I select athletes from each sport on a weekly basis and post them here Monday. We're down to football only for a couple weeks, so I decided to highlight two players this week. If I get them right or wrong, let me know in the comments section below. And please e-mail me your nominations at jzentz@idahostatesman.com.

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FOOTBALL

Kasen Covington, Capital: When his team needed a shift in momentum, the senior rover known more for his triple jumping ability stepped up. Tied 7-7 with Mountain View, Covington returned a kickoff 99 yards for a touchdown midway through the second quarter, then intercepted a pass with 12 seconds remaining in the first half to set up a 43-yard field goal that gave the Eagle a 17-7 lead. They never looked back on their way to a 38-13 victory. Capital (10-0) hosts defending 5A champion Highland (8-2) in the state semifinals at 7 p.m. Thursday at Bronco Stadium.

Taylor Kelly, Eagle: The senior quarterback continued his impressive form with a balanced approach Friday in a 35-17 victory against Rocky Mountain to advance to the 5A state semifinals. Kelly ran for 153 yards — including TD runs of 74 and 51 yards — and passed for 156 yards — including scoring strikes of 22 and 21 yards, respectively, to Jeff Slonaker and Mike Zarian. The Mustangs (9-1) travel to Coeur d'Alene on Friday to take on the Vikings (7-3). The winner will advance to the state championship game against the winner of Thursday's game between Capital and Highland.