The 2015 All-City Defensive Team

The 2015 All-City Offensive Team

The Metro Nashville Public Schools All-City Football Team was released on Tuesday afternoon.

Metro Nashville Public Schools announced its All-City Football team on Tuesday.

The 32 team members, along with 26 honorable mentions, who were selected by Metro high school football coaches, will be honored at a banquet on Thursday, Dec. 3 at Wilson Hall at the Tennessee State Fairgrounds.

Here’s a look the 2015 Metro Nashville Public Schools’ All-City Football Team:

OFFENSE

QB: Demontez Carlton (McGavock), Julius King (Overton), Jimmy Ferrell (Pearl-Cohn)

RB: Emari Barton (Cane Ridge), Kendall Johnson (McGavock), Ke’Juan Vaughn (Pearl-Cohn)

WR: Rontavius Groves (Pearl-Cohn), Jay King (Hillsboro), Thomas Woodard (Whites Creek), Jamal Kirklen (Hillwood).

OL: Anthony McLin (Maplewood), Jaelin Fisher (Pearl-Cohn), Chris Chapman (Hillsboro), Tamim Aldarawcheh (Overton), Khalil Jonbes (Stratford).

K: Ethan Evors (McGavock)

KR: Jimmyrious Parker (Pearl-Cohn)

ATH: Corey Simmons (Stratford)

DEFENSE

DL: Cody Brown (Maplewood), Antowan Malone (Pearl-Cohn), Ed Bambu (Cane Ridge), Malik Huddleston (Whites Creek), Malcolm Swann (Hillsboro).

LB: Gage Smith (Maplewood), Theo Cortner (Pearl-Cohn), Sampson Bradley (Hillsboro), Noah Bayless (Cane Ridge).

DB: DeVarius Cortner (East Nashville), Shedrick Kirk (McGavock), Theo Jackson (Overton), Malique Fleming (Hillsboro).

HONORABLE MENTIONS

Antioch: LB Blake Wiggins, DE Kelvin Boffah

Cane Ridge: WR/DB Austin Jackson, QB D.J. Thorpe

East Nashville: LB Jacob Phillips, LB Jayron Leatherwood

Glencliff: WR/DB Akol Madut, LB/OL Calvin Wright

Hillwood: RB/LB Jordan King, QB Terron Smith

Hillsboro: OL Julian Houston, DE Roy Hunter

Hunters Lane: C/DE Karon Moseley, G/DT Reuben Perrien

Maplewood: WR/DB Bo Hodges, DE Kelando Butler

McGavock: OL/DL Nic Haddock, WR/DB Evan Gowdy

Overton: RB Kimlee North, RB/LB Jason Gardner

Pearl-Cohn: WR Darius Hunter, DL Jonathan Howse

Stratford: OL/LB James Hughes, LB Ledarius Haynes

Whites Creek: TE/LB Brandon Murdic, OL/DL Justin Howard-Acklen

Reach Michael Murphy at 615-259-8262 and on Twitter @Murph_TNsports. 

It took Dorian Berry and Overton a minute to find their groove Tuesday, but the Bobcats posted a 21-point fourth quarter to earn a hard-fought 57-52 comeback win over the visiting Brentwood Bruins.

“The kids fought hard and never gave up,” former Overton girls basketball coach and first-year boys coach Todd Douthit said. “We had to figure some things out, and we did.”

Brentwood (0-4) got out to a hot start, taking an 18-9 lead after one quarter on the back of a nine-point outburst by Linden Hardee. But Overton (1-3) responded by holding Brentwood to a combined 18 points in the second and third quarter while completely taking Hardee out of the game and silencing him until the fourth quarter.

Hardee finished with a team-high 14 points.

Overton was still trailing 27-23  after two despite an eight-point second quarter from Berry, who added five more in the third to help the Bobcats pull things even at 36-36.

The Bruins jumped back ahead 45-41 with just under four minutes left, but Overton responded with a 10-0 run, highlighted by a very deep 3-pointer by Berry that gave the Bobcats a three-point lead and put them ahead for good.

“Great shooters knock shots down,” first-year Brentwood coach Greg Shirley said. “He got hot and knocked shot after shot down.”

The junior point guard finished the night with a game-high 26 points while fellow Bobcat Tavarius Travis added 11.

“I feel like tonight gave everybody, the crowd, our team, our coaches confidence that we know how good we are,” Berry said. “We just have to stick with it and keep that mindset.”

For Douthit, it’s his first win as a head coach since leaving the girls team to take over the boys team this summer.

For Shirley, it’s back to the drawing board in search of that elusive first win.

“We’re continuing to learn about each other,” Shirley said. “We will get it turned around, but right now we’re still struggling without a doubt.”

Girls

Brentwood 62, Overton 25: Brentwood looked to have a tough game on its hands after one quarter, leading Overton by just two with a 15-13 advantage after one, but the Lady Bruins outscored the Lady Bobcats 47-12 over the next three quarters.

Overton (0-3) managed just five buckets after the first quarter, and Brentwood (3-0) sat its starters for most of the second half.

Cameron Courage led the way for Brentwood with a game-high 12 points, all of which came in the first half, and her sister Sam Courage added nine.

White County 67, York 60 (OT): Hannah Leftwich led all scorers with 18 points, as White County outscored York 11-4 in overtime. Brooke Copeland and Emily Sewell both scored 16 for York.

Midway 63, Monterey 56. Midway (2-0) made a second-half comeback to get the victory against Monterey (0-1). Abby Bertram scored a game-high 31 for Monterey, but Midway had four players with at least 10 points.

Kenwood 46, East Hickman 45. Kenwood (3-0) rallied in the second half after only scoring four points in the first quarter to sneak by East Hickman (1-1). Tatum Gribbins was the high scorer for East Hickman with 16 points, while Kimia Carter led the way for the Lady Knights with 17.

Boys

Pope John Paul II 74, CPA 68: Ryan Hatten scored a team-high 21 points to lead JPII over CPA. Jalon Cambridge and Devan Cambridge each scored 15 points for the Knights. Michael Mayernick led all scorers with 25 points and three 3-pointers for CPA.

Red Boiling Springs 87, Madison Academy 58: Chance Asberry led Red Boiling Springs (2-1) to a blowout victory over Madison Academy (3-2) , tallying 47 points to break the school record from 1998 for points scored in a game, and with nine 3-pointers made, he tied the school mark for threes in a game.

White House 94, Gallatin 83: Bradley Cole hit seven 3-pointers, with a total of 28 points, to push White House to 3-2 on the year. Zyun Mason led Gallatin with 19 points.

Cane Ridge 75, Ravenwood 63: Kyree Elder scored a game-high 29 points and hit three 3-pointers to lift Cane Ridge.

Reach Sam Brown at 615-259-8232 and on Twitter @SamBrownTN.

Basketball

Merrol Hyde Magnet sophomore Emily Fenton dribbles upcourt.

HENDERSONVILLE The Merrol Hyde Magnet girls prep basketball team isn’t looking far to gain motivation.

They just wait around after their game is complete.

The Lady Hawks were held scoreless for nearly three quarters, suffering a 39-4 loss to to visiting Clarksville Academy on Tuesday night.

Merrol Hyde Magnet (0-2) played a junior-varsity schedule last year and only fields seven players for a varsity squad.

However, the Lady Hawks look to the school’s boys squad to see what they could be with effort and determination.

Merrol Hyde Magnet freshman Kendall Frisbee scored her squad’s only field goal in Tuesday evening’s loss to visiting Clarksville Academy.

“The boys team was in a spot like we were in five years ago or so,” Merrol Hyde Magnet first-year head coach Kelley Graham said. “They had a group of freshmen that came in, and they rode those kids and gained some other pieces. By the end, they were pretty good and have kept it going.

“Most of these girls weren’t even on the junior-varsity team last year, and we have four freshmen who came up from the middle-school team playing for us. I only took over a month ago, so right now, they’re still learning the plays, where to go and what to do.”

Clarksville Academy guard Charlton Kelley scored 10 of her team’s first 16 points as the Cougars ran out to a 25-0 lead at halftime.

Clarksville Academy (1-2) extended it to 37-0 before a pair of free throws from Grace Riley gave Merrol Hyde its first points of the game with less than a minute remaining in the third quarter.

Kendall Frisbee’s layup with 1:40 remaining in the contest accounted for the Lady Hawks’ only field goal.

“We’re trying to keep the girls confident, and that’s been a problem,” Graham said. “We’re looking at the long term with the guys setting that example a few years back.

“Improvements is all we’re looking for. The other night against DCA (Donelson Christian Academy), we only had five rebounds as a team, and tonight we got 25 with Lauren Buchanen leading us with nine rebounds. Those are the things we’re looking at right now.”

Merrol Hyde Magnet freshman Kendall Frisbee scored her squad’s only field goal in Tuesday evening’s loss to visiting Clarksville Academy.

Merrol Hyde limited Clarksville Academy to 1-of-13 shooting over the final 12 minutes of play.

“Being physical has been tough, but I felt like Kendall and Lauren really flexed some muscle in the second half and held their own physically,” Graham said. “We got better throughout the game.”

Merrol Hyde Magnet will be in action again on Monday, hosting Aaron Academy.

CLARKSVILLE ACADEMY (39) – Charlton Kelley 17, Presleigh Sykes 8, Abbey Hogan 6, Morgan Crowley 4, Aleisha Whitaker 4.

MERROL HYDE MAGNET (4) – Kendall Frisbee 2, Grace Riley 2.

Half: 25-0, Clarksville Academy. Three-point goals: Clarksville Academy 2 (Kelley 2), Merrol Hyde Magnet 0. Records: Clarksville Academy 1-2, Merrol Hyde Magnet 0-2.

HENDERSONVILLE The Merrol Hyde Magnet boys basketball team got into an early shootout with visiting Clarksville Academy on Tuesday night.

Merrol Hyde Magnet senior Zach Shonting elevates for an interior shot between two Clarksville Academy defenders.

Unfortunately for the Hawks, the Cougars had a few more bullets.

The backcourt tandem of Austin Fisher and Kennie Wade combined for 53 points as Clarksville Academy took a three-point halftime lead and pulled away for a 74-55 win at Merrol Hyde Magnet.

