LAKE WALES, Fla. - After last year's historic season, Royals Flag Football is looking to have another statement year behind a roster filled with national level talent and experience. 

The Royals finished last season with a 15-5 overall record and a 5-3 record within the SUN Conference. Warner made appearances in both the SUN Conference Tournament and the National Tournament in 2025. The Royals made it to the SUN Semifinals where they fell to Thomas University (Ga) and managed to sweep their pool in the first stage of the NAIA National Championship tournament, beating Southwestern College (Kan) and SUN Conference foe St. Thomas University. The team's run in the playoffs came to an end in the 1st round of bracket play, only 1 game short of appearing in the NAIA National Championship Game. As a team the Royals averaged 30.5 Points per game, and allowed an average of only 9.43 points per game, while also averaging 244.5 yards per game and allowed an average of 160.6 yards per game last season. 

Following last year's deep run in the National playoffs, while also retaining a large portion of last season's roster and mixing in new talent, the Royals have become a National team to watch. Warner University received the #3 ranking from the International Flag Football Association's (IFFA) 1st NAIA National Coaches Preseason Poll that was released in January. The Royals were also picked to finish 2nd in the SUN Conference from this year's SUN Coaches Poll, showing that the team has become both a regional and National powerhouse. 

Play Makers Corner (PMC) released their National Players to Watch list for this coming season and highlighted multiple Royals. PMC placed Freshman LB/WR Avalon Lux-Offerman on their National All-Freshman Preseason team, while Junior WR/DB Jessica Finley, Senior R/LB Lauren Clark, and Junior LB/WR Ana Vincensini received 1st Team All-PMC Preseason Honors. 

Players to Watch:
Ana Vincensini - Senior WR/LB: The Senior from Panama is poised to have another standout season in 2026. Having a tremendous career so far, she's received back-to-back SUN Conference Player of Year Honors in 2024 and 2025, 1st Team All-Conference as a WR in 2024 and 2025, 1st Team All-Conference as a LB in 2025, All Tournament Team NFL Flag NAIA Nationals in 2024. Ana also currently plays on the Panama Women's National Flag Football Team. 
 

Kathryn Hutchinson - Junior QB: As the returning starting QB, Hutchinson is coming off a great year statistically. She appeared in all 14 games throwing 229-for-323 for a completion rate of 70.90% with 2,360 passing yards and 44 TDs. The Junior has continued to grow in her knowledge of the game and is sure to be a consistent piece in the Warner Offense this season.
 

Jessica Finley - Junior WR/DB: The Junior from New York, and reigning SUN Conference Offensive Player of the Year, enters 2026 coming off a season that saw her record 79 receptions for 809 yards with 22 receiving touchdowns. The two-way player also recorded 3 interceptions, 3 pass breakups and 8 solo flag pulls last year. As Finley and Hutchinson enter their 2nd year together, their on field chemistry is sure to grow and be a major issue for defenses this season. 
 

Lauren Clark - Senior R/LB/C: Clark is a National Championship caliber player, having won the NAIA National Championship as a Freshman at Ottawa University, the Senior is coming off her best season so far. Last year for the Royals Clark recorded 54 solo flag pulls, 4 sacks, 5 pass breakups and 1 safety. Clark received 2nd Team All-SUN Conference honors last season and is sure to have another breakout year in 2026.
 

Schedule Highlights:
Royals fans can expect to see a high-powered offense complimented with a big play-making defense for an all around exciting style of play this season. The Royals will kick-off their season at home on February 17th when they host Hope International University (CA) at the Tye Athletic Field. The month of March will see the Royals compete in the IFFA Tampa Tournament on March 5th - 7th before playing 6 of their remaining 8 games in March at home. The next edition of the Crooked Lake Rivalry will be held on April 7th when the Royals travel to Babson Park to take on Webber International, before Warner concludes their regular season at home on April 11th at home against Keiser. 

As the sport of Flag Football continues to grow Nationally, the NAIA is changing the National Tournament into an Invitational style event. The Royals have high aspirations to be included in this historical event and continue their legacy of excellence.