#PRZTN Players of the Week

<!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Capping off Week One of high school ball, here we bring to you our players of the week. These top honors range from our overall POTW all the way down our positional awards, so glance below to see if your team's player earned top prize. </h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Prep Redzone Tennessee POTW</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1002741"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66cf98b8a8410"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Stats: <strong>36 carr. for 335 yds &amp; 5 TD's</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Johnson kicked off his Mr. Football campaign in a big way last week where he ran for over 300 yards and five touchdowns in the Panthers 41-17 win over MUS. The future Mississippi St. Bulldog was an absolute machine and a consistent force that the Owls defense could not slow down. Johnson used his athleticism, quick burst and speed to present issues for MUS and it's something you should expect to continue seeing out this Memphis area ball carrier for the remainder of the season. Performances like this definitely puts Johnson at the top of the list for our overall in-state player of the year by season's end.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - - </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Off. Player of the Week</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["834613"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66cf98b8a8467"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Stats:<strong> 35 carr. for 305 yds &amp; 3 TD's</strong>&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Taking over the lead role at running back due to a senior injury, Bailey took full advantage of his opportunity by running for over 300 yards in the Golden Eagles road victory over Siegel. From the beginning of the game, Bailey immediately made his presence known with several physical runs that proved to pay off late in the contest as the Stars defense began to wear down. His quick burst into and through the hole was hard to handle as well. Bailey is well built physicality, which makes it tough for opponents to bring him down. Knowing that he is the top guy moving forward, don't be surprised to see more performances like this from Bailey throughout the season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - - </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Def. Player of the Week</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["301403"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66cf98b8a84a8"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Stats: <strong>14 tcks, 4 TFL, 2.5 sacks &amp; 1 Int</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Even though his Cougars team fell by one point at the last second, Wright had himself a stellar showing versus Franklin where he was a force on defense, making plays in a variety of ways. Leading the team in tackles on the night, Wright played in the backfield almost the entire game where he produced 4 tackles for the loss and 2.5 sacks with one interception on the evening. The Cougars senior backer was everywhere last Friday night. This kind of performance definitely gets him on the radar as a sleeper Mr. Football contender.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - - </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>O-line of the Week</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Bartlett Panthers&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- It's hard to not give this honor to the Panthers O-line after helping pave the way for a 300 yard rusher while also helping keep their quarterback upright for the majority of the game. Overall against MUS, the Bartlett O-line was impressive as they consistently gained a push and opened big holes for Johnson while keeping pass rushers off <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='279488' first='Kam' last='Alexander']</strong>. The Panthers have several under the radar guys in <strong>Anthony Fields, Jr</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='889225' first='Chris' last='Shreve'] </strong>and others to form one of the better O-line units not just in the greater Memphis area but possibly the entire state as well. Don't be surprised to see this group earn this award again before the season is over.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Team of the Week&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>BGA Wildcats&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- There were several top team performances from Week One but maybe nobody had a more impressive debut to the 2024 season than these Wildcats. Scoring 68 points in their win over Knox. Webb, Battle Ground Academy made a statement to the rest of the D2-Class AA ranks that the Wildcats are legit and coming after that “Gold Ball”. This is a talented ball club with several future college prospects on both sides of the ball that has the abilities and talent to potentially take this squad all the way to Chattanooga. The path the remainder of the season won't be easy but under coach <strong>Bobby Bentley</strong>, I think these Cats are ready for the challenge.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Runner Up's:&nbsp; Oliver Springs, Bartlett, Covington</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/FootballBga/status/1827470199219470713","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/FootballBga/status/1827470199219470713 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - - - - - - - </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Positional Players of the Week&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>QB POTW: [player_tooltip player_id='914547' first='Kaedyn' last='Marable'] - BGA ‘26&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>- </strong>Marable put the rest of his competition this year on notice with a stellar opening performance, producing six total touchdowns and helping put 68 points on the board versus Knox. Webb.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Stats: 17-21 for 288 yds &amp; 3 TD's (36 yds rushing, 3 TD's)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>RB POTW: [player_tooltip player_id='1110699' first='Skylan' last='Smith'] - Covington</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Almost single handedly, Smith took over and took down Munford with his 200 plus yard attack on the ground where he produced five scores while showcasing why he is a top candidate for 3A Mr. Football.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Stats: 21 carr. for 230 yds &amp; 5 TD's</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>WR POTW: [player_tooltip player_id='284149' first='Tyreek' last='King'] - Knox. Catholic ‘26&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- King made a statement last Friday that he is the best wideout from the #TN2026 class and maybe even the entire state. The Fighting Irish junior was near unstoppable in his team's 50-13 win over Lakeway Christian.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Stats: 6 rec. for 196 yds &amp; 4 TD's</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":914525,"width":"233px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/07/tyking.jpg?w=500" alt="" class="wp-image-914525" style="width:233px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>TE POTW: [player_tooltip player_id='284144' first='Carson' last='Sneed'] - DCA ‘26&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- You talk about being productive and efficient, Sneed was in Week One where he scored every time he was thrown the ball. He was also devastating with his run blocking, continuing to prove his status as a top #TN2026 football recruit.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Stats: 3 rec. for 121 yds &amp; 3 TD's</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>DL POTW: (DE) [player_tooltip player_id='1423595' first='Samuel' last='Iroh'] - Collierville&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Iroh had himself a stellar season debut in his team's victory over Riverside, where this senior edge rusher created havoc all night in the backfield, ending the game with three sacks and several other hurries.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Stats: 7 tcks, 5 TFL, 2 QBH, 1 PD &amp; 3 sacks</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>LB POTW: [player_tooltip player_id='1137205' first='Matthew' last='Covert'] - Maryville&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- This East TN backer was everywhere on the field last Friday night. Covert is one of the more underrated athletic linebackers we have in our Sr class and that showed in his team's 51-0 win over Heritage.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Stats: 10 tcks, 2 TFL, 1 FR, 1 forced Safety &amp; 1 Int (Receiving TD on Off.)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>DB POTW: [player_tooltip player_id='1648091' first='Wyatt' last='Maples'] - Sevier Co. ‘26&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- The Smoky Bears have found another secondary player that produces at a high level here in Maples. This East TN junior made a great season debut by picking off two passes while staying active in run support.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Stats: 7 tcks &amp; 2 Int's</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>- - - - -</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1138150,"width":"366px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/01/15-Matthew-Covert.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1138150" style="width:366px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image -->