A layup by Hawk forward Zach Shonting with 5:26 remaining in the third quarter trimmed the Clarksville Academy (2-1) lead to 41-38 before a three-pointer by Fisher was followed by back-to-back baskets from Chris Masrans and Wade. That extended the Cougar lead to 10.

Guard Connor McCutcheon led Merrol Hyde Magnet with 21 points.

“In the first half, we got in early foul trouble with Zach Shonting and my point guard – Jenord Taylor – and honestly, to be down 36-33, I thought was huge to give us a good fighting chance to come out in the third quarter,” Merrol Hyde Magnet head coach Kory Craighead said. “I thought we let Fisher get a couple of easy looks in the third, and (that) got us on our heels a little bit.”

Fisher connected on three 3-pointers in the third stanza that helped the Cougars extend the lead to as much as 12 points.

Merrol Hyde Magnet (0-2) was coming off the second of back-to-back games as the Hawks dropped a 66-48 decision at Donelson Christian Academy on Monday.

Merrol Hyde Magnet junior Connor Dunn elevates for a layin over Clarksville Academy’s Jason McClendon during first-quarter action

“Tonight, it ended up being a 19-point game, but we did get much better from night to night,” Craighead said. “Last night, we just fell behind early and never could make up any ground, where tonight, we were in it for most of the way.”

Clarksville Academy closed the contest on a 12-2 run over the final 3:27, after a 3-pointer and a short jumper by Merrol Hyde Magnet guard Ollie Talmadge closed the gap to 62-53.

After back-and-forth play early on, the Hawks opened its biggest lead when a jump shot by Taylor followed by a 3-pointer by McCutcheon gave the Hawks a 12-9 lead with 3:23 remaining.

Wade then scored seven straight points to give the Cougars the lead bakc.

The closest that Merrol Hyde Magnet managed to get was one point, which came with 10 seconds left in the first half when a Tucker Beals basket trimmed the lead to 34-33.

However, Fisher was fouled on a three-point attempt. Fisher made two of the three free throws.

“I gave big props to Jenard and Ollie for sticking with Fisher most of the first half, having to guard him, which is tough,” Craighead said. “We need to be better on defense with screens, but it’s good to see that we can play good in spots on defense even when you aren’t quite as deep as you’d like to be.”

Merrol Hyde Magnet will be in action again on Monday, hosting Aaron Academy.

CLARKSVILLE ACADEMY (74) – Austin Fisher 28, Kennie Wade 25, Donavon Boatright 12, Noah Clayton 4, Chris Masrans 3, Damian Hardison 2.

MERROL HYDE MAGNET (55) – Connor McCutcheon 21, Ollie Talmadge 11, Connor Dunn 8, Zach Shonting 6, Tucker Beals 4, Jenord Taylor 3, Kyle Richardson 2.

Half: 36-33, Clarksville Academy. Three-point goals: Clarksville Academy 6 (Fisher 5, Wade 1), Merrol Hyde Magnet 6 (McCutcheon 5, Talmadge 1). Records: Clarksville Academy 2-1, Merrol Hyde Magnet 0-2.

WHITE HOUSE White House High junior Bradley Cole had two points at halftime of Tuesday evening’s game against visiting Gallatin.

White House High junior Bradley Cole elevates for a first-quarter layin as he draws contact from Gallatin junior Dakota Bailey. Cole scored 28 points in the Blue Devils’ 94-83 victory.

The second half told a different story.

Cole hit seven 3-pointers over the final two periods, finishing with 28 points to help the Blue Devils capture a 94-83 victory over the Green Wave.

It was White House’s second victory in as many nights.

“I got in foul trouble early, so that kept me out a bit,” Cole said. “We started off kind of slow, but we picked it up and started playing our game.”

White House head coach Gary Smith added, “He had to sit early, because he had early fouls. I hope he learned from that. We did some stuff that we’re going to have to learn from.”

Cole, classmate Malik Morgan and senior Luke Hopkins combined for 70 of White House’s points. Both Morgan and Hopkins scored 21 points in a high-paced contest that saw both teams connect on 11 3-pointers.

“That’s just a huge win for our school,” Smith said. “(Gallatin head coach Bobby) Luna does a great job, and they’ve got a lot of tradition over there. We played really, really well, and it still came down right to the last few minutes.”

Gallatin High junior Dezmond Chambers elevates for a layin as White House juniors Zach Baldwin (35) and Bradley Cole defend during third-quarter action.

The Blue Devils (3-2) made 16 of 19 free throws in the contest, including 10 of 13 in the first half. White House was in the double bonus (shooting two free throws on non-shooting fouls) by the final minute of the first quarter, after Gallatin (0-4) had been whistled for 10 team fouls.

“Defensively, we had too many fouls in the first half,” Luna said. “If (White House) doesn’t get a parade to the free-throw line, we probably have a chance to stretch it out, because we were playing really good on the offensive end. We played well on the defensive end, too, but just too many fouls.”

Cole hit four 3-pointers in the third quarter, with three of them coming over a span of 1:58 as White House turned a 43-37 halftime deficit into a 64-55 lead after three quarters. Cole even threw in a dunk for good measure as White House’s home crowd became louder with each of his scores.

“The second half, I think because of all the fouls in the first half, it took away from our aggressiveness,” Luna said. “Defensively, we weren’t quite as good. We still managed to score some, but we’ve got a lot of work to do.”

Morgan guided the Blue Devils early, providing nine first-quarter points before Hopkins dropped in 10 points in the second quarter. White House didn’t seem to be suffering any hangover from playing on Monday evening.

White House High senior Luke Hopkins shoots a fall-away jump shot under pressure from Gallatin junior Marlon Mitchell during second-quarter action. Hopkins scored 21 points.

“I think we all felt pretty fresh,” Cole said. “We all got a pretty good rest at the end of the fourth quarter last night.”

Gallatin was without junior post player Mark Brummett for the second half after he went down with a lower-body injury with 20 seconds left in the first half. Brummett had scored 12 points until his premature exit.

Zyun Mason led the Green Wave with 19 points, including three 3-pointers.

“They’re playing really hard, but I’ve got to do a better job of finding things that give us the best chance to win,” Gallatin head coach Bobby Luna said. “We’re playing a lot of guys right now, and that sometimes leads to inconsistency. But I like playing a lot of guys, and they like playing obviously. We’ve just got to a little bit better job of being efficient at both ends of the floor.”

Both teams combined for 59 points in the final quarter, with White House scoring 30.

“The guys aren’t used to being in the position of being ahead,” Smith said. “Maybe we’re starting to learn to win. It’s a habit you have to acquire.”

Cole believes that the Blue Devils are in the acquisition phase early in the season.

“We’re playing better than we have in years,” Cole said. “I think we can really do something this year.”

Gallatin High junior Jordan Mason passes around White House sophomore Bryant Reynolds during second-quarter action. Mason scored 10 points.

Senior Gavin Herrell chipped in 10 points for White House.

Sophomore Collin Minor scored 15 for Gallatin, while junior Jordan Mason scored 10.

The two teams will meet again in Gallatin on Dec. 14.

Gallatin hosts Clarksville on Monday, while White House will visit Portland on Tuesday.

>> The Blue Devils claimed a 73-48 win over visiting East Robertson on Monday evening.

White House led 16-7 after one quarter, 41-21 at the half and 53-38 entering the fourth quarter.

Morgan scored 27 points, while Cole finished with 18 after hitting four of the Blue Devils’ 11 3-pointers. Other White House scorers included freshman Jared Ward (11), freshman Cole Pond (9), junior Noah Cook (4), Hopkins (2) and sophomore Bryant Reynolds (2).

Seth Remo led the Indians with 14 points.

Reach Chris Brooks at cbrooks@tennessean.com or at 615-575-7118. Follow him on Twitter @CB_SumnerSports.

GALLATIN (83) – Zyun Mason 19, Collin Minor 15, Mark Brummett 12, Jordan Mason 10, Marlon Mitchell 9, Nigel Black 6, Dakota Bailey 5, Dezmond Chambers 3, Keshawn High 2, Anthony Woods 2.

WHITE HOUSE (94) – Bradley Cole 28, Luke Hopkins 21, Malik Morgan 21, Gavin Herrell 10, Zach Baldwin 6, Logan Trimmer 6, Bryant Reynolds 2.

Half: 41-37, Gallatin. Three-point goals: Gallatin 11 (Minor 4, Z. Mason 3, Black 2, Bailey 1, Mitchell 1), White House 11 (Cole 7, Herrell 2, Hopkins 2). Records: Gallatin 0-4, White House 3-2.

WHITE HOUSE In the locker room at halftime, Gallatin High first-year head coach Malcom Montgomery could sense that the visiting Lady Wave were in a good spot.

Gallatin High senior Grayson Pryor shoots a 3-pointer over the outstretched arm of White House junior Bailey Hutchison during second-quarter action. Pryor scored three points.

His intuition proved to be correct as Gallatin outscored White House by a 42-31 margin in the second half to claim an 80-68 victory on Tuesday evening, the Lady Wave’s third consecutive victory.

“When we were in the locker room, Coach Montgomery told us that they were tired,” Lady Wave senior guard Rene’ Hudson said. “He was like, ‘we’re going to run them out of the gym because they’ve played a game before, and we’re fresh. So, we’re going to run them hard and let the scoreboard take care of itself.’”

Indeed, the Lady Devils’ second game in as many nights proved to be enough mileage to slow them down in the second half.

“I felt like we showed the effects of it in the second half,” White House head coach Jeff Bennett said. “We got tired, and (Gallatin) got several rebounds simply because they just beat us to the ball. We were just a step slow in the second half.”

Hudson scored 24 points to lead all scorers, with 14 coming in the first quarter.

White House High junior Bailey Hutchison drives to the basket between Gallatin senior Keile Hale (left) and junior Katey Rogers during first-quarter action. Hutchinson scored two points.

“I just had to get separated, and sometimes, I’d settle for a jump shot,” Hudson said. “But mostly, I’d drive to the basket, because I knew they’d foul.”

