Local Football talent recently earned prestigious awards

Each year the Beaumont Founders Lions Club awards the 'best of the best' high school football players, both offense and defense with the highly coveted Willie Ray Smith Award. This year, Kirbyville and Newton players have claimed those top honors.

This year's event was held this past Sunday at the MCM Elegante' Hotel in Beaumont. The keynote speaker of the evening was Lamar University's head football coach, Peter Rossomando.

Kirbyville Linebacker, Bron Melvin won the defense award, and Newton quarterback, Hieko Malone won the offense award.

Pictured below; Kirbyville Linebacker, Bron Melvin

As our readers will remember, the Kirbyville Wildcats were District Champions last season with Melvin as a defensive tackle, and scoring a defensive touchdown.

Unfortunately, the Wildcats didn't make it past the first round.

Of his win, Melvin posted on his Facebook page, "Heisman of SETX-#Godisgood".

Pictured below; Newton quarterback, Hieko Malone

Malone, who led the Newton Eagles to the Regional Quarterfinal in the playoffs last season, threw for 1,500+ yards and ran for over 3,000 offensive yards. Maone's dad, Hieko Malone Sr. said of the win, "(I am) Greatly appreciative that he would even be up for the award. Winning this award means a lot and reflects his hard work on and off the field". Malone signed on with Trinity Valley Community College.

Pictured below; Jasper Linebacker, Ty'Anthony Smith

Jasper Bulldog Linebacker, Ty'Anthony Smith was also a finalist for the award, but his academic schedule at the University of Texas prevented him from attending.

Smith however was recently named the Defensive Player of the Year by the Beaumont Enterprise and their Super Gold Team.

Congratulations to all three young men for winning their titles and for making Southeast Texas proud!