The votes are in. The debate is settled. Ricky Richards has officially been crowned the Best Running Back in Seagoville High School history.
Richards finished atop the poll with 368 total votes. He outperformed a deep and talented field of 13 nominees who represented multiple generations of Dragons football.
The final tally showed Richards with a 92-vote margin over the runner-up, John Livingston, who secured second place with 276 votes. Kelvin Eafon followed closely in third with 271 votes.
James Collier finished fourth with 263 votes, while Curtis Mann placed fifth with 158 votes, and Eli Escobar rounded out the top six with 152 votes.
Floyd Wells finished seventh with 105 votes, Decory King placed eighth with 64 votes, and Jake Landess secured ninth with 39 votes.
Leon Tharp finished tenth with 20 votes and was followed by David Travis (16 votes), while Toady Bearden and Troy Stoudemire tied for twelfth with 11 votes each.
The Champions’ Legacy
Richards tallied 1,400 yards during his standout season. He was named the 1980 District 6-AAAA Offensive Player of the Year and also earned Preseason All-State running back honors in 1981.
Livingston was a two-time First Team All-District rusher who led the Dragons to 17 wins in 21 games during his prep career. His consistency made him a fan favorite.
Eafon ranked 14th among Class 4A rushers in 1993 with 1,478 yards. He finished his prep career with 3,300 total yards. His production was remarkable week after week.
Collier was a speedster who earned a full scholarship to SMU in 1979. His athleticism opened doors at the collegiate level and he represented Seagoville with pride.
Mann rushed for 1,451 yards in 1995. He led the Dragons to the third round of the playoffs and his contributions helped put Seagoville foorball on the map.
Escobar was named the 1983 District 5-AAAA MVP. His dominance on the field was widely recognized as he was also an All-District cornerback and punter. He left a lasting mark on Dragons football.
Landess was one of the area’s leading scorers in 1953 when he found the end zone 14 times that season. His scoring ability was unmatched in his era.
Tharp earned First Team All-District honors as a halfback in 1956 and 1957. His back-to-back selections showed his consistency, and he was a key figure in the locker room.
Bearden was a 14-year-old freshman halfback/quarterback. He earned First Team All-District honors in both 1952 and 1953, and his early success was a sign of great things to come.
Stoudemire was a dual threat quarterback who rushed for 2,084 yards and 26 touchdowns, and threw for over 500 yards and three scores. His versatility made him a dangerous weapon.
The Community Speaks
The competition drew significant participation from the Seagoville community. Alumni, former players, families, and Dragons football supporters all turned out to cast their ballots.
The poll opened on July 1 and remained available through July 31. It gave the community a chance to recognize outstanding running backs from the 1950s through the 2000s.
Richards now holds the title as the fans’ choice. His name will be remembered alongside the greats who paved the way for Dragons football.
