Player: Maury Ragland
The 5-foot-10, 205-pound three-year starter for McMinn Central capped his high school career by leading the area with 129 total tackles, including 10 for loss. The senior linebacker also had two sacks and returned an interception for a touchdown. Ragland said he will likely sign with Alabama State.
Coach: Derrick Davis
In his 10th season as head coach at Polk County, his alma mater, he guided the Wildcats to the first 10-0 regular season in program history. Polk County won a league championship (District 5-AA) for the first time since 1985 and advanced to the second round of the playoffs for the first time in seven years. The Wildcats’ average margin of victory was 37-12, including five shutouts, against a schedule that included South Pittsburg, McMinn Central and larger classification foes Bradley Central and Walker Valley.
Zack Akins
Polk County
Senior Lineman
His 29 tackles for loss and 79 total stops helped the Wildcats reach the playoffs’ second round.
Jiajuan Fennell
South Pittsburg
Senior Lineman
The Mr. Football finalist and MTSU commitment had 79 tackles, 15 for loss and 380 receiving yards.
Tevin McDermott
McMinn County
Senior Back
His 109 tackles included nine for loss, and he returned two of his four interceptions 100 yards for TDs.
Jamin Godfrey McMinn
Central
Senior Punter
He averaged 37.9 yards per punt and was 5-of-7 on fieldgoal tries, with one 50-yard 3-pointer.
Destin Nunley
Grundy County
Junior Back
He had 36 solo tackles, three interceptions and a fumble recovery and scored 20 TDs on offense.
Zack Hammontree
North Jackson
Senior Linebacker
He had 125 total stops for the Chiefs, who advanced to the Alabama 4A quarterfinals.
Tucker Bolton
Bradley Central
Junior Lineman
He totaled 73 tackles, including 37 solos, 12 for loss and three sacks, plus three fumble recoveries.
Chase Brown
Bledsoe County
Senior Linebacker
He had 62 solo tackles and forced six fumbles to help the Warriors win the District 7-AA title.
Ben Stiles
McMinn Central
Senior Lineman
One of the area’s top defenders for three years had 80 tackles, 16 for loss and 10 sacks this season.
Nick Wells
Marion County
Senior Back
He had 65 tackles, six for loss and two interceptions and rushed for 672 yards and six scores.
Michael Hargrove
Polk County
Junior Linebacker
He had 96 tackles and 25 for loss, and he caused two fumbles, recovered two and intercepted a pass
Marcus Davis
Cleveland
Senior Back
He had four interceptions and ranked among the area’s leaders with 742 receiving yards.
Second team
Robert Bailey: Marion County, senior, linebacker
Shane Boles: South Pittsburg, senior, back
Brandon Gibbs: Marion County, junior, back
Brock Gould: Bledsoe County, junior, lineman
Chris Harris: McMinn County, senior, linebacker
Brandon Jenkins: McMinn County, senior, lineman
Hunter Lewis: Sequatchie County, junior, back
Imonty Morris: Walker Valley, senior, back
Caleb Price: Rhea County, senior, linebacker
Bobby Rankin: Marion County, senior, linebacker
Zack Rayl: McMinn Central, senior, linebacker
Travis Smith: McMinn County, senior, back
Teams of the year
1. Polk County (11-1): The Wildcats finished the regular season unbeaten, claiming their first district title in 24 years, before bowing out in the second round of the 3A playoffs.
2. South Pittsburg (11-3): The Pirates were dominant against 1A competition until a two-point loss in the final seconds of the Class 1A state championship game.
3. North Jackson (9-4): After failing to win their region for the first time in five years, the Chiefs rebounded to advance to the 4A quarterfinals.