Danny Shapiro | BeaumontEnterprise.com
Updated
This year’s Willie Ray Smith award winners delivered their acceptance speeches in contrasting ways, but were equally deserving of the honor.
Port Neches-Groves junior quarterback Roschon Johnson, the offense winner, had a prepared speech in case he did win.
Newton senior linebacker Corbin Foster, the defense winner, winged it.
“I wasn’t sure if I was going to win, but I prepared myself a couple of pointers in case I did,” Johnson said. “It’s just a blessing to be a part of the fraternity of so many great players who have come through here and won this award.”
“I wasn’t prepared (to make a speech) like Roschon was,” Foster said. “I’m just glad that I won and was able to show everyone I was the best defensive player in Southeast Texas.”
Johnson beat out finalists Darwin Barlow (Newton), Elijah Hines (Port Arthur Memorial) and Devon Simmons (Nederland) for the offense award.
The quarterback passed for 2,918 yards, rushed for 1,627 yards and totaled 65 touchdowns this past season.
Already verbally committed to play for Texas, Johnson helped lead the Indians to the third round of the playoffs and share of the District 22-5A title for the second season in a row.
It marks the second-straight year the WRS offensive award winner will play Division I FBS college football.
Last season’s winner, Silsbee’s Calvin Tyler Jr., is a rising freshman running back at Oregon State.
“This award is up there, if not the top, award I’ve received so far,” Johnson said. “I’m definitely grateful.”
Foster edged fellow linebackers Joey Ciccio (Vidor), Donald Collins (West Brook) and Davien Teate (West Orange-Stark) for the defense award.
Foster led the state of Texas with 240 tackles and was a key factor in the Eagles’ state championship run.
Unlike last year’s defensive winner, Memorial’s Kary Vincent Jr., Foster doesn’t intend to play college football.
He plans to major in biology at the University of Houston starting next year.
“It was a surreal feeling when I heard my name called,” Foster said. “There was a lot of good competition and talented players this year.”
