Red Bay’s Vinson highlights list of three local football players to receive ASWA All-State recognition

Three high school football student-athletes from Franklin County—one from Red Bay, one from Phil Campbell, and one from Russellville—were recognized on the 2025 Alabama Sports Writers Association All-State Football Teams, it was announced on Saturday.

Headlining the local selections was Red Bay senior running back Jaxon Vinson, who was tapped for the Class 2A All-State First Team Offense. Junior Hayston Scott of Phil Campbell and sophomore linebacker Braxton Duncan of Russellville were Honorable Mentions in Class 3A and Class 5A, respectively.

Red Bay’s Vinson, also a Franklin Free Press All-Franklin County First Team running back and a Class 2A All-Region 8 First Team selection in 2025, is the Tigers’ first All-State pick since offensive lineman Kyler Watson in 2023 and the first First Team selection for RBHS since another running back, Brady Hardin, in 2022.

“Jaxon is a really good player and an even better person,” Red Bay head coach Tyler Jeffreys told the FFP. “In my opinion, he’s one of, if not the best, running backs in 2A. He had a really good year, and he was really important for us this season. We counted on him and he always came through for us.

“I think it’s also a testament to our offensive line and the great job they did—and I think Jaxon would be the first one to agree with me on that,” Jeffreys added. 

Vinson finished his senior campaign with 2,038 yards rushing which, according to MaxPreps.com, was the most rushing yards in Class 2A this past season. Vinson averaged over nine yards per carry and scored 26 rushing touchdowns for the Tigers, playing a vital role in Red Bay capturing its first region title since 2019.

“I’m really proud of him and couldn’t be happier for him,” Jeffreys said.

Phil Campbell junior quarterback Hayston Scott was an Honorable Mention in Class 3A, making him the first Bobcat to receive All-State recognition since defensive lineman John Herring in 2021.

Scott, an FFP All-Franklin County First Team selection and a First Team All-Region 5 pick, was one of the top offensive players in the state during the regular season and ended the year with 2,833 yards of total offense. A 1,000-yard rusher the last two seasons, Scott threw the ball much more his junior campaign, finishing 2025 with 1,784 yards passing and 19 touchdowns. He added 1,049 yards on the ground and 11 rushing touchdowns, as well. 

“I’m very proud of him,” Phil Campbell head coach Jacob Hamilton said of Scott. “He’s a great ball player and an even better person. He’s a team player and shows great leadership on and off the field.”

Rounding out the ASWA All-State players from Franklin County is Russellville’s Braxton Duncan, a sophomore linebacker who was a Class 5A Honorable Mention.

Duncan led the Golden Tigers in total tackles (147) and tackles for loss (7.5). He also added three sacks, two interruptions and a fumble recovery.

“I’m happy for Braxton. He had a really good year and deserves the recognition,” Russellville head coach Dustin Goodwin said. “We had a couple of other guys that should have been recognized, as well.

“Overall, I’m proud of our team and glad to see guys get noticed for their hard work and production on the field. Most importantly, I’m interested in what kind of teammate and person they are.”

Duncan joins a long list of Russellville All-State selections, the 114th chosen by the ASWA since 1983.