The high school girls flag football season begins Sept. 15 at schools across the state.

West Valley Preps and the Surprise Independent asked local high school coaches about their teams. Here are their responses:

Highland Prep Honey Badgers

Coach: Caleb Cajthaml (first season as Highland Prep coach)
This is Highland Prep’s first season of flag football
Region: 3A West
Who are some of the newcomers that may have an impact this year? We have been lucky to bring together a group of athletes from other sports. Madison Lawrence is our sophomore quarterback, and as a freshman, she was second team all-region in basketball. Janaviah Gilmore comes to our team after a fantastic track season, breaking our school records in the 100 and 200 meters and qualifying for state. Jaelean Robles, her sister Jayla Robles, Elise Freeman, Lily Weskamp and Ciana Longoria round out our list of players who have had a really great start to the season and look to make an impact immediately.
What is your team’s best attribute entering this season? Our team’s best attribute is their commitment. We have complete buy-in and being on a team where that’s the standard, not just from the coach, but all the players, makes a difference and feels special.
Which teams on this season’s schedule are you most looking forward to and will be the toughest? We have Highland Prep West and Scottsdale Christian Academy circled on our schedul e— HP West because of our school rivalry, and SCA because of their playoff success last year. I have a lot of respect for their coach, Ryan Fisher, and know he’s built a really strong program with SCA.
What are the primary goals for this year’s team? Our primary goal is to set a strong foundation for the team and have fun while doing it.

Valley Vista Monsoon

Coach: Kenneth Storkel (second season)
2024 Record: 5-7 overall, 1-5 region
Region: 6A West Valley

Who are your top returning players?: Our top returners are seniors WR/DB Lulu Busari and WR/DB Amara Martin, and junior LB/QB Kiara Swain
Who are some of the newcomers that may have an impact this year? WR/DB Kaylee Overlee, WR/DB Braya Neal Tiffany.
What is your team’s best attribute entering this season? Only lost three seniors from last year and two were starters. So most of the returning girls have had experience playing on the field last season.
Which teams on this season’s schedule are you most looking forward to and will be the toughest? Games most looking forward to and toughest: Shadow Ridge was a tough one for us last year as we were up 14-3 at halftime and ending up losing that game so that will be the one we look forward to the most. As far as toughest, it will probably be Liberty who is in its first year of AIA, but has been in their own league and has destroyed opponents. And Mountain Ridge, who is well coached and has some notable returners. We were tied at halftime with them last year and lost by a score.
What are the primary goals for this year’s team? Be better than last year which was 5-7. We lost three games by a combined total of six points. Also to make the playoffs is one of our team goals.

Willow Canyon Wildcats

Coach: Frederick Haynes (second season)
2024 Record: 4-8 overall, 2-4 region
Region: 5A Desert West
Who are your top returning players?: Aubrey Hernandez, Grace Disotell, Carly Godbolt, Limye Tarkwon, Caylee Walding, Dalayla Thompson and Marina Yanes.
Who are some of the newcomers that may have an impact this year? Newcomers that should have an impact are: Zoie Rushing, Natalie Garcia, Paige Frego, Peyton Lobmeyer and Mikayla Jenkins.
What is your team’s best attribute entering this season? QB (Disotell) and recievers, overall team chemistry.
Which teams on this season’s schedule are you most looking forward to and will be the toughest? Canyon View Verrado and Desert Edge are really going to be tough.
What are the primary goals for this year’s team? Primary goal is to win the region, go to playoffs and go from there.