However, the Lady Wave (3-1) trailed 19-16 after the initial eight minutes as White House hit five 3-pointers in the first quarter – two from both senior Lauren Felts and sophomore McKenzie Vaughn and one from junior Bryanna Allen.

White House tried a variety of defenses to slow Hudson down, and when they did, Lady Wave junior Grace Pincock did damage, scoring 17 points.

“Rene’s our scorer, and I was proud of her tonight because they came out and played a lot of junk defense,” Montgomery said. “They came with a box-and-one, and one time, they had three on her when she touched the ball – what we call blitzing her. But she hung in there, and she was so unselfish in finding the open man. That’s going to be huge for us.”

Bennett added, “We ran a 1-3 (zone) with a chaser and tried to deny her the ball. It didn’t work real well, but we tried. She’s just a really good player, and she gets rid of (the ball) so quickly that a defensive player’s got to be ready to move with her.”

Hudson was benched with three fouls with 1:44 to play in the first half and sat for the early portion of the third quarter.

Vaughn – who led White House with 17 points – brought the crowd to its feet at the end of the first half, taking an inbounds pass near her own end line and heaving a right-handed shot straight into the basket approximately 75 feet away to beat the buzzer and pull the Lady Devils within one point (38-37) at halftime.

White House High sophomore McKenzie Vaughn releases a jump shot over Gallatin junior Savannah Link during first-quarter action. Vaughn scored 17 points, but Gallatin captured an 80-68 victory.

Bennett thought it might have traveled even further.

“I’ve never seen a girl that can throw (a basketball) that far,” Bennett said. “The way I have it figured, she threw it 80 feet right in the basket … and she weighs about 115 pounds … heck of a play.”

However, the Lady Wave kept the tempo – and the defensive pressure – up in the second half in their effort to wear the Lady Devils down.

Bennett added, “(Gallatin) didn’t give us a choice. They pressed us the entire game. You’re not going to have a choice to slow it down a whole lot.”

After Hudson hit one of two free throws to tie the game at 44 with 5:46 to play in the third quarter, Gallatin never trailed again. The Lady Devils pulled to within three (53-50) on Allen’s field goal with 59 seconds left in the third quarter, but White House was unable to pull any closer the rest of the way.

“For us, we needed the transition game with the lack of size inside,” Bennett said. “We have to score some like that. We can’t just set up and go (in a normal offensive set).”

Felts scored 15 points for the Lady Devils, and Hailee Ellis finished with 14.

Gallatin High junior Katie Whitefield pulls down a rebound during first-quarter action. Whitefield scored six points.

The two teams will play again on Dec. 14 at Gallatin.

Gallatin returns to action on Monday, hosting Clarksville. White House will visit Portland on Tuesday.

>> The Lady Devils watched a late lead slip away on Monday, suffering a 55-54 loss to visiting East Robertson.

Junior Stephanie Palmer turned a steal into a layin with seven seconds remaining to give White House a 54-53 lead, but the Lady Devils fouled Lady Indian senior Gabby Zizzi with 6.3 seconds to play. Zizzi made two free throws to give East Robertson the victory.

White House trailed 11-10 after one quarter and 28-22 at halftime before rallying to create a 38-38 tie entering the final quarter.

Palmer scored a game-high 21 points, followed by Felts (14), Vaughn (7), Allen (4), senior Alyssa Armstrong (4), junior Hailee Ellis (4) and junior Bailey Hutchison (4).

Senior Tamalee Stradtner led East Robertson (1-0) with 18 points.

Reach Chris Brooks at cbrooks@tennessean.com or at 615-575-7118. Follow him on Twitter @CB_SumnerSports.

GALLATIN (80) – Rene’ Hudson 24, Grace Pincock 17, Savannah Link 8, LaMonica Mintlow 8, Katie Whitefield 6, Sha’Mari Johnson 5, Anastasia Blakemore 4, Keile Hale 3, Grayson Pryor 3, Andrea McDowell 2.

WHITE HOUSE (68) – McKenzie Vaughn 17, Lauren Felts 15, Hailee Ellis 14, Stephanie Palmer 8, Bryanna Allen 7, Alyssa Armstrong 5, Bailey Hutchison 2.

Half: 38-37, Gallatin. Three-point goals: Gallatin 2 (Hudson 1, Johnson 1), White House 7 (Felts 3, Vaughn 3, Allen 1). Records: Gallatin 3-1, White House 0-3.

WESTMORELAND Lucas Garrison isn’t wasting any time.

Garrison has made a quick impact for the Westmoreland High School boys basketball team this season.

On Tuesday night, Garrison made an impact as soon as he entered the game. It was a lasting one too as he poured in a career-high 17 points to help the Eagles capture a 57-42 victory over visiting Portland.

“I’m pretty confident,” Garrison said. “I’ve waited for two seasons. It started with hard work in the offseason.

“I know my role.”

Westmoreland High junior forward Lucas Garrison dribbles past Portland senior Caelum Utley during third-quarter action. Garrison scored a team-high 17 points in the Eagles’ 57-42 victory on Tuesday evening.

The 6-foot-4 junior forward comes off of the bench, but he is Westmoreland’s second-leading scorer so far, providing 10 points seven days earlier in a two-point loss at Hendersonville.

“It starts with our second team in practice,” Garrison said. “They push us every day so that we know what to expect when we get in there.”

The Eagles (1-1) took control early in Tuesday’s contest, and the Panthers (1-2) couldn’t recover.

“We have a lot of guys trying to find their way,” Portland head coach Chris Carney said. “We’re trying to find our identity. It’s (senior forward) Caelum Utley, and then, there’s not a lot of consistency besides him.

“They had a good game plan. They limited his touches.”

Utley is one of only two returning starters for the Panthers, along with senior classmate Jay Crutchfield.

Though he finished with a game-high 18 points, Utley was limited to five points in the first half. That helped Westmoreland surge out to a 30-13 lead by halftime.

“We came in wanting to take Utley away and make somebody else make plays,” Eagle head coach Jason Graves said. “They had some shots go in and out. They executed against what we did, but it went our way.

“We rebounded well. With our (lack of) size, we have to rebound the basketball. (Giving up) 13 points in a half against a good ball team is good any night.”

Garrison scored six points during an 8-2 run to close the first quarter, extending the Eagles’ three-point lead to 15-6.

Garrison and senior guards Landon Dunigan and Dalton Leath made second-quarter 3-pointers, and Westmoreland junior forward Colton Pippen had a pair of interior baskets in the second stanza, helping create the 17-point margin.

The lead swelled to 20 points when Eagle senior Caleb Graves made another 3-pointer midway through the third quarter, but Portland outscored the host squad 16-3 over the next six-plus minutes.

Utley and classmate Erik Kirk combined for 14 of those points, and sophomore Bryce Keith turned a steal into a layin to cap the surge, pulling his squad to within seven points (40-33) with 5:23 remaining.

Portland High senior guard Erik Kirk elevates for a first-quarter shot in front of Westmoreland junior Colton Pippen. Kirk scored eight points.

“The halfcourt trap bothered us,” Jason Graves said. “It’s hard to simulate it in practice. I think we can fix that, but I’m glad we saw it.

“Give Portland credit. They could have quit, but they came back and cut it to seven. That shows a lot of character on their part.”

Carney added, “We battled. It was just too big of a hole to dig out of. We’re just searching, searching for the right way to play on offense and on defense. We have to take this Thanksgiving time, practice and see what’s best for us.”

However, Garrison scored Westmoreland’s next eight points, sinking four consecutive free throws and converting back-to-back layins thanks to passes from Leath.

Westmoreland High senior guard Dalton Leath elevates for a one-handed shot in the lane over Portland sophomore Dawson Simmons during second-quarter action. Leath scored a team-high 17 points.

“We’ve played three real good halves of basketball, and we survived this last half,” Jason Graves said. “We’ve shot the ball well, and that helps.

“Defensively, we’re getting better. Our rotation has to get a little better, but we’re competing. We’re rebounding. If you do those things, you’ll play well.”

Leath also scored 17 points, and both Pippen and Caleb Graves provided nine points.

“This group has been together so long,” Garrison said. “We’ve played together since middle school. The team chemistry is there. We know each other’s roles and try to stick to that.

Carney appeared to be assessed two technical fouls in the final minute of the game, which would result in an ejection. He actually had to leave the court, but the officials conferred after the game and ruled it to be a miscommunication. Carney was only assessed one technical foul and thus should not have been ejected.

Therefore, he will not be faced with having to miss two games nor with a fine, which are the penalties for coaches who are ejected from a game.

Portland swept the season series between the neighboring rivals last season.

“This is a real big deal,” Garrison said. “This is the one we put the mark beside on the schedule. It’s a big rivalry game.

“Then, we’ve got Macon (County) this Saturday, another (rivalry).”

The Eagles play at Macon County on Saturday. The Panthers host White House on Tuesday and Gallatin on Friday.

Reach Craig Harris at charris@mtcngroup.com or at 615-575-7138. Follow him on Twitter @HarrisGNESports.

PORTLAND (42) – Caelum Utley 18, Erik Kirk 8, Jay Crutchfield 6, Bryce Keith 5, Dawson Simmons 3, Luke Jones 2.

WESTMORELAND (57) – Lucas Garrison 17, Dalton Leath 17, Caleb Graves 9, Colton Pippen 9, Landon Dunigan 3, Zeke Webb 2.

Half: 30-13, Westmoreland. Three-point goals: Portland 3 (Crutchfield 2, Simmons 1), Westmoreland 5 (Leath 2, Dunigan 1, Garrison 1, Graves 1). Records: Portland 1-2, Westmoreland 1-1.

WESTMORELAND The Westmoreland High School girls basketball program has had some hard-fought games with neighboring rival Portland in recent seasons.

However, the Lady Eagles found a way to come out on top for the 19th consecutive meeting between the two programs on Tuesday evening, overcoming an early deficit to capture a 45-35 victory over the visiting Lady Panthers.

“We’ve kind of always beat them,” Westmoreland senior Haley Braswell said. “We want to keep that tradition going.

“They’re definitely a lot better than they’ve been in the past. They’re a lot quicker. We knew it would be a challenge.”

Portland’s hopes of snapping the skid suffered a serious blow in the early stages, with seniors Al Chatmon and Cristina Herrera picking up two fouls each over the game’s first six minutes.

