VOTE: South Bend Tribune High School Football Player of the Week, Aug. 23

The first week of the high school football season did not disappoint in the South Bend area. Now, it's time to vote which player was the best of the best.

Seven players are nominated below for their week one performances. The poll will stay open until midnight ET Thursday, Aug. 29. You can vote as many times as you want throughout the duration of the poll. The link to the poll can be found by SCROLLING TO THE BOTTOM OF THE PAGE.

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Here are the nominees, in alphabetical order by school.

John Glenn junior quarterback Brayden Benwell

Although playing quarterback, Benwell did most of his damage with his legs, rushing for 134 yards and a touchdown in a 27-17 win over Boone Grove. Benwell also threw a 51-yard touchdown pass in the victory.

Mishawaka sophomore running back Kadyn O'Neal

O'Neal led the comeback victory for the Cavemen against Marian, rushing for three touchdowns in the second half as part of the 41-24 win.

New Prairie senior Hayden Scott

Scott made an impact on both sides of the ball Friday, rushing for two short touchdowns on offense while tallying five tackles and a sack in the 33-14 win over LaPorte.

NorthWood sophomore quarterback Micah Jarrell

Jarrell made his first varsity start memorable, passing for 166 yards and three touchdowns and running for 144 yards and a score in the 34-12 win against Jimtown.

Penn senior quarterback Kellen Watson

Watson had a breakout performance in a dramatic 49-42 win over Valparaiso. In his first start at quarterback, Watson accounted for all seven touchdowns the Kingsmen had, rushing for four (291 yards total) and throwing for three in the win.

Plymouth senior quarterback Exzander Ramirez

The Rockies rolled to a 53-20 win over Twin Lakes, in large part to Ramirez. The senior had 227 yards rushing, 142 yards passing and five total touchdowns in the victory.

South Bend Riley sophomore Muri Jackson

Jackson helped the Wildcats defense make history Friday night. He had two of the team's four safeties, which was the most in a single game in IHSAA history. The four safeties were the most of any high school football team in the country since 2000, per Michiana Sports broadcaster Chuck Freeby. Jackson also had 13 tackles (five for loss) and a pass breakup in a 35-0 win over Hammond Noll.

This article originally appeared on South Bend Tribune: VOTE: South Bend Tribune High School Football Player of the Week, Aug. 23