#TNHSFB Championship Week: Day Three Standouts

<!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">The final day of HS ball in Tennessee saw some of the best title games played of the weekend while we also had some of the best individual performances as well, including a few that might have taken prospects stocks to another level!</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Day Three Standouts #BlueCrossBowl </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["695080"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"u003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003eIt's been an excellent ride this season for this Mid-Tennessee big man who finished off his stellar year in the Class 4A state title as he earned MVP honors in his team's 36-27 championship victory over Upperman. Going both ways for his Firebirds team, Simpson-Smith was a warrior on Saturday morning as he handled the main role at running back where he put up over 140 yards rushing and 2 touchdowns while also producing 9 tackles on defense. It was an impressive performance for Simpson-Smith where he was running over and around defenders, being that X-factor that pushed the Firebirds towards the 4A title. His stock was already on the rise but this MVP performance might take his recruitment even further with possible D1 schools looking harder at this Nashville area prospect.u003c/spanu003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-656cdb9bc5050"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - - </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Emmanuel Russell ","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2024","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"6'0u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2406","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Pearl Cohn","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"u003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003eIf it wasn't for the play of the guy mentioned above, Russell might have been the game's MVP as the senior D-lineman was an absolute force that the Upperman O-linemen just couldn't get a handle on. Russell is an undersized guy for the trenches but his desire, motor and aggressive nature has been strong all year and it was on full display Saturday morning. The Firebirds senior prospect used that attacking mentality all day against the Bees O-line where he did a good job at setting the edge versus the run then brought the occasional pass rush to the quarterback. His play was critical in the 4th quarter where he produced multiple tackles for loss with several resulting in drive stoppers. Pearl Cohn achieved their 3rd ever state title and that would not have happened without the play of Russell and his desire to win.u003c/spanu003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-656cdb9bc510d"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - - </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["533747"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"u003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003eUpperman represented themselves well in their 1st ever state title game and so did Palk, a junior running back that the Firebird defense had a problem dealing with throughout the game. Built like a fire hydrant, Palk is a compact back that runs straight ahead and hard every single play and I know the Pearl Cohn defenders felt his impact by the end of the game. The Bees junior never went down on first contact and always fell forward when going down. His running style and desire to win was a major factor behind the Bees comeback, where they cut the Firebirds lead down to 29-27 before falling to defeat. Look for this junior running back to become a prime candidate for Mr. Football next year as well as be a team leader on an Upperman team looking to make it back to the 4A title game. u003c/spanu003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-656cdb9bc516f"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - - </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["362098"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"u003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003eThe game's MVP and team workhorse, Thomas went out with a bang for his high school career as he produced over a 100 yards rushing and two touchdowns on the day to help lead his Riverside squad to their 1st ever football state championship. For most of the year, Thomas has had to share the rushing yards with u003c/spanu003eu003cbu003eStone Wallace u003c/bu003eu003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003ebut on the biggest stage of the season, this senior two-way talent showed up big as a force that ran through the East Robertson defense all game long. Thomas is built like a rock and he used that power to burst through tackles and always fall forward. His running style wore down the Indians defense and by the end of the game, all you saw on Thomas was arm tackles. It was an excellent performance from a guy who has played a lot of football for Riverside and to end his career as game MVP and state champion, you couldn't ask for anything better.u003c/spanu003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-656cdb9bc51cc"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - - </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["372310"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"u003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003ePlaying on the back side of the Panthers defense, Wilks was everywhere on the field Saturday afternoon making tackles or sticking his nose into the action, trying his best to keep the Indians run game in check. This senior's play was key against a potent East Robertson rushing attack that had barely been stopped all year but it was on Saturday with Wilks being a major reason in that cause. A bit undersized with height and weight, Wilks more than makes up for that with an aggressive playing style and the willingness to get into the mush and find something to hit. If he doesn't play with that kind of mentality on Saturday, the Panthers might not come out with the win as Wilks play on defense and special teams was that important.u003c/spanu003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-656cdb9bc5223"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - - </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["332217"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"u003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003eManning roles on both sides of the ball for his Indians squad, Groves did a little bit of everything in the Class 2A championship game on Saturday where he lined up at receiver and produced several key first downs but also made multiple big hits on defense as well. Groves is a big guy at 6'4 220 plus pounds that moves well for his size and you saw that on display in Chattanooga. On multiple occasions, Groves was leaned on to haul in several first down passes while on defense, the future Kentucky Wildcat made several tackles in space that slowed down Riverside drives. Groves needs to continue hitting the weight room, adding more weight but the athleticism and mobility are there for this Mid-Tennessee talent to become a feared hitter during his time in Lexington.u003c/spanu003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-656cdb9bc5276"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - - </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["277794"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"u003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003eIf you were on the fence about this Memphis area running back heading into the Class 6A title game, you need to get off because Sisa is a bonafide ball player that proved to be “the” difference maker behind Houston's 24-9 championship win over Oakland. From the start of the game till the very end, Oakland's defense had a very hard time with Sisa as his quickness, speed and elusive body movements proved to be too much to handle. His ability to get to second level alone, allowed the Mustangs to open up the offense for more passing, which I feel proved to be a key element in the win. Sisa has been vastly under the radar for this entire process due to his size but the guy can play and he's produced at the highest level for multiple years now. Oh by the way, he is a state champion and title game MVP too!! u003c/spanu003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-656cdb9bc52cb"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - - </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"[player_tooltip player_id='1676391' first='Tony' last='Williams']","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2026","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"6'0u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2406","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Houston","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"u003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003eJumping on the scene last night in a big way was this sophomore big man who played in the Patriots backfield most of the night then in the 4th quarter, Williams caught a deflected pass mid-air and returned it back for a touchdown. Coming into this contest, I didn't know too much about Williams but you can bet I will be looking much deeper into this TN2026 prospect because he shined bright on the biggest stage against a powerhouse opponent. What I liked most about the Mustangs D-lineman was his burst off the line then his ability to use his hands properly to get around blocks. There is some athleticism and size with Williams that translates well to the college game, so I will be interested to watch how this guy progresses over the next few years. u003c/spanu003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-656cdb9bc5357"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - - </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["219387"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"u003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003eIt was a struggle for most of the night when it came to consistently moving the ball or scoring points for Oakland but Morris was the lone bright spot during the Patriots 24-9 loss to Houston. The junior Mr. Football finalist flashed early on his speed and ability to get into the open field quickly along with displaying added strength that allowed him to bounce off tacklers. Morris did find things a bit tougher in the 2nd half when the Mustang defense made adjustments but you could see why so many Power Five programs are in pursuit of this Mid-Tennessee running back. I'm sure Morris and his teammates will remember this performance in Chattanooga and use it as motivation to get back next season and win another 6A state title.u003c/spanu003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-656cdb9bc53ae"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Three Others to Mention: </strong>(S) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='372306' first='Ja'Quis' last='Williams'] </strong>- Pearl Cohn, ‘26 (QB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1254853' first='Bronzden' last='Chaffin'] </strong>- Upperman, ‘25 (QB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='816017' first='Chandler' last='Day'] </strong>- Houston</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":705310,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/03/jaqwilliams.jpg?w=350" alt="" class="wp-image-705310" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image -->