The postseason fall sports rush and the opening of the winter season is bringing Marion County into brackish waters. With football, swimming and cross country kicking it into overdrive, the best has been brought out of the remaining athletes. That leaves room for a gaggle of basketball standouts and soccer stars to make their 2025-26 Athlete of the Week race debuts.

Vanguard defensive end Laz Abuin and Dunnellon running back Tony Tanner represent the football stars on the nominees list. A 40-point prelude to boys basketball helped Lake Weir guard Amar Young earn his spot. Emma Curtis’ strong push into cross country state meet put her on the podium and in contention for the first cross country runner to win Athlete of the Week this season.

This year's Athlete of the Week system is a littl

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