The 2025 Smoky Mountain Conference football season delivered another year of hard-nosed competition, elite individual performances, and deep postseason runs, and TeamFYNSports has announced its annual SMC Media Awards and All-Conference Team selections.

The honors recognize the players and coaches who stood out throughout the regular season and into the state playoffs.

Coach of the Year

Joseph Watson, Murphy

Lucas Ford, Robbinsville

Joseph Watson of Murphy and Lucas Ford of Robbinsville share Coach of the Year honors after guiding their programs through successful 2025 campaigns that extended into their respected State Championship games.

Player of the Year

Cameron Clem, JR, Murphy

Cameron Clem is named 2025 Player of the Year following a dominant junior season that helped lead Murphy to a Western Regional Title and a State Championship game appearance. Clem’s ability to impact the game in multiple ways made him one of the most difficult matchups in the conference and a driving force behind Murphy’s postseason success. Clem led the SMC in Rushing with 1,723 yards in 11 games, led WNC in TDs with 31, and broke the SMC single game rushing yard and rushing TD record in the playoffs this year.

Offensive Player of the Year

Tre Graves, SR, Hayesville

Hayesville senior Tre Graves earns Offensive Player of the Year honors after spearheading an offense that pushed the Yellow Jackets into the state playoffs. Graves’ production and leadership were key for Hayesville’s 7 wins this year.

Defensive Player of the Year

Brody Orton, SR, Murphy

Brody Orton takes home Defensive Player of the Year honors after anchoring a Murphy defense that carried the Bulldogs through the state playoffs. Orton’s physical presence, football IQ, and leadership helped set the tone for one of the conference’s toughest defensive units in 2025. He led the SMC in tackles with 144, an average of 9.6 tackles per game while amassing 27 tackles for loss.

Athlete of the Year

Luke Lovin, SR, Robbinsville

Luke Lovin earns Athlete of the Year recognition after a versatile senior season that fueled Robbinsville’s run into the state playoffs. Lovin made an impact in all phases of the game and proved to be one of the most complete athletes in the Smoky Mountain Conference. He led all of 1A in passing yardage with 1,325 yards, and also had 20 TDs to just 5 INTs. He was also a pivotal part of the Black Knight Defense when needed.

Lineman of the Year

Janthony Gooden, SR, Murphy

Murphy senior Janthony Gooden is named Lineman of the Year after controlling the trenches during the Bulldogs’ playoff run. His consistency and physicality up front were instrumental in Murphy’s success.

Iron Man of the Year

Kellen Ensley, SR, Robbinsville

Kellen Ensley earns Iron Man of the Year honors after doing it all for Robbinsville during its 2025 state title run. His toughness and durability stood out throughout the season and into the postseason.

Newcomer of the Year

Benton Gibby, SO, Robbinsville

Sophomore Benton Gibby is named Newcomer of the Year after emerging as a key contributor on a Robbinsville team that had to develop a “next man up” menatality. Gibby’s rapid development made an immediate impact at the varsity level.

2025 TeamFYNSports All-SMC Team

Quarterback

Brady Grant, SR, Murphy

Druw Cody, JR, Swain

Running Back

Kyzik Teesateskie, SR, Robbinsville

Blake Davis, SO, Murphy

Zeke Glaspie, SR, Swain

Wide Receiver

Ryan Payne, SR, Murphy

Javan Garcia, SR, Cherokee

Ben Bethel, SR, Hayesville

Cam Allison, SO, Robbinsville

Tight End

Anthony Catuto, SO, Murphy

Offensive Line

Landen Lape, SR, Murphy

Elijah Kerley, SR, Murphy

Dane Daniels, SR, Robbinsville

Drew Scaggs, SR, Swain

Kasen Buchanan, SR, Robbinsville

Defensive Line

Will Brown, SR, Hayesville

Camden Breazeale, SR, Murphy

Levi Tramper, SO, Cherokee

Jude Pinkerton, JR, Murphy

John Dominguez, SR, Robbinsville

Linebacker

Charlie Swaney, SR, Cherokee

Ryelon Waldroup, SR, Robbinsville

Colton Shuler, SO, Swain

Grayson Hall, JR, Murphy

Defensive Back

Jon Saylor, SR, Cherokee

Aayden Williams, JR, Murphy

Dontae Barber, JR, Murphy

Corey Stillwell, SR, Swain

Punter

Isiac Collins, SR, Robbinsville

Dalton Farmer, SR, Murphy

Kicker

Jerry Bui, SR, Murphy

⭐ Honorable Mention

Kymani Foalima-Squirrell, Javen Garcia, Kingston Welch, Levi Tramper, Braden Gaither, Kelby Waldroup, Micah Gibson, Gabe Aguilar, Logan Shuler, Hudson Reece, Noah Lossiah, Jon Stephensen, Silas Stanberry, Rylan Leatherwood, Kasen Buchannon, Zander Lucksavage, Xamuel Wachacha