Coach Will Hester (left) and Ravenwood will square off with coach George Quarles and Maryville in the Class 6A title game.

Ravenwood’s Crews Holt (97) reacts after his kick is blocked in the final seconds of regulation Saturday.

Ravenwood’s Corey Hurt (63) is consoled by fans after losing to Maryville in overtime Saturday.

Ravenwood fans throw baby powder in the air at the start of the game Saturday.

Ravenwood’s senior running back Connor Jeffries.

As Ravenwood showed with last week’s semifinal win over West Tennessee power Whitehaven — and throughout its entire season, really — that there’s more than one way to skin a cat.

The Raptors, who managed just over 100 yards of offense a week ago, relied on a pair of Crews Holt field goals, including a school-record 55-yarder, along with Chris Rowland’s 80-yard, third-quarter kick return for a touchdown, to take down the talented Tigers.

“We were physically outmatched,” third-year Ravenwood coach Will Hester said of the team’s 20-13 triumph.  “(Whitehaven) was bigger and stronger than we were. That’s the way it had to be.”

Peyton Manning to speak at Middle Tennessee awards event

The Raptors, squaring off against East Tennessee powerhouse Maryville in the Class 6A championship for the second time in as many seasons, are hoping that often-used cat cliché also applies to Rebels.

“We’re not the explosive team we used to be,” said Rowland, one of 36 seniors of this year’s roster. “But our motto for the year has been ‘next man up.’ Everybody has stepped up, and I’m just hoping that we can finish it this season — finish what we started.”

Five from Midstate win Mr. Football awards
The Tennessean Midstate Top 10

Last year’s team, which featured a prolific offense led by 2015 graduates and current college football players Cole Brown (Chattanooga), Van Jefferson (Ole Miss) and Austin Percy (SMU), came up a couple plays short of knocking off 15-time champion Maryville a season ago.

After jumping out to a 28-7 first-quarter advantage, however, the Rebels clawed their way back, eventually knotting things up at 28-28 before blocking Holt’s potential game-winning 32-yard-field goal to force overtime.

The very same player who blocked the kick, 2015 Class 6A Mr. Football Lineman of the Year T.D. Blackmon (120 tackles, 2 sacks), also intercepted Brown’s 2-point conversion pass in the end zone, sealing the 35-34 victory.

“Congrats to (Blackmon) and congrats to Maryville, but we’ve got some work to do,” Holt, the 2015 Mr. Football Kicker of the Year, said at Monday’s Mr. Football Awards ceremony at Nissan Stadium. “We’re really focused, and if I get another chance, hopefully I’ll knock it through.”

Ravenwood graduate Austin Bert (3) reacts after Maryville’s T.D. Blackmon hauled in the game-sealing interception in last year’s Class 6A state title game.

Points of emphasis

If Ravenwood hopes to have any chance snapping Maryville’s state-leading 44-game winning streak, it will almost certainly need to manufacture more offense than last week’s 116-yard, 20-point performance.

“It’s been said by a lot of people that if you don’t score 35 points you’re not going to have a chance to beat Maryville,” Hester said. “We scored 34 last year, so 35 just might be the magic number.”

Tallying five touchdowns against the three-time defending champion won’t be easy, especially considering the Rebels’ defense is allowing an average of just 9.7 points — good enough for fourth in the state. The unit has also forced 26 turnovers while not allowing a single opponent to eclipse the 20-point mark.

The Raptors’ potent run-first offense — featuring the senior backfield trio of Rowland (744 yards rushing, 10 TDs), running back Connor Jeffries (1,015 yards, 12 TDs) and quarterback Andrew Rappe (921 yards, 13 TDs) — will need to be on top of its game.

“We don’t have home run hitters everywhere you look, but we have guys stepping up all over the place,” said Rowland. “Guys like Connor Jeffries and (junior wide receiver) Nathan Freeman have really helped take the pressure off me, and Rappe has stepped up big, too.”

While he doesn’t have quite the same numbers Brown did a season ago, aside from his nightmarish four-interception performance in the Raptors’ lone loss of the season — a 30-13 defeat at rival Centennial on Sept. 11 — the 5-foot-11, 190-pound Rappe has been pretty efficient through the air.

In Ravenwood’s 12 wins, Rappe has completed 57 percent of his passes (57-of-100) for 1,074 yards and 12 touchdowns with just two interceptions.

“People doubt his throwing ability, but he can really spin it,” added Rowland, the team’s leading receiver (47 catches, 924 yards, 9 TDs).

For Ravenwood to have a chance Saturday, special teams standouts Chris Rowland (left) and Crews Holt (right) will likely both need to have big performances.

Special team

It’s not impossible to imagine Ravenwood finding the end zone five times on Saturday night, but that will likely require its outstanding special teams units to supplement at least a couple scores.

“My teammates and I knew that this year might have some closer games,” Holt said. “I just stayed focused in the offseason knowing that we probably wouldn’t be winning games by 40 or 50 points.”

“We’ve done a wonderful job of winning on special teams with Crews Holt and (punter) Grayson Linde,” Hester added. “Crews has made three kicks over 50 yards this year. Our special teams kids are playing hard, and that’s been a big part of our success.”

Hester’s not just talking about the kicking games, either.

Thanks to Rowland, the Raptors are also one of the most dangerous teams in the state when it comes to returns.

In addition to last week’s eventual game-winning 80-yard kickoff return for a touchdown, Rowland also notched a 95-yard return for a score in the Ravenwood’s season-opening win over Siegel. The 5-foot-9, 170-pounder has also brought back three punts this season, two of which came in the 52-7 victory over Lebanon in early October.

“I’m really confident coming into this week,” Rowland said. “It’s me and mine versus them and theirs, and I’m pretty confident with my group.”

Ravenwood speedster Rowland hopes for college chance

Reach Michael Murphy at 615-259-8262 and on Twitter @Murph_TNsports.

RAVENWOOD (13-1)

Matchup: Class 6A title game vs. Maryville (14-0), 7 p.m. Saturday

Top players: Chris Rowland (Sr. RB), Conner Jeffries (Sr. RB), Andrew Lutgens (Sr. DB), Crews Holt (Sr. K), John Thompson (Sr. WR/LB), Brad Bloedorn (Sr. TE/DL)

Points scored: 515 (36.8)

Points allowed: 186 (13.3)

Playoff results: Def. Bartlett 55-7, Overton 35-0, White Station 55-35, Whitehaven 20-13

Pearl-Cohn senior quarterback Jimmy Ferrell.

Pearl-Cohn prepares to take the field prior to its Oct. 30 victory over Springfield.

Pearl-Cohn running back Ke’Juan Vaughn breaks free from a Hillsboro defender during the Firebirds’ season-opening 42-28 loss.

Pearl-Cohn’s Rontavius Groves was ranked sixth in this year’s Tennessean’s Dandy Dozen.

As consistently strong as Pearl-Cohn football has been for the better part of two decades — even after the departure of legendary coach Maurice Fitzgerald — it’s hard to believe the Firebirds are still fighting for their first state championship in nearly two decades.

Not since the 1997 — the second of two straight 4A titles for Pearl-Cohn — has the program even appeared in a state championship game.

After last year’s disappointing semifinal finish for the Ke’Shawn Vaughn-led Firebirds, it almost felt like it might never happen. That feeling only intensified after this year’s team dropped four of its first six games — albeit to top-notch competition.

“It was frustrating, man,” Pearl-Cohn’s Rontavius Groves said. “We had to fight through a lot of adversity and just keep our heads straight.”

It was through that frustration, however, that these 2015 Firebirds forged their most successful season in 18 years.

“We feel like that’s why we’re here today,” added senior quarterback Jimmy Ferrell (2,828 yards passing, 36 total TDs). “It made us better. We like the bumpy roads. We just stuck with coach’s plan and just went to battle.”

Coach Steve Matthews and Knoxville Catholic feel much the same about its less-than-stellar start as the Fighting Irish make their first state championship game appearance since 2008.

“It’s kind of weird, we’re both in the same spot,” said Knoxville Catholic coach Steven Matthews, whose 2014 Fighting Irish rolled through the regular season before making a second-round exit. “With a tough schedule we knew maybe we’d sacrifice some games early, and that’s what happened, but in the long run it pays off.”

Coach Tony Brunett and Pearl-Cohn (left) square off against Steve Matthews and Knoxville Catholic in Saturday’s Class 4A championship.

Similar stories

While the schools themselves have very little in common — Pearl-Cohn is a public school in West Nashville while Knoxville Catholic is a private institution in East Tennessee — it’s amazing just how similar the treks to Cookeville have been.

“I can’t really put myself in their shoes, but it feels like it,” Groves said.

Both programs began the season ranked among the top five teams in Class 4A — the Fighting Irish third, the Firebirds fourth — but as the season progressed, with each dropping four of their first five games, it appeared the historically strong programs were stuck in rebuilding mode.

But that wasn’t the case. They were simply facing top-tier opponents on a weekly basis.

Peyton Manning to speak at Middle Tennessee awards event

“We played some really good teams, and it showed us that we can’t lay down toward the end of games,” Groves said. “You’ve got to stick together and play as a family. That’s what we’ve done and we learned it from those games.”

Of the Firebirds’ four losses, two came against state finalists Montgomery Bell Academy (34-25) and Christ Presbyterian Academy (34-26). Another was to Class 5A quarterfinalist Hillsboro (42-28).

“I think after that Muscle Shoals butt-whooping we took, that took a little something out of us,” Pearl-Cohn coach Tony Brunetti said. “We came out and played Maplewood the next week and we won, but it all came together during the bye week after. We had a chance to rest and heal up, and the kids sort of bought into what we were trying to do.”

Knoxville Catholic’s early season string of losses came against similarly stiff competition, including CPA, Knoxville Central, Belfry (Ky.) and three-time defending champion Fulton — a loss the Irish later avenged with a 28-25 second-round victory.

“I think team chemistry and the way we’ve been playing is the best that we have been all year,” Matthews said.

A combined 16 wins consecutive wins later, it’s safe to say the slow starts weren’t indicative of a rebuilding season. The Firebirds and Fighting Irish were merely sharpening their skills.

“We came through a lot, but it’s great now,” Pearl-Cohn defensive end Antwon Malone said. “It was all worth it.”

Catholic’s Amari Rodgers claimed the Class 4A Mr. Football Back of the Year award on Monday.

Top-notch targets

Saturday’s title game will feature a pair of two-way standouts — Pearl-Cohn’s Groves and Catholic’s Amari Rodgers, both of whom are known for their pass-catching.

Rodgers, a Southern Cal commitment and the Class 4A Mr. Football Back of the Year, has 58 receptions for 1,524 yards and 22 touchdowns in addition to running 56 times for 413 yards and three scores.

Groves (1,062 yards receiving, 14 TDs), ranked sixth in this year’s Tennessean Dandy Dozen, has also put together a season to remember. But the receiver/cornerback, who has offers from North Carolina, West Virginia and Kentucky, among others according to 247sports.com, didn’t enjoy the start to the year he had envisioned.

That was partially due to lingering injuries — a preseason hamstring pull followed by a twisted ankle, which  forced him to miss games against Macon County, Portland and Muscle Shoals (Ala.).

“We tried to rest him, but he just never could get healthy with that hamstring,” Brunetti said. “During that time other kids had to rise up, grow up and learn how to step up.”

Like the rest of the Firebirds, Groves didn’t truly take flight until after the the team’s Week 8 bye.

In his final three regular-season contests, Groves hauled in 34 receptions for 836 yards and eight touchdowns, and he’s made 21 grabs for 352 yards and five scores in Pearl-Cohn’s four postseason wins.

“This year we played as a family instead of a team,” Groves said. “We all came together as one, ignored all the problems and just played. We played our hearts out for each other, left everything on the field and the result was making it to state.”

Reach Michael Murphy at 615-259-8262 and on Twitter @Murph_TNsports.

