Vote: Who should be SBLive's Texas Defensive High School Football Player of the Week? (10/15/2023)

We want to hear from you: Who had the best defensive effort across the Lone Star State in Week 8?

Texas high school football Week 8 is officially in the books.

Each week throughout the season, SBLive is taking a look at the top high school football performers across the Lone Star State. We gathered the best of the best, separated offense from defense, and now it’s your turn to cast your vote on a winner.

Here are SBLive’s Texas Defensive Football Player of the Week nominees for October 12-14. Scroll down to read about this week’s list and cast your vote in the poll below. Voting remains open until Sunday, October 22, 2023 at 11:59 p.m. Central time.

Know of a performance worthy of recognition we may have missed? Let us know who we missed. Drop a note to andy@scorebooklive.com or @SBLiveTX on Twitter and Instagram and back it up with stats.

TEXAS DEFENSIVE HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL NOMINEES

Leo Almanza, jr., Byron Nelson

Almanza recorded two first-half interceptions in Byron Nelson’s 67-3 rout of Keller. The junior also caught a pair of touchdowns on offense.

Pedro Barrioz, sr., Lamesa

Barrrioz had 12 total tackles, four pass breakups and an interception in a 41-19 win over Brownfield. The senior also ran for 81 yards and a touchdown.

Brycen Lewis, sr., Seagoville

Lewis picked off a single-game school-record four passes and had eight tackles in a 34-6 win over Conrad. The senior also caught a touchdown.

Willie Nelson, sr., Longview

Nelson, an Oklahoma State commit, opened the game with a pick-six as Longview shut out North Mesquite, 56-0.

Beckham Paul, sr., Abilene

Paul had eight tackles and a 45-yard interception return for a touchdown as Abilene prevailed in a thriller over Lubbock Cooper, 38-35.

Ty Powell, jr., Fulshear

Powell recorded two interceptions in a 53-14 win over Magnolia West.

Khalil Smith, sr., Sherman

Smith returned an interception 69 yards for a touchdown and also scored a TD on offense in Sherman’s 59-0 shutout of Frisco Reedy.

Javon Towns, jr., Kilgore

Towns had an interception and a fumble recovery in a 46-17 win over Henderson.

Mehki Walton, jr., Brazosport

Walton piled up 13 total tackles while forcing two fumbles in a 14-6 loss to Stafford.

Jonah Williams, jr., Ball

Williams, a five-star junior, returned an interception 61 yards for a touchdown and also caught a TD as Ball took down Miley, 56-7.

(Beckham Paul photo by Joey D. Richards)

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-- Bob Lundeberg | @sblivesports