BlueCross Bowl: Day Two Top Performers

<!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">We saw Westview, South Pittsburg and Page take home state titles on Friday with a lot of big time players showing out! Here we break down the prospects that stood out on day two at Blue Cross Bowl State Championships and those who we think boosted their college stocks.</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>TNHSFB State Championships - Class 1A, 3A, 5A</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["693877"],"_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-6934538548df2"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">This junior signal caller didn't have a major stat-like game but what Kruse did do was play calm, steady football while providing good leadership down the stretch that helped push his team to victory. The Patriots signal caller didn't turn the ball over and didn't put his offense into bad situations, which in the end, I believe helped keep his team in the mix. Kruse did produce two 4th quarter touchdown passes that proved to be the difference behind the Pats 21-14 win over Sevier Co.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - - </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["424594"],"_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-6934538548e57"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Not only did Simpson lead his team towards a 3A state title but he also broke the Blue Cross Bowl record books. The Chargers sophomore quarterback went nuts against Gatlinburg-Pittman as Simpson threw for 566 yards on 86% completion percentage while throwing for 7 touchdowns and running for one more. Anything Simpson wanted to do versus the Highlanders, he did it while showing why he is the top in-state prospect coming out of our TN2028 recruiting class.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - - </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1134336"],"_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-6934538548ea0"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Named game MVP in his team's victory over McKenzie, Buckner was a catalyst that led South Pitt towards another “Gold Ball” trophy after his 204 yard, three touchdown day against the Rebels. Most of his damage took place in the first half where Buckner produced multiple long runs and touchdown scores that created distance between the two teams. His athleticism and speed along with his strong running, proved to be too much for McKenzie.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - - </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2076085"],"_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-6934538548ee1"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Even though his team took a loss, I thought Arline had a strong performance that displayed multiple abilities that could translate to the college game. Compact with a well built, physical body, Arline used his power running to generate a few long drives that ended with the Rebels ball carrier putting the ball into the end zone. Arline was the lone bright spot in the Rebels championship efforts and an under the radar prospect college coaches should take a longer look at.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - - </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1103496"],"_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-6934538548f4e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">One of the top running back prospects from our TN2027 class, Barnes had himself a standout day on the big stage as he produced both on the ground and through the air. The Chargers junior is a physical back with a lot of upside running the ball but it was receiving abilities that took over, especially in the first half. Barnes finished the day with 3 receptions for 151 yards and two touchdowns while also generating another 44 yards on the ground in helping his team towards a state title.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - - </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["964719"],"_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-6934538548f92"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Out of all the athletic weapons for Westview, I thought Joy might have had the best day of them all as this senior wideout made his presence felt early and continued to excel throughout the Chargers championship victory. In the first half alone, Joy was unstoppable as he hauled in 3 receptions for 144 yards and two touchdowns against the Highlanders. His physical build and speed proved to be too tough for Pittman to deal with. Joy is one of the more underrated prospects from our senior class that is still available for the taking.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - - </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["853120"],"_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-6934538548fd1"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The stat sheet may not show it but Aukerman had a big impact in the Patriots 21-14 win over Sevier County. Throughout the game and especially in the second half, Aukerman produced several clutch catches with a few of them ending in first downs. His biggest reception came with less than a minute to go when Aukerman scored the game winning touchdown to put the Patriots ahead for good. This future Samford receiver came up big when his number was called and ended his high school career as a champion.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - - </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1664168"],"_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-6934538549010"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Out of all the stars on the Chargers roster, Damron might have had the best overall performance from the skill positions. This senior two-way talent was a dependable pass catcher in his team's 62-21 win over Gatlinburg-Pittman where in the first half alone, Damron produced 3 receptions for 152 yards and two scores. He also was a key piece on defense where he made several tackles both against the run and in pass coverage.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - - </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1577095"],"_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-6934538549050"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Cooper is a natural athlete, a playmaker that made his presence felt early in the first half with an interception on defense and in the second period, the Pirates junior flashed on offense. Sporting great breakaway speed, Cooper used his run after the catch abilities to produce a 48 yard touchdown score in the 4th quarter to seal away the game. The Rebels didn't have an answer to slow down Cooper and you could see why Power Four schools have an interest with this East Tennessee talent.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - - </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1422977"],"_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-693453854908f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">A two-way talent for his Chargers ball club, Brown flashed from both sides of the ball in his team's commanding title game victory over Gatlinburg-Pittman, including a first half touchdown reception that set the tone for the remainder of the game. This junior made several plays on offense but also did solid work on defense as well as on special teams too. Brown is an athletic guy that presents upside at multiple positions with maybe his biggest upside coming at defensive back.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - - </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1577078"],"_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-69345385490ce"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The Smoky Bears were in-line to repeat as 5A champions and a lot of it was due to the play of this junior two-way athlete. Newman became a go-to target for <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1142902' first='Cooper' last='Newman'] </strong>throughout the entire game as he became a mismatch that the Sevier Co. offensive staff used a lot on the outside. His height, length and ability to break off routes proved to be a lot to handle for the Patriots defense. Newman is dripping with potential and it showed Friday night as I believe he boosted his stock in a big way as an eventual college flex tight end.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - - </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1178947"],"_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-693453854910c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Named game MVP for his efforts against the Smoky Bears, Grissom had a stand out night and was a key force behind the Patriots 1st ever football state title. Sevier Co. had a hard time sustaining drives in the second half and a lot of that was due to Grissom and his disruptive game play. The Pats edge rusher harassed the backfield all night as he put pressure on Newman while batting down several passes and stalling drives. Grissom also contributed on offense as the team's power back.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - - </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["540028"],"_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-693453854914a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">A senior leader that has been through a lot of battles with his Patriots team, Wilson stepped up big in his final high school game where he made several critical plays that helped push his squad to victory. His defensive work was on point as always but it was his 4th quarter touchdown reception that put Page ahead for the first time all night. When a big moment was presented, Wilson was there and his game play along with his leadership proved to be a difference maker in his team's Class 5A state title win over Sevier County.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2076094,"width":"386px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/12/jbuckner3-crop-1081x710-1765037854.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-2076094" style="width:386px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image -->