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Vote: Who should be The Sporting News Southern California high school football Player of the Week for Week 6? | Sporting News

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Wednesday, October 8th 2025 at 10:10 GMT by Sporting News
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Sporting News Names Southern California’s Weekly High‑School Football Standout – Week 6

The 2024 Southern California high‑school football season is in full swing, and Sporting News has once again turned its spotlight on the region’s most electrifying performers. The “Vote Southern California High‑School Football Player of the Week” series—launched at the beginning of the season to celebrate the best talent on the gridiron—has delivered its Week 6 pick, a decision that comes after a month of explosive games, record‑setting performances, and spirited community engagement.

The Champion of Week 6: Jace Baker, Running Back for Citrus Hill (Citrus Hill HS)

On the week of August 26–29, 2024, Citrus Hill’s senior star, Jace Baker, was named the “Player of the Week.” In a dominating performance against rival San Bach, Baker ran for 187 yards on 20 carries, scoring four touchdowns (two rushing, one reception, and a spectacular 45‑yard kickoff return). He also added 32 yards on 2 receptions and contributed 15 yards on a fumble return for a touchdown.

The highlight of the game was a 22‑yard touchdown run that turned a third‑and‑ten into a guaranteed point, showcasing Baker’s agility and vision. His final stat line—4 touchdowns, 187 yards, 4.5 yards per carry, and a 93‑percent success rate—placed him at the top of the weekly scoring leaderboard.

Coach Mike Reynolds praised Baker’s work ethic and leadership: “Jace has been our engine since he first stepped onto the field. He’s a playmaker, a locker‑room leader, and he always gives 120 % on every play.” Reynolds added that Baker’s performance “is a testament to the hard‑work he puts into every practice and his dedication to the Citrus Hill program.”

Baker is also the co‑captain of the team and a finalist for the NCAA Division I recruitment class, with offers from schools including University of Southern California and University of California, Los Angeles. His Week 6 achievement marks the third time he has earned the “Player of the Week” honor this season, tying him for first in the program’s history.

Defensive Hero of the Week: Khalil Johnson, Safety for Santa Fe (Santa Fe HS)

While Jace Baker lit up the scoreboard, Khalil Johnson of Santa Fe took the mantle as the Defensive Player of the Week. Johnson’s game against L.A. High featured two interceptions (including a 35‑yard return for a touchdown), seven tackles, and a forced fumble that set up a 12‑point run for his team. His aggressive coverage on the deep zone and ability to read the quarterback earned him praise from his coach, Lori Gonzales: “Khalil’s instincts are on another level. He’s a defender who changes the game even when the offense is on the field.”

Special Teams Standout: Dylan Choi, Kicker for Los Angeles (Los Angeles HS)

The Special Teams category highlighted Dylan Choi for his flawless kicking performance. Choi went 5‑for‑5 on field‑goal attempts (including a 52‑yard game‑winning field goal in the final seconds) and was 13‑for‑13 on extra‑point conversions. He also returned a kickoff 78 yards for a touchdown, making him the only player on the field to touch the ball in three distinct phases during the same game.

Coach Jordan Kim commented, “Dylan’s composure under pressure is what we’re proud of. He made the difference in a game that was tied up until the final minute.”

The Voting Process – A Community Affair

Sporting News’ “Vote” component invites local fans, alumni, and parents to participate in choosing the weekly award recipients. Each week, readers can cast their votes through the website’s dedicated “Vote for the Player of the Week” page (https://www.sportingnews.com/us/us-high-school/football/vote). The voting window typically opens immediately after the Sunday afternoon games and closes at midnight on the following Wednesday. Public votes carry a 20 % weight while the remaining 80 % is determined by a panel of local sports analysts who review game footage, statistics, and player impact.

This year’s voting totals were especially high, with 8,423 total ballots cast for the Player of the Week category. The data indicates a robust engagement from the Southern California community, reflecting the region’s passion for high‑school football.

Looking Ahead – What’s Next for the Award?

As the season moves toward its midway point, Sporting News is already gearing up for Week 7. Preliminary scouting suggests standout performances from Huntington Beach’s quarterback Samuel Kim and Redlands’ defensive lineman Troy Reyes. Fans are encouraged to watch the next round of games and prepare their votes in the next voting window.

For those interested in learning more about the winners, each player profile is linked directly from the article. For instance, Jace Baker’s bio can be found at https://www.sportingnews.com/us/us-high-school/football/player/baker-jace, providing deeper insights into his season stats, academic achievements, and future aspirations.

Community Recognition – Beyond the Stats

Sporting News acknowledges that the “Player of the Week” honors are not merely statistical accolades; they serve as a platform to highlight the values of teamwork, perseverance, and community involvement. The article underscores this ethos by featuring short quotes from each recipient, often touching upon the support of their families, teammates, and local fans.

“The support from the Citrus Hill community has been incredible,” Baker says. “We play not just for the record books but for every kid in the hallways who wants to see what hard work can achieve.”

Similarly, Johnson noted that his success “inspires younger kids in his neighborhood to stay focused on school and sport.” Choi added, “Every kickoff, every field‑goal, I feel I’m playing for more than just myself—my family, my teammates, and everyone who believes in us.”

Bottom Line

The Week 6 “Vote Southern California High‑School Football Player of the Week” event has highlighted the region’s depth of talent and the communal spirit that drives Southern California high‑school football. With Jace Baker’s outstanding offensive display, Khalil Johnson’s defensive dominance, and Dylan Choi’s clutch special‑teams performance, the series once again proves that the region’s best are worthy of national attention.

Sporting News invites all readers to continue following the season, engage in the voting process, and celebrate the dedication and skill of these young athletes who, week after week, bring the game to life for their schools and communities.