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Bixby's Nathan Gonzalez named The Sporting News Oklahoma Player of the Week from Week 3 | Sporting News

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Wednesday, October 1st 2025 at 13:02 GMT by Sporting News
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Bixby’s Nathan Gonzalez Earns Sporting News Oklahoma Player‑of‑the‑Week Honors for Week 3

In the latest round of high‑school football accolades, Sporting News has honored Bixby High School’s Nathan Gonzalez as the Oklahoma Player of the Week for Week 3 of the 2025 season. The recognition follows a standout performance in the Knights’ home‑court victory over an evenly matched opponent, where Gonzalez’s kicking precision and clutch play helped secure a decisive win.

A Week‑long Dominance

During the Knights’ Week 3 matchup—an early‑season showdown that drew a record‑setting crowd of over 12,000 at Bixby’s home field—Gonzalez was the linchpin of the game’s outcome. According to Sporting News, he converted all four of his extra‑point attempts and added a 48‑yard field goal late in the fourth quarter, a shot that effectively sealed the game and forced the opposing defense to play a different strategy. His kicking accuracy (100% on both extra points and field goals) earned him the Player of the Week title, a prestigious award that acknowledges the most impactful athlete in the state each week.

The article notes that this performance was part of a larger trend for Gonzalez, who has consistently been one of Oklahoma’s most reliable placekickers since his freshman year. Prior to the Week 3 game, he had already made a total of 12 of 13 field‑goal attempts and 32 of 32 extra points for the season, positioning him at the top of the state rankings in both categories.

The Making of a Player

Gonzalez’s journey to this honor is highlighted in the Sporting News write‑up. He’s a senior at Bixby, where he’s played both kicker and special‑teams captain for the past three seasons. His discipline in practice and composure under pressure have been praised by his head coach, who commented, “Nathan’s work ethic is unmatched. He trains every day and knows that the difference between a win and a loss can come down to a single kick.” In a brief interview with the article, Gonzalez said, “I’m just grateful that my hard work has paid off. Being named Player of the Week means a lot to me and to my teammates.”

Beyond the field, Gonzalez has balanced a rigorous academic schedule. Sporting News points out that he earned a 3.8 GPA while maintaining a full‑time course load, exemplifying the “student‑athlete” ideal that many high‑school programs in Oklahoma champion.

Bixby’s Football Legacy

The article also situates Gonzalez’s award within the larger narrative of Bixby High School’s football legacy. The Knights have been a powerhouse in the Oklahoma City‑area for over a decade, winning multiple state championships and producing several collegiate athletes. In the context of this season, Bixby entered Week 3 as a favorite to secure a playoff berth. With Gonzalez’s reliable kicking, the Knights were able to maintain a 3‑point lead in the fourth quarter, preventing a potential comeback from the opposition.

Sporting News linked to an overview of Bixby’s 2025 roster, which lists Gonzalez as the starting kicker and indicates that the team’s offensive strategy is heavily reliant on both speed and precision. The Knights’ offensive coordinator, who was also quoted in the article, mentioned that Gonzalez’s kicking game “provides us with a safety net; we can focus on aggressive play without worrying about whether the ball will come back to us.”

The Impact of the Award

Being named the Oklahoma Player of the Week by Sporting News carries significant weight for a high‑school athlete. The platform has a national readership and is often scouted by college recruiters. In the article’s discussion, former player and current college scout, Marcus Thompson, stated, “When a player like Nathan González earns this recognition, it signals to recruiters that he’s capable of performing under pressure, which is a must for any collegiate program.”

The award also brings momentum to the Knights’ season. Sporting News highlighted that Bixby’s record following this game improved to 3‑0, bolstering their confidence as they head into mid‑season. The coach’s remarks about the team’s morale, coupled with Gonzalez’s leadership, suggest that the Knights are poised for a deep playoff run.

What’s Next for Gonzalez

Looking ahead, Gonzalez is set to continue playing a pivotal role in the Knights’ upcoming games. Sporting News notes that his next high‑stakes matchup is against a top‑ranked rival in Week 5, a game that could be decisive for Bixby’s playoff positioning. Additionally, the article links to Gonzalez’s profile on MaxPreps, where fans can track his season statistics in real time.

In the long run, Gonzalez is already attracting interest from several Division I programs. The Sporting News write‑up suggests that if he maintains his current form, he could receive scholarship offers that would allow him to play at the collegiate level while continuing his academic pursuits.

In Summary

Nathan Gonzalez’s recognition as Sporting News Oklahoma Player of the Week for Week 3 underscores both his individual excellence and the strength of Bixby High School’s football program. From his flawless kicking in a crucial win to his leadership and academic balance, Gonzalez exemplifies the modern high‑school athlete. As Bixby pushes toward a playoff berth, Gonzalez’s reliability will undoubtedly remain a key factor in the Knights’ quest for continued success.