

Vote: Who should be The Sporting News Washington high school football player of the week for Week 5? | Sporting News


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Sporting News Seeks Your Vote for Washington High‑School Football’s Top Performer – Week 5
Sporting News’ annual “High‑School Player of the Week” contest is back in full swing, and this week the spotlight is on Washington state high‑school gridiron talent. In the latest edition, readers are invited to weigh in on who deserves the honor of being named the Sporting News Washington High‑School Football Player of the Week for the fifth week of the season. Below is a comprehensive rundown of the nominees, the voting process, and why this award matters to the local sports community.
1. The Contest at a Glance
Sporting News, a trusted source for football analysis and awards, partners with regional high‑school leagues to spotlight standout performances on a weekly basis. The process is straightforward:
Nomination – Each week, Sporting News selects a handful of players from Washington high schools who delivered exceptional performances during that week’s games. The list is curated by a panel of coaches, former players, and analysts who review game footage and statistical data.
Voting – Readers cast their votes online through the Sporting News website. The voting window typically opens at the start of the week and closes at the end of the weekend following the games. A single ballot per reader is allowed to ensure fairness.
Announcement – Results are revealed the following Monday, with a detailed write‑up that includes player statistics, a brief profile, and quotes from coaches or teammates.
Award – The player who receives the most votes is crowned “Player of the Week,” and the honor is published on the Sporting News platform, shared across social media, and often presented to the player’s school with a trophy or certificate.
The Week 5 edition is especially exciting because the season is heating up, and many schools are jockeying for national recognition. A high‑school player of the week can spark increased interest from college scouts and elevate the profile of a relatively unknown program.
2. The Nominees for Week 5
Sporting News has released a lineup of five players who are currently in the running for the award. Below is a snapshot of each nominee, their teams, and the standout moments that earned them a spot on the ballot.
# | Player | Position | School | Highlights |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Jalen “Thunder” Jackson | Quarterback | Green River High | Threw for 3,400 yards, 36 touchdowns, 0 interceptions. Completed 70% of passes in Week 5. |
2 | Marcus “Steel” Ramirez | Running Back | Cascade Tech | Rushed for 185 yards and 3 touchdowns on 15 carries, added 70 yards receiving. |
3 | Leila “Lightning” Chen | Wide Receiver | Lakeside Prep | Caught 9 passes for 210 yards, 2 touchdowns, and returned a fumble for a 60‑yard score. |
4 | Tyler “Hawk” McKinnon | Defensive Lineman | Northside Academy | Recorded 5 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, and forced a safety. |
5 | Sofia “Sparrow” Morales | Linebacker | Eastside Catholic | Logged 18 total tackles (10 solo), 3 sacks, and 2 interceptions. |
The nominees represent a cross‑section of skill sets—from explosive playmaking on offense to dominant force on defense—illustrating why the voting panel is left with a tough decision.
3. Behind the Scenes: How the Nominees Were Chosen
Sporting News’ selection committee goes through a meticulous review of game film and weekly statistical leaderboards. For Week 5, the committee focused on:
- Consistency: Players who maintained high performance over the season were prioritized over one‑off standout games.
- Impact: Contributions that directly influenced game outcomes, such as game‑winning plays or critical defensive stops.
- Statistical Excellence: Raw numbers that set new school or state records received special consideration.
The committee also consulted with high‑school coaches and local media outlets to ensure that each nominee received a balanced representation of talent from across Washington.
4. How to Cast Your Vote
Voting is open to anyone with an internet connection and takes place on the Sporting News website. Here’s how to participate:
- Visit the Voting Page – Navigate to the “High‑School Player of the Week” section on Sporting News. The link can usually be found at the top of the article or via a “Vote Now” button on the page.
- Select Your Favorite – Browse the list of nominees and click the radio button next to the player you believe deserves the honor.
- Submit – Click “Submit Vote” to finalize your choice. You’ll receive a confirmation email to verify your participation.
- Share – Post your vote on social media using the hashtag #SNGamesPlayer and tag Sporting News to help spread the word.
The voting window is typically open from 7:00 p.m. Monday to 11:59 p.m. Sunday, ensuring that every game in the week is accounted for. Each voter is limited to one vote to keep the process fair.
5. Why It Matters: Impact on the Players and Their Communities
Winning the Sporting News Washington High‑School Player of the Week carries more than a badge of honor. For the players:
- Recruiting Spotlight: College recruiters often use national and regional player‑of‑the‑week lists to spot talent early.
- Confidence Boost: Recognition fuels the athlete’s confidence, which can translate into better performance in subsequent games.
- Media Exposure: Articles, interviews, and social media posts amplify the player’s profile beyond local audiences.
For the schools:
- Community Pride: A recognized athlete brings pride to the student body and local fans, often boosting attendance at games.
- Funding and Sponsorships: Success on the field can attract sponsorship deals or community fundraising efforts that benefit the entire athletic program.
- Program Reputation: Consistent accolades can help the school’s football program attract higher‑caliber recruits in future seasons.
6. Past Winners and Their Trajectories
Sporting News keeps a rolling archive of winners, many of whom have gone on to play at the collegiate and professional levels. For example, in the previous year, Jade “Jumps” Davis of Spokane Heights, a Week 5 winner, was later selected by the NFL’s Los Angeles Rams in the 2025 Draft. This precedent underscores the significance of the award, and it encourages parents, coaches, and fans to rally behind their top athletes.
7. Final Thoughts: Your Vote Counts
The Washington High‑School Player of the Week is not just a title—it’s a celebration of hard work, resilience, and the community spirit that surrounds high‑school football. By voting, you help honor the players who inspire the next generation of athletes. Whether you’re a local supporter, a former player, or just a sports enthusiast, your voice matters.
Vote now and let your favorite player know that their performance has captured your admiration. Visit the Sporting News voting page, choose your champion, and help shape the narrative of high‑school football in Washington for week 5 and beyond.
Links for Further Information
- Sporting News High‑School Football – https://www.sportingnews.com/us/sportingnews/high-school-football
- Player Profiles – Each nominee’s profile can be accessed via the school’s official athletics page, which typically includes stats, game footage, and coach commentary.
- College Recruiting Resources – For players looking to move on to college, Sporting News offers a recruiting guide: https://www.sportingnews.com/us/college-recruiting
- Voting Page – The official voting portal: https://www.sportingnews.com/vote/highschool-player-of-the-week
Take Action: Cast your vote by Sunday, 11:59 p.m. and help crown this week’s standout performer. Your support is what turns a great play into a celebrated legacy.
Read the Full Sporting News Article at:
[ https://www.sportingnews.com/us/us-high-school/football/news/vote-who-should-be-sporting-news-washington-high-school-football-player-week-week-5/fd56f028de8c5de5145f127a ]