Cullman coach Mark Britton awarded Josh Skinner a rare game ball following Friday’s 31-9 home victory against Albertville. 

And it was definitely deserving.

The senior linebacker, who’s battled through three knee injuries during his career and put off a fourth surgery just to play this season, delivered a strong performance against the Aggies inside Oliver Woodard Stadium — he wrapped up 13 tackles, four tackles for loss, a sack, a blocked punt and a fumble recovery for a defense that held its region opponent to just 147 yards of total offense.

Skinner and Co. were so outstanding that Albertville snapped the ball only four times in Black and Gold territory after its first drive of the bout, which led to a brief 3-0 advantage for the road squad.

Make room game ball, Skinner is the obvious choice for The Times’ Athlete of the Week.

He wasn’t the only player to shine for Cullman, either.

Seth Gable had two interceptions on defense for the Bearcats, while Fletcher Jennings (20 of 25 for 143 yards and two touchdowns), Ezra Burks (13 carries for 93 yards and two touchdowns), and Carson Freeman (six catches for 49 yards and a touchdown) each contributed on the offensive side of the ball. Burks also tallied six catches for 30 yards and another score in the triumph.

Athlete of the Week, which is sponsored by Mitch Smith Chevrolet, is currently open to football, cross country and volleyball athletes. Nominations are encouraged and cam be submitted to jwinfrey@cullmantimes.com with the athlete’s name, school and statistics/accomplishments. The candidate with the strongest résumé will walk away with the title for that week.

See below for other notable performances:

Ben Robinson, Addison: Had 141 yards and two touchdowns on 10 carries in a 62-0 win over Southeastern.

Tyler Borden, Addison: Had a 5-yard touchdown run and a 61-yard punt return touchdown against Southeastern.

Zayne Guthrie, Addison: Had 82 yards and two touchdowns on eight carries against Southeastern.

Abbie Chambless, Addison: Had 45 kills and 23 digs at the Muscle Shoals First Metro Tournament. The Class 1A No. 1 Lady Bulldogs finished the tournament with 7-1 effort, downing 2A No. 1 Winston County and 4A No. 1 Danville prior to falling to 3A No. 5 Lexington in the championship match.

Savannah Manley, Addison: Had 22 kills, 11 blocks and 11 aces at the Muscle Shoals First Metro Tournament.

Kendra Tyree, Addison: Had 38 digs and 13 aces at the Muscle Shoals First Metro Tournament.

Cecilee Gaither, Addison: Had 62 assists at the Muscle Shoals First Metro Tournament.

Eli Wilhite, Cullman: Had the fastest time (10:14.58) at the Bearcat 2-Mile to lead his team to a first-place showing.

Dayne Black, Fairview: Completed 16 of 30 passes for 222 yards and a touchdown in a 21-14 loss to Corner. Had a 2-yard rushing touchdown.

Scoot Bennett, Fairview: Had 11 catches for 166 yards against Corner.

Jared Bachelor, Fairview: Had 9.5 tackles against Corner.

McKinna Yearwood, Fairview: Had 33 kills, six aces and three blocks to help her team win the Brindlee Mountain Tournament.

Katie Ball, Fairview: Had 15 digs, 10 kills and three blocks at the Brindlee Mountain Tournament.

Alivia Boyll and Micah Means, Fairview: Combined for 72 assists at the Brindlee Mountain Tournament.

Matthew Dixon, Good Hope: Had 192 yards and a touchdown on 16 carries in a 35-22 loss to No. 4 Fayette County.

Jeremiah Holmes, Holly Pond: Had 112 yards and a touchdown on eight carries in a 48-20 loss to J.B. Pennington.

Rylan Jones, West Point: Completed 17 of 34 passes for 177 yards and two touchdowns in a 37-18 loss to Hayden. Had a 9-yard rushing touchdown.

Hunter Persall, West Point: Had 92 rushing yards on 16 carries and a 4-yard touchdown catch against Hayden.