Central Florida High School Football Stars Nominated for Weekly Honor
Fifteen nominees are up for the Central Florida High School Football Player of the Week award, featuring multiple 200-yard rushing performances and a six-touchdown passing game. Voting closes Sunday, Sept. 27. The winner will be announced the following week.
The Week 5 nominees showcase a remarkable spread of offensive production across Central Florida, with running backs and quarterbacks dominating the list. New Smyrna Beach's Todd Cutler Jr. averaged nearly 17 yards per carry on his way to 288 rushing yards, while Tavares' Tamauri Collins powered through 30 carries for 242 yards and three scores in a tight Lake County battle. Bishop Moore's Blake McCullough completed 15 of 16 passes, demonstrating exceptional efficiency alongside his six touchdown throws.
Several performances carried significant stakes beyond statistics. Seminole's Jamar Buckner delivered a game-winning touchdown run in the final minute against Mainland, while teammate King Manley anchored the defensive effort with 12 tackles. West Orange's Yoto Kawamura-Johnson helped topple defending Class 7A state champion Lake Mary, and Oviedo's Jordan Donahoo contributed to capturing the Mayor's Cup in the crosstown rivalry with Hagerty. The winner will be announced following the Sept. 27 voting deadline.
This weekly recognition could amplify local interest in high school football, drawing attention to student-athletes who might otherwise remain outside the spotlight. For the nominees, the honor may boost recruiting visibility and community pride, while for schools and families, it reinforces the social fabric built around Friday night games. The award's reach through a news aggregator could also encourage broader regional engagement with prep sports, potentially influencing attendance and youth participation in football programs across Central Florida.