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Fort Smith Area Football Player of the Year Fan Poll
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South Area Football Player of the Year Fan Poll
Samuel Schlegel (Alma)
Samuel had an outstanding 2025 season, catching 46 passes for 682 yards and five touchdowns. He also carried the ball 54 times for 285 yards and 10 rushing touchdowns, and completed one of three passing attempts for a touchdown. On special teams, he averaged 32 yards per punt. Defensively, he recorded 32 tackles, including 19 solo stops, with two pass breakups and two interceptions. Samuel has earned All-State and All-Conference honors throughout his high school career: 2023 All-State/All-Conference, 2024 All-Conference, and 2025 All-State/All-Conference.
Orion Roberts (Arkadelphia)
Orion has been a standout this season, recording 45 catches for 800 yards and eight touchdowns, averaging 17.7 yards per catch. He excelled on special teams with nine kickoff returns for 415 yards and four touchdowns (46.1 yards per return) and five punt returns for 135 yards and one touchdown (27 yards per return). Orion also contributes to the defense. He is a mature, coachable player, a team leader, and a model teammate. Orion’s performance on the field, combined with his character off the field, makes him highly deserving of recognition.
Xzavion “X-Man” Williams (Arkadelphia)
Xzavion has been a force on defense, accumulating 87 tackles, 35 tackles for loss, 14 sacks, four fumble recoveries, and one pass breakup through ten games. He also contributes to special teams with multiple tackles on kickoffs. Known for his energy and enthusiasm, X-Man is fun to coach, consistently brings a smile to the field, and could be considered the team’s MVP. His speed, high motor, and physical style of play make him a challenging defensive end to block and a key contributor in all phases of the game.
Jackson Elam (Batesville)
Jackson is the team’s kicker and punter and has earned All-Prep recognition the past two years, establishing himself as the top kicker in Arkansas. He plans to continue his career at UCA next year. Jackson made numerous clutch kicks throughout his career, including a 35-yard field goal as time expired against Brookland this year. He maintains a 3.5 GPA and is highly committed academically.
Rourke Sevier (Batesville)
Rourke leads the state in tackles and ranks 69th nationally as a junior. He has recorded 154 tackles this year, averaging 15.4 per game. Rourke is planning to attend a military academy after graduation. Off the field, he maintains a 3.6 GPA and is a respected leader in both his school and community.
Drew Davis (Benton)
Drew is one of the top quarterbacks in the state, regardless of classification, and is also an exemplary student and community member. He is actively involved in school activities, the church youth group, FCA, and coaching Pee Wee Football. This season, Drew has completed 187 of 276 passes for 2,732 yards and 33 touchdowns with a 68% completion percentage, while rushing 88 times for 384 yards and 12 touchdowns. Over his career, he has thrown for over 8,400 yards and 111 touchdowns, both school records.
Will Carter (Benton)
Will is a wide receiver who overcame a hamstring injury early in the season, playing only seven games. Before his return, the team averaged 24 points per game; after his return, the average jumped to 54 points per game. Will recorded 52 receptions for 917 yards and 15 touchdowns over those seven games. Off the field, he is heavily involved in FCA, his church youth group, and coaching Pee Wee Football, making him an outstanding leader and role model.
Chris Ficklin (Bentonville)
Running back Chris Ficklin rushed 145 times for 1,257 yards and 13 touchdowns this season (career totals: 421 carries, 2,955 yards, 34 touchdowns), with 32 receptions for 364 yards and one touchdown. A three-year starter with two 1,000-yard seasons, Chris is a model student-athlete, straight-A student, empathetic teammate, team-first leader, and embodies the ideals of sportsmanship and humility.
Caedmon Keithley (Bismarck)
Caedmon serves as the team’s flex player, lining up at receiver in spread formations and at running back in two-back sets. In all-state classifications, he ranks first in yards per carry (16.41), third in total touchdowns (30), and tied for sixth in interceptions (six). Defensively, he is the team’s second-leading tackler and ranks second in tackles for loss, showcasing his versatility and impact on both sides of the ball.
