#PRZTN: Week Three POTW/Game Balls
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The first week of high school football here in Tennessee is completed and boy did we have some big time individual performances but who were the best? Below, Prep RedZone Tennessee provides you their top performers of the week from…
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Continue ReadingThe first week of high school football here in Tennessee is completed and boy did we have some big time individual performances but who were the best?
Below, Prep RedZone Tennessee provides you their top performers of the week from each major region as well as each classification spread throughout the state.
East Tennessee
‘24 (DE/LB) Steven Soles, Jr Steven Soles, Jr 6'3" | 215 lbs | LB Powell | 2024 State TN – Powell
* 13 tcks, 3 TFL, 2 QBH & 2 sacks *
– One of the best edge rushers from our in-state 2024 class finally had a breakout game last Friday by disrupting the Karns offense, consistently wrecking havoc on the Beavers quarterback. Soles, Jr is dangerous off the edge and he might finally be coming into his own this season, so expect more big games like this going forward.
Middle Tennessee
(Ath) Malaki Dowell Malaki Dowell 5'10" | 185 lbs | RB White Co. | 2023 State TN – White Co.
* 24 carr. for 346 yds & 5 TD’s; 2 rec. for 67 yds & 1 TD *
– Two weeks in a row Dowell has earned this top honor and there was no choice but to give it to him after a 300 plus rushing day last Friday along with six total offensive touchdowns. Dowell has been an absolute machine so far this season as he leads the state in rushing and sits at the top of the board for Mr. Football in the Class 5A ranks.
West Tennessee
‘24 (Ath) Kumaro Brown Kumaro Brown 6'2" | 180 lbs | ATH M.A.H.S. | 2024 State TN – M.A.S.E.
* 6 carr. for 143 yds & 3 TD’s; Also a 69 yd PR for TD *
– Last Friday was a season breakout game for Brown as he handled a big load for his Phoenix team, scoring in a variety of ways and being that big play threat that college coaches are intrigued with. Brown is a big dude that could excel at several positions, so it will be interesting to see how he develops over the next two years.
Class 1A
(LB) Will Dudney – Gordonsville
* 10 tcks, 8 solo, 3 TFL *
– Dudney was a major player in helping his Tigers team get back on the winning side of things last week as he was a force on defense, helping shut down the Oliver Springs offense. Dudney is a true middle backer that is one of the better linebacker prospects on the Class 1A level.
Class 2A
(Ath) Zecheriah Prince – East Robertson
* 22 carr. for 163 yds & 2 TD’s (9 tcks, 8 solo, 3 TFL & 1 FF on Def.) *
– This two-way talent was all over the field last Friday night in the Indians 26-8 win over Trousdale Co. as he produced big numbers on both sides of the ball, displaying his natural athleticism. Prince is an intriguing talent with size, so more performances like this will increase his recruiting status.
Class 3A
‘24 (WR) Carlos Orr Carlos Orr 6'4" | 185 lbs | WR Gatlinburg-Pittman | 2024 State TN – Gatlinburg-Pittman
* 5 rec. for 112 yds & 1 TD (7 tcks, 1 FR, 1 PD & 1 Int on Def.) *
– You better start getting to know this East Tennessee wideout as Orr is one of the top prospects from his region for the 2024 class and games like this are why he is considered a college recruit. Orr is a big play guy that just needs the ball in his hands and his talents take care of the rest.
Class 4A
(RB) Braylon Cato Braylon Cato 5'11" | 190 lbs | RB Fayette Ware | 2023 State TN – Fayette-Ware
* 25 carr. for 224 yds & 3 TD’s *
– Cato makes this list for the 2nd week in a row after putting up another 200 yard plus rushing game in last week’s contest. This is one of the better running back prospects from the West Tennessee region and with games like this, Cato will start becoming a top contender for Class 4A Mr. Football.
Class 5A
‘25 (RB) Conner Wheeler – Powell
* 16 carr. for 194 yds & 3 TD’s *
– The Panthers got back on the winning side of things last week in their win over Karns and a big part of that victory was the play of Wheeler. The 2025 running back has been a breakout player thus far for Powell and last week was his best showing yet, producing big numbers for the Panthers rushing attack.
