St. Paul senior running back/linebacker Conor Kresta has been named 2017 Built Ford Tough Texas High School Football Player of the Week for week four after his performance in St. Paul’s recent game against Austin Hyde Park Baptist.
In his first three years as a do-everything starter at Shiner St. Paul, Kresta already owns two TAPPS state titles. And with the Cardinals off to a 4-0 start in 2017, St. Paul may well be in the hunt for another title.
Playing up a division Sept. 22 against Austin Hyde Park, St. Paul racked up a 42-26 win with Kresta turning in another typical all-around performance. Kresta rushed 22 times for 303 yards and four touchdowns (1, 60, 1 and 39 yards). He also had a 49-yard pass reception.
Equally impressive on defense, the middle linebacker made all of the defensive calls and was also in on nine tackles, most of the solo variety. And, as usual, he punted and snapped the ball on placekicks.
In last year’s title game, Kresta made a game-saving tackle to wrap up the crown. In a tiny school where 30 of the 40 boys play football, Kresta’s versatility is vital to the team’s success.
Kresta is versatile off the football field as well. In addition to playing baseball and running track in the spring, he manages to maintain a 3.15 GPA. He’s heavily involved in church activities and, in the summer, volunteers with Habitat for Humanity.
In the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey, Kresta helped Shiner welcome evacuees to a local nursing home, performing whatever services were required.
“Of the kids I’ve had, I can’t think of any who were more highly competitive than Conor,” said Cardinal head coach Jake Wachsmuth. “He gives us everything he’s got every day in practice and games. On every play he runs, he takes the ball 50 yards downfield. He’s just fun to coach. He’s a vocal leader but that doesn’t mean much if you don’t lead by example. Conor certainly does.”