We are approaching the final home stretch of the regular season for fall sports in Lafayette Parish and its surrounding areas.
With so much riding on games, matches and races, this past week across the 337 gave the Daily Advertiser a plethora of athletes to chose from for this week’s Athlete of the Week poll.
Teams have given it their all to help their respective programs churn out wins. From picking up statement victories to flashy game-changing plays, these six athletes have given it their all, earning their spots in this week’s poll for Athlete of the Week.
With fall high school sports underway, here are six athletes who had top performances in their respective sports from Oct. 19-25. See which athletes are in the running this week from the following fall sports: football, girls volleyball and cross country. Voting will close at 9 a.m. on Friday.
VOTE HERE:
(Athletes listed in alphabetical order)
Ella Blake, cross country, Highland Baptist: Blake set a new personal best at the SNL Invitational at Moncus Park during the girls varsity 5,000-meter race. The senior took home fifth place with a time of 19 minutes and 21.1 seconds.
Joseph Clues, football, Opelousas: There was no stopping Clues in the Tigers’ rivalry matchup against Cecilia. The 6-foot sophomore running back rushed for approximately 245 yards and four touchdowns on 28 carries to lead Opelousas to a 50-48 victory.
Avery Larpenteur, girls volleyball, Lafayette: The Mighty Lions were in a close matchup against Southside on Oct. 22 and Larpenteur was a key in helping them churn out a 3-2 victory. The junior outside hitter racked up 15 kills, four aces, and five blocks to lead Lafayette’s offensive efforts alongside her older sister, Ella Larpenteur.
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Taylor Lazard, girls volleyball, WCA-Opelousas: Lazard stepped up big time in the Crusaders’ matchup against Catholic-N.I. on Oct. 20. The junior middle blocker led them in kills with 14 along with two blocks to help her team escape with a 3-1 win over the Panthers.
Sky Ryan, football, Lafayette Christian Academy: Ryan called the game in the second half during LCA’s district matchup against Loreauville. The senior defensive back came up with a 75-yard pick-six to seal the game. The Knights went on to beat the Tigers 23-6.
Justin Williams, football, Southside: Williams is making sure folks don’t count the Sharks out as they took down powerhouse St. Thomas More for a 17-14 victory. The senior running back rushed for a touchdown in the first half to set the tone for the rest of the game.
Editor's note: Anyone can nominate an athlete of the week for every sport. Nominate next week's ballot through email. Readers can email nominations to sports reporter Shannon Belt at sbelt@gannett.com. Please include a player's statistics and a photo if possible.
All high school varsity players from Lafayette, Acadiana, St. Landry, St. Martin, Vermilion and Iberia parishes are eligible to be placed on the ballot. Nominations must be received by Monday morning following that week's games for consideration.
Shannon Belt covers high school sports and the Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns for The Daily Advertiser as part of the USA TODAY Network. Follow her high school and Cajuns coverage on Twitter: @ShannonBelt3. Got questions regarding HS/UL athletics? Send them to Shannon Belt at sbelt@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Lafayette Daily Advertiser: Vote now for The Daily Advertiser Athlete of the Week (Oct. 19-25)