Cortinas and Ellison Named Players of the Week
The San Antonio Express-News recognized top high school football performers after a weekend of standout games.
Updated on Sept. 21, 2026 in Football
The San Antonio Express-News has selected Leo Cortinas and Ty Ellison as football Players of the Week following their exceptional performances on the gridiron. These awards highlight individual excellence across San Antonio-area high school football matchups.
Why it matters
Recognizing these standout performances provides local fans with a comprehensive overview of the season's top talent and game-changing plays. Tracking these stats helps clarify which athletes and teams are setting the pace for the regional playoff race.
Leo Cortinas recorded 468 rushing yards and seven touchdowns on 39 carries, while Ty Ellison anchored his defense with eight tackles and two sacks. Multiple athletes earned Game Ball recognition for individual efforts, including Grant Sweeney who threw for 378 yards and six touchdowns.
The players
Leo Cortinas
A high school football player from Natalia, Texas, who delivered a record-setting performance in the Legacy Bowl.
Ty Ellison
A defensive standout from East Central, Texas, recognized for his tackling and sack production during recent league play.
San Antonio Express-News
The local media organization responsible for tracking regional high school football metrics and selecting weekly award winners.
The details
Leo Cortinas led Natalia to a 60-43 victory over Lytle in the Legacy Bowl, while Ty Ellison helped East Central secure a 42-0 shutout win against New Braunfels Canyon. Other top performers included Payton Helford with 206 rushing yards and Brody Zoeller, who recorded 12 catches for 248 yards.
Timeline
September 21, 2026: Express-News announced weekly high school football award winners.
Season Trajectory
These individual accolades follow the historical precedent set by the Legacy Bowl in defining early-season momentum for regional programs. Strong performances by these athletes significantly alter the competitive balance within their respective districts as the season progresses.
Leo Cortinas' seven-touchdown game and Ty Ellison's defensive dominance establish them as primary targets for opposing game plans in upcoming weeks. Readers should look for these athletes to influence district standings as their teams vie for playoff positioning.
The takeaway
Tracking individual performance metrics provides early indicators of which players are likely to define the regional championship hunt. Fans can use these weekly updates to gauge the depth and competitive intensity of local high school programs throughout the season.
Further reading
For more updates on the high school season, visit the San Antonio Football section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by San Antonio Express-News.
