UPDATE: Fans Select Patch Athlete of the Week Winner

Jeremy Esparza defeated five others in balloting for Patch Athlete of the Week. He is now eligible for November Athlete of the Month recognition.

The nominees for Southland Patch Athlete of the Week, Oct. 31-Nov. 5, were:

Amber Clay, sophomore, volleyball outside hitter, Marian Catholic. Clay totaled 17 kills in two matches as Marian Catholic defeated Illiana Christian (25-21, 25-23) and Chicago Payton (25-18, 25-13) to advance to the Class 3A state semifinals.

Jeremy Esparza, junior, football placekicker, Evergreen Park. Esparza kicked two field goals, including a 28-yarder with 7.5 seconds left to cap Evergreen Park’s 19-18 victory over Rock Island Alleman in the second round of the Class 4A football playoffs.

Pat McMahon, junior, boys cross-country, Sandburg. McMahon finished 32nd in the Class 3A boys state cross-country meet. He covered 3 miles in 15:06. And he led the Eagles to a seventh place finish.

Mallory Salis, junior, volleyball outside hitter, Marist. Salis had 16 kills, 10 digs and eight blocks in Marist’s 25-22, 21-25, 25-23 victory over Lyons Township in the Class 4A Hinsdale South Supersectional. The RedHawks rallied from a 19-14 deficit in Game 3 to advance downstate.

Tim Williams, senior, football quarterback, Homewood-Flossmoor. Williams passed for more than 300 yards and accounted for five touchdowns (3 in the air, 2 on the ground), in Homewood-Flossmoor’s 48-7 victory over Lockport in the Class 8A football playoffs.

Emily Workman, sophomore, volleyball, setter, Chicago Christian. Workman’s all-around played helped Chicago Christian rally for a 21-25, 25-14, 25-21 victory over Timothy Christian at the Class 2A Lisle Supersectional. She finished with 22 assists, six service aces, three kills and two blocks as Chicago Christian advanced to the state tournament for the third consecutive season.

Attention Coaches: Like to Nominate Your Athlete Next Week? Email nominations to Sports Editor Ron Kremer (ron.kremer@patch.com). Nominations must be received by noon on Monday for consideration. Please include a photo or photos of your nominee and detailed information on why he or she is a deserving candidate for the weekly award. Weekly winners are eligible for Patch Athlete of the Month recognition.