High School Football: Ten Nominees Up for Panhandle Player of the Week
The Florida Panhandle's first high school football player of the week poll for 2026 features ten nominees who stood out in games from August 24-29. Voting runs until September 6, with the winner to be announced in the following week's poll. Among the top performers are rushers like Ethan Crandall and Samuel Chisolm, who each exceeded 170 yards and scored multiple touchdowns.
The poll covers games from August 24-29, with ten nominees spanning rushing, passing, receiving, and defensive performances. Running backs dominate the list, as six of the ten nominees topped 100 yards on the ground, including Za'Carius Collins’ 223-yard outburst and Dylan Louthain’s five-touchdown night. Voting closes September 6, and the winner will be revealed in the next week’s poll.
Several nominees are repeat standouts from the region’s early-season storylines. Gionni Lewis continues his reputation as a top receiver, while Ethan Crandall and Samuel Chisolm powered their teams to wins with heavy workloads. The poll highlights a week where ground attacks flourished across the Panhandle, suggesting a run-heavy trend that could shape the 2026 season.
This fan-driven poll could boost local engagement with high school football, giving players regional recognition and fostering community pride. It may also influence recruiting visibility, as standout performances are highlighted for a wider audience. However, the voting format—open to anyone—could skew results toward larger fan bases, potentially overshadowing equally deserving athletes. Still, the feature serves as a positive, low-stakes celebration of young talent.