PEARL-COHN (10-4)

Matchup: Class 4A title game vs. Knoxville Catholic (10-4), 7 p.m. Saturday

Top players: Rontavius Groves (Sr. WR/DB), Jimmy Ferrell (Sr. QB), Antwon Malone (Sr. DL), Ke’Juan Vaughn (Jr. RB), Jimmyrious Parker (So. RB/WR/DB), Edward Hyde (Jr. RB/DB)

Points scored: 499 (35.6)

Points allowed: 219 (15.6)

Playoff results: Def. Montgomery Central 40-0, Lipscomb 28-17, Springfield 33-3, Memphis East 27-14

CPA’s Chip Omer (45) makes the turn around the end against Alcoa in Friday’s 3A BlueCross Bowl state title game.

COOKEVILLE —  For the third time in as many seasons, Christ Presbyterian Academy and East Tennessee powerhouse Alcoa have concluded their seasons on the state’s biggest stage.

Unfortunately for CPA, Friday’s Class 3A title game bore little resemblance to last year’s shutout victory over the 14-time champion Tornadoes as the Lions suffered a 20-0 defeat Friday at Tennessee Tech’s Tucker Stadium.

CPA’s Zack Weatherly (2) gets up slowly after being sacked by Alcoa in the BlueCross Bowl Class 3A state title game on Dec. 4, 2015, in Cookeville.

It more resembled the Lions’ 18-point BlueCross Bowl defeat in 2013 than their 7-0 win last season.

“I think we’re a good football team, we just played a better football team and a better coaching staff tonight,” sixth-year CPA coach Ingle Martin said. “We’ll live to see another day.”

It was the ninth state title for Alcoa since 2004 and the 11th in the career of longtime coach Gary Rankin, the state’s all-time wins leader (383). Six of his state titles have come at Alcoa with the other four at Riverdale.

Rankin is tied with Maryville’s George Quarles, whose team plays for the 6A title Saturday, for the most football state titles in Tennessee (11), one ahead of legendary Brentwood Academy coach Carlton Flatt.

The Lions (13-2), who’d won nine consecutive postseason contests, failed to eclipse 100 yards of offense for the first time since their 2013 loss to Alcoa (14-1).

The Tornadoes had 334 yards in the comfortable victory.

CPA’s typically strong running game was virtually non-existent. Seniors Chip Omer, Wallace Barrett, John Orr and Zack Weatherly averaged 0.8 yards per attempt, managing just 21 yards on 25 attempts.

“Their whole team, there’s not a weak spot on it,” Weatherly said. “Their front seven is the real deal — that front four and those linebackers flying around — and also the safeties coming down hard.”

Weatherly, a Class 3A Mr. Football finalist and Chattanooga commitment, did complete 4 of 4 passes for 74 yards. He simply was unable to stay upright long enough to establish any kind of sustained success.

“They have a great coaching staff coaching them, and they have tremendous players,” Martin said. “When you can stop what we’re trying to do and outnumber us on the perimeter, our quarterback is going to have to pull it down and run.”

The Lions didn’t register a first down until the closing minutes of the opening quarter, finally moving the sticks on a 12-yard run by Omer.

Moments later, Weatherly hooked up with Barrett on a 45-yard completion. However, after a sack by Class 3A Mr. Football Lineman of the Year  Jonathan Deckers, CPA was whistled for a delay of game penalty, setting kicker Harrison Myers up with a 51-yard field goal attempt

Peyton Manning to speak at Middle Tennessee awards event

Myers narrowly missed to the left.

On the ensuing possession, the Tornadoes marched 68 yards down to the CPA 11 before settling for a 28-yard field goal from Ben Smith with 4:51 left in the half.

Alcoa stretched its lead to two scores on its opening possession of the second half, claiming a 10-0 advantage on a physical 2-yard touchdown run from junior Malik Salter. The Tornadoes doubled up the Lions’ deficit in the fourth quarter with another Smith field goal followed by a second Salter rushing score.

Salter finished with 23 yards on 10 carries, while Alcoa quarterback Jaylen Myers accounted for 234 yards — 119 of which came on 9-of-15 passing.

“You know I was on the sideline toward the end of the game, and honestly I was content,” said CPA senior Price Perdue, whose helped lead the Lions to a 55-4 record in four seasons. “I felt about all the things Coach Martin has taught us, about how football doesn’t define us, our hearts define us.”

Reach Michael Murphy at 615-259-8262 and on Twitter @Murph_TNsports. 

Pearl-Cohn head coach Elie Brunetti holds the consolation trophy during the presentation after the Class 4A Championship Game on Saturday, Dec 5, in Cookeville, Tenn. Pearl-Cohn lost to Knoxville Catholic 48-8.

COOKEVILLE — Pearl-Cohn got off to a good start in its first state championship appearance in 18 seasons.

However, it wasn’t long after Jimmyrious Parker’s 91-yard, first-quarter touchdown run that things quickly went off the rails for the Firebirds in a 48-8 loss to Knoxville Catholic in the Class 4A state title game at Tennessee Tech’s Tucker Stadium.

“We started off great, but the tables turned quick,” Pearl-Cohn junior defensive lineman Antwon Malone said.

Knoxville Catholic junior Amari Rodgers answered the early Firebirds score with an 82-yard kickoff return for a touchdown — the first of seven straight Irish scores en route to the program’s second state football championship and first since 2008.

“I think the turning point of the game was the kickoff return,” Knoxville Catholic coach Steve Matthews said. “It was kind  of back and forth and Amari took that back. That was huge for us just to realize we could play with those guys.”

The lopsided contest featured plenty of big plays, including four scores of 34 yards or more, but the contest was won — and lost — in the trenches.

Pearl-Cohn’s Ke’Juan Vaughn (6) is surrounded by Irish defenders in the second quarter during the Class 4A Championship Game on Saturday Dec. 5, 2015, in Cookeville, Tenn.

“We expected them to be physical, but we expected our line to be as physical as them” said Firebirds senior Rontavius Groves, who made his college commitment to North Carolina after the loss. “It just didn’t happen. But we lost together as a team.”

Pearl-Cohn (10-5), which had 153 of its 313 yards in the opening quarter, piled up 186 yards rushing on 38 carries, but with the exception of Parker’s long touchdown run, the Firebirds managed a meager 2.5 yards per carry.

“Our defense played outstanding,” Matthews said. “We got the better of them tonight, but I’m sure next year there’s a good possibility that they’ll be back again.”

Knoxville Catholic (11-4) took its first lead late in the first quarter on junior running back Jeffery Wood’s 7-yard touchdown run, and the BlueCross Bowl offensive MVP, quarterback Chase Cunningham, increased the Irish lead to 14-8 following a 7-yard touchdown pass to Chase Kuerschen with 9:38 left in the second quarter.

Peyton Manning to speak at Middle Tennessee awards event

Cunningham, who started the season as Catholic’s third-string quarterback, completed 11 of his 21 throws for 179 yards with first-half touchdown passes of 7, 43 and 34 yards.

Wood wound up with 116 yards rushing with a pair of scores on 10 carries, and Cunningham also added a 1-yard fourth-quarter touchdown run.

Parker, just a sophomore, finished with 138 yards on 11 carries to lead the Firebirds, and the 5-foot-7, 150-pounder also hauled in a team-leading four receptions for 44 yards.

“(Parker) has got a heck of a heart, great vision and very bright future,” Groves said.

Pearl-Cohn quarterback Jimmy Ferrell completed 11 of 20 pass attempts for 127 yards and an interception.

“Guess what? Somebody has to win and somebody has to lose,” Pearl-Cohn coach Tony Brunetti said. “All I asked them to do was finish hard, and that’s what they did … Proud isn’t the word. We were 2-4 at the beginning of the year and nobody picked us to be here. They believed in each other, and that’s all that mattered. That’s why we were here.”

Reach Michael Murphy at 615-259-8262 and on Twitter @Murph_TNsports. 

Pearl-Cohn senior Rontavius Groves closed one chapter on Saturday at Tennessee Tech’s Tucker Stadium, but not long after the Firebirds’ 48-8 Class 4A championship loss to Knoxville Catholic, the two-way standout revealed where his next chapter would play out.

Pearl-Cohn’s Rontavious Groves (5) hurdles over a Knoxville Catholic defender during the Class 4A BlueCross Bowl Saturday.

Groves, a 2014 All-Midstate first-teamer ranked sixth on the Tennessean’s 2015 Dandy Dozen, announced his intentions to play football at North Carolina, choosing the Tar Heels over multiple offers.

“After long consideration with close family and friends I’ve decided to take my talents and further my education at the University of North Carolina!” Groves tweeted. “Officially apart of the Tar Heel family.”

Groves, who helped lead Pearl-Cohn to its first state championship appearance in 18 seasons, finished 2015 with a team-leading 55 receptions for 1,061 yards and 14 touchdowns.

As a junior, the 5-foot-11, 175-pound wide receiver/cornerback made 48 catches for 1,223 yards and 19 scores for the 2014 semifinalist Firebirds.

Reach Michael Murphy at 615-259-8262 and on Twitter @Murph_TNsports. 

Brentwood Academy’s Prince Momodu dives for the 2-point conversion to tie the DII-AA BlueCross Bowl and force overtime.

Brentwood Academy began the season ranked atop the Tennessean Midstate Top 10, and, with the exception of a brief regular-season stretch following a Week 2 loss to Kentucky state semifinalist Trinity, that’s been the Eagles’ home all season.

BA, which featured Division I-caliber athletes all over the field, did just enough to make sure that’s where the powerful private school program ended up.

“It was a hard-fought tough win,” Brentwood Academy coach Cody White said following his team’s 56-55 victory over Montgomery Bell Academy. “We definitely earned it.”

The game wasn’t settled in regulation — much closer than the two teams’ Oct. 9 regular-season meeting, a 48-14 BA victory — as the Eagles relied on a gutsy two-point conversion in double-overtime to secure a victory and the program’s first state championship since 2006.

“We knew that we had the talent to do it and the coaching to do it,” added quarterback Jeremiah Oatsvall, who was named BlueCross Bowl Offensive MVP on Thursday after throwing for 280 yards, running for 159 more whiles accounting for four total touchdowns in the narrow win. “It was a matter of will and a matter of heart, and we pulled it out.”

MBA, unbeaten except for a pair of losses to Brentwood Academy, finishes the year ranked second in the Midstate Top 10, while fellow TSSAA state football champions Independence (5A) and Ravenwood (6A), along with Class 6A semifinalist Oakland, round out the top 5.

Here’s look at the final Midstate Top 10 of the 2015 high school football regular season, as ranked by The Tennessean:

Nashville Christian’s Mareio McGraw breaks free from a Greenback defender during Friday’s Class 1A championship victory.

10. Nashville Christian (13-1) — The Eagles captured their first state championship in program history on Friday as five different NCS seniors scored touchdowns in the lopsided 42-14 win over Greenback in the Class 1A final. Last week: No. 10. 

Nashville Chr. wins first team title in school history

Pearl-Cohn running back Ke’Juan Vaughn (6) is brought down by a gang of Knoxville Catholic defenders during Saturday’s BlueCross Bowl defeat.

9. Pearl-Cohn (10-5) — The Firebirds fell in lopsided fashion to Knoxville Catholic on Saturday, suffering a 48-8 BlueCross Bowl loss — the result of a dominating defensive performance by the Class 4A champion Irish. Last week: No. 9. 

Pearl-Cohn falls big in 4A title game

Pressured by Alcoa defenders, CPA quarterback Zack Weatherly loses the ball during Friday’s 3A game. Alcoa beat CPA 20-0 in third straight title game meeting.

8. CPA (13-2) — Alcoa flipped the script on the CPA in Friday’s Class 3A title game, holding the defending champion Lions to less than 100 yards while handing them their first shutout loss in coach Ingle Martin’s six seasons. Last week: No. 8.

Alcoa blanks CPA in third straight title game meeting

Blackman running back Taeler Dowdy (3).

7. Blackman (10-3) — Senior running back Taeler Dowdy eclipsed the 2,000-yard mark on the year, helping lead Blackman to a largely successful 10-win season ending with a Class 6A quarterfinal finish. Last week: No. 6.

Centennial senior RB/LB and Class 5A Mr. Football winner Tyrel Dodson (25).

