The Carlson High School Girls Flag Football team capped off a historic 2026 season by earning its second consecutive undefeated regular season and regional championship before finishing as the MHSAA state runner-up at Ford Field.

Entering the state finals, the Marauders had not allowed a single point during the regular season. They opened tournament play with a dominant 46-0 victory over Detroit Leadership Academy in the Sweet 16. Sophomore Jillian Gates led the ground attack with 125 rushing yards and two touchdowns, while junior quarterback Jordan Sikora threw for 166 yards and three touchdowns.

Carlson followed with a hard-fought 6-0 win over a talented Brighton team. The game's only score came on a spectacular interception return for a touchdown by senior Addison Wallace, who will continue her athletic career playing Division I flag football at Eastern Michigan University.

The Marauders continued their impressive run in the state semifinals, defeating L'Anse Creuse North 19-0. Sophomore All-State receiver Jillian Farago starred with eight receptions for 101 yards and two touchdowns.

Although Carlson's remarkable season came to an end in the championship game with a 28-12 loss to St. Joseph High School, the team battled until the final whistle. Freshman receivers Juju Atcheson and Blake Zachary each caught touchdown passes from senior quarterback Lauren Dunwoody as the Marauders mounted a late comeback effort.

Girls flag football continues to be the fastest-growing sport in Michigan. More than 85 schools participated during the 2026 season, and participation is expected to double over the next two years. Carlson's back-to-back undefeated regular seasons, consecutive regional championships and appearance in the state championship game have firmly established the Marauders as one of the premier programs in the state.