Another state championship banner now hangs at 1800 Frederica Street. A few hundred people filled Owensboro High School’s gymnasium Wednesday evening to celebrate the 2025 Red Devils football team, capping the night with a surprise announcement that senior running back Evan Hampton had been named Kentucky Mr. Football.
It had been 39 years since Owensboro last claimed a football state championship, a drought that left the community eager for another title. That wait ended earlier this month when the Red Devils defeated Pulaski County 35-7 in the 5A state championship game. Wednesday’s celebration served as a formal tribute to the team that brought the trophy back home.
After a highlight video recapped the season, head coach DaMarcus Ganaway and several players took the floor to reflect on the team’s journey, which began with a difficult start.
The Red Devils started the season 0-2 after lopsided losses to perennial powerhouses. Instead of caving to the pressure, Owensboro took it one week at a time.
“It gave us a great look at what a championship-caliber program looked like,” Ganaway said. “The big thing for us was we knew the type of talent we have and where we wanted to be toward the end of the season. The expectation was strong, and the boys held together at that time, and that’s all that matters.”
The championship capped Ganaway’s first season leading the program after returning to Owensboro from Florida alongside his son, quarterback DaMarcus Ganaway Jr. Under their leadership, the Red Devils’ offense surged as the season progressed.
“As soon as I found out we were returning home, my dad said we were coming back to win state,” Ganaway Jr. said. “We weren’t just coming back to win games, we were coming back to win state.”
Junior Kalil Shemwell also took the stage, reflecting on his 84-yard punt return touchdown in the state championship game — the longest in Kentucky state finals history.
“It was amazing knowing the community supports us and we are the big team of the city,” Shemwell said. “We have the entire city on our backs, and I feel the love from the entire community.”
Linebacker Ty Ashley spoke about the team’s collective drive, while Hampton closed the player remarks before being surprised with the Mr. Football announcement — a goal he said he had chased for the past six years.
“It had been kind of a stressful week considering the awards, but I give all the glory to my teammates,” Hampton said. “This is a team award as much as it has my name on it. This is a reflection of our season.”
The event concluded with the unveiling of the state championship banner.
“There were a lot of emotions in the room because it was a great year,” Ganaway said. “It’s sad that it’s over because it was so much fun from beginning to end. Seeing everyone here and the support and the team rallying around each other for the last time was special.”