6. Centennial (12-2) — While Centennial didn’t end its season in Cookeville, the Region 7-5A Cougars still had an impressive campaign, topping eventual Class 6A champion Ravenwood while suffering both of their losses to eventual Class 5A champion Independence. Last week: No. 7.

Oakland senior WR/DB and Class 6A Mr. Football finalist JaCoby Stevens.

5. Oakland (13-1) — First-year coach Kevin Creasy and the Patriots came up one win shy of making their first title game appearance since winning it all in 2008, but with talent like junior JaCoby Stevens returning in 2016, there’s no reason to believe Oakland can’t get over the hump a year from now. Last week: No. 4. 

Ravenwood hoists the Class 6A state championship trophy after knocking off Maryville in Saturday’s title game.

4. Ravenwood (14-1) — Despite being heavy underdogs, the reigning Class 6A runner-up Raptors avenged last season’s BlueCross Bowl loss by beating 15-time state champion Maryville, 26-17, behind a lights-out defensive effort. Last week: No. 5.

Ravenwood waits all year to beat Maryville for state title

Senior Independence Andrew Bunch earned offensive MVP honors in Friday’s BlueCross Bowl win.

3. Independence (15-0) — The Eagles polished off a perfect season with Friday’s convincing 49-14 championship rout of Sevier County thanks to quarterback Andrew Bunch’s 372-yard, six touchdown performance. Last week: No. 3. 

Independence completes perfect season with first title

MBA running back Ty Chandler racked up 398 all-purpose yards and six TDs in his team’s 56-55 BlueCross Bowl loss.

2. MBA (11-2) — The Big Red came up a two-point conversion stop shy of claiming the top spot as running back Ty Chandler’s 398 all-purpose yards and five total touchdowns proved to not be enough for MBA to capture its second straight DII-AA title. Last week: No. 2.

Brentwood Academy sophomore WR/DB Cam Johnson (27) hauled in the game-winning two-point conversion catch in Thursday’s BlueCross Bowl.

1. Brentwood Academy (12-1) — The Eagles had a tougher time with MBA on Thursday than in the Oct. 9 regular-season meeting, actually requiring overtime to take down the Big Red, but Jeremiah Oatsvall’s successful two-point conversion pass to Camron Johnson sealed a thrilling 56-55 win. Last week: No. 1. 

Brentwood Academy tops MBA on 2-point try in 2OT for title

Reach Michael Murphy at 615-259-8262 and on Twitter @Murph_TNsports. 

It appears Independence’s Nate Johnson is bound for the Big Ten after all.

Independence senior Nate Johnson committed to play football at Michigan on Saturday.

After originally committing to Purdue in late July before withdrawing his pledge to the Boilermakers just over three months later, Johnson, a 5-foot-11, 175-pound wide receiver and four-star prospect according to 247Sports, announced his intention to play football at the University of Michigan on Saturday.

“After talking it over with my family I’ve decided to make the decision to commit to The University of Michigan!!! #GoBlue,” Johnson tweeted while on an official visit to Ann Arbor, choosing the Wolverines over other Division I schools, including Tennessee and Vanderbilt.

Johnson, a Class 5A Mr. Football semifinalist, finished his senior season with a Midstate-leading 87 receptions for 1,713 yards and 27 touchdowns, helping lead the Eagles to a perfect 15-0 record and a Class 5A title — the first in program history.

“Somebody just texted me literally a minute ago so I don’t know anything about it,” Independence coach Scott Blade said. “He took a trip there and he’s only got five of those to spend, and if he’s going to take a trip up there it was obviously in the top tier … That’s one of the top teams in the country. It’s an honor to even have them come down and look at him.”

As a junior, Johnson made 62 grabs for a team-leading 1,290 yards and 17 touchdowns.

Reach Michael Murphy at 615-259-8262 and on Twitter @Murph_TNsports.

Hendersonville guard Carleigh Short drives to the basket during the first half of Tuesday’s matchup with White House-Heritage.

White House Heritage guard Chris Rippy scored in the final seconds of overtime on Tuesday, lifting the Patriots to a 54-53 win over Hendersonville.

HENDERSONVILLE — The White House-Heritage boys basketball team received a much-needed boost of confidence of confidence from Tuesday’s game with Hendersonville

For the host Commandos, however, it was more of the same.

“We had our opportunities,” Hendersonville coach Kerry West said after his team’s 54-53 overtime defeat. “We took the lead twice late and somehow found a way to give it back.”

The Commandos (1-6), who’ve now dropped six straight since capturing a season-opening win over Westmoreland, claimed a one-point edge on a pair of Austin Kirby free throws with nine seconds left in overtime.

The lead didn’t last long, though, as Patriots guard Chris Rippy quickly spoiled things at the other end.

“I think we were just ready for a win,” said Rippy, who banked in the game-winning bucket with a little more than a second to play. “I was going to pass it off, but I saw the open lane and just took it up.”

“We didn’t get matched up great in transition off the free throw, and they made a tough shot,” West added. “It’s a tough one.”

Caleb Stephens and Bransom Kramm each tallied 16 points to lead the Patriots (2-6), who snapped a four-game losing streak. Nick Desmaris added 15 for Heritage, while Rippy finished with four.

“We’ve struggled with maturity and mental toughness, and tonight they decided they weren’t going to quit and weren’t going to let it bother them,” White House-Heritage coach Mike Petrone said. “It could have, but we hung in there and did what we had to do.”

Kirby finished with a game-high 22 points for Hendersonville, while teammate Preston Brown added 17.

“It was great to get it done,” said Rippy, one of several White House-Heritage football players to recently rejoin the team. “We’ve been on a losing streak these past few games, and I think this win will help us out the rest of the season.”

Hendersonville forward Peyton Sheehan drives during the first half of Tuesday’s matchup with White House-Heritage.

Hendersonville girls 59, WH-Heritage 25: The Lady Commandos ended their three-game losing streak.

Peyton Sheehan started the game 4-for-4 from the field for Hendersonville (4-3), which included a pair of first-quarter 3-pointers, to spot her team an early advantage.

That lead swelled to 29-12 after two quarters, and the visiting Lady Patriots (5-4) never recovered.

Carleigh Short finished with a game-high 13 points for Hendersonville and Brooke Long added 12 points.

Reach Michael Murphy at 615-259-8262 and on Twitter @Murph_TNsports. 

Here’s a look at the all-region football teams and superlatives throughout the Midstate

Retro football

(NOTE: If your region has released its all-district teams and awards, and is not listed, please email them to mfmurphy@tennessean.com)

Nashville Christian senior Daniel Bituli

REGION 5-1A

MVP: Daniel Bituli, Sr., Nashville Christian

Offensive MVP: Mikey Chennault, Jr., Jo Byrns

Defensive MVP: Brant Lawless, Soph., Nashville Christian

Special Teams MVP: Tanner Lannom, Jr., Trousdale County

Offensive Lineman of the Year: Spencer Norrod, Jr., Monterey

Defensive Lineman of the Year: Jackson Jones, Sr., Jo Byrns

Skill Player of the Year: Mareio McGraw, Sr., Nashville Christian

Back of the Year: Parker Baxley, Sr., Jo Byrns

Coach of the Year: Scott Hughes, Monterey

Nashville Christian: Nathan Hargrove, Austin Shelton, Gunnar Pfeffer, Robert Brantley, Kyle Tidwell, Jaylon Jackson, Blake Barfield, Slater Howard, Jack Elliot.

Jo Byrns: Connor Cathey, Scottie Kendzierski, John Dowlen, Sammy Earheart, Luke Sower, Cole Head, Houston Cooksey, Jeffrey Emmons.

Trousdale County: Ricky Harrison, Colton Gammons, Isiah Harper, Chase Dallas, Matt Thomas, Q’Lon Maynard, Jake Gregory, Keyvont Baines.

Monterey: Braxton Tayes, Bradley Tayes, Corey Heiderich, Noah Mason, Caleb Phillips, Jesse Raines, Chase Smith, Dalton Beard.

MTCS: Joseph Peck, Nick Merritt, Trey Hickey, Tanner Green, Grant Pickard, Brayden Melton, Matt Swift, Sam Mathis.

Gordonsville: Koby Watts, Tyler Peyatt, Chris Edwards, Justin Vaden, Jay Vaden, Sheldon Harris, Jacob Lancaster.

Red Boiling Springs: Mason Hewitt, Ben Bravo, Billy York, Justin Bergdorff, Jordan Powell, Logan Hewitt.

Clay County: Wyatt Mabry, Seth Mackey, Dalon Smith, Noah Caldwell.

Pickett County: Dakota Tompkins, Noah King, Jared Conner, Evan Caudle

Watertown senior Luke Turner

REGION 4-2A

Most Valuable Player: Luke Turner (Watertown)

Co-Offensive Players of the Year: Darian Pride (Community), Seth Price (Watertown)

Defensive Player of the Year: Slayton Wild (Forrest)

Most Valuable Lineman: Boone Sweeney (Forrest)

Special Teams Player of the Year: Trent Sutton (Cascade)

Staff of the Year: Matt Kriesky, Lance Horton, Brent Johns, Kyle Stacey, Eli Stephenson

Cascade: Kris Kelso, Carter McAnnally, Brady Parker, Lance Stacey

Community: Jesse Farrar, Chris Joslyn, Jacob Kupczyk, Mike McClain, Braden Simmons

Eagleville: A.J. Garza, Tyler Griffin, Graham Hatcher, Chavalier Sutton, James Witt

East Robertson: James Coleman, Adrian Jarrett, Johnny Lyons, Nick Wooten

Forrest: Dave Andrews, Billy Clanton, Neyland Darnell, Jake Elkins, Jesse Pruitt, Tristan Sawyer, Payton Sisk

Jackson County: Zach Davidson, Jeremy Hodges, Colby Long, Caleb Wall

Watertown: Vonte Bates, Zack Grisham, Skylor Scales, Rusty Staats, Brady Swann, James Vaden

Westmoreland: Hunter Crowson, Jacob Harper, Lucas James, Bayle Kirk, Dylan Todd, Isreal Ward

CPA senior Zack Weatherly

REGION 5-3A

Most Valuable Player: Zack Weatherly, CPA

Defensive MVP: Jacob Phillips, East Nashville

Offensive MVP: Corey Simmons, Stratford

Most Versatile: Chip Omer, CPA

Coach of the Year: Maurice Fitzgerald, Stratford

Asst. Coach of the Year: Scott Ballard, White House Heritage

QB: Josh Trueheart, Stratford

RB: Kyle Fuhrer (White House Heritage)

TE: Danny Blake, Stratford

OL: Donre’ Ezell (East Nashville), Hunter Presley (Greenbrier), Caleb Stephens (White House Heritage)

DL: Will Scannell (White House Heritage), Khalil Jones (Stratford), Brad Smith (CPA), Malik Huddleston (Whites Creek)

LB: John Orr (CPA), Ryan Smith (White House Heritage), Dejuan Moody (East Nashville)

DB: DaVarius Cortner (East Nashville), Chris Rippy (White House Heritage), Cameron Grogran (Greenbrier), Winston Hooten (Stratford)

K: Tren Burian (White House Heritage)

P: Price Perdue (CPA)

RET: Wallace Barrett (CPA)

CPA: Coulson Lee, Jacob Webster, Andrew Howard, Spencer Hagan

White House Heritage: Thadd Baker, Anthony Tomarchio, Bryce Barlow, Owen Barry

Stratford: James McKibben, Greg Smith, Tre’Vaughn Hatcher

East Nashville: Deandre Gavins, John Brooks, Jayron Leatherwood

Greenbrier: Jacob Waffird, Bailey Edwards, Briley Hankins

Whites Creek: Justin Howard, Brandon Murdic

Goodpasture: Cameron Tokins, Tucker Barnes

All-Academic Team: John Orr (CPA), Ryan Smith (White House Heritage), DeVarius Cortner (East Nashville), Cameron Grogan (Greenbrier), Chris Anna (Whites Creek), James Gibbs (Goodpasture)

Fairview’s Ben Buttrey (20).

