Nominees Announced for West Virginia High School Football Player of the Week
Several standout performances highlighted the week, including Anthony Smith's 320 passing yards and five touchdowns, Malakhi Hope's 401 rushing yards, and Jeremiah Jones' two defensive scores. Voting runs until Sept. 20, with the winner announced next week.
The weekly honor highlights a wide range of statistical feats. South Charleston's Malakhi Hope set a single-game rushing record with 401 yards, while Fairmont Senior's Anthony Smith totaled five touchdowns. Bluefield's Jeremiah Jones scored twice on defense. Other nominees include quarterbacks Jamere Knuckles and Trace Simpkins, who combined for 584 passing yards and eight touchdowns, and Bridgeport's Gavin Williams, who scored four times on just five touches.
Voting closes at 11:59 p.m. PT on Sept. 20, with the winner announced next week. The previous recipient was Harrison Helbig of University. The nominees span schools from Class AAAA to smaller programs, reflecting the statewide scope of the competition and the depth of talent in West Virginia high school football.
This weekly recognition could elevate the profiles of young athletes, potentially drawing attention from college scouts and increasing local community engagement. For the players, such honors may boost confidence and motivation, while for schools and towns, it fosters a sense of pride and unity. The voting process also encourages fan participation, strengthening the connection between communities and their high school teams. Over time, this could contribute to sustained interest in high school athletics across the state.