Vote for the Daily Memphian high school football player of the week, Week 8
Lausanne running back Antonio Huntsman (11) runs with the ball against the Collierville Dragons on Oct. 8, 2026. (Wes Hale/Special to the Daily Memphian)
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 through Thursday, Oct. 15, at 5 p.m., when we'll announce the winner.
Here are the Week 8 candidates.
Corry Bratcher, Bartlett: Bratcher, a speedy sophomore, made the most of his four touches in Bartlett’s 42-7 region win over Cordova. He rushed three times for 92 yards and scored twice (39, 43) and also caught a 10-yard touchdown pass from Rod Lucas as the Panthers ended a three-game losing streak.
Canon Day, Houston: The junior had another big night as the Mustangs stayed unbeaten in region play with a 41-6 victory over Arlington. Day completed 13 of 18 passes for 314 yards and three touchdowns — including a 92-yarder to Ean Chester — and ran for a fourth touchdown as Houston improved to 4-4 overall.
Antonio Huntsman, Lausanne: At 5-9 and 207 pounds, tackling the stocky Huntsman is a tough task. That certainly was the case last week. Last season’s Daily Memphian freshman of the year rushed for 251 yards on 21 carries with four touchdowns, added a fifth touchdown when he took a squib kickoff to the house and recorded six tackles from his linebacker spot in a 49-35 victory over Collierville.
Khamoni Williams, Southwind: Williams, who is committed to Auburn, turned in a stellar effort as the Jaguars won their biggest game of the year so far. The senior rushed for 204 yards on just 17 carries and scored four touchdowns (7, 4, 35, 51) in a 40-28 win over Whitehaven that gave Southwind an inside track on the region title. Williams had all 80 yards on Southwind’s final scoring drive — on four attempts.
Hayden Zemaitis, St. Benedict: Winning the field position battle is always important, especially in a low-scoring game. And that’s why the Eagles’ punter was so valuable against region rival St. George’s last week. Zemaitis punted seven times for a 43.7 average — with a long of 57 — to help his team win 13-7.
Previous winners
Week 1: Jayden Marr, DL, KIPP
Week 2: Ja’Karion Burrell, RB, Brighton
Week 3: Connor Jones, WR, Lakeland Prep
Week 4: Brett Godwin, QB, Lakeland Prep
Week 5: Reagan Bullard, RB, Kirby
Week 6: Ben Brewer, K, Fayette Academy
Week 7: J.D. Donaldson, ATH, Briarcrest
Topics
TSSAA MSCIAA High School Football High School Football Player of the Week Bartlett High Houston High Lausanne Collegiate School Southwind High St. Benedict Corry Bratcher Canon Day Antonio Huntsman Khamoni Williams Hayden ZemaitisJohn Varlas
John Varlas is a lifelong Memphian who has covered high school sports in various capacities for over 20 years.
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