Class 6A
‘24 (QB) Aidan Glover Aidan Glover 6'3" | 195 lbs | QB Collierville | 2024 State TN – Collierville
* 12-17 passing for 246 yds & 2 TD’s; 7 carr., 58 yds & 1 TD *
– The Dragons sit at 3-0 to start the season and Glover has been the guy behind center running the show and leading his team to being undefeated. Last week was his best game yet, scoring three times and putting up big numbers through the air. Glover is a big time prospect that could develop into a P5 guy sooner than later.
D2-Class A
‘24 (Ath) Eli Wilson Eli Wilson 5'10" | 185 lbs | RB MTCS | 2024 State TN – MTCS
* 13 carr. for 231 yds & 5 TD’s *
– The Cougars have started their season at 2-1 and Wilson has been a big part of that as his play at running back has been key. Last week was a banner game for the 2024 athlete as he ran for over 200 yards and scored 5 times in the Cougars 52-27 win over Clarksville Academy.
D2-Class AA
‘24 (RB) Ty Clark III Ty Clark III 6'1" | 200 lbs | RB FRA | 2024 State TN – Franklin Road Acad.
* 19 carr. for 284 yds & 4 TD’s *
– One of the biggest breakout stars so far during this early season has been Clark as he has produced big numbers through three weeks of play, especially last week in the Panthers 35-7 win over Davidson Academy. Clark was unstoppable against the Bears, running for almost 300 yards and scoring four times on the ground.
D2-Class AAA
‘24 (LB) A.J. Barbat A.J. Barbat 6'1" | 220 lbs | LB Brentwood Acad. | 2024 State TN – Brentwood Academy
* 10 tcks, 6 solo, 2 TFL, 3 QBH & 2 sacks *
– Better start getting to know this junior linebacker as he has the size, speed and athletic traits to reach the college ranks next season, especially with more performances like this one. Barbat was a force on defense last week for the Eagles in their region win and a key cog in shutting down a potent Briarcrest offense.
Other Top Performers
– (QB) Luke Johnson – Farragut: 22-31 passing for 333 yds & 2 TD’s
– (QB) Taylor Haas Taylor Haas 6'0" | 185 lbs | QB Ensworth | 2023 TN – Ensworth: 16-18 passing for 174 yds & 2 TD’s
– (QB/Ath) Nolan Brang – South Doyle: 12-21 passing for 316 yds & 5 TD’s; 7 carr., 22 yds
– ‘24 (QB) Carter Smith Carter Smith 6'3" | 210 lbs | QB Hardin Co. | 2024 State TN – Hardin Co.: 17-22 passing for 323 yds & 5 TD’s
– ‘24 (QB) Brady Hammonds Brady Hammonds 6'2" | 200 lbs | QB Gatlinburg-Pittman | 2024 State TN – Gatlinburg-Pittman: 9-15 passing for 268 yds w/ 4 TD’s & 1 Int
– ‘24 (QB) E.J. Gilliam – Freedom Prep: 11-18 passing for 240 & 3 TD’s
– ‘24 (QB/Ath) Evan Schwarzl – Walker Valley: 15-17 passing for 192 yds & 3 TD’s; Also 2 carr, 16 yds & 1 TD
– ‘24 (QB/Ath) Kamden Wellington Kamden Wellington 5'11" | 185 lbs | ATH South Pittsburg | 2024 State TN – South Pittsburg: 11-15 passing for 217 yds & 4 TD’s; Also had 1 rushing TD
– ‘24 (QB) Jordan Bell Jordan Bell 6'2" | 190 lbs | ATH Munford | 2024 State TN – Munford: 7-8 passing for 170 yds & 5 TD’s
– ‘24 (QB) Brian Rager Brian Rager 6'3" | 200 lbs | QB Liberty Creek | 2024 State TN – Liberty Creek: 8-11 passing for 123 yds & 2 TD’s ; Also 10 carr. for 43 yds & 1 TD
– ‘26 (QB) Madden Guffey Madden Guffey 6'0" | 165 lbs | QB Bearden | 2026 TN – Seymour: 8-15 passing for 222 yds & 3 TD’s
– (RB) Chris McCord – Lenoir City: 25 carr. for 209 yds & 2 TD’s
– (RB) Reggie Goodloe, Jr – Cane Ridge: 18 carr. for 166 yds & 2 TD’s
– (RB) Layden Grant Layden Grant 5'10" | 190 lbs | RB Fairview | 2023 TN – Fairview: 18 carr. for 153 yds & 2 TD’s; 4 rec. for 35 yds (5 tcks, 1 FR on Def.)
