John Varlas — who covers preps for this publication — has done something that should inspire the rest of us Memphians. He’s lost 143 pounds. 

Riley Stooksbury preserves victory in penalty shootout, sending Gryphons into Thursday’s region tournament final.

Memphis-area volleyball teams are into post-season tournament play. Find the latest results and schedules here.

The running back scored three touchdowns as the Mustangs knock Collierville from the ranks of the unbeaten. Check out the other top performers from last week in football, girls soccer, volleyball, golf and cross country.

Both Houston and Collierville appear in the AP Top 10 for the state’s Division I - Class 6A.

Standouts from Brighton, Central, Melrose, Oakhaven and Whitehaven are up for consideration this week. 

Related story:

Eight Memphis-area high schools appear in AP football rankings

The high school cross-country races Saturday evening capped off a series of elementary, middle and high school races at the event created in 1989 to honor the former CBHS cross country and track distance coach.

State’s fourth-ranked Class 5A team is now 8-0 while staying on track for a region title.

St. Agnes senior caps her career with a victory while Houston junior turns in a second straight sub-par round. Dragons, meanwhile, overtake Page with total team effort to win boys title.

Damon Sisa scores three touchdowns as Houston racks up 300 yards on the ground.

Houston junior shrugs off a slow start to finish at 2-under 68 while St. Agnes senior is in good shape after a 71.

Mustangs are averaging nearly 359 yards per game while the Phoenix is allowing just over 10. Plus, check out the region football standings as we head into week 8.

Panthers leader in the secondary was instrumental in a victory over Houston on Sept. 30.

Related story:

TSSAA high school football leaders and standings: Houston, MASE lead in offense, defense

Under first-year coach Jerome Griffin, the Jaguars are 5-1 entering Friday’s game against state-ranked Munford after winning just once in 2021.

The explosive Cougars are averaging nearly 60 points per game over their last three contests.

Senior heads into Thursday’s Division 2-AA state golf tournament on the heels of a 7-under 65 at Greens of Irene.

Houston High is No. 10 in Division 1, Class 6A; others receiving votes included Bartlett and Germantown.

Standouts from Bartlett, Central, Collierville, Lausanne, MUS and St. Benedict up for consideration this week. Voting ends at 5 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 6.

Related story:

Collierville remains No. 2 in AP High School Football rankings

Sophomore quarterback Brady Hughes leads Owls’ ground game.

Logan Johns throws three touchdown passes, two to his best friend, Noah Flaskamp.

Past qualifiers Andrew and Matthew Westmoreland will be joined by younger sister Ally this year as the Class A state golf tournament gets underway in Sevierville.

Damon Sisa was instrumental in the team’s victory over previously undefeated Germantown.

With some early-season difficulties out of the way, the junior cross-country standout takes aim at staying at the front of the pack.

Here are this week’s high school football statistical leaders for TSSAA schools in The Daily Memphian coverage area. Totals are through Week 6 games.

Senior running back Braxton Sharp is carrying the scoring load for the No. 1 team in the area.