REGION 6-3A

Player of the Year: Deshawn Brown, Camden

Offensive MVP: Jacob Stone, East Hickman

Defensive MVP: Ben Buttrey, Fairview

Athlete of the Year: Bailey Baker, Sycamore

Coach of the Year: William Blow, Sycamore

Asst. Coach of the Year: Michael Jackson, Fairview; Joey Jackson, Stewart County

QB: Hunter Zimmerman, Fairview

RB: Jake Beathard, Fairview

WR: Austin Kinney, Stewart County

TE: Nick Batts, Cheatham County

OL: Ashton Krantz, Sycamore

DL: Marco Morrow, Cheatham County

LB: James Meeks, Harpeth

DB: TC Newton, Harpeth

K: Jeff Perez, Fairview

P: Darius James, Sycamore

KR/PR: Drake Fulton, Harpeth

Special Teams MVP: Darius James, Sycamore

Managers: Matt Witt (Sycamore), Cassandra Fink (Harpeth, Kiely Jenkins (Harpeth)

Fairview: Josh Ortiz-Derrick, Hunter Cladwell, Daniel Conrad, McKenzie Viau, Sam Sanborn

Sycamore: Zach Divinney, Zach Sullivan, Kyle Spurlock, Chase Hamilton

Cheatham County: Reagan Barber, LaMarco Petty Johnson, Johnny Henry, Matt Horton

Harpeth: Tim Kosinski (Harpeth), Bradley Baker (Harpeth), Connor Adams (Harpeth)

East Hickman: Mike Irwin, Jake Smith, Sam Hudson

Stewart County: Taeton Wink, Jacob Macdonald

All-Academic team: Andrew Warren (Fairview), McKeznie Viau (Fairview), Jacob Baker (Fairview), Blake Lankford (Fairview), Max Cole (Fairview), Brett Beamer (Cheatham County), Carl Strader (Sycamore), Tim Kosinski (Harpeth), DJ Capps (Harpeth), Walker Weatherly (Harpeth), Connor Barber (Harpeth), Jacob Stone (East Hickman), Jay Colon (East Hickman), Lenny Watts (East Hickman), Tony Capps (East Hickman), Brandon Ford (Stewart County)

Livingston Academy’s Dylan Linder

REGION 3-4A

Coach of the Year: Mark Wattenbarger, Stone Memorial

Offensive Coordinator of the Year: Jonathan Eaves, East Hamilton

Defensive Coordinator of the Year: Clarence Holloway, Stone Memorial

Most Valuable Player: Dylan Linder, Livingston Academy

Offensive MVP: Cody Wyllins, Stone Memoerial

Defensive MVP: Frankie Campo, East Hamilton

QB: Nic Woods, East Hamilton

RB: Justin Johnson, Stone Memorial

WR: Peter Hollars, Livingston Academy

TE: Garrison Padgett, Livingston Academy

OL: Brody Gregory, Hixson

DL: Eli Beard, Sequoyah

LB: Michael Bush, East Hamilton; Kolby Cox, Cumberland County; Jonathan Robinson, Livingston Academy

DB: Chandler VanNatter, Stone Memorial

P: Austin Slifko, Hixson

K: Aaron White, Sequoyah

KR/PR: Jeffrey Coleman, East Hamilton

Chattanooga Central: James Walker, Taven Spann

Hixson: Miles Ratliff, Elijah White, Brett Garden, Justin Nicholson

Cumberland County: Mikey Miller, Daniel Richards, David Kutchley, Jeremiah Baird, Nathan Blaylock

East Hamilton: Kevin Cason, Will Scarborough, David Whiteside, Evan HorbinskiHunter Greg, Colby Woods

Sequoyah: Jordan Bell, Grant Watson, Lucas McCall

Stone Memorial: Austin Helton, Nathan Stine, Shade Foster, Jamie Nichols, Keith Sadula, Ethan Pierce, Bend Kindred, Ronnie Wyllins, Ben Tollett, Rylin Morgan

Page running back Michael Roberts (left)

Player of the Year: Michael Roberts, Page

Coach of the Year: Thomas Osteen, Marshall County

Offensive Player of the Year: Ashton Posey, Marshall County

Defensive Player of the Year: Payton Hood, Marshall County

Lineman of the Year: Steve Clemons, Marshall County

Athlete of the Year: Jordan Tucker, Giles County

QB: Michael Magochy (Page)

RB: Dontae Smith (Spring Hill), R’Kell Reed (Giles County), Kameron Liggett (Marshall County)

WR: Connor Morss (Page), Jay Howard (Marshall County), Tre Crutcher (Marshall County), Tanner Holley (Giles County)

TE: Dre Smith (Spring Hill), Rafe Erisman (Page)

OL: Chris Dahl (Page), Eric Carlton, Terrell Nunn (Spring Hill), J.C. Bryant (Lawrence County), Jared Roberts (Giles County), Jonathan Johnson (Marshall County)

DL: Noah Farmer (Page), Daniel Callicoate (Page), Tata Lyttle (Marshall County), Jared Turpen (Lawrence County), Caleb Tarrance (Spring Hill)

LB: Kennedy Ross (Spring Hill), Nick Cramer (Page), Boone Gibson (Giles County), Adrian Berry (Lawrence County)

DB: Daniel Johnson (Spring Hill), JQ Haislep (Marshall County), Curtis Keiler (Marshall County), Trevor Johnson (Lawrence County), Hunter Smith (Lawrence County), Jay Coop (Tullahoma)

K: Caleb Estes (Marshall County), Brent Cemaglia (Page)

P: Colby Deuchlem (Lawrence County)

RET: Dillon Myers (Page)

Spring Hill: Noah Williams, Zack Frye, Darrin Johnson, Justin Oden, T.J. Ennis

Giles County: Will Turner, Caleb Clem, Wesley Hamlett, Josey Green, Griffin Birdsong

Page: Andrew Metkler, Noah Greene, Cruze Kerrigan, William Rathbone, Will Pierce

Lawrence County: Jason McAnally, Cole Tucker, Zach Coleman, Corey Robbins

Marshall County: Peyton Brown, Josh Franklin, Steven Dangerfield, Blair Conger, Hayes Crosslin, Prentice Davis, Tanner Clark

Pearl-Cohn senior quarterback Jimmy Ferrell

REGION 5-4A

Most Valuable Player: Jimmy Ferrell, Sr., Pearl-Cohn

Coach of the Year: Tony Brunetti

Offensive MVP: Rontavius Groves, Sr., Pearl-Cohn

Defensive MVP: Antwon Malone, Jr., Pearl-Cohn

Most Versatile: Logan Trimmer, White House

QB: Seth Carlisle, Macon County

RB: Isiah Bigbee, Springfield; Ke’Juan Vaughn, Pearl-Cohn

WR: Talirico Cogshell, Springfield; Darius Hunter, Pearl-Cohn

TE: Kyler Beerman, Springfield

OL: Jaelin Fisher, Pearl-Cohn

DL: Markeith Lawson, Springfield

LB: Gage Smith, Maplewood

DB: Deshawn Johnson, Maplewood

LS: Tanner Clearly, Macon County

P: Bryan Hayes, Springfield

K: Dakota Carlisle, Springfield

KR/PR: Jimmyrious Parker, Pearl-Cohn

Pearl-Cohn: Jonathan Howse, Charles West, Niles Harris, Ja’Isaiah Osborne, Jermaine Simmons, Tony Graves, Greg Hancock, Michael McCutcheon

Springfield: Chris Cato-Ellis, Daniel Lawson, Thomas Lewis, Dewayne Buckner, Dayron Johnson, Jerry Dismukes, Diante Barbee

Maplewood: Anthony McLin, Corey Adams, Yusuf Ali, Damon Dartis, Jerron Waters, Roshawn Pointer

Portland: Ethan Brummett, Chalres Ring, Dylan Parker, Hunter Felts, Patrick Campbell, Emmanuel Johnson

White House: Luke Hopkins, James Whitby, Denis Schaffer, Steven Rakin, Austin Hoffman

Macon County: Matt Austin, Evan Perrigo, AJ Simpson, Tyler Swindle

Kenwood running back Antwuan Branch

REGION 6-4A

MVP: Antwuan Branch, Kenwood

Defensive MVP: Rutger Reitmaier, Lipscomb

Offensive MVP: Payton Delvendahl, Montgomery Central

Offensive Lineman of the Year: Sam Jackson, Lipscomb

Defensive Linemen of the Year: Hunter Harris, Montgomery Central; Desmond Ruffin, Northwest

Returner of the Year: Jahnal Browne, Northwest

Punter of the Year: Eli McCorkle, Hillwood

Kicker of the Year: Mitchell Hosea, Montgomery Central

Linebacker of the Year: J.J. Walker, Kenwood

Wide Receiver of the Year: Jonathan McCloud, Creek Wood

Quarterback of the Year: John Matt Merritt, Lipscomb

Coach of the Year: Brian Beaubien, Kenwood

Creek Wood: Peyton Gibbs. Derek Sutton

Hillwood: Jamal Kirklen, Terron Smith, Jordan King, Deshawn Kinzer, Malik Bowers

Kenwood: Willie Sanders, Justin Monk, Shanon Tarbox, Keith Reynolds, Curtis Clark, Coreon Jackson, Qua-mir Reeves.

Lipscomb: William Phillips, David Floyd, JT Paul, Griffin Smiley, Clayton Pickens, Chad Newby

Montgomery Central: Chris Newman, Austin Lane, Tyler Hill, Alec Cowan

Northwest: Zach Dixon, Jaylen Jackson, Goldberg Johnsrud

Honorable Mention: Breden Dickens (Creek Wood), Quinton Poole (Creek Wood), Chris Warfield (Hillwood), Nelson Arent (Hillwood), Trent Johnson (Kenwood), James Williams (Kenwood), Turner Forcht (Lipscomb), David King (Lipscomb), Nate Bumpus (Montgomery Central), Brady Maynard (Montgomery Central), Micah Bennett (Northwest), Dylan Carney (Northwest)

Independence senior Nate Johnson

REGION 5-5A

MVP: Nate Johnson, Independence

Offensive Players of the Year: Andrew Bunch, Independence; Mason Cunningham, Shelbyville

Defensive Player of the Year: Xavier Schlueter, Lincoln County

Special Teams Player of the Year: Cynterius Lyons, Stewart County

Offensive Lineman of the Year: Pete Dorsten, Independence

Defensive Lineman of the Year: Chris Beavers, Independence

Kicker of the Year: Grayson Pantall, Independence

Coach of the Year: Scott Blade, Independence

Independence: David Demke, Hunter Dupree, Cole Hunter, Seth Huner, Jordan Pope, Kylan Stribling, Jacob Stoney, Adam Swayze, Daniel Wright

Shelbyville: Treaven Bailey, O.J. Davis, Michael Eddings, Corvin Giles, Tre Kelso, Darius Young

La Vergne: Elijah Barbour, Gulecy Buni, Maleik Gray, Drew Howard, Aaron Jones

Stewarts Creek: Tre Bailiez, Marcus Clemons, Malik Reynolds, Clay Griggs

Summit: Tai Carter, Tyler Palmer, Christian Snyder

Columbia: Orrin Delk, Jaylen Joyce

Franklin County: Andrew Harrison, Jai Kinslow

Centennial senior Tyrel Dodson

REGION 7-5A

Offensive Player of the Year: Lukas Reynolds, Henry County

Defensive Player of the Year: Gunner Osbron, Henry County

Offensive Lineman of the Year: Eli Katina, Centennial

Defensive Lineman of the Year: Ahmad Arnold, Brentwood

Specialist of the Year: Quinton Cross, Northeast

Punter of the Year: Tucker Day, Brentwood

Kicker of the Year: Haidar Zaidan, Henry County

Centennial: Nathan Wilkinson, Chandler Stump, Warren Jones, Peyton Pisacane, Devious Christmon, Re’Sean McLemore, Greg Drewery, Mondu Sawyers

Henry County: Brevin Odom, Luke Reed, Justin Burton, Tanner Beasley, Jaylen Kendall, Matthew Counce, Cody Bates

Brentwood: Carson Croy, John Robertson, Seth Coggin, Spencer Schwartz, Garrett McChristian, Jackson Hill

Northeast: Sebastian Bacino, Devonte Anderson, Gus Antoine, Benji Burchwell, Kaci Davis

Rossview: Blake Estep, Jordan Justice, Muncie Prater, Isaiah Phillips

Dickson County: Collier Wolcott, Jacob Murphree, Dylan Dunnagan, Jack Sensing

West Creek: Cyrus Whitted, James Kehoe

Clarksville: Rakavia Poydras, Brevon Johnson

Ravenwood’s Chris Rowland

REGION 3-6A

Coach of the Year: Will Hester, Ravenwood

Player of the Year: Chris Rowland, Sr., Ravenwood

Offensive MVP: Demontez Carlton, Sr., McGavock

Defensive MVP: John Thompson, Sr., Ravenwood

Special Teams MVP: Crews Holt, Sr., Ravenwood

Offensive Lineman of the Year: Tamim Aldarawcheh, Sr., Overton

Defensive Linemen of the Year: Jordan Moore, Sr., Ravenwood; Nick Haddock, Sr., McGavock

Wilson Central: Tyler Bowes, Jordan Hooper, Ray Coggins.

