High school football Week 6: Cast your vote for the Independent Mail Athlete of the Week

Anderson Independent Mail

It's that time again – time to pick the Independent Mail Athlete of the Week!

Each week during high school football season, we'll highlight one player from Anderson area teams whose game performance was notable the week before. Voting will be open Tuesday mornings through noon on Thursdays, and winners will be announced by 5 p.m. every Thursday.

Here are the nominees for this week – vote below!

RJ Ellis, Belton-Honea Path

Belton-Honea Path senior R.J. Ellis(25) runs against Pendleton High School during the third quarter at Pendleton High School in Pendleton Friday, September 20, 2019.

In Belton-Honea Path's 41-20 win over Wahalla, senior running back RJ Ellis carried the offensive load with an eye-popping 17 carries for 354 yards and three touchdowns.

Joe Owens, Wren

Wren senior Joe Owens(1), middle, throws a ball with teammates during practice in Piedmont Tuesday.

In Wren's 64-14 win over Pickens, senior quarterback Joe Owens exploded. He finished the game 20-27 for 326 passing yards, eight touchdowns and zero interceptions.

Tyler Venables, D.W. Daniel

DW Daniel senior Tyler Venables passes to Hack Hamilton(10) for a touchdown against Ridge View during the first quarter at D.W. Daniel High School in Central Friday, September 20, 2019.

In Daniel's 49-42 win over Palmetto, senior quarterback Tyler Venables was productive through the air and on the ground. He totaled 306 passing yards, 112 rushing yards and six total touchdowns.

Ezra Grate, Pendleton

Pendleton linebacker Ezra Grate goes through warm-ups before Pendleton's game against Belton-Honea Path on September 20, 2019.

In Pendleton's 49-14 win over West Oak, senior linebacker Ezra Grate was a force on defense. He finished the game with 16 total tackles, two tackles for loss and one pass deflection.

Joe McGuff, Powdersville

Powdersville senior Joe McGuff(2) celebrates a touchdown during the FCA Anderson County Jamboree at Westside High School in Anderson Friday.

In Powdersville's 12-7 win over Crescent, senior Joe McGuff contributed both as a wide receiver and running back. He totaled 103 total yards, his play lifted the Patriots to their first win of the season.

Kennington Smith is the new high school sports reporter for the Independent-Mail. You can connect with Kennington on Twitter @SkinnyKenny_ or email him at kennington.smith@independentmail.com

Cast your vote!

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