BEAUMONT, Texas — One of the most prestigious awards in Southeast Texas is now down to the final eight contestants.
The Willie Ray Smith Awards press conference hosted by The Beaumont Founders Lions Club was held tonight. One player from each high school in Southeast Texas is nominated for a chance to be selected as the recipient.
The award comes from a Southeast Texas idol. Willie Ray Smith Sr. was the coach who helped turn this area into one of the best football capitals in the country.
From 1942 to 1976 Coach Smith emerged as the head coach for Lufkin, Orange-Wallace and Charlton-Pollard where he compiled 235 wins and helped produce 20 pro athletes from his programs.
This award highlights the best overall player voted upon by the media in the area.
The finalists are as listed:
OFFENSE
- Isaiah Nguyen, Port Neches-Groves High School
- Lucas Powell, Lumberton High School
- Hieko Malone, Newton High School
- Dre'lon Miller, Silsbee High School
DEFENSE
- Bron Melvin, Kirbyville High School
- Homer Ware, Hamshire-Fannett High School
- Ty-Anthony Smith, Jasper High School
- Luke McDow, Little Cypress-Mauriceville High School
Each had tremendous seasons to get to this point. The winners on both offense and defense will be announced at the Elegante Hotel in Beaumont at 4 p.m. on March 3.