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

PLANO, TEXAS, October 21, 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: Ryan Taylor, Senior, WR, Harker Heights High School

Mascot: Knights

Opponent: Bryan High School

Ryan Taylor turned a dominant Harker Heights victory into a record-tying performance, finding the end zone an incredible six times in the Knights' 73-7 win over Bryan High School. The senior wide receiver and UTSA commit was virtually unstoppable, hauling in six receptions for 229 yards and five touchdowns, averaging an astonishing 38.2 yards per catch. He wasn't finished there, adding a spectacular 75-yard punt return touchdown to tie the school record for most touchdowns scored in a single game. The explosive performance was another highlight in an impressive career for the three-star prospect, who earned Unanimous First Team All-District and Honorable Mention Texas Sports Writers Association All-State honors after recording 85 receptions for 1,344 yards and 16 touchdowns as a junior. With scholarship offers from programs including Oklahoma State, Texas State and Sam Houston before committing to UTSA, Taylor has established himself as one of Central Texas' most dangerous offensive weapons. On a night when everything seemed to go Harker Heights' way, Taylor delivered a performance worthy of the record books.

"Ryan is a special player that does special things. Not surprised by what he does every game, but I'm always amazed. Most importantly he is an unbelievable young man, fun to coach and it is an honor to be in his life as a coach! We are excited for Ryan to continue to have an incredible senior and what he will do in the future!"

Class 5A: Juel Delgado, Senior, LB, Chapin High School

Mascot: Huskies

Opponent: Burges High School

Juel Delgado was an absolute wrecking ball for the Chapin defense, delivering the kind of performance that can take over a football game almost single-handedly. The senior linebacker from El Paso was everywhere on the field, piling up 14 tackles, including six tackles for loss and three sacks, while returning an interception 35 yards for a touchdown. Delgado also added two pass breakups and two quarterback hurries, making life miserable for the opposing offense from start to finish. The performance was another example of the relentless play that has made Delgado the heart of the Huskies' defense. A two-time First Team All-District linebacker, he led Chapin in tackles as a junior, recording 93 stops and four sacks during the 2025 season. Now a team captain, Delgado has earned the respect of his teammates and coaches through his toughness, consistency and team-first mentality. His leadership extends beyond football through A-B Honor Roll recognition, mentoring younger athletes and volunteering at youth football camps and community events. Whether he's chasing down a ball carrier, disrupting the backfield or leading by example, Delgado embodies the grit, determination and character that defines a Built Ford Tough player.

“I couldn't be more proud of Juel Delgado for being named the Ford Tough Player of the Week. This recognition is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and commitment he brings to our program every single day. Juel is the definition of toughness, not just in the way he plays the game, but in the way he carries himself as a young man. As a two-time First Team All-District linebacker and one of our team captains, he has earned everything through his work ethic, discipline, and leadership. What makes Juel special isn't just the plays he makes on Friday nights, but the example he sets for his teammates in the classroom, weight room, and community. He is selfless, dependable, and always puts the team before himself. Awards like this are earned long before Friday night, through the countless hours of preparation when nobody is watching. Juel represents everything we want our Chapin Huskies to stand for, and I couldn't think of a more deserving young man to receive this honor.”

Class 4A: Trot Jordan, Senior, QB, Stephenville High School

Mascot: Yellowjackets

Opponent: China Spring High School

Trot Jordan knows what it takes to lead a championship team, and the Stephenville senior quarterback has the top-ranked Yellowjackets looking every bit like title contenders again. The Henderson State commit delivered another brilliant performance in No. 1 Stephenville's 55-21 victory over China Spring, completing 19 of 23 passes for 390 yards and four touchdowns while adding eight rushing yards. Jordan connected on an impressive 82.6 percent of his passes, helping the defending Class 4A Division I state champions improve to a perfect 7-0. The performance was the latest chapter in a remarkable career for the quarterback who guided Stephenville to an undefeated state championship season in 2025, earning Offensive MVP honors in the state title game. Jordan threw for 3,241 yards and 45 touchdowns with just four interceptions last season, earning District 4-4A Offensive MVP, Class 4A Division I All-State Offensive Player of the Year and 2026 Class 4A Preseason Offensive Player of the Year honors. With his poise, precision and championship experience, Jordan continues to be the driving force behind one of the most dominant programs in Texas high school football.

