Mars Hill Bible’s Jaxon Penn Shines as MVP in 2025 AHSAA Class 3A State Title Game

BIRMINGHAM, AL – In a thrilling conclusion to the 2025 AHSAA Class 3A state championship, Jaxon Penn of Mars Hill Bible School delivered a performance for the ages, earning him the title of Most Valuable Player. The senior running back and defensive standout led the Panthers to a 38-21 victory over Bayside Academy at Protective Stadium, securing the school’s second consecutive state title.

A Comeback Story

Penn’s MVP honor was particularly poignant, as it marked his triumphant return to the championship stage after missing last year’s title game due to injury. Determined to make his mark, the Troy commit dominated on both sides of the ball. Offensively, he rushed for an astounding 205 yards and three touchdowns on 25 carries. His defensive contributions were equally impressive, with a team-high nine tackles.

The highlight of Penn’s night came in the fourth quarter when he broke free for an electrifying 89-yard touchdown run, effectively sealing the game for Mars Hill. Reflecting on the moment, Penn said, “When I was running, I was making sure nobody would catch me. I was looking at the Jumbotron, making sure nobody was in the radius to get me. It was really fun running 89 yards.”

A Dominant Ground Game

Mars Hill’s victory was built on a relentless rushing attack, amassing 398 yards on the ground. Penn’s backfield partner, Hudson Higgins, also played a pivotal role. The UAB commit and last year’s championship MVP contributed 195 rushing yards and two touchdowns, showcasing the Panthers’ depth and versatility.

The offensive line, led by North Alabama signee Samuel Swinney, provided the foundation for the Panthers’ success. “Our offensive linemen, they do a great job,” said Coach Darrell Higgins. “They take a lot of pride coming off the ball, low, hard, and fast.”

A Season to Remember

The championship win capped an undefeated season for head coach Darrell Higgins’ Mars Hill Panthers, extending their winning streak to 20 games. The Panthers’ resilience was tested when Bayside Academy narrowed the score to 17-14 late in the third quarter. However, Mars Hill responded with three unanswered touchdowns in the final period, showcasing their championship pedigree.

Looking Ahead

For Penn, the MVP honor is a fitting conclusion to a remarkable high school career. As he prepares to take his talents to Troy University, his legacy at Mars Hill is firmly cemented. For the Panthers, the future looks bright as they continue to build on their championship tradition.