR; Layne Nordstrom, sr., QB; Kylie O’Neal, so., WR
Worth noting: “In this inaugural season for the Lake Zurich Bears, the girls are very enthusiastic about it,” Dunbar said. “We have a great group of girls that bring a lot to the program, both on and off the field. [We are] excited to see what these girls can do this season.”
Libertyville
Coaches: Head coach: Tiffany Rafiner; assistant coaches: Jim Geske, Beau Schaefer, Julie Towne
Last year’s record: 12-7
Players to watch: Lily Causemaker, jr., WR; Ava Crivello, jr., RB/WR; Ella Pawelcyzk, sr., C; Natalie Schmidt, sr., S; Sophia Swanson, sr., QB
Worth noting: Libertyville won the North Suburban Conference title last season. “There is a lot of returning talent as well as many newcomers,” Rafiner said. “This is going to be an exciting team to watch this season. The program continues to have a lot of support and interest within the community. (We were) able to add a third level this season.”
Round Lake
Coaches: Head coach: Molly Hennig; assistant coaches: Jeff Baird, Steve Bell, Sean Osswald, Sophie Rainey
Last year’s record: 21-5
Players to watch: Sophia Beltran, so., RB/LB; Justyce Bills, sr., WR/LB; Kayla Diaz, jr., WR/LB; Emma Franks, so., WR/S; Mya Hagi, jr., QB; Aria Randolph, so., RB/WR/LB
Worth noting: “The team enters the season with a strong mix of returning experience and fresh talent, including five all-conference athletes,” Hennig said. “Defensively, depth across every position provides balance and stability. On offense, the group made major strides over the summer, working to replace the production of Layah Glover, [who is] now playing at Illinois Wesleyan after scoring 36 touchdowns last year. With new rules in play and opportunities for athletes to step up, the season promises to be an exciting one.”
Stevenson
Coaches: Head coaches: Sarah Gutierrez, Kelsey Manning; assistant coach: Paul Mazzuca
Last year’s record: 9-10
Players to watch: Adriana Contreras, jr., QB; Evie Syreggalas, jr., QB
Worth noting: Gutierrez said to keep an eye on the Patriots this fall. “We’re looking forward to year three of the program with the new rules making the sport fresh again for all of the teams around the state,” Gutierrez said. “Overall, we have a team who is exciting, athletic and holding one another accountable, and we can’t ask for more than that as coaches.”
Wauconda
Coaches: Head coach: Emily Ellison; assistant coach: Kacy Kronforst
Last year’s record: 15-7
Players to watch: Zithlaly Duran, so., QB/WR/DB; Alyla Goins, so., RB/WR/DE; Kelsey Funkhouser, jr., QB/WR/DB; Nariah Zastrow, jr., RB/DE
Worth noting: Wauconda is another area school coming off a regional championship last season. “We lost 10 seniors from last year, so we will be a young team this year with lots of potential,” Ellison said.