The fourth week of the 2026 high school football season in Washington featured big individual performances on offense, defense and special teams.
Here are 10 standouts up for VarsityWA’s Football Athlete of the Week voting after Week 4:
Trey Alexander, Meridian: At No. 1 (2B) Onalaska, senior quarterback could not be stopped — 26-of-32 passing, 278 yards and four touchdowns in a 41-22 win. Three of those scores went to Kasey Brennan.
Ethan Bessonette, Cashmere: Wide receiver completed the touchdown-scoring quadfecta on kickoff return (90 yards), interception return (23), reception (24) and punt return (35) in a 56-6 victory over Wapato.
Elijah Burns, Moses Lake: Mavericks’ do-everything running back amassed a career-high 309 rushing yards on 26 carries, scoring four touchdowns in team’s 58-22 win over Wenatchee.
Ibrahima Diallo, Olympia: Broke Luke Kravitz’s program single-game rushing record by totaling 355 yards and six touchdowns on just eight first-half carries in a 64-16 victory over Yelm.
Isaac Mahre, Naches Valley: Senior cornerback recorded an interception in his fourth consecutive game to begin 2026, this time against Connell in a 31-0 loss. He now has forced five turnovers this season.
Paxton Patterson, Enumclaw: Workhorse effort going both ways for the Hornets, piling up 242 yards on 27 carries, including two long touchdowns. Also had nine tackles on defense in 28-27 win over Federal Way.
Noah Smith, Puyallup: Continued sizzling start guiding the high-powered Vikings offense by going 21-of-27 for 321 yards and six touchdowns in team’s 72-6 win over Curtis.
Toby Thornburg, University: Junior spearheaded another dominant run-game effort with a season-high 253 yards on 22 carries, scoring five touchdowns in team’s 41-21 win over Central Valley.
AJ Tuivaiave, Graham-Kapowsin: Blitzed Spanaway Lake in 4A SPSL action with 318 yards on 16-of-19 passing, including seven touchdowns in the Eagles’ runaway 76-0 victory.
J’Shaun Wilson, O’Dea: It was a big 3A Metro League game, so, of course the talented junior was doing great things. He rushed for 183 yards on 15 carries, scoring four touchdowns in a 50-18 win over Rainier Beach.
Editor’s note: Click on the poll or follow this link to vote. Voting will remain open until noon Friday and is unlimited. To nominate an athlete in future weeks, please send us an email or direct message by 5 p.m. Sunday for consideration.
