South Texas has had its first taste of fall, and standout performances from the region’s top athletes have earned them a spot as finalists for the Apple Dental Center Caller-Times High School Athlete of the Week.
The Caller-Times accepts weekly nominations and publishes a list of finalists each Tuesday. All varsity athletes are eligible, but no student may win more than once per sport per season, and schools cannot have winners for more than three consecutive weeks.
Among the notable performances: Seth Neatherlin threw five touchdown passes to lead Carroll past Ray, and Port Aransas’ Leah DePiper captured bronze in the Class 2A girls race at the UIL State Cross Country Championships with a time of 11:44.70.
Readers can vote for their favorites on caller The poll closes Thursday, and winners are announced Friday.
This Week’s Finalists:
Jayden Barnes, IWA cross country: Finished seventh in 4A at the TAPPS state meet with a time of 18:05.16.
Romeo Castillo, Moody football: Rushed 20 times for 185 yards and two touchdowns and caught a 47-yard touchdown pass against King.
Ethan Conn, Three Rivers football: Recorded 10 receptions for 241 yards and four touchdowns, and added eight tackles against Santa Maria.
Leah DePiper, Port Aransas cross country: Earned a bronze medal in her first UIL State meet, finishing third in the Class 2A girls race.
Connor Klostermann, Calallen football: Completed 4 of 5 passes for 85 yards and two touchdowns and rushed four times for 174 yards and two touchdowns against Hidalgo.
Ray Lewis, Refugio football: Passed for 243 yards and three touchdowns, rushed for 195 yards and one touchdown, and contributed five tackles on defense.
Seth Neatherlin, Carroll football: Threw 10 of 15 for 219 yards and five touchdowns against Ray.
Addyson Stroman, Hebbronville volleyball: Posted 24 kills, four blocks, and two aces in a bi-district win over George West.