Here’s who you picked for this week’s KC Star high school football Player of the Week
A leader on and off the field, senior Xayver Powell of Washington High School in Kansas City, Kansas, gives it his all no matter what he’s doing, head coach Camron Smith said.
His performance against Bonner Springs Friday earned him the honor of being named The Star’s high school football Player of the Week. Washington was also named The Star’s and 810 Varsity’s Team of the Week.
Powell finished the game against Bonner Springs with 103 receiving yards, one receiving touchdown, 93 rushing yards and one rushing touchdown on offense. He wasn’t done there, as he also added eight tackles, two sacks and forced a fumble on defense, leading the Wildcats to a 37-28 victory over the Braves.
Every week, The Star reaches out to high school football coaches in the Kansas City area for their Player of the Week nominations. The Star collects the nominations for a weekly poll, which is open from Wednesday to midnight Thursday. We received 1,286 votes from our readers for this week’s poll.
Xayver Powell of Washington High School
Whether he’s helping the Wildcats on both sides of the football field or helping out his local church, Powell is a positive voice in the community, Washington head coach Smith said.
“I’m so proud of the young man, athlete, and the leader he has become,” Smith said.
As one of Washington’s three team captains, Powell helps keep the players in line as a vocal and physical leader, according to Smith.
He said Powell is a hard worker who does the extra work to be able to play football at a high level for Washington.
“(Powell) watches extra film sessions, and he has also organized a Sunday afternoon players-only fieldwork session,” Smith said. “I tell them all the time greatness is a choice and he is choosing to be great.”
Washington will need Powell’s leadership for this Friday’s game against Wamego. The Red Raiders finished second in Class 4A in 2022, losing to Bishop Miege in the state championship.
Other players nominated this week include:
Bryce Noernberg, Olathe South: 178 rushing yards and three touchdowns, 152 passing yards and two touchdowns in 49-21 win over Olathe Northwest
Zane Pudenz, Piper: A 98-yard kickoff return touchdown, five tackles and one interception in 51-15 loss to Washburn
Michael Larry Jr., Truman: 144 rushing yards and two touchdowns in 70-14 loss to Oak Park
Ty Williams, Grain Valley: 335 rushing yards and five touchdowns, 63 receiving yards and one touchdown in 45-24 win over Platte County
CJ Nelson, Van Horn: 12 tackles, two sacks and one forced fumble in 29-12 win over Richmond
Sammie Bailey, Van Horn: 132 rushing yards and three touchdowns, three tackles and one forced fumble in 29-12 win over Richmond
TJ Porter, Olathe North: 225 rushing yards and five touchdowns in 61-28 win over Shawnee Mission North
Manny Linthacum, Kearney: 114 receiving yards and two touchdowns, 74-yard kickoff return touchdown in 47-13 win over Excelsior Springs
Elijah Leonard, Lee’s Summit North: 222 passing yards and four touchdowns, one rushing touchdown in 37-16 win over Lee’s Summit
Alex Parks, Blue Valley Southwest: 157 receiving yards and two touchdowns in 38-28 win over Blue Valley West
