BILOXI, Miss. (WLOX) – On Friday afternoon, the Mississippi Association of Coaches and the Mississippi High School Athletics Association announced that two Coast high school football players are being highlighted for their efforts on the field during the 2025 regular season.
Mitchell Smith, Picayune(MAC/MHSAA)
In 6A, senior Vanderbilt commit Mitchell Smith claims the Tide’s 3rd Mr. Football Award in 4 years, following in the footsteps of Dante Dowdell and Jamonta Waller.
Smith served as a staple in a run-heavy Picayune offense that scampered for 3,569 yards and 39 touchdowns on 450 carries over 10 games. As a result, the Maroon Tide finished the regular season with a record of 8-2 (4-1) and claimed their 5th straight district championship.
In MAC’s announcement, they highlighted Smith’s average of 10 knockdowns per game. He also graded out at 92%+ each week.
Ty Keys, Poplarville(MAC/MHSAA)
In 4A, junior 4-star recruit Ty Keys stood out in more ways than one. The Hornet tailback finished the season with a state-leading 2,051 rushing yards while also tabbing 29 touchdowns, the third best in the state (MaxPreps).
In Week 3 vs. Hancock, Keys lit up the field, setting a new state record for rushing yards in a game at 546 en route to the Hornets’ 60-54 victory. He found the endzone 8 times.
Keys and the Hornets finished the season at 5-4 (2-2), clinching the #3 seed in Region 3.
For the full list of 2025 Mr. Football Award winners, visit misshsaa.com.
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