Mt. Juliet: Justyce White, Kalani Smith, Dominick Jamison, Aidan Raines.

Antioch: Blake Wiggins, Kelvin Bofah, Jordan Hardy.

McGavock: Kendall Johnson, Evan Gowdy, Terron Henderson, Jalen Byars, Isaiah Montgomery.

Overton: Kimlee North, Taverius Travis, Elijah Pankey.

Lebanon: Jarren Stewart, Justin Brown, Mo Al-Geda.

Ravenwood: Connor Jeffries, Andrew Lutgens, Sean Spence, Brad Bloedorn, Nate Stoner, Grayson Linde, Andrew Rappe.

Franklin: Lannom Craddock, Caden Williams, Mitch Rossi, Kyle Evans, TeShawn Jenkins, Conner Palk.

Davidson Academy quarterback Kyle Gilbert (10)

DII-A EAST/MIDDLE DISTRICT 2

MVP: Kyle Gilbert, Sr., Davidson Academy

Offensive MVPs: Clay Beathard, Sr., BGA; Spence Jones, Sr., FRA

Special Teams MVP: Ryan Clark, Sr., FRA

Coaches of the Year: Bill Whittemore, FRA; Jonathan Quinn, Davidson Academy

FRA: Larry Wilhoite, Sam Harvin, Thomas Fortune, Ben Jackson, Sam Wheeler, Will Tansil, Woody Weicker, Watson Tansil

Davidson Academy: Zach Swinea, Xavy Corcino, Hayden Hollingsworth, Jackson Broadwell, Caleb Russell, Ian Kane

BGA: Terrell Webster, Marcus Cawthorne, Joseph Pasley, Glenn Young

Ezell-Harding: Malik Ruffin, Hunter Spence

Honorable mention: Adrian Roper (FRA), Christian Drake (FRA), Eli Breece (Davidson Academy), Dakota Malatche (Davidson Academy), Jaylen Frierson (BGA), Campbell Parker (BGA), Jaron Puckett (Ezell-Harding), Bailey Phillips (Ezell-Harding)

Academic All-District: Woody Weicker (FRA), Sam Wheeler (FRA), Dakota Makatche (Davidson Academy), Logan Dorris (Davidson Academy), Tyler Starling (Davidson Academy), Harrison Fuller (BGA), Jarrett Bristol (BGA), Paul Bousquet (BGA), Kenton Gentry (Ezell-Harding), Ethan Shutes (Ezell-Harding)

Montgomery Bell Academy’s Ty Chandler

DII-AA EAST/MIDDLE

Player of the Year: Ryan Parker, Sr., Baylor

Offensive MVP: Ty Chandler, Jr., MBA

Defensive MVP: Brandon Adams, Sr., Brentwood Academy

Special Teams MVP: Victor Ulmo, Sr., Baylor

Academic MVPs: Henry Moore (Baylor), Brock Schoenwald (Brentwood Academy), Brett Barnett (Ensworth), David Doran (Father Ryan), Grant Green (MBA), Patrick Davis (McCallie), Chris Byrne (Pope John Paul II).

QB: Wil Austin (Baylor), Jeremiah Oatsvall (Brentwood Academy), Zach Pfeifer (Father Ryan), Robert Riddle (McCallie), Ben Brooks (Pope John Paul II)

RB: Darius Morehead (Ensworth), Nicky Clifton (Ensworth), Shawn McColley (McCallie)

WR: Camron Johnson (Brentwood Academy), Bryce Vickers (Father Ryan), Chapman Malone (MBA), Rico Dozier (McCallie)

TE: Parker Bryan (MBA)

OL: Cooper Reiniche (Baylor), Isaiah Strawter (Baylor), Bryce Matthews (Brentwood Academy), Ryan Johnson (Brentwood Academy), Brian Garvey (Brentwood Academy), Blake Mitchell (Ensworth), Jackson Boyle (Father Ryan), Joseph Scowden (MBA), John Kelly (MBA), Nick Nixon (Pope John Paul II)

DL: Jeremy Darvin (Father Ryan), D’On Coofer (MBA), Corey McDonald (McCallie), Jay Roberts (McCallie)

LB: Gage Upshaw (Baylor), Patrick Rowan (Ensworth), David Gaw (MBA), Karlton Bruton (MBA), Sam Sullivan (MBA)

DB: Ulysses Strawter (Baylor), Kalvin Watson (Baylor), George Pettway (Baylor), Evan Beddoe (Brentwood Academy), Chris Hopkins (Brentwood Academy), Coutrell Plair (Brentwood Academy), Rodney Owens (Ensworth), Javaughn Craig (McCallie), Jalon Cambridge (Pope John Paul II)

K: Isaac Way (Brentwood Academy)

(NOTE: If your region has released its all-district teams and awards, and is not listed, please email mfmurphy@tennessean.com)

Reach Michael Murphy at 615-259-8262 and on Twitter @Murph_TNsports. 

Oakland senior Ty Nix made his college commitment on Wednesday, pledging to play football at Middle Tennessee State, where his father, Tyrone Nix, serves as defensive coordinator.

Oakland senior defensive lineman Ty Nix committed to MTSU on Wednesday.

“We talked about it a lot before my senior season,” Nix said. “All (Tyrone Nix) told me was that he wanted me to go where I wanted to be. MT is where I want to be.”

The 6-foot, 270-pound Nix, a three-year starter, registered 70 tackles, five sacks and an interception this season, garnering Region 2-6A Defensive Player of the Year honors.

Nix, who recorded 87 tackles and 9.5 sacks as a junior, chose the Blue Raiders over offers from Appalachian State, Furman and Southern Illinois, among others.

All-region football teams and awards

Brentwood Academy coach Rhonda Brown.

Lady Eagles head to Phoenix: Brentwood Academy is in the 19th annual Nike Tournament of Champions — a prestigious national high school girls basketball tournament in Phoenix.

The reigning Division II-AA champion Lady Eagles — one of 96 teams from 21 states competing — will be playing some of the top teams in the country during the four-day event held at four different Phoenix-area sites.

Headlining the field is consensus national preseason No. 1 St. Mary’s of Stockton, Calif.

Tournament play begins Friday and wraps up Tuesday.

Former Greenbrier softball coach Julie Head (left)

Greenbrier coach resigns: Longtime Greenbrier softball coach Julie Head recently announced her retirement after spending 23 of the last 25 years leading the traditional power Lady Cats.

Head, who has taught at Greenbrier for 31 years, had 576 career wins, nine district titles, seven region championships, nine sectional appearances, a Class AA championship in 2003 and a runner-up finish in 2014.

“We’ve been working with the girls, doing weight training and conditioning, but doing that just showed me I was juggling too many things,” Head said. “After talking with my family and the faculty, I decided that it was time for me to step down.”

It didn’t take long for the Lady Cats to fill the position, though, as assistant coach Janna Harris was promptly promoted to head coach.

“It’s hard for me to even think about Greenbrier softball and not having Coach Head out there,” Harris said. “For me, this is a dream come true because I know how big of a job this is.”

Independence senior QB Andrew Bunch (left) and Ravenwood senior athlete Chris Rowland.

More offers: They’ve had to wait a little longer than expected, but more scholarship offers started trickling in for a pair of standout Williamson County football players.

Ravenwood’s Chris Rowland, the Region 3-6A Most Valuable Player, entered this month’s Class 6A title game with just two Division II scholarship offers. Since then the versatile 5-foot-8, 170-pound running back, wide receiver and return specialist has picked up offers from Tennessee State and Tennessee Tech.

Independence’s Andrew Bunch, who threw for a Midstate-leading 3,405 yards and 41 touchdowns, has received offers from Tennessee Tech and Murray State since piling up 313 yards passing and six total touchdowns in the Eagles’ 49-14 Class 5A BlueBross Bowl win over Sevier County on Dec. 4.

Bunch, the Region 5-5A Co-Offensive MVP and a three-star prospect according to 247Sports, has also received  offers from Austin Peay, Charleston Southern, Eastern Michigan and Jacksonville State.

Reach Michael Murphy at 615-259-8262 and on Twitter @Murph_TNsports.

Brentwood Academy celebrates last year’s DII-AA championship win over Christian Brothers.

A look at the top high school basketball teams in Middle Tennessee, as ranked by The Tennessean:

Boys

10. Hillsboro (8-2) — The reigning Region 6-AAA champion Burros dropped their season opener at Independence, but they’ve since won six of their last seven.

9. East Nashville (10-1) — The defending regular-season champions in District 10-AA boast the top record in Class AA. However, the Eagles’ lone loss — a 55-52 setback to Maplewood — came in league play.

8. Maplewood (10-2) — Since dropping a pair of games to Memphis-area foes Mitchell and Brighton, the Panthers have strung together eight straight wins.

7. Oakland (7-0) — Tied atop the District 7-AAA standings, the Patriots have reeled off seven consecutive victories to open the season, including wins against district foes La Vergne and Smyrna.

6. Station Camp (12-0) — The Bison, led by 6-foot-6 small forward Yalen Reed, are off to a program-best 12-game winning streak.

5. Ensworth (7-0) — Led by senior and Tennessee signee Jordan Bone, the unbeaten Tigers are averaging 71.5 points per game, which includes a season-high 92-point effort in their 23-point triumph over St. Benedict on Dec. 4.

4. Cane Ridge (8-0) — The reigning regular-season champions in District 12-AAA are allowing just 46.6 points in their last five wins, including a 68-43 victory over Duluth (Ga.) on Dec. 12.

3. Independence (9-1) — The Eagles, led by reigning 11-AAA Coach of the Year Greg Glass, suffered a 75-52 setback at the Hopkinsville Classic on Dec. 12, but the Eagles bounced back Saturday to beat Grissom (Ala.) 61-53 on Saturday

2. Blackman (9-0) — The defending Region 7-AAA champion Blaze have allowed just 45.6 points per game en route to a perfect start, including wins over Alabama foes Gadsden City, Hazel Green and Lanett.

1. Brentwood Academy (7-0) — The defending Division II-AA champions have strung together seven straight wins to open the season, including Saturday’s 69-60 triumph over Gainesville (Ga.) at the King of the Bluegrass Tournament in Fairdale, Ky.

Blackman senior and UCONN commitment Crystal Dangerfield.

Girls

10. Davidson Academy (12-0) — Aside from their season-opening win over Greenbrier and a narrow victory over DCA on Dec. 1, the Lady Bears have faced little resistance.

9. Father Ryan (9-0) — The unbeaten Lady Irish boast the stingiest scoring defense in the state (25.9 points per game), holding each of their first nine opponents to less than 40 points.

8. Rossview (10-1) — The Lady Hawks, who reeled off 10 straight wins to open the season, are coming off their first loss — last Thursday’s 62-42 setback to Dickson County.

7. Stewarts Creek (12-1) — First-year coach Lindy Brown King has hit the ground running, guiding the Lady Red Hawks to a program-best 12-1 start.

