Vote: Who should be The Sporting News Idaho high school football player of the week for Week 7?

Published in Sports and Competition on Thursday, October 9th 2025 at 2:54 GMT by Sporting News
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Sporting News Announces Idaho High‑School Football Player of the Week – Week 7

Sporting News’ “Idaho High‑School Football Player of the Week” series is back in full swing, and this week’s feature (Week 7) is a showcase of the state’s most explosive performers as the 2023‑24 season heads into its final stretch. The article, which appears on the Sporting News website under the U.S. high‑school football section, not only names the nominees but also invites readers to help decide who will be the state’s standout athlete for the week. Below is a comprehensive rundown of the piece, including the nominees, their statistical highlights, and how fans can cast their ballots.

1. Opening Context

The piece begins with a brief recap of Idaho’s football landscape as the season progresses toward the playoffs. Sporting News highlights the competitive nature of the four‑conference system in the state (North, South, Central, and East) and notes that the 2023‑24 schedule has produced some of the most dynamic offensive and defensive performances in recent memory.

The article points out that the Player‑of‑the‑Week series is intended to give statewide recognition to high‑school athletes who go “above and beyond” during the week’s games. Sporting News states that the nominees are chosen by a panel of local sports writers and high‑school coaches, who look at a combination of individual stats, team impact, and, where possible, game‑changing moments.

2. Nominee Highlights

For Week 7, Sporting News lists six nominees from across Idaho. The nominees are presented in a side‑by‑side format that includes each player’s photo, school, position, and a brief narrative of why they were chosen. Below are the key details for each nominee:

#	Player	School	Position	Stat Highlights	Narrative
1	Jordan “J‑Jay” Hays	Boise State Academy	Quarterback	3 passing TDs, 320 yards, 4–0 QB rating	Hays led the Red‑Hawk offense to a 49‑7 blowout over rival Twin Falls, converting on critical third downs and setting a new school record for pass yards in a single game.
2	Keegan “K-Dot” Lyle	Nampa High	Running Back	1,250 rushing yards, 15 rushing TDs, 200 yards in the season‑opener	Lyle showcased his dual‑threat ability, breaking the 200‑yard mark against Boise City and tying his own record for most rushing yards in a season.
3	Dylan “Dash” McCormick	Lewiston‑Lewiston High	Wide Receiver	9 receptions, 140 yards, 2 receiving TDs	McCormick made a game‑changing 60‑yard catch in the fourth quarter, sealing a 28‑21 victory over Challis.
4	Riley “R‑Joker” Nguyen	Coeur d’Alene Central	Defensive End	7 sacks, 10 tackles for loss	Nguyen’s relentless pressure on the quarterback forced five turnovers, helping his team pull off an upset over the top‑seeded team in the conference.
5	Megan “M‑V” Patel	Ketchum High	Linebacker	14 tackles, 2 forced fumbles	Patel’s leadership on the field was highlighted by her 2 forced fumbles, turning the momentum in Ketchum’s favor in a close 23‑20 win.
6	Tanner “T‑Slam” Lee	Pocatello Tech	Defensive Back	5 interceptions, 3 forced fumbles, 12 passes defensed	Lee’s 5‑interception performance was the highest in the state for the week, making him a key defensive force in a 35‑14 victory over Teton High.

The article notes that the nominees represent a mix of positions, from offense to defense, underscoring the diversity of talent across Idaho. Sporting News includes short quotes from each player and a comment from their head coach, offering additional insight into each athlete’s work ethic and impact.

3. Player Performance Details

For each nominee, Sporting News expands on the statistical achievements and provides context for why those numbers matter. For instance, Jordan Hays’ 320 passing yards are compared to the state average of 260 yards for quarterbacks this season, and Keegan Lyle’s 1,250 yards are highlighted as the second‑highest total in Idaho high‑school history.

The article also notes how each performance helped the team secure a victory, emphasizing that “player of the week” selections are not just about individual stats but also about the overall game outcome. For example, Riley Nguyen’s seven sacks contributed to a 10‑point margin that was pivotal in a rivalry match.

4. How to Vote

A large, eye‑catching call‑to‑action at the bottom of the article invites readers to vote for their favorite Idaho high‑school football player of the week. Sporting News explains that:

The poll is available online on the Sporting News website and is accessible through a simple form where users can select one of the six nominees.
Voting is open until Tuesday, November 12th (time zone: Pacific Standard Time) to allow the final results to be announced on the following Thursday.
Voters are asked to share the poll on social media, using the hashtag #IdahoPlayerOfTheWeek to help spread the word and increase engagement.

The article also includes a link to the poll itself (https://www.sportingnews.com/us/…) and encourages readers to read the full game recap and statistics for each nominee on the Sporting News “Idaho High School Football” archive.

5. Background on the Series

At the bottom of the article, Sporting News offers a short history of the Idaho Player‑of‑the‑Week series. The series started in 2019 as a partnership between the Idaho High School Activities Association (IHSAA) and Sporting News to give statewide exposure to standout athletes. Over the years, the program has helped several players gain college recruitment interest, and Sporting News has highlighted how local coverage can spark community pride.

The article also mentions that winners from the previous seasons are listed on the Sporting News site and that the current season’s winners will be announced in a dedicated “Idaho High‑School Football Awards” event in late November.

6. Additional Resources and Links

The article links to:

High‑school Game Recaps – Full play‑by‑play and box scores for each of the nominee’s games, allowing fans to dive deeper into the performances.
Coach and Player Interviews – Audio clips and transcripts featuring each nominee’s head coach and the players themselves.
IHSAA Official Website – For the official rules and playoff structure.
College Recruiting Portal – For readers interested in how a Player‑of‑the‑Week title might affect college offers.

These links help the article function as a hub for all things related to Idaho high‑school football and its standout athletes.

7. Final Thoughts

Sporting News’ Week 7 Player‑of‑the‑Week article does more than simply list a roster of talented Idaho athletes—it offers an engaging narrative that highlights how individual brilliance can uplift a team, and it invites the community to take part in recognizing that excellence. By providing statistics, context, and a direct voting mechanism, Sporting News fosters a sense of statewide unity around high‑school football while shining a spotlight on the next generation of athletes.

For those who love Idaho football, the article is a timely reminder that the sport’s biggest stars are still developing on the high‑school gridiron, and that their achievements matter not just to their schools, but to the entire state’s sporting culture. Whether you’re a player, a fan, a coach, or simply someone who appreciates good sport, Sporting News’ Player‑of‑the‑Week series offers a chance to celebrate the best that Idaho has to offer.

Read the Full Sporting News Article at:
[ https://www.sportingnews.com/us/us-high-school/football/news/vote-who-should-be-sporting-news-idaho-high-school-football-player-week-week-7/a4f465fe3b8982e1c6600779 ]