By Michael Adams 
Austin Sports Journal 

The Austin Sports Journal has partnered with Covert Ford to honor the top high school athletes in the Austin-San Antonio region each week during the 2025-26 high school sports season. 

Our athlete of the week award winner for the week of Oct. 6-11 is St. Andrew’s football junior running back Hayes Paddock.  

Paddock delivered a breakout performance, scoring five total touchdowns while rushing for 300 yards on 24 carries (12.5 yards per carry) and catching three passes for 98 yards to lead the Highlanders past Greenhill. 

Paddock received 46.6% of the vote from Austin Sports Journal readers. Leander’s Ke’Marion Gordon finished second with 19.2% of the vote, while Bastrop volleyball player Keyaira Limuel came in a close third with 17.7%. McNeil athlete Jarell Gary Jr., Westlake cross country runner Caroline Strong and Bowie cross country runner Griffin Hummel were also nominated.

Readers can vote for our athlete of the week each week. Voting is open from noon, Mondays through 5 p.m., Tuesdays. The Austin Sports journal will announce the winner each week and present the winner with a certificate. 

Coaches are encouraged to nominate athletes no later than 5 p.m. on Sundays each week. Nominate players by emailing Michael Adams at madams@austinsportsjournal.com.