Vote: Pick the first News Herald Athlete of the Week of the fall sports season

The start of the school year also means the commencement of fall high school sports. The News Herald is back with Athlete of the Week polls, highlighting the top performances across Bay County.

The athletes listed here were chosen through a combination of the coach's nominations and game performances.

We appreciate readers and fans participating in our polls throughout the year. Be sure to share the poll with your friends, family and teammates on social media.

To report scores and stats or nominate the next Athlete of the Week, email sports reporter Banji Bamidele at abamidele@gannett.com.

Voting will remain open until noon Friday.

Carson Griffin, Mosley football

The junior led the way for the Dolphins with six receptions for 103 yards and three touchdown in the 53-28 victory over Rutherford.

Lakota Johnson, Bozeman football

The senior returned a kickoff for a score and threw an 80-yard touchdown in the Bucks' 40-23 loss to Holmes County.

Will Cotter, Arnold football

Threw the game-winning 40-yard touchdown in the 8-7 upset victory over Bay High.

Sammy Freitas, Mosley football

Freitas was clinical in the season opener, throwing five touchdowns in a 53-28 victory over Rutherford.

Addison Clark, Arnold swimming and diving

Clark took first place in the opening dive meet with a score of 191.75.

Lo'Kavion Jackson, Mosley football

Jackson scored two rushing touchdowns and secured tackles in the Week 1 victory over Rutherford.

Preston Tomasiewicz, Arnold swimming and diving

The returning Bay County diver of the year took first place in this week's diving meet with a score of 240.45.

Brock Swartwood, Arnold swimming and diving

Swartwood took home second place in the diving meet with a 228.50 score.

Jessica Smith, Bay swimming and diving

Smith earned second place in the diving meet with a score of 131.05.

Banji Bamidele is a sports reporter for the Panama City News Herald. He can be reached at abamidele@gannett.com or through X, formerly known as Twitter, @AdebanjiBamide1 .

This article originally appeared on The News Herald: Vote: Pick the first News Herald Athlete of the Week of the fall sports season