PLANO, TEXAS, October 15th, 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: Maximus Denson, Junior, QB, Duncanville High School

Mascot: Panthers

Opponent: DeSoto High School

Junior quarterback Maximus “The Great” Denson of Duncanville High School delivered a breakout performance versus DeSoto - a highly anticipated state-ranked matchup and one of the best Texas rivalries.  Denson tied a record for most touchdown passes in a district game and was nearly unstoppable, completing 23 of 31 passes for 328 yards and 7 touchdowns, while also adding 29 yards on 5 carries. What made the night even more impressive was his ability to distribute the ball effectively—four different receivers caught touchdown passes, with three of them hauling in two each. As the offense continues to find its rhythm, Denson is clearly coming into his own. Through four regular season games, he has completed 54 of 80 passes for 856 yards and 15 touchdowns, proving that “The Great” is more than just a nickname—it’s a warning to defenses across the state.

“He played well. Maximus has never played 6A football, so he’s growing up in front of our eyes, and he’ll get better as we go.”

• DUNCANVILLE HIGH SCHOOL HEAD COACH REGINALD SAMPLES

Class 5A: Colin Rose, Senior, QB, Tivy High School

Mascot: Antlers

Opponent: Veterans Memorial High School

For someone who hadn’t played quarterback since he was a freshman, Kerrville Tivy’s Colin Rose is having a bang-up season in his return to the position as a senior. Rose has been so impressive in the first seven games of the regular season that he’s playing as though he never stopped being a quarterback. The No. 2 passer in Texas with 2,243 yards, per MaxPreps, Rose has completed 150 of 228 attempts for 31 touchdowns and is averaging 320.4 yards a game. He was at the top of his game last week in a 56-25 victory against San Antonio Veterans Memorial, completing 23 of 37 passes, with two interceptions, for 363 yards and 8 TDs. He also rushed 13 times for 55 yards. Tivy improved to 5-2 overall and 2-1 in District 13-5A Division II.

"Colin is the All-American kid. Colin is an exceptional athlete, but he’s a better kid, he’s a better teammate, and he’s a better student. He’s the ultimate competitor, but he’s an ultimate friend and ultimate teammate. Not only is he a captain of our football team, he’s the captain of our soccer team. When I look for a quarterback, I don’t necessarily look for arm talent as the No. 1 thing. I look for all the intangible type of scenarios. How does the group respond to him? What kind of teammate is he? How hard does he work? What’s his football IQ? And then it’s arm talent. Colin fits all those intangibles we were wanting. But he’s just a bonus because of the quality of kid and the leadership qualities that he represents."

• TIVY HIGH SCHOOL HEAD COACH CURTIS NEILL

Class 4A: Dominick Higgins, Senior, QB, Seminole High School

Mascot: Indians

Opponent: Fort Stockton High School

Senior quarterback Dominick Higgins of Seminole High School turned in a near-flawless performance in a dominant 59-7 win over Fort Stockton, completing 34 of 35 passes for 349 yards and 3 touchdowns, while also adding 58 rushing yards and 2 more scores on 10 carries. Higgins has been on an absolute tear over the last three games, going 78-for-90 (87%) through the air for 970 yards and 13 touchdowns with zero interceptions. His elite efficiency and decision-making have powered the Indians to an explosive offensive pace, averaging over 45 points per game. On the season, Higgins has completed 74% of his passes for more than 2,000 yards and 23 touchdowns, firmly establishing himself as one of the top quarterbacks in the state and the undeniable leader of a red-hot Seminole squad.

“Dom played as close to a perfect game as a QB can play.  Dominick is a true humble servant leader.  He makes our team better in every way.  You could not have picked a better person for this award.”

•  SEMINOLE HIGH SCHOOL HEAD COACH GREG POYNOR

Class 3A: Kaden Carpio, Junior, QB, Dimmitt High School

Mascot: Bobcats

Opponent: Tulia High School

Junior quarterback Kaden Carpio of Dimmitt High School delivered a performance for the ages, leading the Bobcats to a crucial victory that now positions the team for its first playoff appearance since 2016. Carpio was unstoppable on the ground, racking up 479 yards and 7 touchdowns on 40 carries, while also completing 5 of 9 passes for 134 yards through the air. His incredible stat line not only set school records but may rank among the top 30 rushing performances in high school football history, regardless of classification. Carpio's historic night has etched his name into the Dimmitt record books and solidified his status as one of the most dominant dual-threat quarterbacks in the state.

 “Kaden drives our offense. When he’s at his best, our team is tough to stop. He leads quietly through action, not seeking attention, with his focus on winning.”

• DIMMITT HIGH SCHOOL HEAD COACH JIMMY ARIAS

Class 2A: Zane Fuentes, Senior, RB/DB, Alvord High School

Mascot: Bulldogs

Opponent: Tom Bean High School

Senior running back and defensive back Zane Fuentes delivered a heroic performance for Alvord High School in a thrilling 49-42 victory over previously undefeated Tom Bean. Fuentes was the workhorse for the Bulldogs, carrying the ball an incredible 49 times for 350 yards and 5 touchdowns—accounting for more than 50% of Alvord’s offensive plays. His final touchdown came with just 24 seconds left in the fourth quarter, sealing the go-ahead score in a dramatic finish. On the defensive side, Fuentes was just as impactful, recording 9 tackles—8 of them solo—and adding 2 pass break-ups. His clutch performance helped lift Alvord to a 5-2 overall record and a perfect 3-0 mark in district play, firmly establishing himself as the heart and soul of this playoff-bound squad.

“Zane embodies everything our program stands for — toughness, humility, and an unrelenting will to compete. What he did on Friday night wasn’t just a great performance, it was a reflection of the work he’s put in every single day. He’s the kind of player who makes everyone around him better, and he’s a huge reason our team believes in what we’re building here at Alvord.”

• ALVORD HIGH SCHOOL HEAD COACH MATT FANNING

Private School: Jaxon Coleman, Junior, WR/DB, Concordia Lutheran High School

Mascot: Crusaders

Opponent: Central Catholic High School

Junior wide receiver and defensive back Jaxon Coleman from Concordia Lutheran High School put together a jaw-dropping all-around performance that showcased his elite playmaking ability on both sides of the ball. Coleman filled the stat sheet with 7 tackles, 3 interceptions—including a highlight-reel one-handed grab that earned the #8 spot on SportsCenter’s Top 10 plays—along with 1 pass break-up. Offensively, he hauled in 2 receptions for 52 yards and a touchdown, added 2 carries for 39 yards and another score, and racked up 99 total return yards. Every time Coleman touches the ball, there’s the threat of a game-changing play. His dynamic skillset and electric presence make him one of the most dangerous two-way players in the state.

“Jaxon is a joy to coach; he comes in every day with a smile on his face and Jesus in his heart. He loves playing the game and accepts every role presented to him with winning in mind… he is always a pleasure to watch.”

• CONCORDIA LUTHERAN HIGH SCHOOL HEAD COACH WILLIE AMENDOLA

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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.