HS Football: D.J. Lagway Continues to Rack Up Awards in Postseason

WILLIS, TX -- Future Florida Gator and former Willis Wildkat D.J. Lagway continues his historic season by cashing in multiple postseason awards, including MaxPreps Texas and National Player of the Year and the Gatorade Texas Player of the Year.

Willis's gunslinger and premier play-caller orchestrated a historic season for his team, including the best finish in the program’s history at 12-1, which ended in the regional round of the state playoffs.

Lagway aided his award campaign by setting a new 6A record with 58 passing touchdowns in a single season while also tossing for 4,604 yards. His talents also led Willis in rushing yards and touchdowns, proving the elite dual-threat ability of the talented 5-star.

The announcement of MaxPreps Texas and National Player of the Year came in December 2023, with Lagway joining an elite fraternity of collegiate and professional talent. Athletes such as Johnathan Gray, Derrick Henry, and Kyler Murray can all tie their careers to winning MaxPreps National Player of the Year now alongside the talented Lagway.

Most recently for D.J., in his long list of accomplishments, is Gatorade Texas Player of the Year.

The award celebrates players for their “excellence on the field, in the classroom, and in the community” as a testament to their hard work as student-athletes.

Lagway now puts his name alongside athletes Drew Tate, Ben Gay, De’Andre Hardeman, Corey Pullig, and Kevin Williams as athletes from the Greater Houston Area to be named recipients of Gatorade Texas Player of the Year.

He is also the first winner from the Houston Area in nearly 25 years, with the last being Tate in 2001.

Gatorade’s announcement also comes with the knowledge that Lagway will be in contention for National Player of the Year along with two other athletes, Julian Sayin (Carlsbad, California) and Julian Lewis (Carollton, Georgia).

Eyes will be looking for Lagway come Gatorade’s announcement, as will the attention of a hopeful community that surrounded the talented QB throughout his high-school career.