Vote now for the Daily Leader Athlete of the Week from Sept. 30-Oct. 5

It’s getting cooler as the fall high school sports season is heading into the home stretch.

Boys and girls golf began postseason play last week, and Homecoming events have also been taking place as student-athletes have juggled schoolwork, athletics and extra-curricular activities.

Each week, the Daily Leader nominates a group of stars and you get to go and vote in our poll. This week you will choose the winner for the week from Sept. 30-Oct. 5. The voting at pontiacdailyleader.com ends at noon on Friday.

Coaches may email Erich Murphy at emurphy@gannett.com by 9 a.m. each Monday to submit a potential nominee who can be placed on the ballot.

Emma Bennett, Lexington

Bennett helped lead the Lexington volleyball team to two wins in three matches. Bennett collected 28 assists, 25 digs a block and was a leading server for the Minutemen.

Brooke Burger, Pontiac

Burger rallied to capture her singles match with a 3-6, 6-3, 10-4 decision at No. 1. She then teamed with Olivia Masching in scoring an 8-3 victory at No. 1 doubles as the duo accounted for all three points in a 6-3 loss to Central Catholic.

Morgan Dewald, Pontiac

Dewald directed attacks and was an effective attacker for Pontiac in a trio of volleyball victories. Dewald chalked up seven kills and 42 assists on offense. She added a block and a number of digs on defense.

El Paso-Gridley Quarterbacks

Owen Adams and Owen Bergquist led El Paso-Gridley to a comeback victory over Shelbyville. Adams rushed for 136 yards and four touchdowns before leaving with leg issues. Bergquist came on and threw for 102 yards, including the game-winning toss to Jayvion Maxon.

Olivia Masching, Pontiac

Masching teamed with Brooke Burger in scoring all three points for Pontiac in a 6-3 tennis loss to Central Catholic. Masching won her No. 2 singles match 6-3, 6-1, then teamed with Burger to win the No. 1 doubles match 8-3.

Jayvion Maxon, EPG

Maxon hauled in six passes for 132 yards and a touchdown to lead the EPG receivers against Shelbyville. The touchdown catch was the game-winner.

Nolan Mennenga and Mason Schlosser, Pontiac

Nolan Mennenga and Mason Schlosser each advanced out of the Class 2A Coal City Regional golf tournament as individuals. Mennenga and Schlosser each carded an 86 to move on to the Champaign (Centennial) Sectional.

Prairie Central Golf

Led by Lakin Bachtold and Easton Friedman, the Prairie Central boys golf team advanced out of the Class 2A Coal City Regional to the Champaign (Centennial) Sectional. Lane Whitfill, Tucker Stoller, Tony Schahrer and Cooper Gentry also completed at the regional.

Joey Starks, Dwight

Starks led Dwight’s receiving corps with 144 yards on five catches. He also a leader on defense with five tackles in the Trojans’ loss to fourth-ranked Seneca in conference football.

This article originally appeared on Pontiac Daily Leader: Vote now for the Daily Leader Athlete of the Week from Sept. 30-Oct. 5