Clayton Martinez (Bismarck)
Clayton is the team’s leading tackler on defense and a key contributor offensively, serving as a blocking back and short-yardage back. His impact is felt in every game, both in stopping opponents and facilitating offensive success.
Gabe Carter (Brookland)
Gabe has been the primary offensive contributor for his team, accounting for over half of the team’s total points and 71% of the total offensive yardage. He rushed 225 times for 1,296 yards and 18 touchdowns (5.8 yards per carry) and completed 32 of 74 passes for 276 yards, two touchdowns, and six interceptions.
Dot Aloh (Brookland)
Dot is a leader on and off the field, recording five interceptions and 68 tackles this season. In addition, he serves as the team’s kicker, demonstrating his all-around athletic ability and commitment to the program.
Jonas Elms (Cedar Ridge)
Jonas is an outstanding player with excellent character. He earned All-Conference honors as a 10th grader and All-State honors as an 11th and 12th grader, including Finals MVP. Offensively, he completed 95 of 129 passes for 1,529 yards and 24 touchdowns and rushed 194 times for 1,619 yards and 32 touchdowns. He also contributed with nine receptions for 220 yards and three touchdowns, totaling responsibility for 59 touchdowns. Defensively, Jonas recorded 28 tackles and three interceptions.
Carter Little (Charleston)
Carter is an exceptional young man and leader, coaching K-2 flag football while excelling as the team’s quarterback. Over 11 games, he completed 127 of 188 passes for 2,405 yards, 29 touchdowns, and three interceptions, while rushing 35 times for 225 yards and five touchdowns.
Deegan Todd (Charleston)
Deegan is a model student-athlete with a near 4.0 GPA. He coaches K-2 flag football, is on the state weightlifting team, and consistently contributes to the football team. This season, he caught 27 passes for 643 yards and nine touchdowns, recorded 34 tackles and one interception on defense, and returned 10 punts for 233 yards and two touchdowns.
Gunner Wilkins (Danville)
Gunner is the team’s leader on and off the field, serving as the spiritual leader during prayer at practices. He rushed for 1,100 yards on 191 carries with 15 touchdowns and contributed 82 tackles, three fumble recoveries, two forced fumbles, and eight tackles for loss on defense. He is one of only seven seniors on the team and consistently demonstrates leadership and character.
Jake Crane (Danville)
Jake is a sophomore quarterback with a bright future. He rushed for 938 yards on 172 carries with eight touchdowns, completed 47 of 97 passes for 502 yards and four touchdowns, and accumulated over 400 yards on kickoff returns. Defensively, he recorded 80 tackles, two fumble recoveries, and two forced fumbles. Jake is a young man of high character who attends church regularly.
Creed Vega (Dardanelle)
Creed Vega, quarterback and outside linebacker, is an outstanding young man on and off the field. He demonstrates maturity, resilience, leadership, and dedication, and has committed to continuing his education and athletic career at the United States Air Force Academy. Creed leads by example in football, basketball, track, and academics, earning numerous All-Conference and All-State honors. His discipline, humility, and competitive spirit make him a role model for his peers.
Paden Davis (Dardanelle)
Paden Davis, offensive guard and defensive end, is the team’s unsung hero. He does the dirty work, consistently contributing to the team’s success without seeking recognition. Paden’s leadership, motivation, and example set the standard for his teammates, making him a true difference-maker on and off the field.
Anthony Richardson (Dermott)
Anthony is a senior explosive playmaker who earned All-State honors this season. He is a dynamic athlete once the ball is in his hands and is looking to continue his football career in college. He maintains a 2.7 GPA.
Dajohn Brown (Dermott)
Dajohn is a senior with the size, speed, and skill to change the outcome of a game. He consistently impacts contests and has the athletic tools to make big plays.
Brayson Talley (Dierks)
Brayson is the team’s center and defensive tackle. Despite efforts to limit his defensive snaps, he was too valuable to sit out, grading 94% for the season with only two bad snaps and 31 pancake blocks.
