Paloma Valley High Athletes of the Week: Oct. 22

From left: Blake Hunter, Jared Amador, Andre Kirkpatrick. Not pictured: Aeris Woods. Menifee 24/7photo: Kristen Spoon

Each week, Menifee 24/7 honors top student-athletes at Paloma Valley High School. The coach of each varsity sport is allowed to select one athlete based on the previous week's performances or on potential shown by the athlete. Here are this week's Paloma Valley High School Athletes of the Week:

Strong safety Andre Kirkpatrick had a big night in his first game as a Wildcat last week. He had an interception and had many big-time tackles as well as being the vocal and emotional leader, said his coach, Bert Esposito. Kirkpatrick sat out the first give games of the season after transferring from another school, but he made his 2015 debut a big one.

In his two most recent races, Jared Amador of the boys cross country team has had team best times - 16:34 (5K) at the Southern California Invitational in Oceanside and 15:51 (3-Mile) at the Inland Empire Invitational. That helped lead Paloma's varsity boys to overall fourth-place team finishes against dozens of teams from both San Diego and Southern Sections.

Senior and first-year water polo player Blake Hunter was honored for his exceptional defense against Perris High School last week. Said his coach, Katherine Barrier: "Blake is also an outstanding example of what it means to be a Wildcat. With great sportsmanship, he leads the team by example."

Aeris Woods has switched to the libero position for the girls volleyball team. Since the switch, she has lead the team in digs in every match, including a five-set win against Temescal Canyon.

These athletes will be eligible for selection as Paloma Valley High School's October Athletes of the Month. Anyone wishing to order a glossy print of this article with photo may do so by emailing menifee247info@gmail.com.