Football Awards
The Eugene D. Franklin Foundation's Football Awards
The Eugene D. Franklin Foundation proudly established the Football Awards Program in 2024 to recognize, honor, and elevate outstanding student-athletes who exemplify excellence on the field, in the classroom, and in their communities.
These prestigious awards are presented exclusively to high school athletes within EDF Arkansas River Valley Service Area.
The Eugene D. Franklin Foundation proudly serves 13 original football programs across five Western Arkansas counties:
Sebastian County: Greenwood, Fort Smith Northside, Fort Smith Southside, Hackett and Lavaca
Crawford County: Alma, Cedarville, Mountainburg and Van Buren
Franklin County: Charleston and Ozark
Logan County: Booneville
Scott County: Mansfield
These 13 schools collectively make up the Foundation’s designated Arkansas River Valley football service area.
Western Maryland:
Washington, Allegany, & Garrett County's in Maryland.
COMPETITIVE AWARD CATEGORIES
The Foundation recognizes excellence in the following football categories:
- Offensive Player of the Year
- Defensive Player of the Year
- Offensive Lineman of the Year
- Special Teams Player of the Year
- EDF Most Valuable Player Arkansas
- EDF Western Maryland Most Valuable Player
The River Valley MVP and Maryland MVP represent the highest football honors awarded by the Foundation in their respective regions.
Each award celebrates leadership, character, discipline, work ethic, sportsmanship, and impact both on and off field.
EDF NON-COMPETITIVE AWARDS
EXCELLENCE |SERVICE | INTEGRITY
EDF Non-Competitive Awards
Exclusively for students from EDF’s 13 Arkansas River Valley service programs, these awards recognize achievement beyond game-day statistics. Coaches may recommend students, with final selections made by the EDF Board.
Academic Excellence Award
Recognizes a student-athlete who demonstrates outstanding academic achievement while making a meaningful contribution to the football program beyond simply being a member of the team. EDF believes classroom excellence should be matched by commitment, participation and a positive impact within the program.
Most Improved Player of the Year
Honors a student-athlete who has shown significant growth in performance, academics, leadership or character. EDF believes hard work and personal development deserve recognition.
Dedication Award
Recognizes exceptional commitment, perseverance and loyalty to a football program. EDF values students who consistently support their team and fulfill their responsibilities.
EDF Spirit of Excellence Award
Honors a cheerleader who demonstrates academic success, leadership, school spirit and community involvement. EDF believes cheerleaders’ athleticism and contributions deserve meaningful recognition.
*Mary E. Bowie Football Man of the Year
EDF’s highest non-competitive football honor recognizes excellence in character, academics, leadership and community service. It celebrates the complete student-athlete and the positive example he sets for others.
