PLANO, TEXAS, September 17th, 2025 - Ford is celebrating the 20th anniversary of the prestigious Built Ford Tough Player of the Week and Year Awards, one of the most celebrated honors in Texas high school sports that recognizes student-athletes for their performance, leadership, and commitment to excellence. During each week of the 2025 regular season, fans, coaches, and media are asked to nominate players at FordPlayeroftheWeek.com.

To mark the milestone, Ford is partnering with Texas’ most iconic media brand, Dave Campbell’s Texas Football, to honor past recipients and showcase their achievements both on and off the field. Throughout the season, Dave Campbell’s will produce the Built Ford Tough Player of the Week Show each Thursday at 10:30 p.m. on Texan Live and across Dave Campbell’s social platforms, inviting fans to tune in weekly and follow along for highlights, stories, and exclusive content.

The campaign will also be celebrated through Dave Campbell’s statewide media channels and UIL postseason broadcasts, with special recognition leading into the Built Ford Tough Player of the Year Banquet in January. At the banquet, one honoree from each classification, will be recognized with the Dave Campbell’s Mr. Texas Football Award, an honor that celebrates the state’s most outstanding high school football player as part of this season-long celebration.

This week’s winning athletes join a long list of remarkable players recognized for their exceptional efforts.  

Class 6A: Ernie Powers, Senior, RB, Franklin High School

Mascot: Cougars

Opponent: Monterey High School

In a 49-42 win over Monterey on Friday, Franklin senior running back Ernie Powers carried the Cougars offense. Powers touched the ball nearly every play with 43 carries for 365 yards and six touchdowns. Powers, who holds Division I offers from Air Force, Navy and UTEP, has already eclipsed 1,000 yards in three games with 15 touchdowns this season. The Cougars improved to 2-1 on the year and are considered one of the favorites in a loaded District 1-6A, due in large part to the play of Powers. 

“Ernie's past performance was impressive and amazing. His toughness, grit, attitude, and selfless desire to will his team to victory was impressive. When you look at his body of work over his high school career, that is who he has always been. He suffered a season-ending broken leg his sophomore year and worked endlessly to get his body and mind stronger to compete and dominate each week. He leads by example and is always prepared to answer the bell. He's a humble and giving member of the community with an infectious smile, ready to help and encourage all. His passion for life, competition, athletics, and success is unmatched. His accountability to his team, family, and our community is second to none.” - FRANKLIN HIGH SCHOOL HEAD COACH RUBEN TORRES

Class 5A: Weston Nielsen, Junior, QB, Bastrop High School

Mascot: Bears

Opponent:  Prestonwood Christian Academy

With a nine-touchdown performance on Friday, it should be no surprise that Bastrop quarterback Weston Nielsen has been named the state's Build Ford Tough Player of the Week for Class 5A football in Texas.

Nielsen had a game for the ages during Friday's 70-55 victory over Prestonwood Christian. He completed 22 of 32 passes for 550 yards and seven touchdowns. The do-it-all junior also ran for a touchdown and scored on a touchdown pass.  He gave credit to the offensive line, running backs, wide receivers and the scout team for the big game.

Through three games Nielsen has passed for an average of 342 yards per game and has 12 touchdown passes. He's a big reason Bastrop has earned a 3-0 record.

"He played extremely well versus a talented team. He made some great pre-snap checks that allowed him more time with options downfield that fit the coverage he was seeing. He delivered with confidence." - BASTROP HIGH SCHOOL HEAD COACH JAKE GRIEDL

Class 4A: Kenneth Johnson, Senior, RB, Jarrell High School

Mascot: Cougars

Opponent: Caldwell High School

Jarrell senior running back Kenneth Johnson burst onto the scene during the Cougars 64-35 win against Caldwell. Johnson, who is getting some attention from college recruiters shattered the Jarrell High School record for rushing yards in a game (391) on just 11-carries, averaging a mind-boggling 35.5 yards a carry. Johnson also tied a school record with 5-TD’s during the victory for the 3-0 Cougars.

“Kenneth’s amazing night just so happened to be Senior Parent's Night, and he put on a show for his mom and dad. Kenneth was electric and it seemed as if each time he touched the ball something great was going to happen. It was a night I will always remember, and so enjoyable because I’ve watched him develop this year as a person, player, and he has been a great teammate. Kenneth wants other players to be successful and is always positive with them to get their job done. If a teammate is successful, he is always the first person to cheer for their accomplishments.” - JARRELL HIGH SCHOOL HEAD COACH ALAN HAIRE

Class 3A: Jett Taylor, Senior, QB, Grand Saline High School

Mascot: Indians

Opponent: Rains High School

When Jett Taylor gets his hands on the football – on either side of the ball – good things usually happen for the Grand Saline Indians.  Offensively he carried the ball 16 times for 311 yards and 4 touchdowns.  He also threw for another 82 yards and 1 touchdown. Defensively he had 6 tackles and one interception which he returned for a touchdown.

