Polk County’s FHSAA flag football of 2026 was the year of leveling up.
The first puzzle piece to make this happen was Haines City continuing its dominance this past year, finishing up the season in the regional quarterfinals against the No. 2 team in all of Florida and culminating the season with a 9-4 record and three district titles following the end of the year. And it was the normal showstoppers who came to lead their team deep in the playoffs, including a familiar Player of the Year.
But then right on Haines City’s heels was Auburndale, which also had a stellar season with a 12-4 record, winning its first district title in school history. The Bloodhounds made it as far as the regional quarterfinals as well, playing the likes of the No. 1 team in all of Florida.
Then there was George Jenkins — a team that keeps on building from previous years, scratching and clawing to its maximum potential. The Eagles were played Haines City in the district title game, and while the score doesn’t show it, the game was competitive early on. The trend of onward and upward will be the theme for the top three teams in Polk County.
And below are the coach and the players who represent the best of the best in the county hands down.
Coach of the Year
Gloria Choquette
Auburndale
Choquette’s team has been knocking on the door for the past three seasons, never having a losing season and never amassing a total win output of fewer than eight wins, including an opening inaugural season of going undefeated at 12-0. And last year Auburndale fell just a bit short in the district championship game. Well, this year, the Bloodhounds finally broke through and won a district championship for the first time in school history. Auburndale would go on to play the No. 1 team in Florida in the regional quarterfinals.
Player of the Year
Zebrielle Canaday
Senior, quarterback
Canaday has been the best player on the best team in the county the last three years, and she didn’t decline in 2026. With her ability to evade anyone with her quick twitches, outrun most players and throw the ball to the necessary location, she’s a true baller. This year Canaday racked up 901 passing yards and six touchdowns, while running the rock for 1,156 yards and 20 touchdowns. On defense she also led the team in flag pulls with 50. She’s set to go to Livingstone College in North Carolina for both flag football and basketball on a full scholarship.
First Team
Mikayla Hill
Haines City
Junior, receiver, quarterback
52 receptions (career high), 741 yards and four touchdowns, 41 flag pulls and five interceptions
Janae Blocker
Auburndale
Senior, running back/quarterback
768 rushing yards and nine touchdowns, 461 passing yards and 10 touchdowns and 20 flag pulls
Myah Batts
George Jenkins
Sophomore, quarterback
1,213 passing and 19 touchdowns and 1,54 yards rushing and 15 scores and 34 flag pulls
Quin Sanders
Winter Haven
Senior, receiver
54 receptions, 819 yards and 13 touchdowns
Honorable Mention
Winter Haven: Elana Martinez, Da’Karai Wheeler, Emerald Beneche, Maleah Mathurin
Haines City: Addison Dailey, Serenity Rosario, Nyla Brinson
Auburndale: JaTasha Blaine, Darriona Harding, Ryleigh Turner, Chloe Cassista, Kaylee Dibble, Laniyah Brown, Mykayla Jones, Charya Northfleet, Jaklayla Holland
George Jenkins: Maliyah Moody, Kholoie Crosby, Isabella Babb, Alexis Rodriguez
Ridge Community: Emily Gonzalez, Abegael Benoit, Sameeyah Cooper, Antinayah Sims
Davenport: Alannah Hairston, Anaiys Dean, Sandujah Stgermain, Fatou Seck
This article originally appeared on The Ledger: Meet The Ledger’s 2026 All-County Flag Football Team
Reporting by Robert Magobet, Lakeland Ledger / The Ledger
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Robert Magobet, Lakeland Ledger | USA TODAY Network