That was just the beginning of the foul trouble though as senior guard Erica Keen and sophomore point guard Rachel Jennings were whistled for three fouls in the first half.

Portland High senior guard Erica Keen elevates for a first-quarter shot in the lane as Westmoreland junior Karley Smith challenges and as Lady Eagle junior Gracie Oliver looks on. Keen scored five points in the Lady Panthers’ 45-35 loss on Tuesday evening.

“Four of our starting give … two had three fouls and the other had two,” Lady Panther head coach Miranda Cravens said. “Our foul trouble took us completely out of our game. Foul trouble and turnovers hurt us.”

Braswell added, “That was our game plan, to get them in foul trouble. We knew they were only going to play seven (players). We wanted to get them in foul trouble and go at the subs (substitutes). We started slow and played better as the game went on.”

Portland (1-2) started strong though, building a 9-3 lead as Chatmon, Herrera and juniors Mackenzie Trouten and McKenzie Fletcher all had early baskets.

The lead was 14-11 entering the second quarter, but the Lady Eagles (1-1) took over from there, forcing nine turnovers in the second period.

“We talked about being up the line more,” Westmoreland head coach Cherie Abner said. “We’re not very good on the ball (defensively). We have to work on our on-the-ball defense. We got in the gaps and helped a little bit more.”

Two free throws from Jennings and Herrera’s layin late in the half accounted for all of the Lady Panthers’ second-quarter offense.

“I don’t know what was the difference,” Cravens said. “I felt like we had control of the game. Then, we couldn’t keep the focus going. It’s also having a young point guard. The other guards are older, but they are used to coming here and it not going our way.

“We have to be tougher mentally.”

Braswell’s second of four 3-pointers placed her squad in front to stay with 5:42 remaining in the first half.

“They (the coaches) said that they were going to leave us open,” Braswell said. “We knew they were going to double down on the posts. Coach Abner said that if you are going to shoot it to knock it down.

“I think we had a good balance of getting it to the post and shooting outside shots.”

Abner added, “They had a pretty good scheme. They were going to make us shoot it outside. Braswell was big tonight.”

The Lady Eagle lead was at seven points at halftime, but interior baskets from Trouten and Chatmon early in the second half quickly created a three-point margin.

However, Westmoreland junior forward Karley Smith scored eight of her game-high 18 points in the third period, and she, Braswell and senior Jesica Eppstein all had baskets during a 7-0 run to start the fourth quarter, extending the lead to 17 points (42-25).

Westmoreland High junior guard Lexie McCormick passes to the wing as Portland junior McKenzie Fletcher defends. McCormick scored two points.

“We gave up too much in the first quarter, but we got better defensively as the game went on,” Abner said. “I thought we rebounded well. We haven’t done that in practice, in the preseason or in the first game (a two-point loss to Hendersonville seven days earlier). We worked on that this week in practice.”

Portland pulled back to within eight points when Jennings made a runner with 32 seconds left, but free throws by juniors Kaitlyn Norman and Gracie Oliver sealed the win.

“Foul trouble and turnovers hurt us,” Cravens said. “Turnovers are the main reason we lost … and just not being mentally tough. This is a tough place to play. We didn’t respond very well when things didn’t go our way.”

Trouten finished with a team-high 11 points.

The Lady Panthers host rival White House on Tuesday.

Westmoreland plays another neighboring rival on Saturday, traveling to Lafayette to face Macon County.

Reach Craig Harris at charris@mtcngroup.com or at 615-575-7138. Follow him on Twitter @HarrisGNESports.

PORTLAND (35) – Mackenzie Trouten 11, Al Chatmon 6, Cristina Herrera 5, Erica Keen 5, McKenzie Fletcher 4, Rachel Jennings 4.

WESTMORELAND (45) – Karley Smith 18, Haley Braswell 12, Gracie Oliver 6, Kaitlyn Norman 4, Jesica Eppstein 2, Lexie McCormick 2, Darby Bowser 1.

Half: 25-18, Westmoreland. Three-point goals: Portland 2 (Herrera 1, Trouten 1), Westmoreland 4 (Braswell 4). Records: Portland 1-2, Westmoreland 1-1.

CPA football players Graham Marsh, left, Drew Scott, and Chip Omar enjoy an early Thanksgiving holiday team dinner in the Christ Presbyterian Academy football locker room on Tuesday, Nov. 24, 2015 in Nashville, Tenn.

Parents of CPA football player cut 80 pounds of flank steak into pieces for a early Thanksgiving holiday team dinner at Christ Presbyterian Academy on Tuesday, Nov. 24, 2015 in Nashville, Tenn.

CPA football players enjoy an early Thanksgiving holiday team dinner in the Christ Presbyterian Academy football locker room after practice on Tuesday, Nov. 24, 2015 in Nashville, Tenn.

CPA football players are served an early Thanksgiving holiday team dinner after practice. The dinner, which included flank steak, salad, potatoes and homemade desert, was held after practice at Christ Presbyterian Academy on Tuesday, Nov. 24, 2015 in Nashville, Tenn.

CPA coach Ingle Martin

CPA football players enjoy an early Thanksgiving holiday team dinner in the Christ Presbyterian Academy football locker room after practice on Tuesday, Nov. 24, 2015 in Nashville, Tenn.

Beyond food and family — and being thankful for things, of course — football might be the most recognizable thing about Thanksgiving, ranking right up there with the Mayflower, pilgrims and Native Americans.

And for 11 area high school teams privileged enough to still be competing for a state championship, Thursday’s holiday was merely a blip on the radar in a week otherwise filled with football.

“It’s a special week for us,” third-year Independence coach Scott Blade said. “We’re out of school this whole week, so getting the kids up at a certain time and getting them out of bed when their friends are still sleeping is tough, but they know this is a special time.”

Independence (13-0), which hasn’t been alive this late in the playoffs since the program’s 2007 runner-up finish, hosts Williamson County rival Centennial on Friday — a team it defeated 49-6 on Aug. 28.

“They understand that it’s new territory and it’s a different type of preparation,” Blade added.

Independence coach Scott Blade

This week has been a first for Centennial (13-1) as well.

With last week’s 25-0 triumph over Henry County, fifth-year coach Brian Rector and the Cougars clinched their first semifinal appearance in the program’s 19-year history.

“I think every coach in the state and in the country likes to be playing on a week that is as special as Thanksgiving,” Rector said. “It means, A, you’re doing pretty good as a team, and, B, there’s just no other week like it … The break from the regular routine, while there’s challenges to it, it’s also really cool.”

Change of pace

With Williamson County Schools out all week for the holiday, this week’s practice schedules were altered for both squads. The Eagles met and practiced for three hours each morning this week.

“Get up and get it out of the way,” Blade said. “The rest of the day they can chill out and kick back and do whatever they want.”

The Cougars practiced at their normal afternoon time on Monday and Tuesday, but opted to move Wednesday’s and Thursday’s practices to the morning in order for the players to have more time to spend with their families.

“We’ll bring them back in Friday morning to make sure they don’t sleep all day,” Rector said. “A good football team stays motivated and stays focused, and I think that’s what we’ve been able to do.”

Centennial coach Brian Rector

Ravenwood, Oakland, Pearl-Cohn, Marshall County, Christ Presbyterian Academy, Columbia Academy and Nashville Christian are also fortunate enough to have mixed football with the holidays this week as they prepare for semifinal matchups of their own.

During Ravenwood’s Thursday morning practice, which was preceded by a team breakfast, the players’ families were welcomed to participate in a two-hand touch football game in the opposite end zone while the Raptors completed their walk-through.

“It’s a cool experience that we don’t get very often,” Raptors coach Will Hester said.

CPA, which hosts unbeaten Liberty Magnet on Friday, also practiced early Thursday morning but was finished by noon.

“They want us to spend the time with our families,” CPA senior Wallace Barrett said. “They for sure try to make us not gorge out on Thanksgiving. We’ve got to watch it if we want to not be slowed down by it.”

Brentwood Academy and Montgomery Bell Academy are both still alive as well, but those two Division II-AA schools won’t play again until the BlueCross Bowl in Cookeville on Thursday, Dec. 3.

CPA football player moms Caryl Parker, left, LeeHanne Hagan, and Lesley Nabors prepare potatoes for an early Thanksgiving holiday team dinner at Christ Presbyterian Academy on Tuesday, Nov. 24, 2015 in Nashville, Tenn.

Keep it light

It’s hard to imagine overdoing it on the one day when you’re essentially encouraged to do so, but that’s precisely what the coaches asked their players.

They weren’t talking about starvation, though — more like moderation.

“Sometimes I don’t want them to eat too much,” said Pearl-Cohn coach Tony Brunetti, whose Firebirds will be facing Memphis East in the squad’s second straight Class 4A semifinal appearance. “You’ve got to be careful with all the sweet stuff, but a good meal won’t hurt anybody.”

CPA coach Ingle Martin added, “You don’t want to just roll yourself over and fall asleep after, which is what we all want to do. Playing on Friday after Thanksgiving is a great honor, and we try to coach them up a little bit on what to eat, what to drink and all that stuff.

“Go and enjoy your meal, but don’t gorge yourself.”

It’s something Rector talked about with his own team. He’s not convinced his kids heard the message, though.

“I think it’s probably a bit of a stretch to tell a teenager, ‘Hey watch what you eat,’” Rector said.

“Sure, I’d like the kids to eat sensible on Thanksgiving, but I’d also like to be able to bench press a Volkswagen. Neither one of those things are probably going to happen.”

FRIDAY’S MIDSTATE PLAYOFF SCHEDULE

All games begin at 7 p.m. local time

Class 6A: Whitehaven (12-1) at Ravenwood (12-1)

Class 6A: Oakland (12-1) at Maryville (13-0)

Class 5A: Centennial (12-1) at Independence (13-0)

Class 4A: Marshall County (12-1) at Knoxville Catholic (9-4)

Class 4A: Memphis East (12-1) at Pearl-Cohn (9-4)

Class 3A: Liberty Magnet (13-0) at CPA (12-1)

Class 1A: Columbia Academy (12-1) at Greenback (11-2)

Class 1A: Peabody (11-2) at Nashville Christian (12-1)

Reach Michael Murphy at 615-259-8262 and on Twitter @Murph_TNsports. Reach Sam Brown at 615-259-8089 and on Twitter @SamBrownTN. 

