Columbia, South Carolina, October 14, 2025
News Summary
The seventh week of high school football in South Carolina has wrapped up, and fans can now vote for The State’s Player of the Week. The polls will be open until Friday at noon. This week’s nominees include standout players from various Midlands-area schools, showcasing their remarkable performances in recent games. The winner will be announced on Lou Bezjak’s Twitter page, fostering community engagement and celebrating the talents of local student-athletes.
Columbia, South Carolina
The seventh week of the high school football regular season in South Carolina has concluded, and voting for The State’s high school football Player of the Week is now open. The polls will remain accessible until Friday at noon, with the announcement of the winner taking place on Lou Bezjak’s Twitter page.
This week’s nominees feature outstanding performances from players across various Midlands-area high schools, specifically focusing on games played on October 9-10. The list of nominees includes:
- Mario Anderson, DB, Dutch Fork: Registered 9 tackles, 1 interception, and 1 forced fumble in a victory over White Knoll.
- Kenton Caldwell, QB, Newberry: Accumulated 156 passing yards, 91 rushing yards, and scored 4 total touchdowns in just half a game against Fox Creek.
- Maurice Horry, NG, Lower Richland: Recorded 8 tackles (3 for loss), 2 sacks, and 8 quarterback pressures during a win against Wilson.
- Malachi Jackson, ATH, Clear Dot Charter: Rushed for 14 carries, achieving 211 yards and 3 touchdowns in a win over Military Magnet.
- Wynn Meetze, RB/S, Gilbert: Gained 143 rushing yards on 19 carries, scored 2 touchdowns, made 4 tackles, and had 1 interception in a victory over Midland Valley.
- Henry Morris, LB, Heathwood Hall: Tallied 15 tackles (2 for loss) in a win over Ben Lippen.
- Bennett Plane, WR/DB, Brookland-Cayce: Caught 8 passes for 180 yards, scored 3 touchdowns, and contributed with 10 tackles, 1 interception, 2 blocked PATs, and 1 forced fumble, helping his team secure a win over Aiken.
- Desean Rush, S, Ridge View: Recorded 7 tackles (1 for loss), 2 pass break-ups, and 1 interception in a shutout win against Lugoff-Elgin.
- Jaylin Simmons, RB, AC Flora: Gained 97 yards on 13 carries and scored 2 rushing touchdowns, along with 1 touchdown reception in a win over Richland Northeast.
- CJ Springs, WR/DB, Saluda: Achieved 104 yards from 3 catches, scored 1 touchdown, made 3 tackles, and had 1 interception in a win over Pelion.
- Amire White, RB, Irmo: Scored 2 touchdowns on 15 carries for 191 yards and 3 catches for 40 yards in a win against River Bluff.
- KD Whitt, WR/DB, Batesburg-Leesville: Achieved a 66-yard touchdown run, a 28-yard touchdown reception, and returned an interception for a 57-yard touchdown during a win over Ninety-Six.
- Royce Williamson, WR/DB, Gray Collegiate: Registered 5 tackles, 2 interceptions, and 2 touchdown catches, all in just a half during a win against Airport.
This nomination period provides fans with an opportunity to engage in the excitement of high school football and to support their favorite players. The polls serve to encourage community involvement and celebrate student-athletes’ hard work and talent on the field, rather than acting as a formal or scientific measurement of performance.
The goals of the Player of the Week polls extend beyond recognizing individual excellence; they aim to enhance the camaraderie within high school sports and encourage school spirit. As the high school football season gains momentum, the enthusiasm around these events is palpable, reflecting the pride and support that resonates within the local communities.
Background Context
High school football continues to serve as a significant part of the culture in South Carolina, with schools across the Midlands area showcasing their skills every week. The Player of the Week program highlights the dedication and talent of these young athletes, fostering not only competition but a shared passion for the sport among fans, families, and players alike.
FAQs
When does voting for The State’s high school football Player of the Week end?
Voting ends Friday at noon.
Where can I find the winner announcement for the Player of the Week?
The winner will be announced on Lou Bezjak’s Twitter page.
What are the nominees for this week’s Player of the Week?
Nominees include Mario Anderson, Kenton Caldwell, Maurice Horry, Malachi Jackson, Wynn Meetze, Henry Morris, Bennett Plane, Desean Rush, Jaylin Simmons, CJ Springs, Amire White, KD Whitt, and Royce Williamson.
Key Features of the Player of the Week
| Player | Team | Position | Key Stats |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mario Anderson | Dutch Fork | DB | 9 tackles, 1 interception, 1 forced fumble |
| Kenton Caldwell | Newberry | QB | 156 passing yards, 91 rushing yards, 4 total touchdowns |
| Maurice Horry | Lower Richland | NG | 8 tackles (3 for loss), 2 sacks, 8 pressures |
| Malachi Jackson | Clear Dot Charter | ATH | 14 carries, 211 yards, 3 touchdowns |
| Wynn Meetze | Gilbert | RB/S | 19 carries, 143 yards, 2 touchdowns |
| Henry Morris | Heathwood Hall | LB | 15 tackles (2 for loss) |
| Bennett Plane | Brookland-Cayce | WR/DB | 8 catches, 180 yards, 3 touchdowns |
| Desean Rush | Ridge View | S | 7 tackles, 2 break-ups, 1 interception |
| Jaylin Simmons | AC Flora | RB | 13 carries, 97 yards, 2 touchdowns |
| CJ Springs | Saluda | WR/DB | 3 catches, 104 yards, 1 touchdown |
| Amire White | Irmo | RB | 15 carries, 191 yards, 2 touchdowns |
| KD Whitt | Batesburg-Leesville | WR/DB | 66-yard run, 28-yard reception, 57-yard interception return |
| Royce Williamson | Gray Collegiate | WR/DB | 5 tackles, 2 interceptions, 2 touchdown catches |
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Additional Resources
- The State: High School Football Updates
- Wikipedia: High School Football
- WLTX: Friday Night Blitz Week 7
- Google Search: High School Football South Carolina
- The State: Player of the Week Nominees
- Google Scholar: High School Football South Carolina
- WISTV: Midlands High School Football Teams
- Encyclopedia Britannica: High School Sports
- WLTX: South Carolina High School Football Scores
- Google News: High School Football
Author: STAFF HERE NEWBERRY
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