By Michel Adams
Austin Sports Journal

Our athlete of the week award winner for the week of Nov. 10-15 is Bastrop running back Gary Jefferson Jr.

The senior running back rushed for 184 yards rushing on 10 carries (18.4 yards per carry) and scored four touchdowns in the Bears’ bi-district playoff win over San Antonio Burbank. He followed that with a six touchdown performance against Waco University in an area round playoff, where he rushed for 381 yards on 31 carries (11.2 YPC) and help the Bears reach the third round of the playoffs for the first time since 2010.

Jefferson was an overwhelming favorite with Austin Sports Journal readers, receiving 91.1% of the vote. Vandegrift kicker Wiley Olson finished second with 6% of the vote, while Austin High guard Jillian Shirk placed third with 2.4%. Cedar Park running back Trae Hill and Dripping Springs wide receiver Cooper Reid were also nominated.

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. 

Readers can vote for our athlete of the week each week. Voting is open from noon, Mondays through noon on Wednesday. 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.