Maclane Smith (Dierks)
Maclane is a sophomore two-way starter who has played wide receiver, running back, quarterback, linebacker, safety, and corner throughout the season. He had four 100-yard receiving games, three multiple-touchdown games, threw nine touchdowns in four games as a quarterback, rushed for 100 yards once, and accounted for three total touchdowns as a running back. Maclane is a versatile, dynamic playmaker and a difference-maker wherever he is positioned.
Ayden Lester (Farmington)
Ayden has had an exceptional 2025 season, completing 166 of 216 passes for a 77% completion rate, throwing for 2,410 yards and 21 touchdowns with only three interceptions. He has rushed 65 times for 473 yards and nine touchdowns and has not fumbled the ball. The Cardinals are currently 8-2, heading into the state playoffs as the #2 seed in the West and #3 seed in 5-A according to the Democrat-Gazette. Over his career as a three-year starter, Ayden has completed 508 of 736 passes for 7,227 yards, 70 touchdowns, and only 11 interceptions with zero fumbles, while rushing 253 times for 1,946 yards and 22 touchdowns without a single fumble. He is a tremendous leader who elevates the performance of everyone around him, watches more film than any coach, and functions as “a coach on the field.” Despite playing the last seven games this year on one leg after an injury in game two, he is 100% heading into the state playoffs. Ayden has been All-Conference three years, All-State twice, and was the Democrat-Gazette Offensive Player of the Year in 2024.
Micah Gamble (Fordyce)
Micah is the team’s leading running back and a model teammate. He consistently does whatever is asked of him and brings a positive attitude to the team.
Kyo Randall (Fordyce)
Kyo has emerged as one of the team’s leading tacklers. He has worked hard throughout the season to improve his performance and is a dependable contributor on defense.
Talan Williams (Gentry)
Talan is a three-year starter who holds multiple passing records at Gentry and is a leader on and off the field. Over the last two weeks against two of the top teams in the league, he threw for 968 yards and nine touchdowns while adding one rushing touchdown. On the season, Talan has completed 177 of 285 passes (62.5%) for 2,502 yards and 23 touchdowns and has rushed for 220 yards.
Damien Stevens (Glen Rose)
Damien has been a key contributor on offense, defense, and special teams. Offensively, he caught 47 passes for 771 yards and eight touchdowns and rushed 11 times for 124 yards and three touchdowns. Defensively, he recorded 14 tackles, two pass breakups, one forced fumble, and three interceptions. On special teams, he returned 11 punts for 382 yards, averaging 34.7 yards per return with four touchdowns.
Gage Hood (Glen Rose)
Gage completed 119 of 224 passes (53.12%) for 1,981 yards and 23 touchdowns. He also rushed 108 times for 624 yards and 17 touchdowns, showcasing his dual-threat ability.
JD Beem (Gravette)
JD has been a starter on both offense and defense since his freshman year, playing a pivotal role this season. Defensively, he leads the secondary, ensuring coverage is sound, contributing to opposing quarterbacks completing just 53% of passes against his team. JD has 38 tackles, three pass breakups, and one interception. Offensively, he switched to running back this season and averages 5.7 yards per carry, 7.3 yards per reception, and has scored 21 touchdowns. He is also a selfless blocker in the run game and excellent in pass protection, with the offense giving up only four sacks all season.
Pierce Elsea (Gravette)
Pierce is a vital two-way player and the team’s overall leader. On defense at defensive end, he has 40 tackles, 14 tackles for loss, three quarterback hurries, 5.5 sacks, two fumble recoveries, one forced fumble, and two pass deflections through nine games. On offense at tight end, he averages nearly 15 yards per catch with two touchdowns and grades 85% in run blocking, excelling in pass protection without giving up a sack or pressure. Pierce’s energy, leadership, and versatility make him a true difference maker.
Kane Archer (Greenwood)
Kane has had one of the most remarkable high school careers in Arkansas history. He is a 36-0 starter and three-time state champion, chasing a fourth title, with two state final MVP awards. Last year, he set the national record for completion percentage at 81% and was the Gatorade Player of the Year for Arkansas. This season, he has thrown for 2,638 yards with 24 touchdowns and four interceptions while rushing for 863 yards and 20 touchdowns. Kane is the first player in Arkansas history to throw for 100 career touchdowns and rush for 50 career touchdowns. He is on track to become Greenwood’s all-time leading passer with over 10,000 career passing yards.
