PLANO, TEXAS, November 12th, 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. In late January, one of the honorees will also be recognized with the Built Ford Tough ‘Mr. Texas Football’ Award, a complementary 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.  

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Class 6A: Jordan Clay, Senior, WR, Madison High School

Mascot: Mavericks

Opponent: Roosevelt High School

One of the nation’s most highly recruited wide receivers before committing to Baylor in July, Jordan Clay had 11 receptions for 298 yards and 3 touchdowns in a 56-41 victory over San Antonio Roosevelt in their regular-season finale. The win put Madison in the playoffs for the first time since 2021. Clay, who scored on catches of 43, 47 and 42 yards, helped carry an offense that amassed a whopping 636 yards. A four-year varsity starter, Clay has 46 receptions for 1,093 yards and 11 TDs this season. Voted District 28-6A Newcomer of the Year as a freshman in 2022, he has 159 catches for 3,228 yards and 35 TDs in four seasons. Timed at 4.55 or better in the 40, Clay is a four-time all-district pick. Clay is also a two-time All-American pick who will play in the U.S. Navy All-American Bowl at the Alamodome, in January, in San Antonio. One of the best athletes in Madison history, Clay also has earned all-district honors in basketball and track. Clay has won the 110-meter hurdles at the district meet for three consecutive years. Clay plans to sign his letter of intent with Baylor early next month and enroll at Waco university in January. He will graduate from Madison in December. He is also a member of Madison’s football leadership council the last two years, Clay is an A-B student who ranks in the top 25 percent of his class. Even though Clay has committed to Baylor, he is still attracting recruiters, Madison head coach Blaine Pederson said.

“He’s still getting offers, even the last few weeks. He’s a good kid. He works hard. He does well in school. Here’s another side of him. Jordan is one of those kids who has always been ‘that kid.’ He’s been praised forever. People praise him all the time. With that, he really comes across as a humble guy. He’s done a good job of handling that. As a wide receiver, he runs great routes. Physically, he’s got big hands. And when he touches the ball, he’s catching it. He doesn’t drop many. And then he’s a big body (6-foot-4, 205 pounds). One, he’s hard to cover, especially with high school DBs. . . He’s constantly getting doubled and triple teamed. To be able to run routes, he’s got to get past the first one, who’s trying to hit him and hold him, and then go on and take on the next who’s set up to try to cover him. But he can do other things for us. He’s a good blocker and he does well blocking downfield when he’s split out wide. There are a lot of reasons why those D-I schools like him.” 

• MADISON HIGH SCHOOL HEAD COACH BLAINE PEDERSON

Class 5A: Cason Garcia, Junior, QB, Creekview High School

Mascot: Mustangs

Opponent: Newman Smith High School

Creekview High School junior quarterback Cason Garcia continues to make history for the Mustangs, leading them to a 42–30 victory over crosstown rival Newman Smith—their first win in the matchup in eight years. Garcia delivered a masterful performance, completing 22 of 34 passes for 304 yards and six touchdowns, with just one interception, while also adding 50 yards on 17 carries. His leadership and poise have powered Creekview to its first-ever nine-win season, marking a new era for the program. A dynamic dual-threat quarterback, Garcia was recognized as the 2024 District 6-5A Newcomer of the Year and earned First Team All-District Quarterback honors the same season. Next up, Garcia and the Mustangs face a tough playoff test against Frisco’s Reedy Lions, as they look to continue their historic run.

"Cason delivered one of the most impressive performances from a Creekview quarterback. In a rivalry game we hadn’t won in several years, he threw for over 300 yards and 6 touchdowns, leading our team back from a 17–14 halftime deficit to a 42–30 victory. He distributed the ball to our playmakers, stayed composed under pressure, and showed exactly why he’s a leader and spark of this program!"

• CREEKVIEW HIGH SCHOOL HEAD COACH DUSTY ORTIZ

Class 4A: C.J. Moll, Senior, LB, Caddo Mills High School

Mascot: Foxes

Opponent: Van Alstyne High School

The move from linebacker to defensive end wasn’t what C.J. Moll had in mind for his senior season, but the Caddo Mills standout was willing to make the switch to help his team. It’s safe to say after his performance in Week 11, the change has been a good one for Moll and the Foxes.

Moll terrorized Van Alstyne in a 35-27 Caddo Mills win, recording 17 tackles – 15 solos – to go along with five tackles for loss, two sacks and three quarterback pressures as his team improved to 7-3 overall and 4-2 in district play heading into the postseason.

“C.J. dominated both at the point of attack and on hustle plays. He was all over the field. He’s an extremely hard worker, a great student and without a doubt a leader of our football team. He is a selfless player that is willing to play any position to help our team be the best it can be.”