Independence senior quarterback Andrew Bunch (10) scans the field during Friday’s Class 5A semifinal against Centennial.

The sun sets in the background during the Centennial and Independence game at Independence High School in Thompson’s Station, Tenn., Friday, Aug. 28, 2015.

Live coverage of the Tennessee high school football playoff semifinals from across Tennessee.

MOBILE USERS: Click here for coverage of the football semifinals here. 

window.cilAsyncInit = function() { cilEmbedManager.init() }; (function() { if (window.cilVwRand === undefined) { window.cilVwRand = Math.floor(Math.random()*10000000); } var e = document.createElement(‘script’); e.async = true; var domain = (document.location.protocol == ‘http:’ || document.location.protocol == ‘file:’ ) ? ‘http://cdnsl.coveritlive.com’ : ‘https://cdnslssl.coveritlive.com’; e.src = domain + ‘/vw.js?v=’ + window.cilVwRand; e.id = ‘cilScript-fb36ba9e13’; document.getElementById(‘cil-root-stream-fb36ba9e13’).appendChild(e); }());

Independence QB Andrew Bunch.

Class 6A

Maryville 27, Oakland 13

Ravenwood 20, Whitehaven 13

Class 5A

Sevier County 42, Rhea County 28

Independence 56, Centennial 15

Class 4A

Knox Catholic 54, Marshall County 35

Pearl-Cohn 27, Memphis East 14

Class 3A

Alcoa 42, Notre Dame 2

CPA 21, Liberty Tech Magnet 0

Class 2A

Marion County 55, Hampton 17

Trezevant 52, Trinity Christian 14

Class 1A

Greenback 21, Columbia Academy 14

Nashville Christian 42, Peabody 7

Next week’s BlueCross Bowl matchups:

At Tennessee Tech University, Cookeville

Class 6A

Ravenwood (vs. Maryville, Saturday, 7 p.m.

Class 5A

Independence vs. Sevier County, Friday, 7 p.m.

Class 4A

Knox Catholic vs. Pearl-Cohn, Saturday, 3 p.m.

Class 3A

CPA vs. Alcoa, Friday, 3 p.m.

Class 2A

Marion County vs. Trezevant, Saturday, 11 a.m.

Class 1A

Nashville Christian vs. Greenback, Friday, 11 a.m.

Division II-AA

Brentwood Academy vs. MBA, Thursday, 7 p.m.

Division II-A

St. George’s vs. Northpoint Christian, Thursday, 3 p.m.

Otis Key is in his second year at Volunteer State after spending 10 years with the Globetrotters.

Otis Key was a Harlem Globtrotter from 1998-2008.

Vol State softball coach Johnny Lynn was elected to the TCCAA Hall of Fame.

Belmont’s Evan Bradds leads the nation in field goals.

Belmont and Lipscomb will meet Tuesday in the first Battle of the Boulevard for the 2015-16 season and Ms. Cheap will be there collecting money for Second Harvest.

Former Harlem Globetrotter Otis Key is in his second year as the women’s coach at Volunteer State.

Otis Key was a Harlem Globtrotter from 1998-2008.

Former Harlem Globetrotter Otis Key is in his second year as the women’s coach at Volunteer State.

Since Volunteer State Community College women’s basketball coach Otis Key was a Harlem Globetrotter, my first question for him naturally was if teaching his players to throw fake water on the crowd was just as important as making sure they could make over-the-back half-court shots.

“I’ve got 14 freshmen this year; I’m just trying to teach them to get the ball down the floor without turning it over,” Key said.

Key, 40, played basketball at Austin Peay (1992-95) and then professionally in Spain’s Canary Islands before making a fast break to the zany Globetrotters, where he spent 10 years thrilling crowds around the world.

His nickname was “Mr. OK,” which was a good fit because the Globetrotter lifestyle was OK with Key.

He enjoyed playing hoops for a living, the travel and getting to show off his mad skills.

“When I was with the Globetrotters, the owner was Mannie Jackson, and his formula was to go out and find very, very good college basketball players and see if they had the intangibles — the charisma, the personality, the intelligence — to be able to perform in front of hundreds of thousands of people year around,” said Key, who is in his second season at Vol State. “I was just fortunate that I fit that criteria.”

Earning his red-white-and-blue Globetrotters uniform was no layup for the 6-foot-8 Key.

“When I went to rookie camp, there were 24 of us, and only three were invited to veteran’s camp,” he said. “Then I get to vet camp and there were 70 people there for only seven open positions. It was three weeks of two-a-days of absolute hell. Coming out of there with a contract was a great feeling.”

Key was charismatic and had solid fundamental basketball skills, but he was not a flashy player when he started out with the Globetrotters.

“I couldn’t even spin the ball on my finger when I went in,” he said. “It was all basketball ability that got me in the door.”

When the time came to learn the iconic talents that come with being a Globetrotter, Key was told to hit the showers.

“When you’re a rookie, they tell you to go in the shower to work on that stuff; you can’t break anything in there,” Key said. “I spent a lot of time in the shower. The hard work paid off, though.”

Key hopes the hard work he put in with the Globetrotters rubs off on his players at Vol State.

“When I was little, I went to three or four Harlem Globetrotters games,” said Samantha Parker, a Vol State freshman from Station Camp. “It’s impressive what they do. Coach shows us some of that in practice and it’s really cool.”

The Globetrotters will celebrate their 90th anniversary in 2016, and one of their first stops will be at Bridgestone Arena on Jan. 15.

There are still three players on the roster with whom Key played.

“I’ll go see them play if our schedule allows it,” Key said. “I still keep up with them and stay in touch with some of the guys I played with, some who are still playing. It was pretty special being a part of something like that.”

Fan attends 51st straight Tennessee-Vandy game

Goodlettsville resident Butch McCrary attended his 51st consecutive Tennessee-Vanderbilt football game Saturday at Neyland Stadium.

McCrary, 62, a Vols fan, started going to the game when he was in the sixth grade with his father.

They attended 30 of the games together until his father experienced heart trouble and was unable to climb the ramp at Neyland.

“My uncle went with us to that first game and it was great, but I had no idea I would ever make it to this many in a row,” said McCrary, a longtime physical education teacher in Metro who retired in 2014.

McCrary hopes to keep his streak alive by attending at least 10 more games in the series.

Boulevard rivals joining forces for a worthy cause

Belmont and Lipscomb will meet Tuesday in the first Battle of the Boulevard for the 2015-16 season and Ms. Cheap will be there collecting money for Second Harvest.

The Battle of the Boulevard between Belmont and Lipscomb is one of the fiercest rivalries in college basketball, but there also will be a spirit of solidarity at this year’s games.

Both athletics departments have agreed to have students join forces and lend a hand with the annual Ms. Cheap Penny Drive for Second Harvest.

The students will help Tennessean columnist Mary Hance, aka “Ms. Cheap,” and volunteers from Second Harvest by taking up collections as fans arrive at each game — Tuesday at Belmont (7 p.m.) and Dec. 7 at Lipscomb (6:30 p.m.).

The penny drive aims to heighten awareness for the need to feed Nashville’s hungry.

Since it began six years ago, the penny drive has raised more than $220,000, which translates into 880,000 meals.

Local basketball players among the nation’s best

Belmont’s Evan Bradds leads the nation in field goals.

Several area college basketball players were among the nation’s best statistically heading into Saturday’s games.

•Belmont’s Evan Bradds was first in field goals made (56) and second in field goal percentage (75.7).

•Austin Peay’s Chris Horton was first in total rebounds (76) and Tennessee State’s Wayne Martin was tied for 11th (62).

•Belmont’s Austin Luke was third in total assists (48) and tied for fourth in average assists per game (8.0).

•Horton and Martin were tied for fifth along with nine others in double-doubles (4).

•Lipscomb’s Nathan Moran was tied for fifth in total assists (43).

•Horton was sixth in rebounds per game (12.7) and Martin was eighth (12.4).

•Vanderbilt’s Luke Kornet and Western Kentucky’s Ben Lawson were tied for seventh with five others in total blocked shots (16).

•Austin Peay’s Josh Robinson was tied for 21st in total field goal attempts (85).

•Middle Tennessee State’s Giddy Potts was 25th in 3-point field goal percentage (55.0).

Former Vandy receivers reunited on Eagles roster

The Philadelphia Eagles signed former Vanderbilt wide receiver Jonathan Krause to the active roster off the practice squad this past week.

Krause was signed two days before the Eagles lost to the Lions 45-14 on Thanksgiving but was not active for the game.

He was reunited with former Commodores receiver Jordan Matthews, the Eagles’ leading receiver (58 catches, 625 yards, three touchdowns).

The Eagles released linebacker Emmanuel Acho to make a spot on the roster for Krause.

First-grader was captain for Friday’s CPA game

Christ Presbyterian Academy senior football players John Orr and Harrison Myers went to headmaster Nate Morrow with the idea of making first-grader Sophie Dadej honorary captain for Friday’s home playoff game against Liberty Magnet.

Dadej recently was diagnosed with stage 3 Rhabdomyosarcoma, a form of cancer. On her seventh birthday, Nov. 2, she started her first round of chemotherapy in a 40-week treatment plan, which also will include radiation and surgery.

All of the students at the school, who were given pink wrist bands with “Super Sophie” on them, have vowed to pray for her through the process.

Dadej’s mother, Mary Herron Dadej, graduated from CPA, her grandmother Susan Herron is a first-grade teacher there and her grandfather Danny Herron is a former board chairman at the school.

Her uncle Rob Herron played football at CPA and great grandfather Dan Herron was a longtime principal at Gallatin High School.

Vandy AD for external affairs moving on

Steve Walsh’s last day as senior associate athletics director for external affairs at Vanderbilt was Friday.

Walsh accepted a job with the OMD media agency.

Vol State softball coach elected to Hall of Fame

Vol State softball coach Johnny Lynn was elected to the TCCAA Hall of Fame.

