Playoff high school football has arrived in many states, which means it's time for the best players from all corners of the country to up their games a bit.
We saw that in full form Friday night, Nov. 6, as the few Super 25 teams who did play last week were led by some incredible individual performances.
Below are five performances from players on teams ranked inside USA TODAY Sports latest Super 25 and an opportunity for the USA TODAY Sports audience to vote for who it believes should be named Super 25 Playmaker of the Week for Week 12 of the 2026 season.
Who gets your vote and will follow the footsteps of East St. Louis (IL) quarterback Reece Shanklin, who was
named Super 25 Playmaker of the Week last week?
How the Super 25 Playmaker voting works
Fans can vote each hour for their top pick, with the poll closing at noon ET on Thursday, November 12.
Zach Williams, No. 4 Allen (TX)
There aren't many offenses operating at a higher clip than the Eagles and Williams has been a massive reason for that success. As Allen wrapped up the regular season with a 63-7 win over Prosper Walnut Grove (TX), Williams proved to be a massive problem for the defense, catching eight passes for 115 yards and a pair of touchdown receptions.
Damarion Mays, No. 8 North Crowley (Fort Worth, TX)
Throughout the year North Crowley's ground game has gotten the spotlight on a weekly basis. It was a great once again in a 62-3 win over Red Oak (TX) but this time, it was senior receiver Damarion Mays taking home player of the night honors. In his final regular season game, Mays carved up the defense with 127 yards and a touchdown on just four receptions.
Jamarion Paytee, No. 13 Thomas County Central (Thomasville, GA)
Paytee and the rest of the Yellow Jackets' offense didn't sweat much in their 52-7 Thursday night win over Northside (GA). In the few chances he got the ball, Paytee shined, racking up 70 yards and a pair of touchdowns on just three carries.
Branden Sharp, No. 14 Brownsburg (IN)
Leading up to Brownsburg's sectional championship showdown with Brownsburg, the Giants had a lot to say to Brownsburg receiver and Indiana commit Branden Sharp. By halftime, Sharp's night was done and the Giants were left with more questions than answers as the future Hoosier totaled 129 yards and two touchdowns on eight catches in the Bulldogs' 42-7 win.
Drew Dean, No. 25 Tupelo (MS)
When your quarterback has as more total touchdowns than incomplete passes, more often than not, it leads to a win. That was the case for the Golden Wave in their 38-0 win over DeSoto Central (MS) as Dean was 12-of-16 passing for 218 yards and four touchdowns. He only had a yard rushing but that one yard resulted in a touchdown as well.
Vote for USA TODAY Sports Super 25 Playmaker of the Week: Week 12
Note: Poll closes on Thursday, Nov. 12, at 12:00 pm ET
Follow Sports Reporter Joe Spears on X at @joe_spears7 or via email: JSpears@usatodayco.com. For additional high school sports coverage, be sure to follow USA TODAY High School Sports on Instagram and X.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Super 25 Playmakers: Vote for Week 12's National Athlete of the Week
