PLANO, TEXAS, November 5th, 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: Legend Bey Senior, QB, North Forney High School

Mascot: Falcons

Opponent: Longview High School

North Forney senior quarterback Legend Bey continues to live up to his name, delivering another electric performance in the Falcons’ statement win over Longview. The Tennessee commit showcased his dual-threat ability, posting a remarkable stat line — 7-of-20 passing for 127 yards, 1 touchdown, and 2 interceptions, while torching the defense on the ground with 18 carries for 243 yards and 4 rushing touchdowns, plus a 16-yard reception for good measure. Despite throwing his first two interceptions of the season, Bey’s dynamic playmaking powered North Forney to victory and solidified their 8-1 record heading into the playoffs. On the year, he’s been nothing short of sensational, amassing 1,138 passing yards with 14 touchdowns and 1,356 rushing yards with 23 touchdowns, including seven multi-score games and two with four rushing scores. With Bey leading the charge, the Falcons are flying high and look primed for a deep postseason run.  

“Legend is one of the most competitive athletes I’ve ever been around. He is a generational talent and has an opportunity to be remembered as one of the best players to ever play Texas High School Football.” 

 NORTH FORNEY HIGH SCHOOL HEAD COACH MARCUS SHAVERS

Class 5A: Ashton Ruffin, Senior, RB/LB, La Porte High School

Mascot: Bulldogs

Opponent: Angleton High School

La Porte senior Ashton Ruffin continues to shine as one of the most versatile players in the district, dominating on both sides of the ball in the Bulldogs’ latest victory. The two-way running back and linebacker powered the offense with 20 carries for 265 yards and 3 touchdowns, while anchoring the defense with 12 tackles, 4 tackles for loss, and 2 sacks, including the game-clinching sack that sealed the win. A two-year All-District player and Honor Roll student, Ruffin exemplifies leadership both on and off the field as a member of the Superintendent’s Legacy Council, team captain, and track athlete. With La Porte sitting at 8-1 overall and 6-0 in district play, Ruffin’s playmaking and leadership have the Bulldogs poised for a deep playoff run.

"Ashton ran for 250 yards and 3 Touchdowns and made significant numbers of plays on defense in our big win vs Angleton. He is a team captain in our program and an outstanding student."

LA PORTE HIGH SCHOOL HEAD COACH KEVIN BERNEATHY

Class 4A: Christopher Brown, Senior, QB, Jack Yates High School

Mascot: Lions

Opponent: Washington High School

Jack Yates senior quarterback and team co-captain Christopher Brown proved once again why he’s one of the most versatile and dynamic players in Texas high school football. Brown turned in a jaw-dropping performance, completing 12 of 14 passes for 241 yards and 5 touchdowns, rushing 5 times for 146 yards and 2 more scores, and adding 161 kick return yards with 2 touchdowns. He even unleashed his longest punt of the year — a 67-yarder — showing that there’s truly nothing he can’t do on the field. Known for his leadership and unmatched versatility, Brown is the kind of athlete who can play any position on the field and excel. A Dave Campbell’s 4A QB of the Year nominee, District Offensive MVP, and First Team All-District selection, Brown has powered the Lions to a perfect 9-0 record (7-0 in district), positioning Jack Yates as a serious contender for a deep playoff run.

“Christopher Brown better known as "C Breezy" means everything to our program! He is the heart and soul of our Football team! Chris makes Yates Lions football team go!  He’s not just the engine of the offense (racking up yards and touchdowns with consistency) but also a leader who embodies the pride, tradition, and legacy of the program Third Ward Community. With his performance and presence, he gives this team belief, the fans hope, and the school a chance to reclaim it's dominate prominence - #KeepTheFaithAndTrustTheProcess”

JACK YATES HIGH SCHOOL HEAD COACH JASON LEWIS

Class 3A: Brian Grissom, Senior, RB, Academy High School

Mascot: Bumblebees

Opponent: McGregor High School

The Academy Bumblebees were all but assured to be one of the four teams playoff bound from District 11-3A, Division 2, but needed a win against McGregor to leave no doubt and help their overall seeding too. Academy started their season with three consecutive losses but the team never blinked and now own a three-game winning streak after their 56-49 win against McGregor. And what a night for senior running back Brian Grissom, who broke the school record for most rushing yards and touchdowns in a single game with 480 on 29-carries and seven touchdowns.

The Bumblebees are in the playoffs for a sixth consecutive year. Academy will close out their district schedule at Cameron Yoe on Friday.

“Brian is the kind of player every coach dreams of because he works hard after practice, never complains about extra reps, and always wants the ball when the game is on the line. He leads by example with his toughness and attitude, showing his teammates what it really means to compete every single day.”

ACADEMY HIGH SCHOOL HEAD COACH TY KUHN

Class 2A: Caleb Groetken, Senior, QB, Sudan High School

Mascot: Hornets

Opponent: Morton High School

Sudan High School senior quarterback Caleb Groetken continues to showcase why he’s one of the most complete athletes and leaders in the state. In his latest performance, Groetken was unstoppable—completing 7 of 12 passes for 222 yards and 3 touchdowns, while adding 120 rushing yards and 3 more scores on 11 carries. He also displayed his versatility and reliability on special teams, going 8-for-8 on PATs and launching a 70-yard punt. The heart and soul of the team, Caleb has been a steady leader all season, setting an example for younger players with his work ethic, humility, and poise. Averaging over 10 yards per carry, he’s been a big-play threat every week. Off the field, Caleb excels just as much—ranking in the Top Ten of his class, earning Academic All-District honors, and achieving multiple First Team All-District selections in both football and baseball. A regional qualifier in track and field and Baseball Pitcher of the Year, Groetken embodies excellence in every arena and is truly deserving of this recognition.

"Caleb did a little bit of everything for us on Friday night.  He scored 6 TDs, 3 running and 3 passing, converted all 8 PATs, and had a 70 yard punt.  Caleb has been a catalyst for us all season long. He has consistently led this team both with on the field production and great leadership on and off the field.  Caleb has been an unstoppable force this season averaging over 10 yards a carry for the season.  He has been a selfless teammate and excellent role model for our younger players.  He will be the first to tell anyone he could not have done it without his teammates.”

SUDAN HIGH SCHOOL HEAD COACH JOHN CORNELIUS

Private School: Emerson Hadnot, Senior, RB, All Saints Episcopal School

Mascot: Trojans

Opponent: The Shelton School

Emerson Hadnot likes to acknowledge his teammates for providing the blocks when he scores a touchdown, and he spent a lot of time doing both in a Week 10 69-0 win over Dallas Shelton.Hadnot carried 15 times for 225 yards and five touchdowns and threw a 62-yard TD pass to help the Trojans stay unbeaten (3-0) in district play.

All Saints has won five in a row, and Hadnot has rushed for at least 200 yards and scored at least three touchdowns in four of the five wins. He’s scored on the ground (22 touchdowns), as a receiver (2 touchdowns), throwing the ball (1 TD) and on a kickoff return this season while also converting on 2-pointers 10 times. He also averages 37.1 yards punting with a long of 65 yards.

“Emerson is a fantastic young man with great character and a fantastic personality. We changed some things on offense to fit his talents and find different ways to get him the ball, and he’s really flourished. He’s a threat to run, obviously, but he can also throw it and catch it and he’s a great punter. He never fails to give his blockers praise when he scores. He’s just a great kid all-around.”

ALL SAINTS EPISCOPAL SCHOOL HEAD COACH KYLE FREEMAN

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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.