By TONY TAGLAVORE, Journal Sports
Out of the millions of youth athletes throughout the United States, a Haughton Middle School student has made it to the quarterfinals of the Youth Athlete of the Year Award competition.
Eighth-grader Layton Valentine has an opportunity to win $25,000, and appear in Sports Illustrated. The contest is in cooperation with the national magazine, the V Foundation, and 3 Brand, the company founded by NFL quarterback Russell Wilson.
“It’s a great honor to be considered,” Layton told the Shreveport-Bossier Journal. “There are thousands of deserving student-athletes all across the country . . . . Never in a million years would I imagine to be Youth Athlete of the Year.”
Parents and guardians were encouraged to enter their son or daughter. Layton’s father, Matt, found out about the contest while following Wilson on social media.
“I’ve coached youth football for several years, and I got to thinking about what represents a good athlete,” Matt said. “I think Layton is it. You look at his hard work, and the way he supports his teammates . . . . He’s got several qualities people would look for in a good athlete – not just the talent. He’s an intelligent young man. He’s a hard worker.”
Layton has been working hard at football since first grade.
“I love to compete against good players . . . . I’m going to keep quiet while I’m on the (offensive) line, but once you come off, I’m going to flatten you. I’m going to do it for four quarters and not stop.”
While football is the sport Layton is most passionate about, it’s not the only sport he’s played. Layton has participated in basketball, wrestling, and track and field, where he threw the shot put and discus.
“I love athletics because it’s physical. It’s where I fit in. It’s always what I’ve loved to do. I feel like it’s a great use of my time. It’s better than anything else I could be doing. It helps my overall health, and I feel like it’s better for me than playing video games or doing something that doesn’t help me.”
What makes Layton’s accomplishments in athletics and academics – he’s an A & B student – even more impressive is that his mother (Heather) is fighting Stage 4 lung cancer. Layton admits it hasn’t been easy concentrating, while watching his mother go through three separate rounds of chemotherapy.
“It’s been tough, but I think we can persevere through all of it. It will all be fine if we just stick to our faith and keep believing.”
Layton said he thinks about his mom all the time, and is learning a lesson while watching her battle.
“Just keep fighting and things will get better. Keep a smile on your face and good things will come.”
At home, Layton has made things easier for his family.
“Layton keeps the right thing the right thing,” Matt said. “He focuses on how he can help the family through this time. Part of that is doing the things he needs to do, which are staying on top of his studies. When he gets home in the evenings. Doing his homework.”
Layton prays that his mother survives, and in a few years is able to watch him play college football.
“LSU,” Layton said without hesitation when asked for which team he wants to play. “Everyone in our family are all LSU fans. I was born on an LSU game day. I have been an LSU fan ever since.”
The Athlete of the Year Award is based on fan voting, which can translate into money for the contest’s charity partners. To vote, you may visit athleteoftheyear.org/2025/Layton-3bfb.
Contact Tony at SBJTonyT@gmail.com