– (RB) A.J. Finley – Adamsville: 15 carr. for 130 yds & 3 TD’s
– (RB) Jake Pennington – FACS: 11 carr. for 131 yds & 2 TD’s
– (RB) Desi Hemphill – Freedom Prep: 16 carr. for 129 yds & 2 TD’s
– (RB) Morgan Perez – Riverside: 7 carr. for 119 yds & 2 TD’s
– ‘24 (RB) Tyson Wolcott – Friendship Chrst.: 18 carr. for 150 yds & 3 TD’s (3 tcks, 1 FR on Def.)
– ‘24 (RB) Jaxson Rollins Jaxson Rollins 5'9" | 175 lbs | RB Upperman | 2024 TN – Upperman: 8 carr. for 158 yds & 3 TD’s
– ‘24 (RB) Shajai Jackson Shajai Jackson 5'10" | 170 lbs | RB LCA | 2024 TN – Lakeway Acad.: 6 carr. for 97 yds & 2 TD’s; 2 rec. for 87 yds & 1 TD
– ‘25 (RB) Andrew Patterson, Jr Andrew Patterson, Jr 6'0" | 190 lbs | RB Lipscomb Acad. | 2025 State TN – Lipscomb Acad.: 21 carr. for 142 yds & 2 TD’s
– ‘26 (RB/LB) Lekhy Thompkins – TCA: 24 carr. for 234 yds & 4 TD’s (4 tcks, 2 TFL & 1 sack on Def.)
– (WR/S) Joshua Nevins Joshua Nevins 5'11" | 165 lbs | WR Seymour | 2023 TN – Seymour: 4 rec. for 167 yds & 3 TD’s
– (WR) Jacques Wyatt III Jacques Wyatt III 6'5" | 190 lbs | WR Clarksville Acad. | 2023 State TN – Clarksville Acad.: 7 rec. for 140 yds & 3 TD’s
– (WR/S) Tucker Ownby – Walker Valley: 7 rec. for 128 yds & 3 TD’s
– (WR) Kamron Haymon – Hardin Co.: 8 rec. for 124 yds & 3 TD’s
– (WR) Darien Meza Darien Meza 5'10" | 175 lbs | WR Mt. Pleasant | 2024 TN – Mt. Pleasant: 4 rec. for 124 yds & 2 TD’s
– (WR) Dyer Barnes Dyer Barnes 6'3" | 185 lbs | WR Lewis County | 2023 State TN – Lewis Co.: 6 rec. for 84 yds & 2 TD’s; 1 punt ret., 83 yds & 1 TD
– (WR) Justin Brown Justin Brown 6'1" | 185 lbs | WR Blackman | 2023 State TN – Blackman: 8 rec. for 90 yds & 2 TD’s; 13 tds rushing & 1 TD
– (WR) Travis Martin Travis Martin 6'0" | 185 lbs | WR Coffee County Central | 2023 TN – Coffee Co.: 6 rec. for 80 yds & 2 TD’s
– (WR) NaShawn Holman NaShawn Holman 5'10" | 160 lbs | WR Franklin Co. | 2023 TN – Franklin Co.: 2 rec. for 128 yds & 2 TD’s (7 tcks, 3 solo on Def.)
– ‘24 (WR) Isaiah Cobbs Isaiah Cobbs 5'9" | 165 lbs | WR Munford | 2024 State TN – Munford: 3 rec. for 118 yds & 3 TD’s
– ‘25 (WR/S) Brayden Waller – TCA: 7 rec. for 208 yds & 2 TD’s
– ‘25 (WR) Radarious Jackson – Sheffield: 4 rec. for 85 yds & 2 TD’s
– (Ath) Caden Hester Caden Hester 6'1" | 180 lbs | DB McMinn Co. | 2023 TN – McMinn Co.: 10 carr. for 144 yds & 3 TD’s (6 tcks, 3 solo, 1 TFL, 1 QBH, 1 PD on Def.)
