#PRZTN Class 1A POTY (Positional Awards)

<!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Who earned top honors this year from the Class 1A ranks? Find out below with our Prep Redzone Tennessee Class 1A players of the year! </h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Prep Redzone 1A Player of the Year</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1102448"],"_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-6789789bc9d1a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Coming off earning Mr. Football for the 1A football level, Surber achieved our player of the year after a stellar senior season that saw him produce some astonishing stats. From his quarterback position, Surber threw for 3,148 yards and 36 touchdowns on the year while also rushing for 1,173 yards and 28 scores. The Rebels signal caller alone produced 64 touchdowns by himself. I don't know all the records but that has to be at the top of the board when it comes to most touchdowns produced in a season. I'm sure Surber would have liked to end his high school career with a state title but at least he wrapped everything up with Mr. Football and Prep Redzone TN 1A player of the year instead.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - - </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Offensive MVP</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1135175"],"_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-6789789bc9d78"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The Bulldogs were a force on the gridiron this year with one of the better season's in school history and a lot of that was done by the play of Adams. This senior signal caller had a tremendous individual season where he threw for 3,553 yards and 43 touchdowns on the year while leading his Bulldogs team to 10 victories. A calm, cool leader with a knack for making the big play, Adams had his best high school season yet where he showed vast improvement with his throwing motion and pushing the ball down field. He now leaves Clay Co. as one of the best players to ever come out of the Bulldogs program and our 1A offensive player of the year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - - </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Defensive MVP</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["540048"],"_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-6789789bc9dbd"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Throughout the entire 2024 season, Burrow was an absolute force that became a key piece behind his team's first ever football state championship. This Phoenix linebacker was nearly unblockable and unstoppable where he produced a staggering 183 tackles along with 10 for loss and 5 sacks on the season. His work on the field this year definitely earned him this Def. MVP but also boosted his stock for the college level. Burrow is also one of the better linebacker prospects left on the recruiting board here in Tennessee that has the abilities and talents to one day reach the D1 level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - - </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Lineman MVP</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1102507"],"_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-6789789bc9dfd"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">A multi year starter for his Rebels squad, Cunningham had potentially his best season yet where he was a force from both lines of scrimmage but his work on defense was a game changer. Leading his team in sacks at seven, Cunningham was a game wrecker that many opposing offensive linemen couldn't handle. Whether it was rushing the passer or stopping the run, the Rebels D-lineman was able to cause havoc on a consistent basis, helping lead his team to a region title and one game away from competing for the 1A championship. Besides his seven sacks, Cunningham also produced 93 tackles along with 15 tackles for loss and three forced fumbles.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - - </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Coach of the Year</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Cedric Miller - MASE&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- The Phoenix had a season to remember, ending the 2024 campaign as Class 1A state champs with Coach Miller at the helm, directing the charge. From start to finish, Miller had his team primed for a big year, forming together an excellent roster balanced with offensive playmaking and a physical defense. Coach Miller and his staff had his Phoenix squad play consistently throughout the entire 2024 season, leading to a 16-1 record on top of the 1A title. While his status at MASE is solidified probably for as long as he wants the job, Coach Miller could eventually become a hot commodity in the coaching circle for potential bigger jobs down the road.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - - - - - - - </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Positional Players of the Year &nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>QB MVP: [player_tooltip player_id='1400354' first='Brody' last='Whittaker'] - MASE: </strong>Whittaker's addition proved to be the difference maker behind his team's 1A title run. His leadership was key but his production was strong as well where Whittaker tossed the ball for 2,486 yards and 48 total touchdowns (37 through the air, 11 on the ground). Whoever replaces Whittaker has a tall task ahead of them to replicate his presence and production.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>RB MVP: [player_tooltip player_id='1540554' first='Ricarrious' last='Isom'] - Middle College: </strong>The Bulldogs put forth a strong showing throughout the 2024 season with Isom being their centerpiece. His consistent play week in and week out kept Middle College in the mix for a region title where he ran for 1,502 yards on the year with 25 rushing touchdowns.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1603314,"width":"279px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/01/ricoisom.jpg?w=700" alt="" class="wp-image-1603314" style="width:279px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>WR MVP: Lance Burchette - Clay Co.: </strong>It was a battle between teammates for this honor with Burchette holding the edge after a sensational senior season where he hauled in 74 receptions for 1,499 yards and 14 touchdowns on the year. Burchette was a true go-to guy that produced on a high level each and every week.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>OL MVP: Kelan Roberson - Union City: </strong>A multi year starter up front for his Golden Tornadoes team, Roberson had his best high school season yet where he dominated the trenches by opening consistent holes in the run game while showing the occasional strong pass protection.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>DL MVP: [player_tooltip player_id='1527497' first='Jamarkus' last='Pittman'] - MASE: </strong>This past Fall season was a breakout year for Pittman, where he established himself as potentially the best overall lineman from the 1A ranks. The Phoenix rising junior produced very well from the D-line as he had 43 tackles, 15 for loss and 8 sacks on the season while also paving lanes for the MASE run game on offense.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>LB MVP: Oliver Zeunik - Cosby: </strong>Zeunik jumped on the scene in a big way this past Fall for his Eagles defense where he produced a monster junior season with 109 total tackles, 12 tackles for loss, 8 sacks and two blocked punts. Upside is there too with this East TN linebacker as Zeunik has good size at 6'3 180 pounds plus with room to grow.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>DB MVP: [player_tooltip player_id='1648058' first='Khadon' last='Piphus'] - Halls: </strong>The Tigers had one of the better defenses from the 1A ranks this past season and Piphus was a big reason why. His play in the secondary was outstanding where he produced 49 tackles on the year along with 1 forced fumble, 2 fumble recoveries, 8 passes defended and 8 interceptions.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1603315,"width":"325px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/01/kpiphus.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-1603315" style="width:325px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image -->