6. Dickson County (10-1) — The Lea Lea Carter-led Lady Cougars have strung together eight straight wins since suffering a  60-57 loss to to unbeaten Wilson Central.

5. Oakland (7-1) — The defending Class AAA runner-up Lady Patriots dropped their season opener to Brentwood Academy, but have since won seven in a row, including Saturday’s thrilling 55-54 triumph over South Forsyth (Ga.)

4. Wilson Central (11-0) — The Lady Wildcats have tallied four wins by 40 or more points this season, including an 88-40 victory over one-loss Harpeth Hall on Saturday at the Page Classic.

3. Brentwood Academy (8-1) — The two-time defending Division II-AA champion Lady Eagles have reeled off eight straight wins since suffering a 69-55 season-opening loss to Blackman.

2. Riverdale (12-1) — The Lady Warriors, one of just seven teams in the state averaging over 70 points per contest, have been perfect aside from a 51-48 loss to rival Blackman on Dec. 8.

1. Blackman (7-1) — The two-time defending Class AAA champion Lady Blaze have already notched several impressive wins, knocking off both Brentwood Academy and Riverdale.

Reach Michael Murphy at 615-259-8262 and on Twitter @Murph_TNsports . 

John Orr

Here’s a look at high school football players in the Midstate who have made college commitments:

John Orr

JOHN ORR

High school: CPA

Position: Linebacker

Ht: 6-2 Wt: 205

247Sports Composite: NR

Committed to: Princeton

2015 statistics: 108 tackles, 5 tackles for loss, 2 sacks, 2 interceptions, 1 forced fumble

Ty Nix

TY NIX

High school: Oakland

Position: Defensive Line

Ht: 6-0 Wt: 170

247Sports Composite: 2 stars

Committed to: MTSU

2015 statistics: 70 tackles, 21.5 tackles for loss, 5 sacks, 1 interception

Joejuan Williams

JOEJUAN WILLIAMS

High school: Hendersonville

Position: Cornerback

Ht: 6-2 Wt: 195

247Sports Composite: 4 stars

Committed to: Vanderbilt

2015 statistics: Ruled ineligible to play in 2015 after transferring from Father Ryan to Hendersonville.

Nate Johnson

NATE JOHNSON

High school: Independence

Position: Wide receiver

Ht: 5-11 Wt: 175

247Sports Composite: 3 stars

Committed to: Michigan

2015 statistics: 59 receptions, 1,734 yards receiving, 29 total TDs

Darius Morehead

DARIUS MOREHEAD

High school: Ensworth

Position: Running back

Ht: 5-8 Wt: 175

247Sports Composite: 3 stars

Committed to: Furman

2015 statistics: 224 carries, 1,219 yards rushing, 18 total TDs

Rontavius Groves

RONTAVIUS GROVES

High school: Pearl-Cohn

Position: Wide receiver

Ht: 5-11 Wt: 175

247Sports Composite: 3 stars

Committed to: North Carolina

2015 statistics: 59 receptions, 1,067 yards receiving, 15 total TDs

Ikenna Okeke

IKENNA OKEKE

High school: Smyrna

Position: Defensive back

Ht: 6-2 Wt: 200

247Sports Composite: 3 stars

Committed to: Texas A&M

2015 statistics: 74 tackles, 2 interceptions

Joseph Scowden

JOSEPH SCOWDEN

High school: MBA

Position: Offensive guard

Ht: 6-4 Wt: 290

247Sports Composite: 2 stars

Committed to: Columbia

Rakavian Poydras (left)

RAKAVIAN POYDRAS

High school: Clarksville

Position: Defensive tackle

Ht: 6-2 Wt: 275

247Sports Composite: 3 stars

Committed to: MTSU

2015 statistics: 39 tackles, 6 sacks

Jeremy Darvin

JEREMY DARVIN

High school: Father Ryan

Position: Defensive tackle

Ht: 6-3 Wt: 285

247Sports Composite: 3 stars

Committed to: Western Kentucky

2015 statistics: 54 tackles, 7 tackles for loss, 4 sacks, 2 pass breakups 2 fumble recoveries, 4 forced fumbles

Zack Weatherly

ZACK WEATHERLY

High school: CPA

Position: Quarterback

Ht: 6-2 Wt: 180

247Sports Composite: 2 stars

Committed to: Chattanooga

2015 statistics: 142-of-211 (67.3%), 2,140 yards passing, 321 yards rushing, 32 total TDs

Ahmad Arnold

AHMAD ARNOLD

High school: Brentwood

Position: Linebacker

Ht: 6-4 Wt: 215

247Sports Composite: NR

Committed to: Samford

2015 statistics: 48 tackles, 6 tackles for loss, six sacks, 1 interception

Bryce Mathews

BRYCE MATHEWS

High school: Brentwood Academy

Position: Offensive tackle

Ht: 6-6 Wt: 285

247Sports Composite: 4 stars

Committed to: Ole Miss

Jordan Wilson

JORDAN WILSON

High school: MBA

Position: Tight end

Ht: 6-5 Wt: 215

247Sports Composite: 3 stars

Committed to: UCLA

2015 statistics: 1 reception, 19 yards receiving, TD (played in just two games due to injury)

Chris Myers

CHRIS MYERS

High school: La Vergne

Position: Tight end

Ht: 6-5 Wt: 232

247Sports Composite: 3 stars

Committed to: MTSU

2015 statistics: 5 receptions, 84 yards, TD

Brandon Adams

BRANDON ADAMS

High school: Brentwood Academy

Position: Defensive line

Ht: 6-1 Wt: 322

247Sports Composite: 3 stars

Committed to: Vanderbilt

2015 statistics: 82 tackles, 14.5 tackles for loss, 4 sacks, 1 forced fumble

Daniel Bituli

DANIEL BITULI

High school: Nashville Christian

Ht: 6-3 Wt: 235

247Sports Composite: 4 stars

Committed to: Tennessee

2015 statistics: 89 tackles, 13 tackles for loss, 10.5 sacks

Kylan Stribling

KYLAN STRIBLING

High school: Independence

Ht: 5-11 Wt: 180

247Sports Composite: 3 stars

Committed to: MTSU

2015 statistics: 67 tackles, 1 interception, 10 pass breakups, 2 forced fumbles

Malique Fleming

MALIQUE FLEMING

High school: Hillsboro

Position: Safety

Ht: 5-11 Wt: 190

247Sports Composite: 3 stars

Committed to: Mercer

2015 statistics: 78 tackles, 6 forced fumbles, 4 fumble recoveries, 9 pass breakups, 1 interception

DeVarius Cortner

DEVARIUS CORTNER

High school: East Nashville

Position: Safety

Ht: 6-2 Wt: 185

247Sports Composite: 2 stars

Committed to: Navy

2015 statistics: 40 tackles, 4 interceptions, 5 pass breakups

Tyrel Dodson

TYREL DODSON

High school: Centennial

Position: Linebacker

Ht: 6-2 Wt: 235

247Sports Composite: 3 stars

Committed to: Texas A&M

2015 statistics: 111 tackles, 32 tackles for loss, 8 sacks, 2 interceptions, 1 fumble recovery

Cynterius Lyons

CYNTERIUS LYONS

High school: Stewarts Creek

Position: Athlete

Ht: 6-0 Wt: 180

247Sports Composite: 2 stars

Committed to: Austin Peay

2015 statistics: 370 yards receiving, 37 tackles, 3 interceptions, 5 total TDs

Gabe Angel

GABE ANGEL

High school: Cookeville

Position: Tight end

Ht: 6-3 Wt: 212

247Sports Composite: 4 stars

Committed to: Ole Miss

2015 statistics: 379 yards receiving, 355 yards rushing, 11 total TDs

Ryan Johnson

RYAN JOHNSON

High school: Brentwood Academy

Position: Offensive tackle

Ht: 6-6 Wt: 285

247Sports Composite: 4 stars

Committed to: Tennessee

Reach Michael Murphy at 615-259-8262 and on Twitter @Murph_TNsports. 

Tennessee Sports Writers Association

TSWA DII All-State Football Teams

(The Class 1A and 2A teams will be released on Tuesday. The Class 3A and 4A teams will be released on Wednesday. The Class 5A and 6A teams will be released on Thursday.)

DIVISION II-A

Offense

QB: Clay Beathard (BGA), Ben Glass (St. George’s)

RB: Chase Hayden (St. George’s), Marquavious Moore (Harding Academy)

WR: Marcus Cawthorne (BGA), Isaiah Gilmore (King’s Academy), Corey Jones (St. George’s)

OL: Michael Flowers (DCA), Will Lawrence (Harding Academy), Trey Smith (University School of Jackson), Jacob Still (St. George’s), Ben Jackson (FRA)

ATH: Christian Saulsberry (Northpoint Christian), Sam Harvin (FRA)

K: Charles Campbell (University School of Jackson)

Defense

DL: Andrew Craig (Knoxville Webb), Noah Price (St. George’s), Tyree Bryant (Northpoint Christian), Joshua Eatherly (Friendship Christian)

LB: Patrick Wells (BGA), Jake Lindow (St. George’s), Spence Jones (FRA), Nathan Tatko (Northpoint Christian)

DB: Shannon Fayne (DCA), Mitchell Bodiford (University School of Jackson), Larry Wilhoite (FRA), Alexander Berube (Knoxville Webb)

ATH: Chandler Viscardis (King’s Academy), Tommy Jordan (Knoxville Webb)

P: Wells Smith (University School of Jackson)

DIVISION II-AA

Offense

QB: Jeremiah Oatsvall (Brentwood Academy), Glenn Coleman (MBA)

RB: Ty Chandler (MBA), Austin Lee (Christian Brothers)

WR: Cam Johnson (Brentwood Academy), Thomas Pickens (MUS), Benjamin Nixson (Pope John Paul II)

OL: Ryan Johnson (Brentwood Academy), Bryce Mathews (Brentwood Academy), Phelps Gambill (MBA), Jay Roberts (McCallie), Cooper Reiniche (Baylor)

ATH: Darius Morehead (Ensworth), Hunter Hill (Briarcrest)

K: Isaac Way (Brentwood Academy)

Defense

DL: Brandon Adams (Brentwood Academy), Ben Hill (Christian Brothers), Jeremy Darvin (Father Ryan), Nicholas Nixon (Pope John Paul II)

LB: Owen Martin (Christian Brothers), Tim Hart (MUS), David Gaw (MBA), Ryan Parker (Baylor)

DB: Thomas Pickens (MUS), Rodney Owens (Ensworth), Evan Beddoe (Brentwood Academy), Chris Hopkins (Brentwood Academy)

ATH: Ulysses Strawter (Baylor), JaVaughn Craig (McCallie)

P: Anthony Hagey (Father Ryan)

Tennessee Sports Writers Association

The TSWA released the Class 1A and Class 2A all-state football teams on Tuesday

(The Division II-A and Division II-AA teams were announced Monday. The Class 3A and 4A teams will be released on Wednesdaa. The Class 5A and 6A teams will be released on Thursday.)