A year ago, Taylor combined for more than 3,400 offensive yards and 45 touchdowns to go along with a pair of defensive TDs. He’s well above that pace through three games in 2025 after a spectacular performance in a 42-14 win over Rains in Week 3.

“Jett is an unbelievable player and competitor. He is a model student as well, which is why he committed to the Naval Academy. He’s a leader for us offensively and defensively, and he is without a doubt one of the hardest working kids I’ve ever coached.” - GRAND SALINE HIGH SCHOOL HEAD COACH JOE DRENNON

Class 2A: Boone Hodges, Senior, LB, Paul H Pewitt High School

Mascot: Brahmas

Opponent: Redwater High School

Boone Hodges earned a bronze medal in the pole vault at last spring’s UIL State Track and Field Meet and is set to compete in that event at college level in 2026. A few more games like he had in a 40-35 win over Redwater in Week 3 of the season might have college football coaches knocking on his door.

Hodges racked up 22 tackles, three tackles for loss and three sacks to help his team bounce back from a four-point loss in Week 2.

The senior standout is a representative member of Paul Pewitt’s FCA Leadership Team who carries a 3.9 GPA and is one of the team’s senior captains.

“The thing that always stands out to me about Boone is that he doesn’t have bad days. He is always in a great mood and gives great effort at all times in all areas of his life. He’s a better man off the field than on the field, and he’s pretty dang good on the field.” - PAUL H PEWITT HIGH SCHOOL HEAD COACH JEREMY RUSSELL

Private School: Cody Dow, Senior, QB, McKinney Christian Academy

Mascot: Mustangs

Opponent: Grace Preparatory Academy

McKinney Christian Academy senior quarterback Cody Dow delivered a historic performance under the Friday night lights, showcasing his elite talent and leadership. Dow completed 30 of 51 passes for a staggering 580 yards and 6 touchdowns through the air, torching the opposing defense with pinpoint accuracy and deep-ball precision. He wasn’t just dominant in the passing game - he also made a significant impact on the ground, adding 41 rushing yards on 11 carries and punching in 3 more touchdowns. With 9 total touchdowns and 621 yards of offense, Dow’s performance stands as one of the most electrifying on Friday night.

“Cody really put together a great game. He's plenty capable, and he has been working hard on his read progressions, spot throws, and using touch and dart throws when applicable. He really put it all together in this one. That team hadn't allowed more than 23 points so far and going into it we felt that was the toughest defense we had faced to this point. We had some drops, and we threw some balls away, which is another aspect we have been working on. It was great to see all of it come together!" - McKINNEY CHRISTIAN HEAD COACH DAN WHITSETT

How the program works 
The Built Ford Tough Texas High School Football Player of the Week program recognizes one high school student-athlete in six of the state’s athletic classifications each week of the regular season. 

Nominees must excel in three categories: 

• Individual performance on the field, including significant statistics from that week’s game  
• Contribution to the team’s success through individual leadership abilities  
• Performance off the field, including academic success and good community citizenship 

At the end of the regular season, Ford and its advisory board will select one student-athlete from the 11 weekly winners to be the Built Ford Tough Texas High School Football Player of the Year in each classification. Following the championship games, honorees will be recognized at a banquet next year and one winner will be elevated to be awarded Dave Campbell’s Mr. Texas Football.

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Ford F-Series: The best-selling truck for over 48 years 
Ford is the undisputed truck leader in Texas. Ford F-Series sets the standard for full-size pickups with leading payload, towing, interior roominess, strength, and reliability. Ford is proud to recognize the Built Ford Tough Texas High School Football Players of the Week.  

About Ford Motor Company 

Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) is a global company based in Dearborn, Michigan, that is committed to helping build a better world, where every person is free to move and pursue their dreams. The company’s Ford+ plan for growth and value creation combines existing strengths, new capabilities and always-on relationships with customers to enrich experiences for and deepen the loyalty of those customers. Ford develops and delivers innovative, must-have Ford trucks, sport utility vehicles, commercial vans and cars and Lincoln luxury vehicles, as well as connected services. Additionally, Ford is establishing leadership positions in mobility solutions, including self-driving technology, and provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. Ford employs about 182,000 people worldwide. More information about the company, its products and Ford Credit is available at corporate.ford.com. 

About Dave Campbell’s Texas Football

For over 65 years, the iconic Dave Campbell’s Texas Football media brand has been “The Bible” for millions of football fans across Texas. Its annual summer edition is essential reading for rabid football fans, previewing every high school and college team in the state. Known for its comprehensive coverage, TexasFootball.com offers extensive digital content, including team and recruit rankings, scores, exclusive interviews, podcasts, and daily shows. Additionally, Dave Campbell’s Texan Live streams over 1,900 live sporting events each year, bringing fans closer to the action.