The Santa Barbara Dons swept this week’s Athletes of the Week, as tackle football running back Koa Herrera and flag football wide receiver and defensive back Carolina Esparza shined on the gridiron to earn the honor.
Herrera and Esparza were honored on Monday at the Santa Barbara Athletic Round Table Press Luncheon at Harry’s Plaza Cafe.
The 5-foot-7 Herrera led a potent Santa Barbara High rushing attack in Friday’s Big Game where the Dons came out on top 35-0. In 23 carries, he totaled 105 rushing yards and a touchdown while adding a 32-yard touchdown reception to his line.
His teammate Kai Mault was given the Big Game MVP award for his performance, but Herrera finished second in the voting.
Esparza also helped lead her team to a Big Game win over the Royals in the first-ever rivalry matchup for flag football.
In the 20-18 win, Esparza had six catches for 68 yards and a touchdown while also securing a pick-six on the first play from scrimmage to spark her team early. She also added in a one-point conversion catch.
The male honorable mentions were Sebastian Reed (Carpinteria Water Polo), Jaden Moore (Dos Pueblos Water Polo) and Mault (Santa Barbara Tackle Football).
For the girls, the honorable mentions included Ellie Triplett (Dos Pueblos Tennis), Sagarika Manian (Dos Pueblos Golf), Gwen Chenoweth (Santa Barbara Volleyball) and Taylor Hayes (Dos Pueblos Flag Football).
The Athlete of the Week award winners are selected by the local sports media. Coaches are encouraged to nominate deserving athletes. Nominations should be sent to sports@noozhawk.com by Saturday, if possible.
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