Vote for the high school football player of the week, Week 4

By , Daily Memphian Updated: September 14, 2026 7:35 AM CT | Published: September 14, 2026 7:34 AM CT

Once again this season, The Daily Memphian is recognizing a high school football player of the week.

And we need you — our readers — to help.

Each Monday, we post several of the top performers from the previous week’s games. Readers can vote for their favorite until Thursday, Sept. 17, at 5 p.m., at which point the winner will be announced.

Here are the candidates from Week 4.


Friday prep report: Late touchdown helps Whitehaven escape with win over Germantown


Neyland Ezell, Tipton-Rosemark: Ezell was all over the field in his team’s 42-6 region victory over FACS. The junior rushed for 172 yards on just 13 carries with three touchdowns (35, 48, 12) while also recording five tackles with a fumble recovery and a pass break-up.

Brett Godwin, Lakeland Prep: Typically, it takes something very special to be on the POW ballot following a loss. Godwin’s game against Haywood County certainly qualifies. The senior quarterback completed 28 of 49 passes for 342 yards and five touchdowns while carrying five times for 59 and scoring a sixth in a 64-50 loss.

Malcolm Jack, Southwind: Jack continues to grow into his role as quarterback for the Dandy Dozen’s No. 1 team. He attempted only eight passes against White Station but completed six of them for 239 yards and three touchdowns as the Jaguars won their 20th straight regular-season game, 41-6.

Derreon Martin, Central: Warriors coach Major Wright spoke glowingly about Martin’s playmaking potential in the preseason and the victory over PURE Academy was his coming-out party. The transfer from Memphis Business Academy scored on an 87-yard kickoff return, a 49-yard run and a 57-yard reception — all in the second half — and finished with 240 all-purpose yards as Central improved to 4-0 with a 42-8 victory. 


Lakeland receiver voted Player of the Week


Tay Starks, Munford: After opening with running clock-victories in the first two games, the Cougars needed Starks to go the distance against a strong team from Woodford County, Ky. The junior delivered, finishing with 204 yards on 36 carries with three touchdowns (1, 2, 45) to lead Munford to a 34-30 victory.

Previous winners

Week 1: Jayden Marr, DL, KIPP

Week 2: Ja’Karion Burrell, RB, Brighton

Week 3: Connor Jones, WR, Lakeland Prep


 

Topics

TSSAA MSCIAA High School Football High School Football Player of the Week Central High Lakeland Prep Munford HIgh Southwind High Tipton-Rosemark Academy Neyland Ezell Brett Godwin Derreon Martin Malcolm Jack Tay Starks
John Varlas

John Varlas

John Varlas is a lifelong Memphian who has covered high school sports in various capacities for over 20 years.


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