If Year 2 of IHSA-sponsored flag football is anywhere near as fun as Year 1, it should be an outstanding season. With seven teams competing in the Herald-News area, up from four, there’s all the more reason to be excited. Here are five players to watch in the area this season.

1. Milan Cadet, Romeoville, jr., WR

Was there any doubt who the first name on this list would be? Cadet was the Herald-News Flag Football Player of the Year last season and an All-State selection at WR. She had 2,317 all-purpose yards and 38 total touchdowns. She was one of the best players in the state and a big reason the Spartans advanced to the sectional semifinals. Cadet should only continue to flourish.

2. Jenna Jarmus, Romeoville, sr., QB

As fantastic as Cadet was, Jarmus wasn’t far behind her teammate in terms of impact. The senior was an All-State selection last year, with 44 touchdowns and 2,496 yards and a completion percentage of 65.8%. Cadet needed a capable passer to get her the ball, and that’s exactly what Jarmus did. Jarmus will want to end her career on a high note, so look for even bigger things this season.

3. Maya Zanzola, Joliet West, sr., QB

Joliet West was 6-5 last year with a mix of senior athletes and dedicated underclassmen. Zanzola was one such underclassman who will try to take the next step in her development. Joliet West didn’t keep stats last year, but as quarterback, Zanzola played a critical role in the offense. As they look to take another step, she’ll try to cement her legacy as the first signal caller in program history.

4. Georgianna Majerus, Joliet Central, sr., QB

Year 1 for Joliet Central was rough in the win-loss column as the Steelmen managed just one win. However, there were signs of progress as the year went on, and Majerus was a big part of that. Majerus was a team leader and a true dual-threat quarterback. The team will try to improve on its win total from its first season, and Majerus should play a critical role in that process.

5. Ava Schenck, Minooka, jr., WR

Given the excitement around Minooka’s debut season, we had to go with someone from the Indians. Throw a dart at the roster, and you could find someone worth watching, but Schenck is the choice after she showed her athleticism during basketball season last year. As a wide receiver, she’ll be counted on to gain yards for Minooka. If they live up to their expectations, she’ll gain a lot of them.