As sports seasons shift into full gear across the county, Gulf Coast Media’s next Athlete of the Week poll is currently live on our website.

Four athletes from Baldwin County will be included in the voting each week, which will open at noon on Mondays and close at 5 p.m. on Tuesdays.

Individuals can only vote for their chosen athlete once, with the winner being announced on GCM’s website and social media pages soon after polling concludes.

This week, we have a trio of standout athletes from the gridiron and a championship-winning volleyball player making up the list of candidates.

Gulf Shores created shockwaves across the state when it snapped Saraland’s 41-game winning streak last week, and the Dolphins wouldn’t have been able to do so without the services of Elijah Malone.

The Jacksonville State commit is listed as a cornerback and wide receiver, but he did it all Friday night. Malone ran for 133 yards and a trio of touchdowns, broke up five passes and produced the most important moment of the game when he blocked a late field goal attempt.

Meanwhile, Orange Beach pulled off an upset of its own by taking down Vigor, and much like Malone, senior Verchaun Simms was all over the field for the Makos.

The transfer from St. Augustine High School (LA) acted as a magnet to the football, as he picked off two passes, tipped another that led to a teammate’s interception and also came up with a 75-yard receiving touchdown.

"It was a great win, and it lets us know where we stand," Simms said of the 21-19 victory over the Wolves. It put the state on notice, we’re here.”

Elsewhere, Spanish Fort’s Delaney Duncan has performed at a high level all year long, and the sophomore played an integral role in the Toros claiming the Foley Labor Day Classic Championship. Duncan earned Tournament MVP honors following her two-day showing at the event, and she’s posted some impressive stats up to this point in the still-young season.

And lastly, St. Michael may have come out on the wrong end of a 17-13 result against UMS-Wright, but tailback Nygel Mitchell did everything he could to give the Cardinals a shot.

Two weeks after starring on a national stage against Battle Ground Academy (TN), Mitchell toted the rock 25 times for 236 yards against the Bulldogs, finding the end zone twice.

Vote at the link below to support your favorite local athlete, and be sure to share the poll with family and friends!