A person associated with the Branson Football Program since his days playing for the Pirates is honored by the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame.

Jeff Howard, a 1996 graduate who returned to the program to help coach in 1998 and has been a member of the staff since, was named one of the Gridiron Elite 11 at the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame Football Luncheon in Springfield Wednesday. Howard played for the Pirates and was a part of three of the six straight district championships Branson won in the 90s. Howard was a second team All-State Selection as an Offensive Lineman his Senior Year. After graduation, Howard earned a degree but came back to help the program while still in school and has been on the staff since, now serving as Co-Defensive Coordinator along with fellow Branson Graduate and 2017 Gridiron Elite honoree Jacob Hamon. 

Howard was not the only Elite 11 inductee with Branson ties. Edward Sands was honored for his time as a standout Evangel University Football player. After his playing days, Sands spent the 2011 and 2012 seasons on the Branson staff of Coach Steve Hancock. 

Former St. Louis Rams Head Coach Mike Martz was the keynote inductee for the Football Luncheon.