Matthew Garner (Hackett)
Matthew is a three-year two-way starter who transitioned to quarterback this year, throwing for 1,500 yards and 19 touchdowns, while rushing for an additional 400 yards and five touchdowns. Defensively, he covers the opposing team’s top receiver, recording 26 tackles and two interceptions.
Nikel Lewis (Hamburg)
Nikel had a record-breaking season, rushing for 2,800 yards and setting the state record with 53 rushing touchdowns. He led the state in all rushing categories.
Kaeden Thomas (Hamburg)
Kaeden is a versatile quarterback and safety who has been a team leader on both sides of the ball. Offensively, he threw for nearly 2,000 yards with 24 touchdowns and only two interceptions, while rushing for 700 yards with multiple touchdowns. Defensively, he had four interceptions and ranked third on the team in tackles. He holds multiple Division I and Division II offers.
Deondre Smith (Hampton)
Deondre has been a dynamic two-way player this season. Offensively, he rushed 29 times for 255 yards and 10 touchdowns and caught 27 passes for 428 yards and four touchdowns. Defensively, he recorded 39 tackles (25 solo), five tackles for loss, three interceptions for 144 yards (including a 104-yard pick-six, third in state records), seven passes defended, two fumble recoveries, and one forced fumble. On special teams, he had five kickoff returns for 170 yards, including a 67-yard touchdown, and converted 12 two-point attempts. Deondre is a hard-working, competitive athlete who excels in multiple sports.
Aden Williams (Hampton)
Aden is a senior captain and versatile player. Offensively, he rushed 90 times for 830 yards and 12 touchdowns and caught 26 passes for 355 yards. Defensively, he recorded 43 tackles (21 solo), 0.5 tackles for loss, 0.5 sacks, two interceptions, and nine passes defended. On special teams, he returned 10 kickoffs for 278 yards and two touchdowns and converted five two-point attempts. Aden plays multiple positions, including quarterback, running back, wide receiver, safety, and cornerback. His work ethic, leadership, and contributions in multiple sports make him indispensable to the team.
Brice Owens (Har-Ber)
Brice is a dual-threat quarterback who completed 125 of 202 passes (62%) for 1,900 yards and 12 touchdowns, while rushing for 450 yards and 11 touchdowns. He is a strong leader and a high-character student-athlete.
Jack Gilder (Har-Ber)
Jack is one of the team’s most impactful players and a captain on the Wildcat Council. He is a physical tight end who recorded 24 receptions for 325 yards and two touchdowns, with an 85% overall grade and 42 knockdowns. He consistently gives his all on the field and is a model teammate.
Cam Pryor, SR (Harding Academy)
Cam is a multi-talented, two-way player, serving as quarterback, running back, wide receiver, defensive back, punter, and returner. Offensively, he completed 13 of 24 passes for 173 yards and two touchdowns, rushed 98 times for 552 yards and 10 touchdowns, and caught 13 passes for 206 yards and two touchdowns. Defensively, he recorded 74 tackles and four tackles for loss. He also has 254 return yards. Cam is a team captain, high-character athlete, and is committed to playing football at Harding University.
Riley Smith, SR (Harding Academy)
Riley is a team captain and the MLB leader on defense. He recorded 67 tackles, seven tackles for loss, one interception, one forced fumble, and two fumble recoveries. Offensively, he plays left tackle, stepping into a critical role despite not originally being planned for the position. Riley’s leadership, impact, and intangibles extend beyond stats, making him invaluable to the team, school, and community.
Ty Bundy (Harrison)
Ty is the heart of the Harrison Goblins, leading vocally and by example. He has committed to improving physically over the last two years, leading to a dominant defensive season with 106 total tackles (43 solo, 63 assisted), eight tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, one fumble recovery, and a momentum-changing interception returned for a touchdown against Greenbrier.