– (Ath) Daveon Shenault Daveon Shenault 5'9" | 160 lbs | ATH Fulton | 2023 TN – Fulton: 7 rec. for 146 yds & 1 TD (5 tcks, 1 PD on Def.)
– ‘24 (Ath) Whitman Whaley – Gatlinburg-Pittman: 3 rec. for 98 yds & 3 TD’s (5 tcks, 1 TFL on Def.)
– ‘24 (Ath) Brock Montgomery Brock Montgomery 6'3" | 205 lbs | WR Riverdale | 2024 State TN – FCS: 4 rec. for 38 yds (4 tcks, 2 Int’s on Def.)
– ‘24 (Ath) Nate Coleman – Freedom Prep: 5 rec. for 109 yds & 1 TD (1 pr for 50 yds)
– (DL) Aiden Wilson – McMinn Co.: 16 tcks, 11 solo, 1 TFL
– (DL) Jamarion Varnell Jamarion Varnell 6'1" | 270 lbs | DL Tyner Acad. | 2023 State TN – Tyner Acad.: 8 tcks, 4 solo, 2 TFL & 1 sack
– (DE/LB) Jacorien Love – Sheffield: 6 tcks, 4 solo, 2 TFL, 1 FF & 2 sacks
– (DE/LB) Jaylon Johnson Jaylon Johnson 6'4" | 235 lbs | LB Cane Ridge | 2023 State TN – Cane Ridge: 6 tcks, 3 solo, 3 TFL & 1 sack
– ‘24 (DT) Keegen Scruggs – Centennial: 5 tcks, 3 solo, 3 TFL & 1.5 sacks
– (LB) Nathan Hepborn Nathan Hepborn 5'11" | 205 lbs | LB Oakland | 2023 TN – Oakland: 11 tcks, 6 solo, 4 TFL, 1 FR & 1 PD
– (LB) Scott Carter – Spring Hill: 7 tcks, 4 solo, 3 TFL & 1 sack
– (LB) Braylon Grayson Braylon Grayson 5'11" | 200 lbs | LB Warren Co. | 2023 TN – Warren Co.: 14 tcks, 7 solo, 1 TFL (12 carr. for 90 yds & 1 TD on Off.)
– (LB) Eli Denton Eli Denton 6'0" | 210 lbs | LB Walker Valley | 2023 State TN – Walker Valley: 22 tcks, 15 solo, 2 TFL
– (LB) Johnny Payne – Montgomery Cent.: 15 tcks, 6 solo, 1 TFL & 1 FR
– ‘24 (LB) Dallas Caffrey – East Robertson: 15 tcks, 13 solo, 1 TFL
– ‘24 (LB) Jack Alley Jack Alley 6'2" | 215 lbs | LB Farragut | 2024 State TN – Farragut: 11 tcks, 9 solo, 1 TFL & 1 PD
– ‘24 (LB/RB) Nick Moog Nick Moog 6'0" | 215 lbs | RB Anderson Co. | 2024 State TN – Anderson Co.: 8 tcks, 4 solo (19 carr. for 162 yds & 3 TD’s)
– (S) Mark Joseph Mark Joseph 6'2" | 180 lbs | DB Sheffield | 2023 State TN – Sheffield: 6 tcks, 3 solo & 2 Int’s (6-11 passing for 125 yds & 2 TD’s; Also 75 yds rushing)
– (S) Mose Phillips III Mose Phillips III 6'2" | 185 lbs | DB Cane Ridge | 2023 State TN – Cane Ridge: 2 tcks, 1 FR (4 rec. for 128 yds & 1 TD on Off.)
– (S/RB) Tison Johnson Tison Johnson 5'10" | 185 lbs | RB Morristown-West | 2023 State TN – Morristown-West: 17 carr. for 115 yds & 3 TD’s (2 tcks, 1 TFL & 1 PD on Def.)
– (DB) Braxton Smith – Walker Valley: 5 tcks, 4 solo & 1 Int