Owensboro High School’s Evan Hampton on Friday received one of the top honors in high school football awards, being named the Gatorade Kentucky Football Player of the Year.
This recognition comes off the back of a record-breaking season that has seen him rush for 1,927 yards and 28 touchdowns, while also hauling in 18 catches for 280 yards and three touchdowns. Earlier this season, he broke Mark Higgs’ previous school record for rushing yards in a game by one with 326, and Hampton is now second in career rushing yards at OHS.
“It’s been a goal of mine since I was a freshman to win this and Mr. Football,” Hampton said. “I’m super excited and happy to be voted Player of the Year by Gatorade.”
Hampton is the first Red Devil football player to win this award.
“Evan embodies what it means to be a Red Devil. He is disciplined, has a tremendous work ethic, is a team-first player, and is committed to excellence in everything he does,” Owensboro Head Coach DaMarcus Ganaway said. “He now joins the likes of Rex Chapman (basketball), I believe as the only other athlete from Owensboro who has won this award. He has now set a new standard for our football program, and we couldn’t be prouder of him and what he represents for OHS.”
Hampton and the Red Devils will be in action Saturday night in the Class 5A 2025 UK HealthCare Sports Medicine State Football Finals against Pulaski County.
“It’s not only an award for me, but for this team and all the time and work that’s been put into making it this far,” Hampton said. “We’ve got a job to finish tomorrow night.”
A release about the award says Gatorade Player of the Year celebrates the nation’s best high school athletes for their excellence in sport, academics, and community. The Gatorade Player of the Year program annually recognizes one state winner from each of the 50 states and Washington D.C., in 12 different sports. From the pool of state winners, one national winner is selected in each of the 12 sports. The selection process is administered by the Gatorade Player of the Year Selection Committee.
