High School Sports

Each week, The Star's Sports department will select the best efforts from around the area on both offense and defense. Weaver's Quinnata "Toot" Jones and Cleburne County's Wesley Thompson are Week 1's award winners.

Offensive

Name: Quinnata "Toot" Jones
School: Weaver
Class: Sophomore
Height, weight: 5-foot-9, 197 pounds
Position: Running back

Highlights: "Toot" certainly made a name for himself Friday night against Jacksonville. Jones, who is a full-time starter for the first time this year, rushed 31 times for 203 yards and both of Weaver's touchdowns. Fighting off cramping and fatigue for most of the second half, Jacksonville defenders were still bouncing off him, as he carried Weaver to its 15-13 victory.

What they're saying: "He was definitely the difference in the game, even though he was cramping up. We have to get him in better shape. But we expect a lot of him, and he delivered, scoring both of our touchdowns for us. He certainly helped us on that last drive to help finish the game."

Defensive

Name: Wesley Thompson
School: Cleburne County
Class: Senior
Height, weight: 5-foot-10, 185 pounds
Position: Defensive end

Highlights: Cleburne County coach Michael Shortt referred to Thompson as a guy who has just worked his way up the depth chart and is finally getting a chance to start as a senior. He certainly made the most of the chance Friday night against Lineville. From the defensive end position, Thompson recorded four sacks, nine tackles and forced one of three Lineville fumbles in the Tigers' 21-12 opening-week win.

What they're saying: "He's just one of those experienced Cleburne County players who is finally getting his chance. He certainly impressed and was key in our win. We needed him, and we're real proud of him."