CLASS 1A

Offense

QB: Dresser Winn (Dresden); Preston Rice (Wayne County)

RB: Stavonski Wilkes (Lake County); Dylan Yates (Dresden)

WR: Taylor Thompson (Columdbia Academy), Roderious Sanders (Carver), Wyatt Mabry (Clay County)

OL: Treyton Peters (Harriman), Jacob Stinnett (Coalfield), Robert Brantley (Nashville Christian), John Langley (Harriman), Spencer Norrod (Monterey)

ATH: Chase Blevins (South Pittsburg), Mareio McGraw (Nashville Christian)

K: Thomas Garrison, Columbia Academy

Defense:

DL: Josh Silvey (Greenback), Zay Norman (Peabody), Brant Lawless (Nashville Christian), Greg Hughes (Houston County)

LB: Blake Hall (Coalfield), Daniel Bituli (Nashville Christian), Jamison Blackwell (Union City), Jaden Harris (Greenback)

DB: D’Carrious Stephens (Union City), Trey Hickey (Middle Tennessee Christian School), Anthony Foster (Carver), Brian Williams (Dresden)

ATH: Kayne Roberts (Greenback), Joe Pace (Harriman)

CLASS 2A

Offense

QB: Darius Harper (Austin-East), Andrew Goldsmith (Trinity)

RB: Cordarrian Richardson (Trezevant), Jerry Lunsford (Hampton)

WR: Kashif Warren Jr. (Austin-East), Tyrese Johnson (Halls), Graham Hatcher (Eagleville)

OL: Logan Campbell (Macon County), Bailey Byrum (Sweetwater), Benjie Smith (Adamsville), Dylan Todd (Grace Christian), Jacob Wilson (Rockwood)

ATH: Coby Jones (Hampton), Slayton Wild (Forrest)

K: Christian Stephens (Marion County)

Defense

DL: Boone Sweeney (Forrest), Amadou Fofans (Mitchell), Jack Keebler (Boyd-Buchanan), Sergio Pagoaga (Trinity)

LB: Alex Kirkendoll (Marion County), Justin Swift (Trezevant), Jake Harden (Boyd-Buchanan), Shannon Spralls (Tyner)

DB: Jonathan Gatewood (Trezevant), Kohl Henke (Boyd-Buchanan), Cameron Oakley (McKenzie), Wade Sluss (Grace Christian)

ATH: Josh Henderson (Marion County), Luke Turner (Watertown)

P: Trent Sutton (Cascade)

Reach Michael Murphy at 615-259-8262 and on Twitter @Murph_TNsports.

Tennessee Sports Writers Association

(The Division II-A and Division II-AA teams were announced Monday. The Class 1A and 2A teams were announced Tuesday. The Class 5A and 6A teams will be released on Thursday.)

The 2015 TSWA Class 3A and 4A All-State Football teams:

CLASS 3A

Offense

QB: Zack Weatherly (CPA), Cole Smith (CAK)

RB: Traneil Moore (East Ridge), Noah Whaley (Pigeon Forge)

WR: Phillip Nichols (CAK), Ben Guffey (Upperman), Rodney Castille (Liberty)

OL: Pete Sexton (East Ridge), Robert Murphy (Notre Dame), Ben Buchanan (CAK), Jacob Rimmer (Milan), Caleb Stephens (White House Heritage)

ATH: Deshawn Brown (Camden), Steven Jennings (DeKalb County)

K: Ben Smith (Alcoa)

Defense

DL: Matthew McClurg (Alcoa), Jonathan Decker (Alcoa), Tre Stamper (Red Bank), Khalil Jones (Stratford)

LB: Tyler Enos (Notre Dame), Christian Williams (Milan), Dantae Wilkes (Liberty), Preston Whitehead (Elizabethton)

DB: Jesse Jones (East Ridge), Caleb Woody (Alcoa), Ricky Ballard (Notre Dame), Price Perdue (CPA)

ATH: Dustin Clabough (Alcoa), Chip Omer (CPA)

P: Alex Darras (Notre Dame)

CLASS 4A

Offense

QB: Ashton Posey (Marshall County), Chase Cunningham (Knoxville Catholic)

RB: Desmond Dabbs (Greeneville), Dylan Linder (Livingston Academy)

WR: Rontavius Groves (Pearl-Cohn), Amari Rodgers (Knoxville Catholic), Tre Crutcher (Marshall County)

OL: Cade Mays (Catholic), Sam Jackson (Lipscomb), Jaelin Fisher (Pearl-Cohn), Brandon Knight (Greeneville), Brody Gregory (Hixson)

ATH: Jimmy Ferrell (Pearl-Cohn), Devante Turner (Memphis East)

K: Ryan Courtright (Lexington)

Defense

DL: Emmit Gooden (Haywood), Rutger Reitmaier (Lipscomb), Matthew Gayle (Fulton), Austin Rowan (Knoxville Catholic)

LB: Tariqious Tisdale (Lexingston), Markevous McKinnie (Jackson North Side), Rondrow Peebles (Knoxville Central)

DB: Kentel Williams (Fulton), Frankie Campo (East Hamilton), Nick Godwin (Hardin County), Teddrick McGhee (Memphis East)

ATH: Chase Kuerschen (Knoxville Catholic), Chaton Mobley (Fulton)

P: Brent Cimaglia (Page)

Reach Michael Murphy at 615-259-8262 and on Twitter @Murph_TNsports. 

Pearl-Cohn High School’s Tony Brunetti knows that concussions are an unfortunate part of the game he loves, and like most, the reigning Class 4A runner-up football coach doesn’t have a way to rid the sport of the traumatic brain injuries.

Are concussions becoming more frequent in sports, or are we just now starting to pay attention to them? Could and should the game be made less violent? Is better equipment the answer? Is education?

X-ray of what a brain concussion can look like. A concussion is the most common type of traumatic brain injury.

Brunetti, who has taught and coached at Pearl-Cohn since 2002, spending the last decade as head football coach, doesn’t have a definitive answers to any of these questions.

He does, however, know that he doesn’t want to lose the game he’s spent most of his life around.

“I know some are trying to make the game safer, pushing for flag football,” Brunetti said. “I just look at how much opportunity this game brings the kids. The kids know it’s a risk playing this game; they play this game for the opportunities it can bring them in life. It can mean a free education.

CONCUSSIONS: THE INVISIBLE INJURY:  Studying impact of sports-related head injuries among young athletes

“You have to take the precautions and do the best job you can to make safe for them, now and in the future.”

The concussion issue is once again being brought to center stage as the film “Concussion,” which enters theaters on Christmas, tells the story of Dr. Bennett Omalu’s attempt to bring attention to chronic traumatic encephalopathy in football and the National Football League’s alleged attempts to deny the problem and disparage Omalu.

“I just finished my 19th year of coaching,” Independence High School coach Scott Blade said. “You see the evolution of awareness. I think when lawsuits were brought to the NFL and all the issues with former players, all that stuff has a trickle-down effect.”

In July 2010, the Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association adopted a new, more stringent policy aimed at educating coaches, parents and athletes about concussions, as well as preventing them, particularly second-impact syndrome — a sometimes fatal occurrence when an athlete suffers a second concussion before the first has properly healed.

Concussions are an unfortunate part of football, but high school coaches and administrators say education is key to dealing with the injury.

“We certainly fed off what some other states had in place or were working on,” TSSAA Assistant Executive Director Matthew Gillespie said.

The TSSAA’s policy states any player who exhibits signs, symptoms or behavior consistent with a concussion (such as headaches, dizziness, nausea, confusion or loss of consciousness) must be immediately removed from competition. They are not allowed to return until cleared by a licensed medical doctor, osteopathic physician or clinical neuropsychologist with concussion training.

In other words, once an athlete leaves the contest with a suspected concussion, nobody on the sideline can clear them to return.

“They’ve taken it out of the coach’s hands in the heat of the moment,” Blade said. “If there’s a possibility (of a concussion), we get it looked at and addressed by someone that’s trained for that.”

The TSSAA has since implemented additional changes, such as limiting contact during practice, preventing targeting and putting an emphasis on proper blocking and tackling technique.

In March 2013, Tennessee became the 44th state to pass legislation to reduce concussions in youth sports and increase awareness of concussions.

“Our policy only affected our member schools,” Gillespie said. “What they did was take that and expand it to non-member schools and youth leagues and things that we don’t oversee with our policy.”

The law, which took effect Jan. 1, 2014, essentially mirrored what the TSSAA implemented for the 2010-11 school year, requiring all non-TSSAA schools and youth leagues to adhere to the same guidelines.

“The awareness is definitely out there,” said Corey Allen, program director for the Nashville Youth Basketball Association and a former Whites Creek and Tennessee basketball player. “We’re dealing with kids from 5 years old, so if there’s a situation where something happens you are extremely cautious. We have protocol and procedures.”

That’s not the case everywhere, according to Johnnie Anderson, director of sports medicine for Sumner County Schools and the Middle Tennessee representative for the Tennessee Athletic Trainers Society, the state athletic trainers association that supported the law.

“I think definitely at the high school level there’s better education for coaches and student-athletes, but I’m not sure that’s being carried over to the other levels, educating youth leagues,” Anderson said. “I think that’s where there’s kind of still a gap.”

The lack of a central organization has made it virtually impossible to make sure every youth sports league in the state adheres to the laws guidelines.

“Where I’m at, Gallatin High School, all of our coaches are required to do the annual education or they’re not allowed to coach, and we have a state law and a school board policy that affords us the luxury to do that,” Anderson added. “But little league in fill-in-the-blank town, they’re not regulated by the same organization. I’m not sure (the people that run the leagues) understand the requirements that are there for them.”

Reach Michael Murphy at 615-259-8262 and on Twitter @Murph_TNsports.

Brad Swope, Tyler Summers and Mark Burns practice putting an injured player (Scotty Blackburn) on a board to be transported. Sumner County emergency personnel and athletic trainers underwent training exercises in 2013.

SEC can pull concussed players from game on its own
AJ Long’s Syracuse career ended by concussions

Tennessee Sports Writers Association

The TSWA Class 5A and 6A All-State Football teams

(The Division II-A and Division II-AA teams were announced Monday . The Class 1A and 2A teams were announced Tuesday . The Class 3A and 4A teams were released Wednesday )

CLASS 5A

Offense

QB: Deuce Wallace, Sevier County

QB: Andrew Bunch, Independence

RB: Tanner Thomas, Farragut

RB: DeAndre Delaney, Morristown West

WR: Tee Higgins, Oak Ridge

WR: Nate Johnson, Independence

WR: Devante Matthews, Sevier County

OL: Nate Wilkinson, Centennial

OL: Jonathan Timmons, Southwind

OL: Pete Dorsten, Independence

OL: Jordan Seal, Morristown East

OL: Eli Katina, Centennial

ATH: Tyler Thackerson, Clinton

ATH: Jerry Craine, Wooddale

K: Carter Phillipy, Farragut

Defense

DL: Gunner Osbron, Henry County

DL: Cole Strange, Farragut

DL: Chris Beavers, Independence

DL: Malcom Swann, Hillsboro

LB: J.D. Griffin, Sevier County

LB: Jeremiah Jackson, Ooltewah

LB: Zack Camp, Brighton

LB: Tyler Pendleton, Rhea County

DB: Justin Kirkendall, Farragut

DB: Rashun Freeman, Ooltewah

DB: Calvin Smith, Morristown West

DB: Cole Huner, Independence

ATH: Maleik Gray, LaVergne

ATH: Tyrel Dodson, Centennial

P: Brandon Nickle, Oak Ridge

CLASS 6A

Defense

QB: Cole Copeland, Bradley Central

QB: Dylan Hopkins, Maryville

RB: Taeler Dowdy, Blackman

RB: Vic Johnson, Cookeville

WR: Kelby Brock, Maryville

WR: Dillon Mitchell, White Station

WR: Ikenna Okeke, Smyrna

OL: Devin Salter, Whitehaven

OL: Kalani Smith, Mt. Juliet

OL: Hudson Smith, Oakland

OL: Matthew Leifheit, Blackman

OL: Lakin McCall, Maryville

ATH: Chris Rowland, Ravenwood

ATH: Gabe Angel, Cookeville

K: Crews Holt, Ravenwood

Defense

DL: Ty Nix, Oakland

DL: Jordan Moore, Ravenwood

DL: Korey Tillman, Blackman

DL: Matt Young, Maryville

LB: Jackson Cauthen, Oakland

LB: Bryson Tolley, Science Hill

LB: T.D. Blackmon, Maryville

LB: John Thompson, Ravenwood

DB: Isaac Aguero, Hardin Valley

DB: Blake Taylor, Blackman

DB: Ian Cleveland, Smyrna

DB:  Rodney Saulsberry, Whitehaven

ATH: JaCoby Stevens, Oakland

ATH: Andrew Lutgens, Ravenwood

P: Jacob Smith, Siegel

Reach Michael Murphy at 615-259-8262 and on Twitter @Murph_TNsports. 

HELEN COMER/DNJ Riverdale’s Anastasia Hayes (right) goes up for a shot as Blackman’s Crystal Dangerfield (left) defends.