“Trot had an incredible game against China Spring. He was very accurate and in full control of the game. He made plays with his arm and legs when he needed to. He would be the first to tell you that his OL, Backs, and WRs all did their jobs so he could do his. “ 

Class 3A: Easton Malone, Junior, QB/LB, Merkel High School

Mascot: Badgers

Opponent: Henrietta High School

Down 28-0 at halftime, Merkel needed a miracle. Junior quarterback and linebacker Easton “Moose” Malone delivered one of the greatest comebacks in school history. The two-way standout put the Badgers on his back, leading six consecutive scoring possessions in the second half to pull off an unforgettable 43-42 victory over Henrietta. Malone completed 20 of 29 passes for 251 yards and three touchdowns, rushed 21 times for 118 hard-earned yards and another score, and added a touchdown reception, accounting for five of Merkel's six second-half touchdowns. But his biggest play came on defense, where he recorded 11 tackles and a game-sealing interception to complete the remarkable comeback. A two-year team captain, Malone earned First Team All-District honors at both quarterback and middle linebacker in 2025 and was named Big Country Sports Underclassman of the Year. Last season, he threw for 2,476 yards and 32 touchdowns while recording 112 tackles on defense. A National Honor Society member with a 96.05 academic average, Malone also volunteers with youth sports and community service programs.

"Moose put together one of the greatest two-way performances I have ever witnessed! Leading our team at both quarterback and middle linebacker, he helped orchestrate the greatest comeback victory in school history! Down 28-0 at halftime and trailing by 28 points with just 6:19 remaining in the third quarter, Moose led our offense to a perfect 6-for-6 on scoring possessions in the second half, including two successful two-point conversions. He played with unbelievable toughness, determination, and poise all night long before sealing the HUGE 43-42 COMEBACK VICTORY with a game-clinching interception! We were picked last in our district and facing a very talented Henrietta team, our guys had every reason to fold when things looked bleak. Instead, Moose and our team showed incredible grit, resilience, and belief in one another. We couldn't be more proud of Moose and this entire team! This was a special performance by a special young man, and a night our program and community will never forget!"

Class 2A: Jeremiah Henderson, Senior, RB, Clarksville High School

Mascot: Tigers

Opponent: Bowie High School

Jeremiah Henderson didn't just have a career night. He delivered a record-breaking performance that will be remembered in Clarksville football history. The senior running back was virtually unstoppable, exploding for 370 rushing yards and six touchdowns on just 12 carries, an astonishing 30.8 yards per carry, breaking school records for most rushing yards and rushing touchdowns in a single game. Henderson finished with 414 total yards and six scores, showcasing the speed and big-play ability that made him a threat to reach the end zone every time he touched the football. But his impact wasn't limited to offense. The two-way standout also delivered 13 tackles and an interception on defense, putting together one of the most complete performances of the Texas high school football season. The historic night adds to an impressive athletic résumé that includes 2025 District 9-2A Newcomer of the Year recognition. A multi-sport athlete who also competes in basketball and track and participates in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Henderson has demonstrated his athleticism beyond the football field. On a night when he averaged more than 30 yards every time he carried the ball, Henderson showed exactly why he is one of East Texas' most explosive playmakers.

“Jeremiah is a hard-working young man that has help turn the tide here in Clarksville. This is a great accomplishment for him and his teammate also the football program.”

Private School: Nicholas Schaefer, Senior, LB, Frassati Catholic High School

Mascot: Falcons

Opponent: KIPP Sunnyside High School

Nicholas Schaefer may be undersized for a linebacker, but there was nothing small about his performance as Frassati Catholic knocked off 2024 state champion KIPP Sunnyside. The senior defensive standout delivered a relentless performance, piling up an incredible 19 tackles, including seven tackles for loss and four sacks, while recovering three fumbles and returning two for touchdowns, covering a combined 88 yards. Schaefer also added three pass deflections, seemingly finding his way into the middle of every big defensive play. A Second Team All-District linebacker and team co-captain, Schaefer has become the heart and soul of the Frassati Catholic defense, earning the nickname “Tweeter” from his coaches for his larger-than-life personality and love of football. Despite giving up size to many of his opponents, he makes up for it with toughness, instincts and an unwavering motor. Away from football, Schaefer participates in ROTC, Pilot Club and soccer, demonstrating his commitment to leadership and his school community. On a night when Frassati Catholic needed a defensive leader to rise to the occasion, Schaefer delivered a performance that proved heart and determination can outweigh size.

“Nick is a great kid. He has become a true student of the game. The only thing he knew when he came to play football was I just want to hit people, no control, no technique, but through the years he’s not only learned his position but learned football and learned how to be a leader on and off the field. He’s a good athlete but great person.”

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