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. 13-18 is Hutto football senior quarterback Kaden Stefek.

Stefek carved up Stony Point’s defense, completing 15 of 22 passes for 278 yards and five touchdowns with no interceptions. His efficient night helped the Hippos secure a crucial district win and march them into a district showdown with Vandegrift.

Paddock received 76.6% of the vote from Austin Sports Journal readers. Cedar Park volleyball player Joy Udoye finished second with 18.1% of the vote, while Georgetown volleyball player Amelia Albright came in third with 3.1%. Liberty Hill running back Dylan Belinga and Lake Travis defensive end Carter Buck 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.