REVEALED: Built Ford Tough Player of the Week Winners - Week 8

PLANO, TEXAS, October 14, 2026 - Ford is celebrating the 21st 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 2026 regular season, fans, coaches, and media are asked to nominate players at FordPlayeroftheWeek.com.

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 Wednesday at 7 p.m. on DaveCampbells.com and across Dave Campbell’s social platforms (YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and X), 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. A couple weeks after the banquet, 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.  

Class 6A: Johnny ‘Tre’ Hamilton III, Senior, QB, Longview High School

Mascot: Lobos

Opponent: Rockwall High School

After missing two games with an injury, Johnny “Tre’” Hamilton III returned to the field and wasted little time reminding everyone what the Longview offense had been missing. The senior quarterback and UTEP commit delivered a spectacular performance in the Lobos’ thrilling 56-49 victory over Rockwall, completing 11 of 15 passes for 282 yards and three touchdowns while rushing 17 times for 143 yards and three more scores. Hamilton accounted for 425 yards of total offense and six touchdowns, including explosive touchdown passes of 68, 61 and 54 yards and an electrifying 89-yard scoring run. The four-star prospect, ranked among the top quarterbacks in the Class of 2027, is a First Team All-District selection who produced 2,914 yards of total offense and 27 touchdowns last season. His accomplishments extend well beyond Friday nights. Hamilton carries a 3.9 GPA, is a member of the National Honor Society and serves as a student leadership representative. He also gives back through youth football mentoring, Special Olympics events and community service initiatives. After two weeks on the sidelines, Hamilton returned with a performance that showcased his toughness, leadership and big-play ability when Longview needed it most.

“Tre grew up at the Longview Lobo Den from his days as an elementary student to becoming our ball boy and eventually the starting QB for the Longview Lobos.  He’s seen the Lobos from when he was born to watching us win a state championship in 2018.   Tre' knows the expectations around the Lobo Football Program and what it takes to lead this storied program.”

Class 5A: SaRod Baker, Senior, RB, DeSoto High School

Mascot: Eagles

Opponent: Lancaster High School

DeSoto has a new all-time leading rusher, and his name is SaRod Baker. The senior running back and Texas Tech commit made history in the Eagles’ 28-7 victory over Lancaster High School, rushing for 175 yards and two touchdowns to surpass former standout Tiger Riden atop the school's career rushing list. Baker also showed off his versatility, throwing for 78 yards and another touchdown to finish with 253 yards of total offense and three scores. The record-breaking performance adds another chapter to an already remarkable career for one of the nation's premier running backs. Last season, Baker rushed for a school-record 3,096 yards and 45 touchdowns, helping lead DeSoto to the Class 6A Division II state championship while earning All-Area Offensive Player of the Year and All-American honors. A 2026 team captain, Baker also earned 2025 District 16-6A MVP and First Team All-District honors. The four-star prospect, ranked among the top running backs in the Class of 2027, also competes in basketball and track and field. With a state championship, multiple individual honors and now DeSoto's career rushing record to his name, the future Red Raider continues to build a legacy as one of the greatest players in Eagles football history.

“His performance was one we needed in order to win the game. He was unbelievable as usual. This young player means everything to this team.” 

Class 4A: Grady Keeton, Junior, WR/DB, Gatesville High School

Mascot: Hornets

Opponent: Connally High School

Grady Keeton has been a nightmare for opposing teams all season, and his latest performance showed why there may not be a more versatile playmaker on the field. The Gatesville junior wide receiver and defensive back delivered an electrifying performance in all three phases of the game during the Hornets’ 62-20 victory over Connally High School, hauling in eight receptions for 214 yards and three touchdowns while turning his only rushing attempt into an 82-yard touchdown. Keeton finished with 296 yards from scrimmage and four touchdowns, but his impact went well beyond the offense. Defensively, he recorded six tackles and a pass breakup, blocked a field goal on special teams and added 35 yards on two kickoff returns. A two-time Second Team All-District football selection, Keeton has also established himself as an outstanding multi-sport athlete, earning District Defensive Player of the Year honors in basketball and qualifying for the area track meet in multiple events. His leadership extends beyond athletics through his involvement with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes leadership team and the PALS mentoring program. A standout in the classroom with Academic All-District and All-State recognition, Keeton combines explosive athleticism, leadership and character, making him one of Central Texas' most exciting young playmakers.

“Grady Keeton is the epitome of being a Gatesville Fightin' Hornet. He's a team captain, a playmaker, a leader for our school's FCA and volunteers across our district and community as often as he possibly can. He's a young man that our younger students look up to and he represents the very best of our community. We are blessed to have him and his family in Gatesville.”

