PRZTN Top Performers: Week Five POTW

<!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Several strong options presented itself for our Statewide POTW as well as our positional honors for "Week Five." We narrowed down the choices and selected who we thought were the top performers, so check below to see our latest Prep Redzone Tennessee Players of the Week. </h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>PRZTN Statewide Player of the Week</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["378901"],"_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-68d59138a46c0"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>Stats: </strong>19-27 passing for 507 yds &amp; 4 TD's (18 carr. for 207 yds &amp; 2 TD's)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>When you set the school record for offensive yards in a single game, you have to be our “Statewide” player of the week. Adams was absolutely sensational in his team's 54-40 win over Centennial last week where he caused damage both through the air and on the ground. All the yards and produced touchdowns are great but for me personally, I liked the way Adams performed under pressure as his team either trailed or was tied with Centennial late in the matchup until the Bears quarterback surged them to victory. This performance caught some eyes nationally as well as perked the interest of college coaches. Adams is having a strong junior year so far that is definitely pushing his stock to another level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Offensive Player of the Week</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["480742"],"_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-68d59138a4776"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">8-8 passing for 231 yds &amp; 6 TD's (62 yds rushing, 2 TD's)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One of the top dual threat quarterbacks from our #TN2026 class, Perkins had another strong performance within a Jaguars uniform as he did not have one incompletion in his team's 53-0 win over Holly Springs, Mississippi. This future Austin Peay Govs quarterback was flawless as he produced eight total touchdowns with six of them coming through the air and another coming by way of the ground. Perkins is a multi-talented prospect that has won a lot of games throughout his Southwind career, including this season where he is positioning himself in the Mr. Football conversation while also leading his team to a current undefeated record.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - - </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Defensive Player of the Week</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1588093"],"_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-68d59138a480d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>Stats: </strong>13 tcks, 4 TFL, 1 FF &amp; 3 sacks</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A hidden gem that has yet to find a college home, more performances like this from Zachary could force coaches to look his way as the Indians pass rusher was nearly unblockable in his team's 24-14 big region win over Tellico Plains. Fast off the edge with excellent closing speed, the opposition could not keep Zachary out of their backfield and did not have an answer for his fierce pass rushing. He ended up producing a ton of tackles on night with four of them coming in loss and another three being sacks. Zachary is a long term big payoff prospect that helped his recruiting cause with a strong performance in “Week Five.”</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - - </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>O-line Unit of the Week&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>McMinn Co. Cherokees&nbsp; </strong>(Notable Players: <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='402530' first='Camden' last='Goforth']</strong>)<br>- The Cherokees plowed over region foe Soddy Daisy in the team's 48-7 win with the offensive line being a major factor in the victory. Backfield teammates <strong>Luke Lawson </strong>and <strong>Jakaryn Dyer </strong>generated seven touchdowns between them with the O-line paving the road and keeping the pocket clean for them to succeed. McMinn Co. has one of the best big men in the state with Goforth and his presence alone makes the other four around him better and a more cohesive unit. The Cherokees O-line is a big reason why they are 4-1 overall right now and in contention for a region championship.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1908188,"width":"314px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/08/derrecklee-crop-1253x823-1758827460.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-1908188" style="width:314px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Derreck Lee LeeCreative</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- 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: [player_tooltip player_id='1104268' first='Kaden' last='Long'] </strong>- Knox. Central ‘27&nbsp; (<strong>Stats: </strong>9-16 passing for 245 yds &amp; 4 TD's - 8 carr. for 125 yds &amp; 3 TD's)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- The Bobcats sit at 4-1 going into “Week Six” and a big reason why has been the play of Long. Last week in the team's 51-21 win over Clinton, this junior signal caller had one of his best performances to date as Long produced over 350 yards of total offense along with seven touchdowns. Long not only did damage through the air but he was also dynamic in the run game and someone the Dragons defense had no answer for.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>RB: [player_tooltip player_id='1126012' first='Jackson' last='Pugh'] </strong>- USJ&nbsp; (<strong>Stats: </strong>18 carr. for 223 yds &amp; 4 TD's)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Pugh has put forth a strong senior campaign thus far and has been a big factor behind his team's 5-0 start. Last week in the Bruins win over First Assembly, this senior ball carrier had a strong performance where he produced 223 yards rushing and four touchdowns on the night. Pugh is an underrated talent that has performed well. He is working towards contending for D2-Class A Mr. Football while also boosting his college stock.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>WR: [player_tooltip player_id='966033' first='Brandon' last='Goliday'] </strong>- Antioch&nbsp; (<strong>Stats: </strong>&nbsp;7 rec. for 268 yds &amp; 1 TD)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- This senior wideout became the go-to guy in the Bears 54-40 win over Centennial and he didn't necessarily earn this honor because of his 268 receiving yards but more so due to his clutch pass catching that shined when needed. Goliday achieved one touchdown on the night but it was his late game receiving that stood out to me and earned him our receiver of the week.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1908208,"width":"311px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/09/bgoliday-crop-629x413-1758828047.jpg?w=628" alt="" class="wp-image-1908208" style="width:311px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>ATH: [player_tooltip player_id='1908180' first='Jace' last='Ballard'] </strong>- GCA&nbsp; (<strong>Stats: </strong>13 carr. for 201 yds &amp; 5 TD's - 4 rec. for 94 yds &amp; 1 TD)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Stepping into a bigger role after an injury to <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='933067' first='Terrion' last='Thomas']</strong>, this senior multi-talented athlete had his best performance to date and a big factor behind his team's thirty point win over Knox. Webb. Ballard was an absolute monster where he caused damage in the air while also producing in a big way at running back. The Rams senior generated a little less than 300 yards of total offense while producing six touchdowns on the night.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>DL/Edge: Ben Reece </strong>- Johnson Co.&nbsp; (<strong>Stats: </strong>17 tcks, 4 TFL, 2 FF &amp; 2 sacks)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Reece has been a productive performer for his Longhorns team going over two years now with last Friday being one of his best showings during his high school career. Inside the Longhorns region win last week over Claiborne, Reece played in the Bulldogs backfield all night as he produced 17 total tackles with four of them for loss along with two forced fumbles and two sacks. His play became a big factor in the team's first region win of the year.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>LB: Kaleb Doss </strong>- Antioch&nbsp; (<strong>Stats: </strong>18 tcks, 4 TFL &amp; 3 sacks)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Yet another Bears prospect has earned top honors after a stellar “Week Five” performance in the team's out of conference victory over Centennial. Strong defense was hard to come by in last week's victory but Doss was one guy who stood out with his nose for the ball and active game play. The Bears linebacker was all over the field, doing damage against the run while harassing the quarterback, where he produced 18 tackles, four of them for loss and three sacks.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>DB: [player_tooltip player_id='1704591' first='Kentrell' last='Watkins Jr.'] </strong>- Chatt. Prep  (<strong>Stats: </strong>6 tcks, 2 PD &amp; 2 Int's)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- The Sentinels pulled off one of the bigger upsets from “Week Five” when they knocked off Marion Co. and Watkins was a major reason why. This junior defensive back produced two interceptions on the night and both were huge that came at key times in the game. Watkins stuck on the Warriors receivers like glue while also providing solid work in stopping the run as well. This performance definitely boosted his stock towards placing himself in our next updated junior rankings.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1908221,"width":"259px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/09/kwatkins.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-1908221" style="width:259px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image -->