Fall sports are in playoff mode with local athletes playing for their seasons when the games matter most, leading to heroic efforts in wins and losses. Here are this week’s selections for Journal-World Athletes of the Week:

Maleka Flory, Baldwin

photo by: Henry Wiley/Special to the Journal-World

Baldwin’s Maleka Flory celebrates after scoring a touchdown against Lawrence in Baldwin City on Saturday, Oct. 10, 2026.

Flory scored two touchdowns in Baldwin’s 13-0 win over Lawrence to become regional champions for the first time in KSHSAA history. The Bulldogs started with a 33-6 win over Wellsville in the first round before beating the Lions behind Flory’s two scores.

Fletcher Linhos, Free State

photo by: David Rodish/Journal-World

Free State senior Fletcher Linhos passes the ball during the boys soccer City Showdown on Saturday, Oct. 10, 2026, in Lawrence.

Sometimes, it’s just about making the play in front of you. That’s what Linhos did on Saturday in the boys soccer City Showdown, putting the ball in the net for the game-winning goal over Lawrence when the ball bounced right to his foot in the goal area.