Merkel’s Easton Malone Named Week 8 Player of the Week

Easton “Moose” Malone of Merkel is the Texas HS Football Week 8 Fan Vote Player of the Week.

Malone delivered one of the most memorable performances of the season in Merkel’s 43-42 comeback victory over Henrietta. The Badgers trailed 28-0 at halftime before storming back behind their two-way standout.

Malone completed 20 of 29 passes for 251 yards and three touchdowns, rushed for 118 yards and another score, caught a touchdown pass, and added 11 tackles on defense. He then sealed the victory with an interception in the final 30 seconds.

The junior helped Merkel score on all six of its second-half possessions to complete the remarkable comeback.

Pieper quarterback Lance Reid finished second in the fan vote after another huge Week 8 performance. Hudson Bowman of Prosper finished third, while Lane Vargas of Colleyville Heritage finished fourth. SaRod Baker of DeSoto was also among the leading vote-getters.

Congratulations to Easton Malone, the Merkel Badgers, and everyone who voted and supported their players this week.

Previous Player of the Week Winners

Week 1 — Collin Brooks, Maypearl
Week 2 — Hank Thurman, Lindale
Week 3 — Micah Antoun, Hutto
Week 4 — Rafael Ruiz, Roma
Week 5 — Evan Jitjaeng, Big Sandy
Week 6 — Josh Brister, Friendswood
Week 7 — Slayden Young, Stamford
Week 8 — Easton Malone, Merkel