Volunteer State softball coach Johnny Lynn was elected for induction into the Tennessee Community College Sports Hall of Fame this week.

Lynn, who played basketball at Beech and Auburn, earned his 800th career win last spring.

He founded the softball program at Vol State 23 years ago and has been a coach for 25 years.

The induction ceremony will take place during one of the team’s games next spring.

Former Vol Inky Johnson to be Titans’ 12th Man

Former Tennessee Vols defensive back Inky Johnson will serve as the Titans’ 12th Man for Sunday’s game against the Raiders at Nissan Stadium.

Johnson’s right arm was paralyzed after he made a tackle in a game against Air Force in 2006.

After graduating, Johnson wrote a book — “Inky: An Amazing Story of Faith and Perseverance” — and also became a motivational speaker.

The 12th Man is the Titans’ way of honoring a person with ties to Tennessee at each home game.

Cumberland’s Jernigan is co-defensive player of year

Cumberland linebacker Nathan Jernigan, a junior from Eagleville, was named Mid-South Conference West Division co-defensive player of the year earlier this past week.

Jernigan recorded 104 tackles, which ranked fourth in the conference and 26th in the NAIA. He also had four tackles for loss, broke up five passes, forced a fumble, recovered a fumble and blocked a kick.

Jernigan shared the award with Reinhardt defensive lineman Javier Dyer.

Cumberland tight end Brandon Mallory, a senior from Wilson Central, and defensive lineman Cayman Russell, a senior from Hendersonville, joined Jernigan on the West Division First Team.

Also on the first team was Bethel outside linebacker Terrance Thomas, a junior from Antioch.

If you have an item for Midstate Chatter, contact Mike Organ at 615-259-8021 and on Twitter @MikeOrganWriter.

SPORTS ON NASHVILLE TV

The top five local ratings for sporting events on television for Nov. 16-22.

1. NFL: Titans-Jaguars, 20.2 rating

2. NFL: Packers-Vikings, 12.6 rating

3. NFL: Broncos-Bears, 12.2 rating

4. NFL: Bengals-Cardinals, 11.7 rating

5. NFL: Texans-Bengals, 8.7 rating

Each rating point is equal to 9,902 Nashville homes. SEC Network ratings not available.

Source: Mark Binda, WTVF-5 programming & research director.

LAFAYETTE The Westmoreland High School girls basketball team limited Macon County to 15 points over the final three quarters, rolling to a 51-28 victory on Saturday evening.

Karley Smith

The Lady Eagles trailed 13-9 after one quarter of play, but Westmoreland (3-1) outscored the Tigerettes by an 18-5 margin in the second quarter and then 14-5 in the third period to build a 41-23 lead.

Lady Eagle junior forward Karley Smith scored a game-high 20 points, and classmate Kaitlyn Norman provided 13 points.

The rest of the Westmoreland scoring is as follows: Jesica Eppstein 6 points, Lexie McCormick 6, Gracie Oliver 4 and Peightyn Gross 2.

Junior guard Jenna Russell led Macon County (1-3) offensively with nine points.

>> The Eagle boys squad fell into a first-half hole in their 52-46 loss to the Tigers.

Westmoreland (1-2) was outscored 18-9 in the second quarter, resulting in a 31-19 deficit at halftime.

The Eagles outscored the host squad 18-12 in the fourth quarter.

Westmoreland junior forward Colton Pippen scored a team-high 13 points, followed by Zeke Webb (9 points), Dalton Leath (8), Caleb Graves (7), Griffin Garrison (4), Landon Dunigan (3) and Landon Graves (2).

Senior Tyler Carlisle led Macon County (4-0) offensively with a game-high 14 points.

Hendersonville High senior golfers Meghann Stamps and Austin Lancaster have each signed a letter-of-intent to continue their playing career at Austin Peay State University.

Boys

First Team

Michael Barnard, Soph., Beech

Bryce Lewis, Soph., Hendersonville

Jacob Nolen, Sr., Station Camp

Jordan Powell, Sr., Station Camp

Charles Seals, Sr., Hendersonville

Golfer of the Year – Austin Lancaster, Sr., Hendersonville

Honorable Mention

Hudson Jones, Fr., Hendersonville

Heath Petty, Soph., Station Camp

Andrew Wantz, Sr., Pope John Paul II

Girls

First Team

Ellie Bloodworth, Fr., Station Camp

Ali McCarthy, Fr., Pope John Paul II

Sydney Koch, Sr., Station Camp

Golfer of the Year – Meghann Stamps, Sr., Hendersonville

Honorable Mention

Cassie Mendoza, Jr., Pope John Paul II

Hendersonville High senior golfers Meghann Stamps and Austin Lancaster have each signed a letter-of-intent to continue their playing career at Austin Peay State University.

Austin Lancaster has won … a lot … both during the 2015 season and also over his career as a Hendersonville High School golfer.

After winning medalist honors in three tournaments this fall, the Commandos’ senior standout has been named the Sumner County Male Golfer of the Year on the All-County Golf Team.

Austin Lancaster

The 17-year-old Lancaster shot 72 to repeat as the Region 5-AAA Tournament medalist.

He also was the medalist at the H & T Carpet/Bluegrass Invitational and at the Golf Capital of Tennessee High School Invitational.

Lancaster concluded his senior campaign with a per-round average of 73.

As a team, Hendersonville won its 11th consecutive District 9-AAA Tournament and its eighth consecutive Region 5-AAA Tournament.

The Commandos placed third in the Class AAA State Tournament for the second consecutive year, after winning the AAA state title in 2013 and after placing fourth in the state in 2012.

Austin Lancaster

Lancaster – who was the runner-up at the 2014 Tennessean/Metro Parks Schooldays Golf Tournament and a First Team All-County selection the last two years – recently signed a letter-of-intent to continue his education and playing career at Austin Peay State University.

He is the 11th Hendersonville male golfer to sign with a Division I program over the last eight years and is one of 14 golfers overall to sign with a college program over that span.

Lancaster recently talked about his senior season, his high-school career and his future, among other topics. His feedback is as follows …

How did you feel about the way that your senior season unfolded?

It was by far the most successful year I’ve ever had, including the summer. It was the best summer I could ask for. Overall, I am so pleased with my senior season. I couldn’t have asked for a better one.

What stands out as your personal highlight?

It was probably when I made the putt to beat Davis Shore (a University of Alabama commit in a two-hole playoff for medalist honors at the Golf Capital of Tennessee High School Invitational), just to turn around and see all of my friends. They were all excited. I was excited just to beat that great of a player on that stage.

Due to the past success, expectations are always high for the Hendersonville High boys golf program. As a result, was it disappointing to not to win another state championship?

It’s super disappointing, all three years we didn’t win the state. I had the privilege to win it once. The three years we didn’t win it, I thought we were going to. We didn’t perform. I didn’t perform this year at the state, but I’m humbled to be on such a great golf team. I have such good players to back me up. It’s great to say it’s a disappointing year when you get third.

Austin Lancaster

How much are you looking forward to continuing your career at Austin Peay?

You’re always going to be nervous coming on to a bigger stage, but I’m so excited for Austin Peay. I’m going to work my butt off to try to come in and play right away. I just met my teammates two weeks ago. I love my teammates. I love the coach (Robbie Wilson) at Austin Peay. I’m so glad that God gave me this opportunity.

What other sports did you play before you concentrated exclusively on golf?

I played football when I was younger. I played baseball when I was younger. I won the state in wrestling when I was eight or nine (years old). I was top five in the state in tennis when I was younger also. I was a country-club-sport kind of guy. Ultimately, in seventh grade, I chose golf over everything. There was a golf team (then at Ellis Middle School) for the first time.

If you weren’t a golfer, what sport would you have chosen?

I always had a huge thing for tennis. I love tennis. That’s probably what I would have done if it wasn’t for golf. My mom hated me wrestling. She was nervous.

What’s the strongest part of your tennis game?

I’m pretty good on the forehand side.

Having a background in numerous sports, which one do you enjoy the most?

I really like watching basketball and football. I like watching college basketball. I love watching NFL (National Football League) football. I’m a huge (Washington) Redskins fan, because my dad is from Maryland. I’m also a huge Tennessee Vols fan … GBO (Go Big Orange) and Go Redskins.

What is something that most people wouldn’t know about you?

I still like playing tennis a lot. I play recreational basketball. I’m always doing something.

You’re really involved in the Hendersonville High War Team, which supports the various athletic programs at the school. Talk about that.

From my freshman year on, I was at every game. I was usually painted up (having body paint on my chest and/or face). I knew the War Team leader. My freshman year, it was my brother (Collin Lancaster). My sophomore year, it was Noah (Trenkler). My junior year, it was Landon (Albert). I am the main leader, and I chose six people. Technically, they’re the same as me. There’s usually two or three (leaders). I chose seven. I thought it was a good idea to have as many as you can.

If you could have selected any school to continue your playing career, which would you have chosen?

I just couldn’t imagine anywhere other than Austin Peay when I first looked at it. I love Austin Peay. I love the coach. My dream school would have been Tennessee, because I grew up loving them so much. But it would have been tough to turn down Austin Peay.

What do you plan to major in at Austin Peay?

I plan to be a business major. I want to be in sales. I’ve always dreamed of being a college golf coach. I’d hate to say I didn’t try to make the (professional golf) tour. Hopefully, I’ll try that depending on how college goes.

You have always played at such a fast pace. Why do you choose to play that way?

You get your yardage. You check the wind. You see where the pin is. You visualize your shot. You see it. You trust it. Of course, you have to hit it. I’ve actually slowed it down a little this year. Once you make a decision, you have to stick with that decision and trust your swing. You just trust it.

Austin Lancaster

What’s your favorite golf course to play?

I’d say Bluegrass (Yacht and Country Club). I just love it. It’s a good golf course. If you want to score well, you have to play well. It is my home course.

Which other golfers have influenced you the most?

There’s three or four kids who influenced me. Carson Jacobs … I never got to play with him, but he helped me. Noah was huge. Kevin Lee was huge, and Landon was big. He’s a good friend of mine. I couldn’t be where I am without those three or four.

What has it been like being a part of the Hendersonville High golf program?

