ATHLETES OF THE WEEK: Venice's Watkins Jr., PC's Hart take first weekly honors

WINSTON WATKINS JR.

Venice football

Venice went on an offensive frenzy during its 63-40 victory over Tampa Bay Tech on Friday, and Watkins Jr. had some eye-popping numbers to show for it.

Of the nine touchdowns the Indians scored in Week 1, Watkins Jr. was responsible for a third of them.

The senior transfer caught 10 balls for 157 yards and three touchdowns against the Titans in the win. He proved to be quarterback Jayce Nixon’s favorite target for a second consecutive week after leading Venice in receiving in Week 0.

NYGERIA HART

Port Charlotte volleyball

Port Charlotte volleyball is out to a 4-0 start, and Hart, senior hitter is the main reason why. She has been dominant not only on offense, where she has averaged 15.5 kills per game, but on defense, where she has recorded 16.5 digs per game. She is also tied for the team lead in service aces.

Hart followed up a 25-kill, 32-dig performance in a four-set win over North Fort Myers with a 23-kill, 25-dig game in a five-set win over DeSoto County. The Florida Gulf Coast commit has taken her game to the next level, which should scare many teams going forward.