SPRINGFIELD — High school athletes are continuing to produce big games and leading their teams to victories. In another important week of high school action, Springfield area athletes stepped up and produced big.
It’s now time to vote for the News-Leader’s Athlete of the Week for Sept. 14-19. Voting closes at noon Friday. Here are the nominees.
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If there is a player from the area who has made an impact, send nominees with stats to Liam Keating at lkeating@usatodayco.com or on X at @liamkeating7.
The senior running back had a massive game in Fair Grove’s 27-20 win over Clever. Hallam rushed for 153 yards and two touchdowns. He peeled off an important 25-yard rushing touchdown late in the game for the Eagles.
Kickapoo earned its first win of the season with a 21-7 win against Willard. Joplin had two important touchdowns for the Chiefs. He caught a 42-yard touchdown reception and a 35-yard rushing score to put the game out of reach.
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Republic enjoyed a 49-0 bounce back win over Ozark on Friday, Sept. 18. Porter scored three touchdowns in the win. The sophomore had seven carries for 59 yards with three of those carries turning into touchdowns.
Week 4: Breaking down high school football action in Springfield area
Fair Grove football: Eagles get ‘revenge’ over Clever in close battle
The senior has led Central to an incredible 7-1 start. Last week, Smith helped the Bulldogs defeat Nixa in penalty kicks. He also scored the opening goal against Hillcrest in a 4-1 result at win Missouri State. This is Central’s best start to a season since 2011.
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The senior won the Lebanon Invitational on Saturday, Sept. 19. He finished in a time of 16:53, which was five seconds faster than the field. This was Stafford’s first win of his varsity career.