It’s almost a privilege. I wouldn’t say it’s pressure. You’re going out there and playing golf. I wouldn’t call it pressure (just) because we play for Hendersonville High School. I do put pressure on myself because I want to be the best. It’s just a privilege to be a part of such a great golf program.

What are you going to miss about it?

I’m going to miss going on trips with my friends. Being with the team on these trips and goofing around, it was so much fun. Sometimes, you don’t talk about what goes on behind golf tournaments. The best part is hanging out with your friends in the hotel. It’s just fun. Everybody on the golf team is such good friends. I’m going to miss that, but then again, I feel like it’s going to become a family at Austin Peay.

What do you feel that the future holds for the Hendersonville High golf program?

There’s always going to be continual success. There’s always going to be continual success with the quality of golf in the Hendersonville area. If you are a golfer in the area, most people want to go to Hendersonville High School. So, we are always going to have good golfers. With Bryce (Lewis), Jay (Welch), Clay (Marlin) and Hudson (Jones), there’s going to be continual success.

Hendersonville head coach Andy Gilley’s thoughts on Lancaster … Austin had perhaps one of the best individual seasons that a male golfer has had in a Hendersonville uniform. We have had golfers win state championships. We have had great leaders, but the things Austin did for this team as a leader and the season he had individually was tremendous. To watch him go toe to toe with – at the time the No. 1-ranked junior player in the world in Davis Shore and beat him in a playoff – was just incredible to watch. He followed that up with winning our invitational (tournament) and winning the individual region championship. Austin has been a winner in everything he’s done since I have known him. He competes like no other player we have had, and he is getting the most he possibly can out of his golf game. To see him totally dedicate himself to his game and his goal of playing in college last summer and it pay off like it has is a great lesson for all our younger players. Austin was a leader on our team this year in every possible meaning of the word. His example of senior leadership is going to pay off for us for years to come. He deserves any success that comes his way, and I am very proud to have coached this young man.

Reach Craig Harris atcharris@mtcngroup.com or at 615-575-7138. Follow him on Twitter @HarrisGNESports.

Previous Male Golfers of the Year

2014 Jacob Sherlin, Sr., Hendersonville

2013 Noah Trenkler, Sr., Hendersonville

2012 Austin Swafford, Sr., Gallatin

2011 Carson Jacobs, Sr., Hendersonville

2010 Carson Jacobs, Jr., Hendersonville

2009 Tanner Taddeo, Sr., Pope John Paul II and Trey Tarpley, Sr., Hendersonville

2008 Steven Fox, Sr., Hendersonville and Steve Lee, Sr., Hendersonville

Meghann Stamps

Meghann Stamps has enjoyed her journey, even as repetitive as it has been.

The Hendersonville High School golf standout is looking forward to the next chapter too.

Stamps did a lot of repeating this fall, and once again, she’s been selected as the Sumner County Female Golfer of the Year on the All-County Golf Team.

Meghann Stamps

Stamps qualified for the Tennessee Secondary Schools Athletic Association (TSSAA) Class AAA State Tournament for the third consecutive season, finishing in a two-way tie for 27th place as a senior after placing 19th as a junior and 16th as a sophomore.

She finished as the medalist at the District 9-AAA Tournament for the third consecutive season, posting an average round of 79 as a senior. However, the Lady Commandos weren’t able to repeat as the 9-AAA team champions, finishing as the runner-up instead.

The 17-year-old Stamps recently became one of just three Hendersonville High female golfers to sign a Division-I scholarship over the last 15 years, joining Belmont University golfers Lorie Warren and Janet Steen. Stamps will continue her education and playing career at Austin Peay State University.

She was also the Tennessean/Metro Parks Schooldays Golf Tournament runner-up in 2014, and Stamps was twice selected to compete in the Tennessee Junior Cup, which consists of eight of the top amateur female golfers from across the state (in addition to 20 of the top male amateurs).

Stamps recently discussed her senior season, her prep career and a variety of other topics. Her feedback is as follows …

While there was a lot of success, your senior season had a lot ups and downs. Was that difficult to cope with at times?

It has been (mixed). I think I’ve grown a whole lot this year. It really started at the beginning of the year. It really peaked in the summer. It went up and down for a while. Overall, it’s been a great year. I’ve still been practicing. I feel like I’ve made three breakthroughs in a row (with lessons and practices). Compared to this time last year, I feel I’ve made a huge leap. It’s minor ups and downs, but in total, I’ve grown the whole year. I’m getting a lot more tournament ready.

Are you looking forward to college?

I have butterflies just thinking about it. I’m so excited. I’ve been up and met the team, the coach and the assistant coach. Austin Peay is just perfect for me. It’s going to be the right atmosphere at the right time.

Meghann Stamps

Why did you select Austin Peay?

The two main reasons were the coach and how close it is to my home. It’s literally just an hour away. That was a big part of what we were looking for. Coach Sara (Robson) has known me since I was little. That helps me to know that I have somebody who has been on my side for a few years. She knows what she is getting and what to expect. She’s made me feel assured about everything. I already love my future team.

Talk about your academic accomplishments.

I take all honors courses. I’ve maintained a 4.0 (grade-point average). I’m in National Honor Society and Beta Club.

You have a lot of experience in public speaking. How did you get involved in that?

FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America) … I won first (place) at region and state my sophomore year and got eighth in the nation. My junior year, I won region and got third in state. I was eligible to compete in the nationals in Chicago, but I had a golf tournament that weekend that was really important. I feel like I’ve been born with a natural ability to speak in public. I don’t feel shy about it. I feel like God wants to me use that to promote him and promote his word. Whatever steps I can take in that area, I want to take it. I’ve been fortunate enough to have teachers who feel so strong about FBLA that they’ve gotten me in these competitions. A big part of it is (that) my parents have raised to me to not be afraid to speak in public. They’re a big part of it too.

Meghann Stamps

Talk to me about your parents – Greg and Kerrey – and their influence.

They’ve been absolutely wonderful. Every since I was seven years old, they’ve paid for lessons and tournaments and been there every step of the way without complaining and not making me feel like they had to sacrifice anything, but I know they have. My mom has been at every practice and match. She puts as much into it as I do. She’s made the opportunities line up for me … she and God have.

What are you going to miss about being a golfer at Hendersonville High?

I’m going to miss my girls team. Even though three of them are freshmen, I’ve already bonded with them. I’m going to miss Coach (Andy) Gilley. He’s been great about setting everything up and making everything flow for this team. He’s been a good leader, and I’m going to miss the boys team too.

Meghann Stamps

There has been so much success for the boys golf program at Hendersonville. Has that been difficult to see the boys program have that level of success while trying to achieve a level of success for the girls program?

In its own way, golf really is an individual sport. I feel like I can walk away from high-school golf and say that I’ve focused on improving myself. If anything, the boys team has helped me along the way. I’ve gotten advice from them before, and I’ve helped some of the freshmen this year. It also makes me want to be a leader on the girls team. I just feel like I can lead the younger girls so that one day when they are freshmen, they can help the golfers who join.

Hendersonville head coach Andy Gilley’s thoughts on Stamps … Meghann will go down in our school’s history as not only one of the best golfers we have had but as one of the best female athletes we have had. Her work ethic and practice habits have been second to none. Her class and grace at all times – on and off the golf course, in the classroom and the way she carries herself throughout life – are examples for all of the young ladies on our golf team. She represents every single sense of the phrase student-athlete. Not many athletes can compete at the highest level as she has and carry a 4.0 GPA. She has been a tremendous leader for our young girls. Perhaps the best compliment you can give someone is to say that if you had a daughter, you would hope she would turn out to be just like someone. I can truly say that this would be the case for me. There’s not a better young lady than Meghann Stamps.

Reach Craig Harris atcharris@mtcngroup.com or at 615-575-7138. Follow him on Twitter @HarrisGNESports.

Previous Female Golfers of the Year

2014 Meghann Stamps, Jr., Hendersonville

2013 Leah Deagle, Sr., Station Camp

2012 Abbie Gregory, Sr., Beech

2011 Abbie Gregory, Jr., Beech

2010 Katie Legge, Sr., Portland

2009 Katie Legge, Jr., Portland

2008 Janet Steen, Sr., Hendersonville

Melanie Loupe was honored prior to Siegel’s first home match Wednesday. Loupe’s son Mason, a football player and wrestler, died in September.

MURFREESBORO — Melanie Loupe walked between the two rows of Siegel wrestlers.

She held both hands out, touching hands as she walked onto the mat where the Siegel wrestling program was honoring her son, Mason Loupe, who died nearly two months ago from a gunshot wound to his head.

Mason was a football player and wrestler at Siegel

She paused occasionally to hug a wrestler and then give another a peck on the cheek.

“The love that those boys have shown me … Literally, anything that I have needed they have helped me,” Loupe said. “And coach (Lee Ramsey) as well. Coach Ramsey will randomly text me and tell me, “I’m thinking about you, and I love ya.’

“He was a second father to my son.”

The wrestling program has become an extended family since her son’s death Sept. 2.

Siegel’s wrestlers — past and present — continue to watch over the woman they affectionately refer to simply as ‘Momma Loupe.’

Some take her home from Scales Elementary, where she is a fourth-grade teacher. She hasn’t driven much since her son’s death.

Sometimes they leave a note of encouragement on her desk at school.

Others simply send her text messages with the words, ‘Love ya Momma.’

And when she moved out of her home for a condo after Mason’s death, the wrestling team helped move her.

“I didn’t lift a finger,” said Loupe, beaming with pride of the wrestling team. “I didn’t want to stay in the house any longer.

“The wrestling team came over and moved the entire house in two days.”

Siegel forfeited the 160-pound weight class — Mason’s weight — Wednesday in wins over Rossview and Warren County

“Everything we do is to honor him in the right way and to help in the healing in the right way,” Ramsey said.

“His mom was been incredibly strong. I think that’s one of the things we are honoring. We want her to see how much he means to us.”

Ramsey said he made sure to clear everything with the TSSAA.

“It was a slight difference in how a match runs,” Ramsey said.

Loupe also was presented a wrestling poster of her son.

