The ninth 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 9:
Landon Anchors, Tumwater: Defensive lineman used his big paws to collect a fumble from W.F. West quarterback Wyatt Hoffman and return it 35 yards for a touchdown. Also knocked down fourth-and-goal pass at end of first half in team’s 51-21 win.
Toren Baker, Skyview: Linebacker was part of defense that terrorized Union all night in a 4A GSHL game, picking off two passes, including a 29-yard return for a touchdown in the Storm’s 63-14 win.
Nate Bjella, King’s: As if he doesn’t do enough at safety or wide receiver, the senior decided to give kicking a try. And on his first career field-goal attempt, he booted a 32-yard game-winner in a driving rainstorm in the Knights’ 24-22 win over Granite Falls.
Tayton Jackman, Southridge: Rushed for a game-high 171 yards on 13 carries, including the game-winning 87-yard touchdown scamper with 2:28 remaining as the Suns completed an undefeated MCC run with a 21-16 win over Kennewick.
Elliot Lenssen, Ferndale: Rushed for 268 yards on 25 carries, scoring five touchdowns as the Golden Eagles walloped Oak Harbor, 48-13. Leads all Whatcom County rushers with 1,781 yards and 27 touchdowns.
Parker Minerich, Tenino: Rushed for a season-high 285 yards on 21 carries, scoring four touchdowns — including an 80-yard scoring dash on the game’s first play in the Beavers’ 33-14 win over Montesano.
Zephaniah Rutherford, Kelso: Fueled the Hilanders’ run game with a game-high 217 yards and four touchdowns on 25 carries, including a 73-yard score as Kelso beat Evergreen of Vancouver, 47-36, to win 3A GSHL crown.
George Seubert, Kittitas: Senior set the tone (24 carries, 77 yards) for the team’s 2B EWAC title push, returning a punt 44 yards to set up the first touchdown and bringing down a late interception in a 21-6 win over reigning state champion Tri-Cities Prep.
Chaz Strickland, White River: Ripped up the Kentlake secondary by passing for 400 yards and seven touchdowns, completing 31-of-38 passes in the Hornets’ 62-6 win over the Falcons in Kent.
Esquire Williams, Rainier Beach: Senior let it fly in the passing game against the Eastside Catholic secondary, totaling 431 yards on 28-of-31 passing with five touchdowns in a 37-36 loss in Seattle.
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.