•  CADDO MILLS HIGH SCHOOL HEAD COACH KODI CRANE

Class 3A: Bubba Zacharias, Senior, QB, McGregor High School

Mascot: Bulldogs

Opponent: Troy High School

McGregor High School senior quarterback Bubba Zacharias has cemented his legacy as one of the most dedicated and accomplished athletes in program history. A four-year starter at QB, Zacharias is the heart and soul of the Bulldogs—a true leader, great teammate, and fierce competitor. On Friday night against Troy High School, he put his team on his back, throwing for 265 yards and three touchdowns while rushing for 86 yards and another score, willing McGregor into the playoffs for the first time in 4 years. Known as the best quarterback and arguably the best player in the district, Zacharias leads by example, never complaining and always uplifting his teammates. The son of a school principal and a former coach, Bubba combines intelligence and toughness both on and off the field. Over his 36-game career, he has amassed an incredible 7,220 total yards and 74 touchdowns. Beyond football, he’s a member of the National Honor Society, PALS, and the LEAD Program, ranks in the top 10% of his class, and is a standout in basketball, track, and golf, earning All-Region honors in multiple sports. A remarkable athlete and an even better person, Zacharias is destined to succeed at the next level.

“Bubba is an outstanding young man that inspires our team through his toughness and dedication to perfecting his craft.  He always is uplifting through his hardnosed determination and how he pushes his teammates to be the best that they can be.”

• MCGREGOR HIGH SCHOOL HEAD COACH QUENTIN WHITE

Class 2A: Rylan Holleman, Senior, QB, Overton High School

Mascot: Mustangs

Opponent: Cushing High School

The Overton Mustangs are playing their best football heading into the postseason, and a big part of the success is the continuing growth of first-year quarterback Rylan Holleman. In Week 11 of the season, Holleman – an all-district receiver and defensive back a year ago before switching to QB in 2025 – had one of his best games in a 42-8 win over Cushing.

Holleman completed 17 of 27 passes for 218 yards and 2 touchdowns, rushed for 100 yards and two more scores on nine carries and returned a punt 75 yards for a touchdown. Next up for Overton is the West Sabine Tigers.

“Our coaching staff felt that Rylan could come in this year as a first-year starter and help lead our team. He, along with teammates, put in a ton of work this summer. Rylan had a few bumps in the road early in the season, but in the last three weeks he and our team have been playing our best. Rylan is a big part of the leadership of our team. He may not always take a vocal position, but his consistency day in and day out is something we can rely on.”

• OVERTON HIGH SCHOOL HEAD COACH SCOTTY LAYMANCE

Private School: Topper Sterling, Senior, RB, Antonian College Preparatory High School

Mascot: Apaches

Opponent: Central Catholic High School

Antonian running back Topper Sterling was at the top of his game in the Apaches’ 53-21 win over rival San Antonio Central Catholic, rushing for 315 yards and 5 touchdowns in their regular-season finale. Sterling, who finished with 35 carries, scored on runs of 4, 3, 23, 8 and 81 yards. A transfer from Comfort, Sterling carried an offense that rolled up 564 yards – 426 rushing and 138 passing. Sterling, who still lives in Comfort, has overcome ankle and hand injuries to have a stellar season. In less than nine complete games, he has rushed for 1,547 yards and 14 TDs on 194 carries and added 16 receptions for 273 yards and two more TDs. Sterling has even thrown in a 94-yard kickoff return for another score. Sterling, 5-foot-10 and 180 pounds missed the Apaches’ season-opening victory against San Antonio Holy Cross after sustaining an ankle injury in a preseason workout. He made his debut with Antonian a week later in a 66-43 win over Navarro and played in five consecutive games before going down with a hand injury early in a 70-20 loss to Houston St. Thomas on Oct. 17. Sterling returned to the starting lineup the next week and has helped the Apaches clinch a berth in the TAPPS playoffs. Sterling has been selected to play in the San Antonio Sports All-Star Football Game, scheduled Jan. 10 at the Alamodome.

“Topper is a great kid. Just mentally tough, physically strong. He’s played through injuries this year. He’s only played eight games and half a quarter. He’s had a tremendous year for us. He joined our program this summer and has been a great leader. He loves the game of football. He has so much energy and he’s loud. The kids have kind of gravitated to him. He is a great teammate. He is what we would call an all-down back. He’s a great blocker. He’s a great catcher of the ball coming out of the backfield. And then, of course, all his running. He’s also our kick returner. If you haven’t seen him play, this is what he does well. He’s a very patient runner, but as soon as he sees a crease, he’s got great vision. He also has very good acceleration. He’s just a hard runner. You better be ready to tackle him because he’s going to be running hard. He’s a complete back” 

• ANTONIAN COLLEGE PREPARATORY HEAD COACH BLAKE FUSCHAK   

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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.