{
  "id": 13907019,
  "title": "Vote now for The News Leader's athlete of the week Oct. 5-10",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/12/vote-now-for-the-news-leaders-athlete-of-the-week-oct-5-10",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-12T08:03:35.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/vote-now-news-leaders-athlete-080335088.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "This week, The News Leader staff and fans have nominated several top athletes from the previous week's games. The poll is open for readers to choose their favorite athlete from the nominees. Zakarre Hymes-Williams, a football player from Stuarts Draft, had a standout performance with nine catches for 173 yards and a touchdown in a 21-0 victory over Staunton. Maddie Gale, a freshman volleyball player from Fort Defiance, showcased her skills with 14 kills, 49 assists, 15 digs, and nine aces in two wins. Nolan Deaver, a football player from Wilson Memorial, scored three touchdowns, including one on defense, in a 42-7 win against Rockbridge County. Brady Richie, a golf player from Buffalo Gap, shot an 80 at Gypsy Hill Golf Course, helping his team secure a second-place finish and qualify for the Class 1 state tournament. Lastly, Jackson Fitzgerald, a football player from Riverheads, rushed for 121 yards on 20 carries and scored three touchdowns in a 41-21 win over Fort Defiance. The winner of the poll will be announced during the weekend.",
  "summary": "The News Leader staff, with input from coaches and fans, nominate the athletes. Then, every Monday, we open the poll to let readers vote.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Yahoo Sports",
        "title": "Vote for Upstate Ingles boys athlete of the week for Oct. 5-11",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/12/vote-for-upstate-ingles-boys-athlete-of-the-week-for-oct-5-11",
        "published": "2026-10-12T09:11:48.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}