Knapik’s Two-Interception Game Earns Him Our Fayette Co. Athlete of the Week Honors

La Grange football player Cordale Knapik recently showed his clutch gene on the defensive end in order to help capture the team’s first win of the season. In a 63-47 shootout against Splendora last Friday on homecoming night, Knapik snagged two crucial interceptions, making sure the Leopards protected their home turf.

“Cordale Knapik is the type of player we want in our program,” said La Grange head football coach Kyle Cooper. “He’s rock solid. We have a saying ‘the ready man don’t have to get ready’, they just prepare themselves. They live their lives in such a manner that when their number’s called, they’re already ready. He’s always working to improve himself, always working to improve the team. Weight room, field, classroom. He handles his business and he does it to the best of his ability. Came up big for us Friday night. Two big picks, had a lot of great tackles, and it was just a big piece to the puzzle.”

Knapik’s leadership in all phases has made him our choice for this edition’s Athlete of the Week.

Question: What kind of technique do you use in order to make an interception?

Answer: “You got to read the quarterback’s eyes and you got to be in position. That’s partly due to the coaches calling what they want and just being where I need to be.”

Question: Your older brother, Clayton, was a senior on the team last year. What lessons has he taught you when it comes to football?

Answer: “He taught me I just need to be a dog and I can’t be afraid to hit people. I need to go up, hit them in the mouth, and just keep on doing it.

Question: What’s your most preferred food item that you get at HEB?

Answer: “I don’t even know what they’re called.

They’re like baked something. They taste like a little pizza thing. I don’t know what the exact name is.”

Question: Who’s a defensive back you look up to in the NFL? Answer: “I really like Stephon Gilmore. His eyes are in the right place, he knows what he’s doing, and he’s just a great player.”

Question: What made you start playing football?

Answer: “My dad got me into it at a young age just playing catch in the yard. Seventh and eighth grade year, just wanted to be on that varsity team up until now.”

Question: What would you say is the hardest part about football?

Answer: “You got to do the little things right and if you don’t, it’s just gonna get harder and harder, so you just got to start with those little things. As soon as you get those right, it’s really just your knowledge.”

Question: Your defensive coordinator, Brodney Pool, played seven seasons in the NFL with the Cleveland Browns and the New York Jets. What kind of things have you learned from him in terms of defense?

Answer: “Learn to read the quarterback’s eyes a little bit better. You got to know what’s behind you just from studying film and stuff. What’s gonna happen, what they like to do, and just how to read it.”

Question: Who’s your favorite team in any sport and why do you like them?

Answer: “I like the Patriots in football because their coach, Bill Belichick, he’s just an amazing play caller and he just does the little things right.”

Question: There are a lot of Mexican restaurants in the area. Which one do you like the most and why?

Answer: “I like Las Fuentes. I like their tacos. They’re pretty good. Their cheese is amazing, too, as well as their tortillas.”

Question: Who’s someone from La Grange that you hang out with the most?

Answer: “Probably Jaylances Johnson. He’s been a (friend) all my life and we just hang out.”

Knapik translates his smarts and passion for the game onto the field and it’s put La Grange football in the right direction.