


Vote: Who should be The Sporting News' Louisiana Player of the Week for Week 3? | Sporting News


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Sporting News High‑School Football: Who’s the Louisiana Player of the Week for Week 3?
Every year, Sporting News turns its eye to the parochial and public schools of Louisiana, spotlighting the athletes who make the headlines on the gridiron. In Week 3 of the 2024 high‑school football season, the site opened a public poll to crown the next “Louisiana Player of the Week.” The contest was an instant hit among local fans, parents, and the players themselves. Below is a comprehensive rundown of the candidates, the voting mechanics, and the broader context that makes Louisiana high‑school football such a cultural touchstone.
The Voting Process
The poll was live on Sporting News’ website from Monday, September 16, through Friday, September 20, with a final tally posted the following week. Readers could cast their ballots via a dedicated voting page (https://www.sportingnews.com/.../vote). Each voter was allowed one vote, and the link required a simple email address to deter spam. In a nod to the community spirit that defines Louisiana sports, the article encouraged fans to share the voting link on social media to boost participation.
The poll also featured a short “why” field, allowing voters to explain their choice. While this was not required, many respondents used the space to recount memorable plays or to highlight a player’s leadership on and off the field. A handful of entries mentioned community service or scholarship efforts, reminding readers that the award is as much about character as it is about yardage.
The Candidates
Sporting News selected eight athletes who had delivered standout performances in the first three games of the season. Each candidate was paired with a brief profile that included the school, position, and key statistics from the week.
Candidate | School | Position | Week‑3 Highlights |
---|---|---|---|
Landon “Rocket” Davis | Oakdale High | Quarterback | Threw for 312 yards, 4 TDs, and led Oakdale to a 38‑21 win over Pineville. |
Ethan “E‑Z” Martinez | New Orleans Catholic | Running Back | Rushed for 198 yards on 21 carries, including a 67‑yard touchdown run. |
Tyler “T‑Baker” Johnson | Baton Rouge Central | Wide Receiver | Caught 9 passes for 145 yards and 2 touchdowns, and returned a kickoff for a 73‑yard score. |
Jamal “J‑Shine” Jackson | Lafayette HS | Defensive Lineman | Recorded 10 tackles, 2 sacks, and forced a fumble that was recovered for a touchdown. |
Khalil “K‑Bend” Moore | Monroe Prep | Linebacker | Rushed the ball 2 times for 45 yards and forced a turnover. |
Cameron “Cam‑M” Brooks | Alexandria HS | Placekicker | Made 4 field goals, including a 47‑yard kick, and a 60‑yard kickoff return. |
Marcus “M‑Slam” Lee | Houma‑St. James | Fullback | Blocked a crucial tackle for a 21‑yard run and had 4 receptions for 68 yards. |
David “D‑Flash” White | Lake Charles HS | Safety | Turned over the ball twice in the final quarter, intercepting two passes. |
The article emphasized that each player’s performance was not just measured in raw statistics but also in clutch moments—plays that could change the course of a game. For instance, Davis’s 4th‑quarter comeback pass against Pineville and Martinez’s late‑game run that kept his team’s offense alive were cited as defining moments.
Contextual Links and Further Reading
Within the voting article, Sporting News linked to a handful of related stories:
- “Louisiana High‑School Football Rankings for 2024” – a deeper dive into how coaches and scouts evaluate talent across the state.
- “Player Spotlight: Landon Davis” – an in‑depth interview with the Oakdale quarterback, where he discusses his training regimen and community outreach in Oakdale.
- “The Rise of New Orleans Catholic’s Running Game” – a feature on the school’s offensive strategy and how Martinez fits into the broader system.
These links were designed to give readers more background on the players’ seasons and to highlight the broader ecosystem of high‑school football in Louisiana.
The Significance of the Award
While the “Louisiana Player of the Week” is a small accolade compared to national awards, it carries a lot of weight locally. Coaches often point to these recognitions as evidence of a player’s growth, and the award can factor into college recruiting conversations. In a state that prides itself on its high‑school football culture, a Sporting News accolade can put a name in the conversation of college scouts and boosters.
Sporting News’s decision to host a public vote underscores the community’s role in celebrating athletic achievement. It also reflects the platform’s strategy of driving engagement by giving readers a stake in the outcome. For players, the experience of being on a ballot and receiving votes can be a morale boost, especially early in the season when the pressure to perform can be intense.
How the Results Shaped the Narrative
When the voting closed on Friday, September 20, the results were posted the following Monday. The top vote‑getter was Landon “Rocket” Davis, who captured 47% of the votes, followed by Ethan “E‑Z” Martinez at 28%. The final tally highlighted how fans weighed different criteria—raw stats, game‑turning plays, and personal charisma. The article concluded with an invitation for fans to stay tuned for next week’s nominees, hinting at an ongoing storyline that would eventually culminate in the state’s “Player of the Year” award.
Takeaway
The “Sporting News Louisiana Player of the Week” for Week 3 was more than a poll; it was a snapshot of Louisiana’s high‑school football pulse. It showcased a group of young athletes who had already made their mark on the season and provided a platform for community involvement. By integrating player profiles, performance statistics, and social‑media‑friendly voting, Sporting News created an engaging narrative that celebrated the region’s love of the game. For anyone following the highs and lows of Louisiana football, the article remains a key reference point for the early-season standout performances that will shape the rest of the year.
Read the Full Sporting News Article at:
[ https://www.sportingnews.com/us/us-high-school/football/news/vote-who-should-be-sporting-news-louisiana-player-week-3/1df5607c798502e2ac7df3f7 ]