2024 PFN Player Profile: Getting To Know Schuylkill Haven LB/RB Niko Carestia
Tagged under: District 11, News, Player Previews
contributor | May 13, 2024
Niko Carestia
2026
Jersey44
Height and weight
5’10” 205
Other sports
Wrestling, Track & Field
Awards won/earned
Dream Team All-Area Running back, Linebacker. 4 T-102 Player of The Game Awards
Coach Farr: Strong talented RB/LB @ 5’9″ 200 lbs. rushed for 1,800 sophomore year with 100+ tackles. Great vision and overall strength. Makes all the cuts and has breakaway speed. runs 11.2 100m & 4.65 40x.
What is the best part of being a student-athlete at Schuylkill Haven High School?
Being a member of a proud community that comes together and supports one another.
What is the toughest part of being a three-sport student-athlete?
You have to get your work done as soon as possible or you’re going to fall behind in your classes.
Football, wrestling, and track: how long have you been in each sport?
I’ve been playing football for 5 years.
This is my 3rd year of Track & Field.
I’ve been wrestling for 7 years.
Football, wrestling, and track: Of the three sports, which one do you feel you are the best at?
I felt when I was a kid going through biddies, I was a better wrestler than a football player because I won the PJW district championship and placed 4th at states in 5th grade but then I started my football career in 6th grade and instantly knew I was a better football player then wrestler.
Of all the road games you have played, which stadium had the best overall atmosphere, along with what made it so good?
I think that North Schuykill’s field had a great atmosphere because most of our fans didn’t mind driving up there and it pretty much felt like a home game for us.
Who has been the best player you have ever faced in a game, along with the team he played for?
I think that Luke Stevenosky, from Minersville, was the best player I faced.
If the game is on the line, do you want to be on offense or defense? Explain
When the game is on the line, I like to be on offense because I have trust in my team and our game plan that we will succeed in pulling off a victory, and we’ve definitely shown our opponents that we can win late.
As an athlete, what has been your biggest achievement?
Stepping up in one of our toughest games of the season against Minersville by having 4 touchdowns and scoring the game-winning touchdown against a very talented and dangerous team.
What was the high point of the 2023 season?
The Penn Argyl game because it was a come-from-behind victory, on the road an hour away, in a torrential downpour, a very muddy game. Also, it solidified our district playoff seeding.
What are you going to miss the most from the class of 2024?
I’m going to miss the fun conversations I had with those guys. Sadly all 5 of them were on defense so we need more younger guys to step up this year.
What are you most looking forward to this coming season?
Winning a district championship and coming home with a gold medal.
What are your goals for the 2024 season?
3,000 yards rushing and 150 tackles. Also a district championship.
Have you ever been to a minor-league baseball game?
Yes, I go at least once a year.
What is your favorite video game?
Transformers: Fall of Cybertron
What toppings go on your favorite pizza?
Pepperoni and Sausage.
Follow PA Football News on Twitter @PaFootballNews
