Most high school football teams have that one player acknowledged by the coaching staff as the prime example of what a teammate should be.
He’s the guy who seldom misses any practice time and is a regular in the weight room. He’s early to arrive. He’s late to leave and takes pride in being coachable, though he seldom needs direction.
He always sets the right example for younger players. He doesn’t complain and, above all else, he’s tough enough to make all the aforementioned traits consistently possible.
This is the only Big Country media source that honors them.
Welcome to the “True Grit” team — a collection of area players nominated by their head coaches who exemplify the character traits football mentors want throughout their roster.
Not all of them are great players. In fact, many of them will never play a down of college football. But every single one of them is making the most of their high school football experience and has helped those around them do the same.
We are absolutely honored to present these young men to you — the toughest football players the Big Country had to offer, gathered in our 2022 — listed in no particular order, with their coaches describing them in their own words. Enjoy!
For large portions of Thursday’s Class 3A Division I state championship game Thursday, it appeared the contest would serve as a microcosm of Brock’s season.
ARLINGTON — A handful of costly Brock mistakes was enough to tip the balance in Franklin’s favor on Thursday night as the Lions won the 3A Division I state championship and their second straight title overall, 17-14 at AT&T Stadium. 
ARLINGTON — Whatever doubts some people may have had about Hawley’s ability to overcome Refugio in Thursday’s Class 2A Division I state title game, they were answered by the third quarter at AT&T Stadium. 
ARLINGTON — It took 35 years and five championship game appearances, but long-time Albany coach Denney Faith finally chalked up what had eluded him for so long on Wednesday: a state title. 
It’s always a significant accomplishment to chart a double-double. But when one averages a double-double over the course of five straight games, you begin to put a blip on the area radar screen.
SWEETWATER — Denney Faith has earned another chance. 
Consistency and versatility always score big in our Big Country Preps Player of the Week column. 
ABILENE — It was not only billed as a rematch of a superb Big Country Preps Game of the Week from Week 11, but also of a nail-biting Region I-2A Division I title game last year. Cisco and Hawley had produced back-to-back classics and the entire Big Country was expecting to see another one.
Grayson Rigdon makes playing six-man football look about as easy as anyone can.