Lucas Brumley (Harrison)
Lucas is a game-changing player for Harrison, impacting both offense and defense. Offensively, he caught eight passes for 316 yards and four touchdowns, including three catches for 162 yards and two touchdowns against Alma. Defensively, he plays safety and recorded 49 tackles, including two tackles for loss, consistently making plays and forcing opponents to account for him.
Jay Noble (Haskell Harmony Grove)
Senior Running Back Jay Noble rushed for 1,100 yards and 13 touchdowns while adding one passing touchdown. On defense, he recorded 24 tackles, one interception, and one forced fumble. He is a three-year starter.
Barrett Nelson (Haskell Harmony Grove)
Junior Barrett Nelson has been a two-year starter on both the offensive and defensive lines and is projected to play at the collegiate level.
Lucas Baker (Hector)
Lucas Baker carried the ball 174 times for 2,025 yards and 27 touchdowns through 10 games, averaging over 200 yards per game, 11.63 yards per carry, and 2.7 touchdowns per game. He also contributes as a defensive back.
Carson Curtis (Hermitage)
Carson Curtis is a hard-working player who comes to practice every day to improve and help others get better. On game nights, he always leaves everything on the field.
Robin Carrol (Hermitage)
Robin Carrol consistently made big plays in crucial moments and was always willing to try something new or help teammates learn and improve.
Sedrick “Bishop” Allen (Hot Springs World Class High School)
Bishop Allen is a two-time All-State player, a true team leader, and a fiery competitor. He mentors the wide receivers and exemplifies excellence. Bishop has been nominated for numerous honors, including Arkansas Prep quarterback of the Year, 5A South All-State/Conference, 5A South Outstanding quarterback of the Year, and Farm Bureau Offensive Player of the Year. This season, he completed 211 of 338 passes for 3,581 yards and 45 touchdowns with five interceptions, and rushed 85 times for 597 yards and 11 touchdowns.
Gabe Jaime (Hot Springs World Class High School)
Gabe Jaime is one of Arkansas’ top sophomores and a dynamic player on all three phases of the game. He is a two-time All-Arkansas and All-State player with national recognition in receiving yards. He has 75 catches for 1,273 yards and 15 touchdowns, five rushes for 120 yards and two touchdowns, 20 tackles, two interceptions, six pass breakups, and over 600 return yards with four touchdowns. He has garnered interest from the University of Missouri.
Mason Ball (Jacksonville)
Mason Ball finished the season with 1,401 rushing yards, 27 rushing touchdowns, and one kickoff return touchdown, setting the all-time single-season records for both categories in Jacksonville history.
Matthew Goldsberry (Jacksonville)
Matthew Goldsberry caught 48 passes for 558 yards and eight touchdowns and returned two punts for touchdowns.
Kevin “Deuce” Williams (Joe T Robinson)
Kevin Williams is arguably the best football player in the state, impacting all three phases of the game. He rushed 128 times for 1,441 yards and 20 touchdowns, caught 10 passes for 168 yards and three touchdowns, returned three kickoffs for touchdowns, threw one touchdown pass on one attempt, recorded 45 tackles, and had three interceptions (2 returned for touchdowns).
Isiah “Tank” Reese (Joe T Robinson)
Tank Reese has been a leader since his sophomore year and a four-year starter at linebacker, earning three All-State selections despite missing half his sophomore season. Career stats include 354 tackles, 8.5 sacks, four interceptions, and 27 tackles for loss. He is noted for his consistency, work ethic, and leadership.
Dalton Baker (Junction City)
Dalton Baker is the heart of Junction City’s team and a four-year starter with a 25 ACT and a 4.0 GPA. He has recorded 62 tackles, 20 tackles for loss, two forced fumbles, one fumble recovery, and one blocked punt touchdown. Dalton leads a dominant defense ranked #1 in 2A, forcing 32 turnovers (18 interceptions, 14 fumble recoveries), and has eight sacks and 30+ quarterback hurries. He is recognized as the team MVP.
