Willie Ray Smith Award Nominees/Winners
Widely regarded as the "Heisman Trophy of High School Football" in Southeast Texas, the Willie Ray Smith Awards recognize the region's top offensive and defensive football players each year. Since its inception, the prestigious award has celebrated outstanding athletic achievement, leadership, and excellence on the football field.
The offensive and defensive winners are announced annually at the Willie Ray Smith Awards Banquet, bringing together the area's top student-athletes, coaches, families, and supporters to honor the very best in Southeast Texas football.
Hamshire-Fannett High School has a proud tradition of being represented among the region's elite. Take a look below at the Longhorn players who have earned Willie Ray Smith Award nominations and those who have brought home one of Southeast Texas football's highest honors.
2019
Blaine Waggoner
Position: Middle Linebacker
Willie Ray Smith Defensive Finalist
2020
Marcus Morris
Position: Quarterback
Willie Ray Smith Offensive Finalist
2022
Kheagian Heckaman
Position: Quarterback
Willie Ray Smith Offensive Player of the Year
Hamshire-Fannett quarterback Kheagian Heckaman made school history by becoming the first Longhorn to win the prestigious Willie Ray Smith Offensive Player of the Year Award. Heckaman earned the honor at the 30th Annual Willie Ray Smith Awards Banquet held at the MCM Elegante Hotel in Beaumont.
Widely regarded as one of the highest individual honors in Southeast Texas high school football, the Willie Ray Smith Award recognizes the region's top offensive and defensive players each year.
During his standout senior season, Heckaman totaled 2,575 all-purpose yards, including 1,329 passing yards and 1,246 rushing yards, while accounting for 41 total touchdowns. His dynamic playmaking ability and leadership helped cement his place among the top players in Southeast Texas and secured his place in Hamshire-Fannett football history.
Darius Byrd
Position: Free Safety
Willie Ray Smith Defensive Finalist
2023
Gavin Deranieri
Position: Linebacker
Willie Ray Smith Defensive Finalist
2024
Homer Ware
Position: Linebacker
Willie Ray Smith Defensive Finalist
2025
Ty Bryson
Position: Quarterback
Willie Ray Smith Offensive Player of the Year
Hamshire-Fannett quarterback Ty Bryson etched his name into Longhorn history by being named the 33rd Annual Willie Ray Smith Offensive Player of the Year, one of the most prestigious honors in Southeast Texas high school football. Often referred to as the “Heisman Trophy of Southeast Texas,” the award recognizes the region’s top offensive and defensive players each year.
At the time of receiving the award, Bryson was also a Lamar University football commit, adding another milestone to an already remarkable high school career. Bryson became just the second Hamshire-Fannett quarterback to earn the honor, joining Kheagian Heckaman as the only Longhorn signal-callers to receive the award. His outstanding season was defined by exceptional leadership, playmaking ability, and a relentless commitment to excellence, helping guide the Longhorns to one of the most successful seasons in program history.
During the 2024 season, Bryson threw for 3,400 yards and 42 touchdowns while leading Hamshire-Fannett to the program’s first Division II 7-on-7 State Championship, a District 9-4A Championship, and a Bi-District Championship. He also helped lead the Longhorns to back-to-back 10-win seasons for the first time since 1990-1991 and a No. 8 state ranking in Class 4A Division II to close the regular season.
2024 Season Statistics
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3,400 Passing Yards
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42 Passing Touchdowns
2024 Season Accomplishments & Honors
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Willie Ray Smith Offensive Player of the Year
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Sports Illustrated Southeast Texas Player of the Year Nominee
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Beaumont Enterprise Game Ball Award (3-Time Recipient)
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Dave Campbell’s Texas Football Mr. Texas Football Player of the Week (2-Time Recipient)
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Texas High School Football Quarterback of the Year Nominee
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Beaumont Enterprise Preseason Super Gold Team
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Beaumont Enterprise Super Gold Offensive Player of the Year
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Built Ford Tough Player of the Week (Class 4A – Week 10)
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Dave Campbell’s Texas Football 4A Quarterback of the Year Nominee
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District 9-4A First Team All-District
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Cam Sanderson (KFDM 6 News) SETX All-Pro First Team
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Helped lead Hamshire-Fannett to its first Division II 7-on-7 State Championship
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Helped lead Hamshire-Fannett to the 9-4A District Championship
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Helped lead Hamshire-Fannett to a Bi-District Championship
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Helped lead Hamshire-Fannett to back-to-back 10-win seasons for the first time since 1990-1991
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Helped lead Hamshire-Fannett to a No. 8 Class 4A Division II state ranking at the end of the regular season
Bryson’s record-setting season, numerous accolades, and leadership on and off the field secured his place among the most accomplished quarterbacks in Hamshire-Fannett football history and among the elite players in Southeast Texas.
2025
Pierce Pirtle
Position: Linebacker
Willie Ray Smith Award Defensive Finalist
Hamshire-Fannett senior linebacker Pierce Pirtle earned recognition as a finalist for the prestigious Willie Ray Smith Award.
At the time of being named a finalist, Pirtle was also committed to continue his football career at Lamar University. Being named a finalist placed Pirtle among the elite football players in Southeast Texas and capped off one of the most decorated careers in Hamshire-Fannett football history. Known for his toughness, leadership, versatility, and relentless effort, Pirtle excelled on both sides of the ball while leaving a lasting impact on the Longhorn football program.
2025 Season Accomplishments & Honors
- Willie Ray Smith Award Defensive Finalist
- Padilla Poll Coaches 2nd Team All-State
- Texas Sports Writers Association 3rd Team All-State (Utility)
- THSCA Academic All-State (Honorable Mention)
- Dave Campbell’s Texas Football Whataburger Super Team Nominee
- District 9-4A First Team All-District Offense (Wide Receiver)
- District 9-4A First Team All-District Defense (Inside Linebacker)
- Beaumont Enterprise Week 2 Game Ball Award
- Beaumont Enterprise Preseason Super Gold Team
- Cam Sanderson (KFDM-6 News) SETX Preseason All-Pro 1st Team
- Cam Sanderson (KFDM-6 News) All-SETX 1st Team
- Cam Sanderson (KFDM-6 News) Player of the Week
- KBMT-12News Hit of the Week (2-Time Recipient)
- Prep Red Zone Beaumont’s Rising Core Selection
- Hamshire-Fannett School Record – Career Receiving Yards (2,197)
- Hamshire-Fannett School Record – Single-Game Tackles (28 vs. Shepherd, October 31, 2025)
Pirtle’s combination of production, leadership, academic achievement, and record-setting performances earned him recognition among the top players in Southeast Texas and secured his place among the all-time greats to wear the Longhorn uniform.