Class 3A: Collin Brooks, Senior, QB, Maypearl High School

Mascot: Panthers

Opponent: Scurry-Rosser High School

When Maypearl needed a difference-maker in a pivotal district showdown, senior quarterback Collin Brooks delivered one of the most explosive performances in Texas high school football. Brooks put on a spectacular dual-threat display in the Panthers’ 58-28 victory over Scurry-Rosser, completing 19 of 27 passes for 306 yards and two touchdowns while carrying the ball 12 times for 231 yards and four more scores. He finished with a staggering 537 yards of total offense and six touchdowns, averaging an incredible 19.25 yards per carry while completing more than 70 percent of his passes. The performance was another reminder of why Brooks has become the centerpiece of Maypearl's offense. A versatile athlete who has contributed at quarterback, receiver and defensive back during his high school career, Brooks was identified by Dave Campbell’s Texas Football as one of the region's most dynamic playmakers and an early contender for district MVP honors entering the 2026 season. He previously earned All-District honorable mention recognition as a freshman defensive back and led Maypearl in rushing as a junior. In a game with major district implications, Brooks showcased the speed, toughness and playmaking ability that have made him one of Class 3A's most exciting offensive weapons.

“Collin is a special player. He’s the kind of player that coaches say have the “It Factor.” As a 4-year varsity player, he has a lot of experience on Friday Nights. Whether he’s playing quarterback or safety, he leaves everything on the field, his teammates know that and that’s what makes our team go. They’ve built a bond that puts each other’s success first and that’s why Collins been able to be playing as well as he has. Excited to see where the rest of the season takes us.”

Class 2A: Hudson Swan, Senior, RB, Spearman High School

Mascot: Lynx

Opponent: Highland Park High School

If there was ever a performance that embodied the meaning of Built Ford Tough, Hudson Swan delivered it Friday night. The Spearman senior accounted for seven touchdowns in four different ways during the Lynx's 65-26 district-opening victory over Amarillo Highland Park. Swan rushed for 230 yards and four touchdowns on just nine carries, caught a 39-yard touchdown pass and added a 77-yard punt return touchdown. When Spearman lost its starting quarterback to injury late in the first half, Swan stepped in without hesitation, throwing a 27-yard touchdown pass to keep the offense rolling. He also contributed three tackles, an interception and a pass breakup on defense. A four-year, two-way starter and team captain, Swan has played seven different positions and currently leads Spearman in both rushing and receiving yards. A 2025 All-State selection at running back and defensive back, he also earned All-District honors at receiver and safety. Swan competes in basketball, track and tennis and is a National Honor Society member and Academic All-District selection. With his team's quarterback sidelined and a crucial district victory at stake, Swan delivered the ultimate display of toughness, versatility and leadership.

“What makes him so special is he doesn't care where he lines up or what we ask him to do.  He just goes to work and does his job.  He shows up every day, works his butt off and holds his teammates accountable.  He's a big part of what we do and what we believe in. He's a heck of a football player, but an even better teammate. I'm very excited that he is getting the recognition that he deserves!”

Private School: Antonio Guevara, Senior, WR, Central Catholic High School

Mascot: Buttons

Opponent: Concordia Lutheran High School

Antonio Guevara is the kind of two-way playmaker who can change a game with one catch or one defensive stop, and the Central Catholic senior delivered on both sides of the football. The San Antonio standout hauled in six receptions for 151 yards, averaging more than 25 yards per catch, while making his presence felt throughout the secondary with nine tackles, including eight solo stops, an interception, a forced fumble and a pass breakup. Guevara has been a major offensive weapon for the Buttons this season, recording 537 receiving yards and nine touchdowns through seven games, while also contributing as a defensive back and return specialist. A Second Team All-District and Honorable Mention All-State selection, Guevara has also earned Academic All-State recognition. His athleticism extends to track and field, where he is a state high jump finalist with a personal best of 6 feet, 6 inches and holds the school long jump record at 23 feet, 4 inches. Equally impressive in the classroom, Guevara has earned Summa Cum Laude honors and participates in National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta and student leadership organizations. With his combination of speed, instincts, academic excellence and versatility, Guevara represents everything a standout student-athlete should be.

Antonio is a leader for Central Catholic on and off the field. Antonio has been a three-year starter and Team Captain. Antonio has great range in catching the ball and a very explosive player for us. He also plays Cornerback for us and has excelled at covering our opponent’s best receiver. Antonio just makes our team better not only by his play but his leadership.

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: 

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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About Ford Motor Company

Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) is a global company based in Dearborn, Michigan, 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 customers and deepen their loyalty. Ford develops and delivers innovative, must-have Ford trucks, sport utility vehicles, commercial vans and cars and Lincoln luxury vehicles, along with connected services, including BlueCruise (ADAS) and security. The company offers freedom of choice through three customer-centered business segments: Ford Blue, engineering iconic gas-powered and hybrid vehicles; Ford Model e, inventing breakthrough electric vehicles (“EVs”) along with embedded software that defines always-on digital experiences for all customers; and Ford Pro, helping commercial customers transform and expand their businesses with vehicles and services tailored to their needs. Additionally, the company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. Ford employs about 169,000 people worldwide. More information about the company and its products and services is available at fromtheroad.ford.com.

About Dave Campbell’s Texas Football

For over 66 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 2,000 live sporting events each year, bringing fans closer to the action.

Contact:

Lindsey Beane

Ford Motor Company 

304-546-3811

lindsey.beane@bursonglobal.com