On Sept. 5, WBRZ Sports 2 Louisiana kicked off the 2011 prep football season in South Louisiana with the 16th year of WBRZ’s Fans Choice High School Athlete of the Week Award.

The Fans Choice award is a unique, interactive approach to recognizing the most outstanding high school athlete of the week.

Coaches, players and fans are encouraged to watch WBRZ News 2 Louisiana at 6 p.m. and 10 p.m. and visit their website at www.WBRZ.com to nominate their favorite high school football athlete of the week.

Every Tuesday, viewers cast their votes online for the top three nominees, then every Wednesday, the top vote getter will be announced with a special story on WBRZ News 2 Louisiana at 10 p.m.

Last week, WBRZ's Fans Choice Award went to Dillon Beard, a runningback for Zachary High School.

Congratulations, Dillon!

The Fans’ Choice winners from 2010 included:

Ron Pennington (running back, Zachary High School)

Ladarrius Vessell (running back, Zachary High School)

Kaleb Blanchard (running back, Denham Springs High School)

Leon Blouin (quarterback, Dutchtown High School)

Darian Claiborne (linebacker, Port Allen High School)

Kyle Crifasi (quarterback, University Lab School)

Christopher Duncan (quarterback, St. Michael High School)

Michael Henry (linebacker, Episcopal High School)

Brandon Landry (kicker/punter, St. Michael High School)

Hayden Smith (wide receiver, St. Michael High School)

Nico Talbert (wide receiver, Redemptorist High School)

Reginald Williams (safety, Denham Springs High School)

WBRZ’s Fans’ Choice High School Athlete of the Week Award is sponsored by Neighbors Federal Credit Union and Brian Harris Chrysler Jeep.