PIAA girls flag football 2026: Meet the top players from Mars, Seneca Valley, North Catholic to watch
The PIAA’s newest sport has officially kicked off — well, there aren’t kickoffs in it but the point stands.
With the inaugural girls flag football season upon us, here are some of the top players from Mars, North Catholic and Seneca Valley to watch on the field this season, after speaking with their head coaches.
Ayers stands out at safety, head coach Johnathan Emhardt said. She had three interceptions in scrimmages against Hampton and Gateway before the regular season began. The Planets are in their second season as a club sport at Mars.
Another three-year Raiders starter, Barnyk is a “true ball hawk,” head coach Chris Eden said and displays strong instincts. “Her athleticism, awareness and ability to play multiple roles makes her ... a key contributor on defense,” Eden said.
Craver has a combination of speed and toughness Eden values, and he applauds her work ethic and vision that helps her extend drives. He believes the Raiders will be fast.
“We’re fortunate to possess a lot of team speed, and Seneca Valley girls are very interested in football,” Eden said. “These girls should make a major impact on our games.”
Fabian, who also plays hockey, is a flag football Mercyhurst commit who is a three-year starter and a captain. Head coach Tim Aguglia called her a “ferocious defender” who led the team in sacks her first two seasons.
“She will also be a significant piece of the offense, and she provides versatility as she can line up at any offensive position,” Aguglia said.
Fratto is one of two young backs (see below) the Planets can mix into the offense. Emhardt said his team will do a lot of pitch-outs and quick tosses, and “both of those girls can catch the ball as well as run.”
Gratton was the Planets’ leading rusher last season in their first year as a program.
“She runs the ball hard and was a threat to score anytime she touched the ball last year,” Emhardt said. “We look forward to seeing what she can bring to the team again this year.”
A familiar name, Sharpless is one of the Trojanettes’ and WPIAL’s best soccer players (committed to Western Michigan). A “shifty” running back who led NC in TDs each of the past three seasons, she also had two interceptions in the season opener against Ellis. She “will be counted on to be the leader of the defensive backfield,” Aguglia said.
Spiecher returns for her third year as a starter, one Eden called a “cornerstone of the program” who is “perfect” to run their up-tempo offense.
“Quarterback is the most important position at any level of football,” Eden said. “Having her experience will help and Abbi is extremely knowledgeable and coachable. She throws a good deep ball and is very mobile.
Valentine has started every year on defense and is in her third year starting behind center. She threw three TDs against Ellis School in the opener and is a “versatile defender who is extremely reliable in the middle of the defense,” Aguglia said.
