The eighth 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 8:
Max Bridges, Glacier Peak: Regarded as one of the best sack artists in the entire state, the Grizzlies’ edge rusher returned two interceptions for touchdowns (22, 8 yards) in the first quarter of the team’s 61-22 win over Jackson.
Connor Brown, Blaine: Junior quarterback posted one of the greatest passing performances in WIAA history, amassing 567 yards on 33-of-48 passing with seven touchdowns in a 48-21 win over Sultan.
Chrystian Cadogan, Foster: Senior running back exploded for a program-record 355 rushing yards and four touchdowns on 23 carries in the team’s 56-32 victory over Renton in Tukwila.
Lee Colomb, Mead: The Greater Spokane League’s unstoppable force caught 10 passes for 232 yards and three touchdowns, and added a 93-yard kickoff return for a score in the Panthers’ 59-31 victory over Lewis and Clark.
RJ Gates, Tenino: Rushed for a career-high 245 yards and four touchdowns — one in each quarter — on 31 carries as the Beavers rolled up 358 rushing yards in their 34-19 victory over Elma.
Ryan Harrington, Anacortes: Became one of only a few quarterbacks nationally, and first signal caller ever in Washington, to pass for 700 yards in a game — 704 yards on 26-of-38 passing — and tied state record with 10 touchdown passes in 68-20 win over Sehome.
Brayden Medelez, Hermiston (Ore.): In MCC matchup of high-powered quarterbacks, the junior rushed for a career-high 257 yards and three touchdowns, and passed for 158 yards and two more scores in the team’s 49-47 win over Sageview.
AJ Tuivaiave, Graham-Kapowsin: Top prospect continued strong junior season by totaling 330 yards and seven touchdowns on 18-of-22 passing in a 63-6 victory over Bonney Lake to close out 4A SPSL South play.
Tey’Jzon Walker, Davis: Now a running back after starting the season playing wide receiver, the senior rushed for a career-best 220 yards and four touchdowns in the Pirates’ 36-21 win over Sunnyside.
Esquire Williams, Rainier Beach: Went to the air early and often, collecting a career-best 416 yards and seven touchdowns on 17-of-26 passing in the Vikings’ 60-0 win over Roosevelt.
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.
