The first full month of the high school sports season is over, and local teams and athletes are finding their stride as playoff season looms. Here are this week’s selections for Journal-World Athletes of the Week:

Ethan Curry, Lawrence

photo by: Sarah Buchanan/Special to the Journal-World

Lawrence senior wide receiver Ethan Curry celebrates scoring for the Lions against Olathe East on Friday, Sept. 25, 2026, in Lawrence.

Ethan Curry had nearly 300 all-purpose yards in Lawrence’s 48-13 win over Olathe East on Friday, making plays on kick return, as a runner and as a receiver. He scored four touchdowns while also playing an important run defense role as a starting safety.

Mallary Hice, Free State

photo by: David Rodish/Journal-World

Free State senior Aedri Grooms, right, celebrates with senior Mallary Hice after scoring a touchdown in a season-opening win over Shawnee Mission East at Free State High School on Wednesday, Sept. 2, 2026, in Lawrence.

Mallary Hice and the Free State Firebirds won the first flag football City Showdown on Wednesday, and Hice was a playmaker on both sides of the ball. She scored two touchdowns, including the first of the game, and had multiple passes defended and sacks.