High school sports are officially back with the return of all fall sports, including a new one in flag football. Here are this week’s selections for the Journal-World Athletes of the Week:

Patrick Sandefur, Lawrence

Sandefur and the Lawrence boys soccer team started their season with a 4-1 win over Topeka on Tuesday. With LHS down 1-0 midway through the second half, Sandefur ignited the offense, scoring three straight goals to lead the Lions to a win.

photo by: David Rodish/Journal-World

Lawrence senior Patrick Sandefur battles for the ball in a 4-1 win over Topeka on Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2025, in Topeka.

Quinlyn Vail, Free State

The Free State girls flag football team played its first two games in its inaugural season and beat Baldwin 26-14 and Lawrence 20-0. In both games, Vail quarterbacked the offense with efficiency, throwing multiple touchdowns in both games.

photo by: David Rodish/Journal-World

Free State quarterback Quinlyn Vail escapes pressure in the first flag football triangular at Free State on Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2025, in Lawrence.