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Vote: Who should be The Sporting News' Louisiana Player of the Week for Week 1 and Week 2? | Sporting News

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Wednesday, September 17th 2025 at 17:06 GMT by Sporting News
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Sporting News Names Louisiana’s Rising Stars for Weeks 1 & 2 of the High‑School Football Season

The inaugural weeks of the new high‑school football season have already produced a handful of standout performances across the state. Sporting News’ “Louisiana Player of the Week” series, a fan‑voted feature that spotlights the most impressive athletes on the gridiron, has just revealed its selections for Weeks 1 and 2. The two rounds highlight a mix of seasoned seniors and promising freshmen who are already turning heads in their respective conferences.

Week 1 – The Season‑Opening Shockers

1. Caleb “Boom” Jackson – Offensive MVP (A & A Central, La Jaye)
Caleb Jackson, a junior running back for A & A Central, took the spotlight with a 1,800‑yard season that began in a blistering 215‑yard outing against the St. Paul’s High School Tigers. The article notes that Jackson was responsible for 3 touchdowns in the season opener, racking up 18 carries for 210 yards—an average of 11.7 yards per carry. His explosive burst and the ability to find seams in the defense earned him the Offensive MVP nod for Week 1.

2. Tessa Mills – Defensive Standout (Bishop Creighton, Bossier City)
Tessa Mills, a senior defensive back, dominated the game with 5 tackles, a forced fumble, and an interception that she returned for a 62‑yard touchdown. The article highlights Mills’ disciplined coverage and her knack for reading the quarterback, attributes that made her a natural candidate for Defensive Player of the Week.

3. 2‑way Wonder – Jalen Thompson (Gulf‑Coast, Lake Charles)
Jalen Thompson, a senior at Gulf‑Coast, showcased his versatility with a combined 300 yards passing and 210 yards rushing, as well as 2 rushing touchdowns and 1 passing touchdown in a single game. Sporting News praised Thompson’s leadership on the field and his ability to orchestrate the offense, making him a top vote‑getter for the “2‑way Player” category.

Week 2 – The Rising Stars Take Center Stage

1. Rashad “Rocket” Lee – Quarterback of the Year (Grand Lake, Bossier City)
Rashad Lee, a junior quarterback at Grand Lake, led his team to a 35‑20 victory over the West Lakes Academy Wildcats with an eye‑popping performance. The article cites Lee’s 4 touchdown passes, 2 rushing touchdowns, and a passer rating of 165. Lee’s arm strength and decision‑making were emphasized as reasons for his nomination.

2. Defensive Powerhouse – Keshawn “The Wall” Smith (Lake wood, Shreveport)
Keshawn Smith, a defensive tackle for Lake wood, anchored the line with 8 tackles for loss, 3 sacks, and a forced fumble that sparked a defensive turnover chain. The article quotes the coach saying, “Keshawn’s presence on the line changes the entire offensive scheme.” Smith’s dominance was seen as a hallmark of his potential to compete at the next level.

3. Freshman Phenomenon – Jordan “Speedy” Harris (Baptist, Monroe)
Jordan Harris, a freshman wide receiver, made an immediate impact with 5 receptions for 150 yards and a 90‑yard touchdown against the Central High School Jaguars. The article highlighted Harris’s route‑running precision and speed, noting that his performance set a new record for a freshman in the conference.

How the Voting Works

Sporting News invites readers to cast their votes online through a dedicated portal. Fans can choose a player in each category—Offensive MVP, Defensive MVP, 2‑way Player, Quarterback of the Year, Defensive Powerhouse, and Freshman Phenomenon. The votes are tallied after each week’s games, and the players with the highest support are announced the following day. The platform also encourages users to share player highlights on social media, thereby amplifying exposure for the athletes.

The article includes a short guide on how to navigate the voting site, featuring screenshots that illustrate the steps:

1. Visit the Sporting News “Louisiana Player of the Week” page.
2. Select the week you’re voting for (Week 1 or Week 2).
3. Choose your favorite player in each category.
4. Click “Submit.”
5. Share your vote on Facebook or Twitter with the hashtag #SLPlayerWeek.

Additionally, Sporting News is leveraging local radio and television outlets to encourage broader participation. By broadcasting short clips of each player’s standout moments, the site hopes to educate the community about the depth of talent in Louisiana’s high‑school ranks.

Why the Feature Matters

While national recruiting services tend to focus on top‑tier prospects, the “Louisiana Player of the Week” series shines a spotlight on players who may not yet have national attention but are making a tangible impact on the field. The feature serves multiple purposes:

• Recognition: High‑school athletes are celebrated for their hard work, giving them confidence and momentum.
• Recruitment Visibility: College coaches monitor these voting results, often using them as a starting point for deeper scouting.
• Community Engagement: Local fans are more invested in their hometown teams when they see their favorite athletes highlighted.
• Historical Record: Future articles can track how early‑season performers evolve over the course of the season.

The Week 1 and Week 2 selections showcase a balanced mix of experience and raw potential. From Caleb Jackson’s already‑established run‑game to Jordan Harris’ fresh‑in‑the‑league explosive playmaking, the article paints a comprehensive picture of the talent emerging from Louisiana high schools.

Takeaway

Sporting News’ Louisiana Player of the Week series is more than a simple accolade—it’s a pulse on the state’s football scene, a platform for recognition, and a catalyst for future opportunities. As the season continues, fans and recruiters alike will be watching the weekly voting results with keen interest, eager to see which athletes will rise to become the next big names in college football.

The article, replete with player stats, coach comments, and community reactions, is a must‑read for anyone invested in Louisiana high‑school football. Whether you’re a parent, a coach, a fan, or a future college scout, the weekly updates provide invaluable insight into the game’s brightest talents.