Mississippi high school football Week 1 Athlete of the Year nominees announced

Mississippi high school football has named 10 nominees for its Week 1 Athlete of the Week poll, honoring standout performances from the season's opening games. Voting closes September 6, with the winner announced next week. Nominees include Aaric Beasley of Jackson Academy, who rushed for 229 yards and two touchdowns in a 16-0 win over McGill-Toolen. Other top performers include Wade Smith of Jackson Prep with 231 rushing yards and three touchdowns, and Caiden Wade of Kosciusko, who totaled 458 yards and six touchdowns. The list also features defensive standouts like Tavoris Johnson of Noxubee County, who recorded four sacks, and Madaylan McKenzie of Heidelberg with three sacks. The poll is a fan-driven celebration with no official prizes, designed to highlight player achievements across the state.