She said she has nothing but found memories of her son on the wrestling mat. She remembers when Ramsey had to show her exactly how close she was allowed to get to the mat without being too close. Mason wrestled on the Stars’ varsity team as a freshman.

“Mason was a magnificent football player,” Loupe said. “But he was a beast on the mat.”

Loupe said she plans to remain close to the Siegel program and continue to attend matches.

“That was my world,” she said. “That’s what we did during the week. Mason would have to work and cut weight. I’d go and get him something to eat as soon as he was weighed in. He’d get on the mat and just tear it up. He was amazing on the mat.”

She still watches her son’s past matches.

“There are times I’ll just turn on my computer and watch him wrestle,” she said. “I just watch them over and over.”

Reach Tom Kreager at 615-278-5168 and on Twitter @Kreager.

Seven Midstate football teams will attempt to bring home state championship trophies when the BlueCross Bowl kicks off Thursday at Tennessee Tech in Cookeville.

Ravenwood safety Nate Stoner, left, and outside linebacker Babalola Ayodele (3) bring down Whitehaven running back Kylan Watkins (11) during the first half of an 6A semifinal on Friday, Nov. 27, 2015.

Of the eight state championship games in the two divisions, six of those will have Midstate representation, including both teams in the DII-AA title match (MBA vs. Brentwood Academy, Thursday 7 p.m.).

This is the second time since Division I was expanded to six classifications in 2009 that the Midstate has had representation in as many as six of the championship games (2013) and the seven teams involved in state title games is the most for the Midstate since the expansion. There were six in 2010, 2013 and 2014.

“I think reclassification had a lot to do with it,” said Independence coach Scott Blade, whose Eagles are in the 5A state championship game (vs. Sevier County, Friday, 7 p.m.) for the first time since their initial appearance in 2007. “If we were still in 6A, obviously two Williamson County teams couldn’t have gone. It would have either been us or Ravenwood, or whoever. Sevier County was in 6A and in the same bracket as Maryville (before reclassification). I think this is great for the Midstate.”

Rematches and potential repeats are also a theme at the 2015 BlueCross Bowl. There are two rematches from last year’s games — Ravenwood vs. Maryville in the 6A title game (Maryville won 35-34 last season) and CPA vs. Alcoa in the 3A championship (CPA won 7-0 last season).

MBA also will be attempting a repeat title after shutting down Ensworth in last year’s title match. That broke a string of four consecutive DII-AA state titles for Ensworth.

With at least one Midstate team guaranteed of a state title (DII-AA), the area has a shot at six championships in 2015. Since 2009 the area has claimed four state titles twice (2011, 2012). There were five teams in five BlueCross matchups in 2011, with Ensworth (DII-AA), Wayne County (1A), Friendship Christian (2A) and Henry County (5A) winning titles. Only Maplewood (4A) lost in a title game that season.

For Nashville Christian, it is an opportunity for the school’s first team state championship in any sport.

“I think it is a collaboration of things, especially talent in the Midstate,” said NCS coach Jeff Brothers. “I don’t know if it’s necessarily a trend. These things have highs and lows. But, right now the Midstate is very strong.”

In 2012 there were five Midstate teams involved in four BlueCross matchups, with locals sweeping their respective contests (Columbia and Beech played each other in the 5A title game). Friendship Christian (2A), Ensworth (DII-AA) and Goodpasture (1A) all won that season.

Out of the six Midstate teams involved in five title games last season, CPA and MBA were the only winners.

The Midstate hasn’t won a 6A title game since the classification was formed. A good reason for that is the dominance of Maryville, which has won all but two of the 6A state titles since 2009. White Station defeated Maryville 37-27 in 2009, and Whitehaven defeated the Rebels 36-35 in overtime on a 2-point conversion to end the 2012 game.

Of  Midstate teams, Ensworth has been to the most state title games since 2009 (5), followed by Giles County, Columbia, MBA and CPA with three each.

BLUECROSS BOWL MATCHUPS

At Tennessee Tech, Cookeville

THURSDAY

DII-A: St. George’s (12-1) vs. Northpoint Christian (13-0), 3 p.m.

DII-AA: Brentwood Academy (11-1) vs. MBA (11-1), 7 p.m.

FRIDAY

1A: Nashville Christian (13-1) vs. Greenback (12-2), 11 a.m.

3A: CPA (13-1) vs. Alcoa (13-1), 3 p.m.

5A: Independence (14-0) vs. Sevier County (12-2), 7 p.m.

SATURDAY

2A: Marion County (13-1) vs. Trezevant (11-3), 11 a.m.

4A: Knoxville Catholic (10-4) vs. Pearl-Cohn (10-4), 3 p.m.

6A: Ravenwood (13-1) vs. Maryville (14-0), 7 p.m.

A look at the top high school football teams in Middle Tennessee, as ranked by The Tennessean:

Ravenwood’s Chris Rowland (left) tries to break free from a Whitehaven defender during last week’s win.

The Eagles celebrate a touchdown during their quarterfinal win over Wayne County.

10. Nashville Christian (13-1) — Nashville Christian secured its first-ever state championship appearance on Friday, routing defending Class 2A champion Peabody 42-7 behind Mr. Football finalist and Tennessee commitment Daniel Bituli’s four-touchdown performance. Last week: NR. This week: Friday vs. Greenback (12-2).

Pearl-Cohn coach Tony Brunetti

9. Pearl-Cohn (10-4) — Quarterback Jimmy Ferrell threw for 166 yards and a pair of touchdowns while the Firebirds’ defense forced three turnovers in a 27-14 semifinal triumph over Memphis East. Last week: No. 10. This week: Saturday vs. Knoxville Catholic (10-4).

Centennial coach Brian Rector

8. Centennial (12-2) — An early onside kick recovery, followed by a Cougars field goal, caught their opponents off guard, but unbeaten Independence quickly regrouped, outscoring Centennial 56-12 in the final 3½ quarters. Last week: No. 7. 

CPA running back Wallace Barrett (25)

7. CPA (13-1) — Wallace Barrett returned a kickoff for a touchdown in a second straight game as the Lions secured their third consecutive Class 3A championship appearance Friday, blanking previously unbeaten Liberty Magnet 21-0. Last week: No. 8. This week: Friday vs. Alcoa (13-1). 

Blackman running back Taeler Dowdy

6. Blackman (10-3) — Senior running back Taeler Dowdy eclipsed the 2,000-yard mark, helping lead Blackman to a largely successful 10-win season, but first-year coach David Watson and the Blaze came up a couple games short. Last week: No. 5.

Ravenwood’s Chris Rowland (left) tries to break free from a Whitehaven defender during last week’s win.

5. Ravenwood (13-1) — The Chris Rowland-led Raptors managed just 116 yards of offense in Friday’s semifinal game against Whitehaven, but the 5-foot-9, 170-pound speedster scored on an 80-yard, second-quarter kick return, as well as a 23-yard third-quarter run, leading his team to a hard-fought 20-13 triumph. Last week: No. 5. This week: Saturday vs. Maryville (15-0). 

The Patriots react to Friday’s season-ending loss at Maryville.

4. Oakland (13-1) — Oakland gave Maryville a pretty good game in Friday’s semifinal, but the 15-time champion Rebels would not be denied, eventually capturing a 27-13 win over the Patriots and first-year coach Kevin Creasy. Last week: No. 3. 

Independence’s Nate Johnson is brought done by Centennial’s Peyton Pisacane (22)

3. Independence (14-0) — Andrew Bunch and Nate Johnson hooked up nine times for 230 yards and five touchdowns in Friday’s 56-15 semifinal win over Centennial, clinching the Eagles’ first championship game appearance since their 2007 runner-up finish. Last week: No. 4. This week: Friday vs. Sevier County (12-2).

MBA running back Ty Chandler

2. MBA (12-1) — Junior running back Ty Chandler has rushed for 539 yards and eight touchdowns in postseason wins over McCallie and Christian Brothers, and the DII-AA Mr. Football finalist will likely need to duplicate those efforts if the Big Red hope to win a second straight state title. Last week: No. 2. This week: Thursday vs. Brentwood Academy (12-1). 

Brentwood Academy quarterback Jeremiah Oatsvall

1. Brentwood Academy (12-1) — The Eagles, led by dual-threat standout Jeremiah Oatsvall at quarterback, along with a dominating offensive front, are just one win away from capturing their first state championship since 2006. Last week: No. 1. This week: Thursday vs. MBA (12-1). 

Reach Michael Murphy at 615-259-8262 and on Twitter @Murph_TNsports.

Father Ryan volleyball coach Jinx Cockerham is retiring.

Jinx Cockerham, the longtime Father Ryan coach and an influential figure in Midstate high school volleyball, announced her retirement Monday.

“It is a very difficult decision, that’s for sure,” she said. “But it is the right one.”

A coach and teacher at Father Ryan for the past 46 years, Cockerham is calling it quits at the top of her game. Last month she led the Lady Irish to their fifth state championship.

They did it in impressive fashion. Swept by Briarcrest just three days earlier, Father Ryan rebounded to capture a four-set victory over the Lady Saints in the Division II-AA title match.

“I believe the program is in a really good place right now,” Cockerham said. “I think with the seven seniors leaving and the group coming in it would be a good time for someone else to put their stamp on it.”

Cockerham started at Father Ryan as a basketball coach, before volleyball came to Midstate high schools. She retires with five state volleyball titles and 10 runner-up finishes.

“We’re excited for her, but it’s a big loss for us,” Father Ryan athletic director Pat Lawson said. “We have no qualms with that. She’s earned the right to make that decision. She has established quite a legacy here.”

The search for Cockerham’s replacement will begin immediately, Lawson said.

“This is the first time we’ve ever had to hire a volleyball coach. She started the program here. We’ll put a committee together and see what interest we’ll draw,” he said. “We hate to lose someone who has been so committed their entire career, but she has the chance to go out with a state title. That’s special. We’re excited for her and her family.”

While Cockerham is hanging up her volleyball whistle, she has yet to decide if she will continue teaching, but he will finish out this school year.

She intends to be in the stands next season to support the Lady Irish.

“I will be there,” Cockerham said. “There’s a bright future and it’s going to be a good few years coming up.”

Reach Sam Brown at 615-259-8232 and on Twitter @SamBrownTN.