A looks at the top high school basketball teams in Middle Tennessee, as ranked by The Tennessean:

Boys

Station Camp senior forward Yalen Reed

10. Hillsboro (6-2) — The Burros, coming off a pair of wins over District 12-AAA foes Hunters Lane and Overton, will face unbeaten Blackman on Monday at the Father Ryan Christmas Classic. Last week: No. 10.

9. East Nashville (11-1) — The Eagles, coming off a 63-52 win over White House-Heritage, will square off with Stewarts Creek on Monday at the Beech Holiday Classic. Last week: No. 9. 

8. Maplewood (10-2) — The Panthers, who scored a season-high 102 points in last week’s win over Kenwood, will host three straight District 10-AA contests when they return to action. Last week: No. 8. 

7. Oakland (9-0) — The unbeaten Patriots captured a pair of lopsided wins at last week’s Red Raider Christmas Classic, cruising to victories over Tullahoma and Coffee County by a combined score of 136-65. Last week: No. 7. 

6. Ensworth (7-0) — The unbeaten Tigers will square off with tournament host Barron Collier (Fla.) on Monday — their first of four games at the Gulfshore Holiday Hoopfest in Naples, Fla. Last week: No. 5.

5. Station Camp (13-0) — The Bison notched their 13th straight win in lopsided fashion last week in Chattanooga, coasting to an 80-23 championship rout of host Hixson at the River City Sports Wildcat Holiday Tournament. Last week: No. 6. 

4. Cane Ridge (8-0) — The unbeaten Raptors, who’ll face Mt. Juliet on Monday at the Father Ryan Christmas Classic, haven’t taken the court since their 68-43 win over Duluth (Ga.) on Dec. 12. Last week: No. 4. 

3. Independence (10-1) — Grayson Murphy scored 30 points in last Monday’s 54-46 win over Bob Jones (Ala.) — the Eagles’ second straight victory since suffering a 75-52 defeat to Christian County (Ky.). Last week: No. 3.

2. Blackman (11-0) — The Blaze stretched their winning streak to 11 games with a pair of wins over James Clemens (Ala.) and Bob Jones (Ala.) at last week’s La Vergne Christmas Classic. Last week: No. 2.

1. Brentwood Academy (10-0) — Sophomore standout Darius Garland scored 23 points in leading the Eagles to a 71-64 win over Trinity (Ky.) in last week’s King of the Bluegrass championship. Last week: No. 1.

Girls

10. Davidson Academy (12-0) — The Lady Bears, winners of 12 straight, are in the midst of their longest winning streak since the 2004-2005 season. Last week: No. 10. 

9. Father Ryan (10-0) — The unbeaten Lady Irish have been getting it done with defense, limiting their first 10 opponents to a state-low 25.7 points per contest. Last week: No. 9. 

8. Rossview (12-1) — The Lady Hawks, who suffered a 20-point setback to Dickson County on Dec. 17, bounced back to beat CPA and Houston County at last week’s Rossview Christmas Classic. Last week: No. 8.

7. Stewarts Creek (12-1) — The Lady Red Hawks, led by juniors Brandi and Brianah Ferby, have won three in a row since suffering a 76-50 defeat to Riverdale on Dec. 11. Last week: No. 7. 

6. Dickson County (10-1) — Lea Lea Carter, Emily Beard and Kailey Rosenbaum each scored in double figures in the Lady Cougars’ Dec. 12 win over previously unbeaten Rossview. Last week: No. 6.

5. Oakland (7-1) — The Abby Wright-led Lady Patriots, winners of seven straight, will play host to District 7-AAA foes Riverdale and Blackman when they return to action. Last week: No. 5. 

4. Wilson Central (11-0) — Senior UT Martin signee Kendall Spray buried a TSSAA-record 14 3-pointers in the Lady Wildcats’ 88-40 win over previously unbeaten Harpeth Hall. Last week: No. 4. 

3. Brentwood Academy (8-3) — The Lady Eagles dropped a pair of games to stiff competition at last week’s Nike Tournament of Champions in Gilbert, Ariz. — the first back-to-back losses for the program since January 2014. Last week: No. 3. 

2. Riverdale (12-1) — The Anastasia Hayes-led Lady Warriors, who host Lee (Ala.) at the Riverdale State Farm Classic on Monday, have strung together five straight double-digit wins since their 51-48 loss to Blackman on Dec. 8. Last week: No. 2.

1. Blackman (7-1) — Connecticut signee Crystal Dangerfield is averaging 25.6 points, 4.1 rebounds and 3.4 assists for the two-time defending Class AAA champion Lady Blaze. Last week: No. 1. 

Reach Michael Murphy at 615-259-8262 and on Twitter @Murph_TNsports . 

Antioch coach Antoine Buchanan talks to his team during a timeout.

Wilson Central senior Kendall Spray

Wilson Central stretched its winning streak to 13 games with Tuesday’s 47-36 semifinal triumph over Antioch at the Overton Christmas Tournament, advancing to Wednesday’s 6:30 p.m. championship.

The Lady Wildcats used a nine-point, second-quarter run to establish an early 22-10 lead, and while Antioch (6-6), led by Areyanna Majors’ 16 points, trimmed the deficit to single digits on more than one occasion, first-year coach Antoine Buchanan and the Lady Bears never could quite get over the hump.

“They have a great shooter on their squad and we knew we had to limit her shots,” Buchanan said of Wilson Central’s Kendall Spray. “We played hard, but we just weren’t good enough tonight.”

Spray, coming off a 26-point effort in the team’s opening-round win over MLK, finished with 16 points to lead the unbeaten Lady Wildcats (13-0), marking her second-lowest point total of the season.

“I thought they did a good job of taking away Kendall, but I thought we had some other kids step up,” Wild said. “I thought Addison Byrd’s aggression offensively and her trying to get to the rim was really nice. I thought our ability in the second half to get on the offensive glass and get second chances was key, too.”

Spray, who hit a state-record 14 3-pointers in Wilson Central’s 88-40 win over previously unbeaten Harpeth Hall, started just 1-of-6 from beyond the arc Tuesday, and the sharpshooting UT Martin signee finished with just two treys.

“It’s not the last time that somebody is going to take Kendall away; it’s just going to happen,” Wild added. “Other kids have to be able to step up in the way we need them to and look to shoot the ball and score the ball.”

Byrd finished with 15 points in the win — the Lady Wildcats’ closest since a 50-42 victory over Lebanon on Dec. 11 — while Taylor Tucker added eight.

Dominique Lee finished with 11 points for Antioch, which will square off with Independence in Wednesday’s 3:30 p.m. third-place consolation game.

Hillsboro girls 48, Independence 47 (2 OT): Hillsboro’s girls also advanced to Wednesday’s championship game, edging Independence 48-47 in double-overtime behind Devon Burns’ game-high 11 points. Independence’s Kaitlyn Hearn scored 11 in the losing effort.

McEwen 67, Santa Fe 54: Maddie Long led McEwen with 40 points, including one 3-pointer in the Santa Fe tourney. Katie Muston and Jordan Steward scored 11 points each for Santa Fe.

Clarkrange 53, Lebanon 38: Zoie Crouch scored 18 points to lead Clarkrange into the Sonic Shootout finals at White County High. Clarkrange will play White County, a 51-40 winner over Harpeth Hall.

Brentwood Acad. 63, CPA 41: Brentwood Academy reached the finals of the Above the Rim tourney at Hickman County as Makalia White scored a game-high 19 points.

Smyrna 74, Dobyns-Bennett 71: Smyrna (5-5) reached the Landair Ladies Classic finals as Kesha Brady scored 27 points and Sha Roberts added 22.

BOYS

Father Ryan 35, McAdory (Ala.) 32: The Irish improved to 10-2 and advanced to the finals of Ryan’s own Willie Brown ’65 Memorial Tournament as Griffin Bumpus hit three 3-pointers and scored 13 points.

Clarksville 53, Brentwood 52: Teal Young hit a layup at the buzzer give Clarksville the win over Brentwood at the Willie Brown ’65 Memorial Tournament at Father Ryan. Young finished with 22 points for the Wildcats, who will play for fifth place Wednesday.

Ensworth 65, Fort Lauderdale (Fla.) 53: Jordan Bone scored 19 points as the unbeaten Tigers (10-0) advanced to the finals of the Gulf Shore Holiday Hoopfest in Naples, Fla.

Northeast 51, Overton 50: Clarksville Northeast reached the finals of the Overton Christmas Tournament as Isaiah Tharpe hit two 3-pointers and scored 18 points to lead the Eagles.

MBA 61, Harding Academy 60: MBA (4-3) was able to come away with a win and trip to the finals of the FRA tourney as Parker Bryan had a team-high 13 points.

Summertown 82, Fayetteville 81:  Nick Hopkins poured in 46 points with six 3-pointers for Fayetteville (7-4), but Summertown’s (8-5) Michael Burdette scored his only point on a game-winning free throw with less than a second left in the Summertown Classic.

Hendersonville 46, Hillwood 45:  Hendersonville (4-8) trailed Hillwood (6-5) going by eight points at halftime but scored 17 in the fourth to close the gap and seal a win in its own classic. Austin Kirby led the Commandos in scoring with 13 points, but more importantly, he hit the game-winning field goal with just seconds remaining.

Reach Michael Murphy at 615-259-8262 and on Twitter @Murph_TNsports. 

Coach Barry Wortman and the Blaze took over the top spot in this week’s Midstate Top 10

A look at the top boys basketball teams in Middle Tennessee, as ranked by The Tennessean:

10. Lebanon (13-1) — The Blue Devils, winners of four in a row since suffering a Dec. 21 defeat to Wayne County (Ky.), will square off with unbeaten Station Camp when District 9-AAA play resumes on Jan. 8. Last week: NR. 

9. East Nashville (13-2) — The Eagles posted a third-place finish at last week’s Beech Holiday Classic, beating Stewarts Creek and the host Buccaneers while suffering a 69-56 setback to unbeaten Station Camp. Last week: No. 9. 

8. Maplewood (10-2) — Junior guard Bo Hodges has averaged 22.8 points and 8.8 assists in just eight games, leading the Panthers to their best start since the 2010-11 season. Last week: No. 8.

7. Oakland (12-0) — The unbeaten Patriots, under the direction of former Wilson Central coach Troy Bond, are in the midst of their longest winning streak since the 2008-09 season. Last week: No. 7.

6. Ensworth (11-0) — The Tigers took care of business in the Sunshine State last week, capturing the Gulfshore Holiday Hoopfest championship behind wins over Florida foes Barron Collier, American, Fort Lauderdale and Golden Gate. Last week: No. 6. 

5. Cane Ridge (10-1) — The Ravens suffered their first loss of the season during last week’s Willie Brown Memorial tournament at Father Ryan, falling to unbeaten Blackman 64-53 in the semifinals before bouncing back to beat McAdory (Ala.). Last week: No. 3.

4. Station Camp (16-0) — The Bison kept up their winning ways over the holidays, adding victories No. 14, 15 and 16 at last week’s Beech Holiday Classic, including a 57-56 championship triumph over Whites Creek. Last week: No. 5. 

3. Independence (13-1) — The Eagles, who host District 11-AAA rivals Ravenwood and Brentwood this week, have strung together four straight wins since suffering a 75-52 loss to Christian County (Ky.) on Dec. 12. Last week: No. 3. 

2. Brentwood Academy (12-1) — Christian Brothers got its revenge for last year’s Division II-AA title game defeat to BA, edging the Eagles 57-50 in the championship of last week’s Go Southern Beach Blowout in Niceville, Fla. — the Eagles’ first loss in 22 outings. Last week: No. 1. 

1. Blackman (14-0) — The Blaze, gunning for their fifth straight Class AAA state tournament appearance, have been exceptional en route to their undefeated start, which includes impressive double-digit wins over Hillsboro (67-31), Cane Ridge (64-53) and Father Ryan (62-34). Last week: No. 2.

Reach Michael Murphy at 615-259-8262 and on Twitter @Murph_TNsports.