The Capital Gazette is honoring one boy and one girl high school student-athlete each week as Athletes of the Week. To submit nominations, email kfominykh@baltsun.com or direct message @capgazsports on Instagram by Saturday evening.
Boys athlete of the week
Will Jacobs, Glen Burnie, football
There wasn’t a part of the field the senior didn’t hit during the Gophers’ 42-17 victory over Severna Park on Fridat. Jacobs, a wide receiver on the offense, not only caught a 7-yard touchdown reception but threw a 47-yard pass on a trick play that was nearly scored. A cornerback as well, the North County transfer collected seven tackles, two interceptions returned for 72 yards and 21 yards, and a sack. Per coach Alec Lemon, every other catch Jacobs has made this fall has been for a touchdown.
“As soon as he got here, he’s made a huge impact on our team,” Lemon said. “The guy’s just a baller, a playmaker. It doesn’t matter what position we put him at. He’s gonna make a play. And the best thing about him is he’ll make a play and he’ll let us know about it.”
Girls athlete of the week
Ryleigh Smoot, Chesapeake, girls soccer
The senior goalkeeper has been indomitable for the Cougars (13-3-1) in their postseason run, from holding Mt. Hebron back in penalty kicks by saving two in 3A region semifinals on Oct. 25, standing tall against Howard in a 2-1 double overtime region championship on Oct. 29 before shutting out River Hill in overtime state quarterfinals on Saturday. Smoot made 26 saves in three games.
“As a four-year varsity starter and senior captain, Ryleigh has approached our playoff run with renewed energy,” Cougars coach Kevin Keeter said. “She has been a leader on and off the field and her intensity in practice has made the entire team better. She expresses to the team that they need to work harder to ensure they can get to the next game.”
Got a sports news tip? Email kfominykh@baltsun.com or DM @capgazsports on Instagram.