Jakorey Larry (Junction City)
Jakorey Larry, a senior and three-year starter, is a top defensive back in his class. He has 40 tackles, five tackles for loss, three interceptions, 13 pass breakups, two forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries, including a 72-yard fumble recovery touchdown. He contributes as a slot receiver and is a dominant presence on special teams.
Wally Wolcott (Lakeside Hot Springs)
Senior quarterback Wally Wolcott led the Lakeside Rams to the 2025 Class 5A State Championship game. He completed 193 of 316 passes for 3,462 yards, 30 touchdowns, and three interceptions, averaging 247.3 yards per game. Highlights included a perfect 14-for-14 game with 304 yards and four touchdowns and a career-high 417 passing yards against Hope. Off the field, Wolcott maintains a 4.0 GPA and plans to play collegiately with aspirations to coach. He finished his career with 6,073 passing yards.
Deklan McKinney (Lakeside Hot Springs)
Senior outside linebacker Deklan McKinney was a 2025 5A South All-Conference First Team selection, recording 113 tackles, two interceptions, five passes defensed, and one fumble recovery. He led the Rams’ defense to the state finals and earned Defensive Player of the Week honors in the semifinals after a 10-tackle, 1-fumble recovery performance.
Eli Jones (Lamar)
Eli Jones contributed in all phases: 489 passing yards with seven touchdowns, 585 rushing yards with 10 touchdowns, two-point conversions, three receptions for 14 yards, 80 tackles, seven passes defended, two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, averaged 39.2 yards per punt, 18.2 yards per punt return, and snapped extra points.
Kayden Job (Lincoln)
Kayden Job, 6’3″, 240 lb TE/Outside Linebacker, was moved across the field for matchup advantages. He was often double-teamed yet consistently produced on both offense and defense.
Tucker Odom (Lincoln)
Junior Slot WR/Safety Tucker Odom gave an exceptional defensive performance, allowing only three touchdowns and about 10 catches, recording 65 tackles (mostly solo), 300 rushing yards, 600 receiving yards, and four special teams touchdowns.
Keithen Dixon (Mineral Springs)
Senior quarterback Keithen Dixon led his team with 1,034 passing yards and eight touchdowns, 605 rushing yards, and six rushing touchdowns. He is respected for his leadership, energy, and work ethic, representing an ideal MVP.
Jackson Hines (Monticello)
Class of 2026, Jackson Hines played multiple positions despite two broken ribs. He had six starts at quarterback (44/72, 700 yards, five touchdowns, 124 carries, 677 rushing yards, 22 touchdowns), seven starts at WR (20 receptions, 215 yards, four touchdowns), and contributed 17 tackles on defense, helping the team reach the third playoff round.
Joseph Accelus (Monticello)
Junior running back Joseph Accelus (5’11”, 185 lbs) totaled 2,371 yards on 265 carries with 24 touchdowns and 13 receptions for 187 yards and one touchdown. He has offers from UAM, App State, and Kent State and is known for his humility and team-first attitude.
Jaxon Rawls (Monticello)
Junior Tight End Jaxon Rawls (6’7″, 250 lbs) caught 43 passes for 753 yards and seven touchdowns while also contributing in blocking. He is versatile, playing TE, wideout, slot, and H-back, and holds a 3.7 GPA. He has an offer from UAM.
Maddox Berry (Morrilton)
Quarterback Maddox Berry threw for 2,179 yards, 37 touchdowns, and three interceptions on 165 completions from 265 attempts with a 0.62 efficiency rating. He is a record-breaking player and a strong team leader.
Barrett Miller (Mountain Home)
Barrett Miller rushed 192 times for 1,548 yards and 22 touchdowns, caught 18 passes for 364 yards and three touchdowns, returned four kickoffs (including a 97-yard touchdown), and recorded 43 tackles with one tackle for loss and two interceptions. He totaled 2,000 yards of offense and 26 touchdowns, excelling in football and track, holding the school’s single-game rushing record with 307 yards.
Ladd Cook (Mountain View)
Ladd Cook finished the regular season with 758 receiving yards (breaking his father’s school record), 258 rushing yards, and 11 total touchdowns. He is a talented athlete, an excellent student, and an outstanding young man.
