The local high school football players players are getting statewide attention — and in one case, national attention as well.

Gardendale wide receiver Ja’Micheal Willis is mentioned in the latest edition of Sports Illustrated. His six-touchdown game in the Rockets’ season opener against Bessemer City, which tied an Alabama High School Athletic Association record, earned Willis a spot in the regular SI feature “Faces in the Crowd.”

Willis was named the Offensive Player of the Week by the Alabama Sports Writers Association, as well as Spotlight Player of the Week by the AHSAA, after his big game.

This week, Corner’s Troy Elliott shares the AHSAA honor with three other kickers who made news Friday night. Elliott was 2-for-2 in field goals an extra point, but it was his last kick from 22 yards out with 10 seconds to play that gave the Yellow Jackets the win over Midfield.

Meanwhile, Mortimer Jordan linebacker Rod Washington got noticed for his three interceptions, two of which he returned for touchdowns, in the 34-27 win over A.P. Brewer. Washington, who also blocked an extra point, was named as a finalist for the ASWA Defensive/Special Teams Player of the Week.

Paul Beaudry of the ASWA contributed to this report.