Ryan Allen (Mountainburg)
Ryan Allen is a three-year starter for Mountainburg. He rushed for 134 yards as a freshman (1 game), 1,213 yards as a sophomore, 1,650 yards as a junior, and 1,444 yards as a senior, totaling 532 carries for 4,441 career rushing yards, averaging 8.35 yards per carry. His career passing totals are 138 completions on 262 attempts for 1,920 yards. Ryan was All-State in football, basketball, and baseball as a junior and is in strong contention for All-State honors in football again this year.
Kale Burns (Murfreesboro)
Kale Burns excelled on both sides of the ball, serving as a lockdown cornerback and top receiver. He recorded 59 receptions for 1,034 yards and 14 touchdowns.
Kooper Caldwell (Murfreesboro)
Quarterback and outside linebacker Kooper Caldwell passed for 2,418 yards with 33 touchdowns and 13 interceptions. On defense, he had 76 tackles, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery, one interception, and two pass breakups.
Damin Coleman (Nettleton)
Damin Coleman leads Nettleton in tackles for the second consecutive year. A permanent team captain, two-time 5A East All-Conference selection, and expected 5A All-State player, Damin anchors a defense ranked #3 in 5A, allowing only 16 points per game.
Xavier Harrell (Nettleton)
Xavier Harrell is the offensive MVP and permanent captain for Nettleton. He has rushed for over 1,300 yards this season and is a two-time 5A East All-Conference and All-State player. He was also voted Outstanding Running Back for the 5A East Conference this year.
Cyntonio Dicus (North Little Rock)
Senior linebacker Cyntonio Dicus is the cornerstone of the North Little Rock Charging Wildcats, leading the team in tackles and consistently making impactful plays. Known for his work ethic and athleticism, he is a leader both on and off the field.
John Skolarski (Ozark)
Sophomore John Skolarski is a dynamic player on both sides of the ball and a standout leader off the field. He returned five special teams touchdowns, rushed 143 times for 1,355 yards and 19 touchdowns, caught nine passes for 135 yards and two touchdowns, completed eight of 13 passes for 274 yards and three touchdowns, and recorded 38 tackles, one tackle for loss, two interceptions, four pass breakups, and one fumble recovery.
Cade Capp (Ozark)
Cade Capp is a leader in the huddle and beyond, prioritizing team success over personal stats. At quarterback, he completed 47 of 71 passes for 613 yards and six touchdowns and rushed 58 times for 303 yards and five touchdowns, adding two receptions for 21 yards. On defense, he recorded 22 tackles, two tackles for loss, two pass breakups, and one fumble recovery after beginning defensive play in week 7.
Jayden Carter (Paris)
Receiver and defensive safety Jayden Carter had 51 receptions for 678 yards and eight touchdowns, one rushing touchdown, one punt return touchdown, 60 tackles, and four interceptions. He plays all special teams, assumed deep snapping duties mid-season, and is a leader on both offense and defense.
Colt Barrett (Poyen)
Colt Barrett is a one-of-a-kind player and leader on the field, in school, and in the community. Known for his love of the game and selfless play, he sets an example for his teammates and represents the values of sportsmanship and dedication.
Elijah Sugg (Prairie Grove)
Fullback and outside linebacker Elijah Sugg rushed for over 1,000 yards, catches passes well, supports teammates, runs a 4.6 40-yard dash, and stands 6’2”, 200+ lbs. He also maintains strong academics.
Blake Coughran (Prairie Grove)
Running back and cornerback Blake Coughran rushed for over 1,000 yards, has reliable hands, impressive agility, and strong academics. He is a dedicated, tough player with a desire to carry the ball.
Drake Atkin (Rose Bud)
Sophomore wide receiver and defensive back Drake Atkin has been a standout since junior high. He led the junior high team in tackles, returned an onside kick for a touchdown, and made multiple interceptions. This season, he excelled on defense and emerged as a WR when injuries hit, recording 221 receiving yards and five touchdowns in a playoff game, helping the team advance.
Joseph “Manny” Waites (Rose Bud)
Junior Joseph Waites is a versatile athlete, starting at center since 9th grade and contributing as a running back and on defense. He commands the offensive line, plays multiple defensive positions, and provides 100% effort in all tasks. Waites is a quiet leader, exemplary student-athlete, and critical to his team’s success.
Keagan Sanderson (Salem)
Senior defensive end Keagan Sanderson recorded 37 solo tackles, 22 assisted tackles, 59 total tackles, 28 tackles for loss, 12 sacks, and 40 quarterback hurries.
Jackson Taylor (Salem)
Senior quarterback Jackson Taylor rushed 59 times for 424 yards (6.15 average) and 13 touchdowns. He completed 43 of 88 passes for 731 yards, nine passing touchdowns, and 10 two-point conversions.
Jacob Miles (Searcy)
Sophomore quarterback Jacob Miles completed 169 of 244 passes for 2,700 yards, 31 touchdowns, and three interceptions while rushing 71 times for 417 yards and eight touchdowns through 10 games.
Kayden Hickman (Searcy)
Junior linebacker Kayden Hickman recorded 117 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, two sacks, five quarterback hurries, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery.
Boaz Benson (Siloam Springs)
Boaz Benson, one of the top defensive linemen in 6A, led the team with 131 tackles, four sacks, and 21 tackles for loss. He also contributed at TE, quarterback, and as the team’s deep and short snapper.
Owen McLaughlin (Southside Charter)
Owen McLaughlin finished the regular season with 1,498 rushing yards and 22 touchdowns. For his career, he has totaled over 55 touchdowns across the last two seasons.
Braden Simpson (Southside Charter)
Despite injuries limiting him to eight games (5 on offense), Braden Simpson recorded 120 tackles, four forced fumbles, one interception, and one touchdown on defense, and scored eight offensive touchdowns in five games.
Cain Price (Stuttgart)
Quarterback Cain Price completed 168 of 225 passes for 2,858 yards and 35 touchdowns (75% completion). He rushed 60 times for 574 yards and 14 touchdowns, averaging 17 yards per completion and 12 yards per pass attempt. He totaled 343 yards per game with only five turnovers and was voted team captain in the summer by teammates.
Drake Hess (Two Rivers)
Junior Drake Hess is a versatile, do-everything back for Two Rivers. He rushed for 1,115 yards on 179 carries, averaging 6.23 yards per carry, and scored 14 touchdowns. On defense, he recorded 87 tackles, three interceptions, and three forced fumbles. Hess also excelled on special teams, accumulating over 600 kick return yards and scoring multiple touchdowns on returns.
Carter Wallace (Valley View)
Junior running back Carter Wallace rushed for 1,296 yards and 20 touchdowns, averaging 7.9 yards per carry. Standing 5’11” and 205 pounds, he runs with purpose and humility. Wallace has earned eight Division I offers and is recognized as a great teammate and team-first player.
Levi Manning (Valley View)
Junior Levi Manning is Valley View’s Swiss Army knife, contributing as a wide receiver, H-back, quarterback, punter, and on every special team. At 6’3” and 180 pounds, he runs a 4.7 40-yard dash and exemplifies toughness and team-first mentality. This season, he recorded 500 receiving yards and six touchdowns while playing a critical role in all aspects of the team’s success.
Kobyn Hubbard (Yellville-Summit)
Kobyn Hubbard made an impact in every game he played for Yellville-Summit. Despite battling injuries all season, including a separated shoulder and broken wrist, he remained a team leader and captain. On the field, Hubbard recorded 21 receptions for 529 yards and five touchdowns in the limited games he played.
Wyatt Gilley (Yellville-Summit)
Wyatt Gilley was a key contributor for Yellville-Summit this season, excelling on both offense and defense. He began the year as a starting wide receiver and cornerback, but was thrust into the quarterback role in the second game due to an injury. Gilley adapted seamlessly, finishing the season with a new school passing record of 1,721 yards and 16 touchdowns, while also contributing five catches for 166 yards in the first game. Defensively, he recorded 24 tackles and two interceptions as a cornerback.
