Surprises happen every week on the high school football field, and the Times Free Press staff is all over them. Here are four notable surprises from this past week’s action:
› Rams topple DII-A’s No. 1 ranked team: Tyner senior defensive end Ja’Marien Crawl continues to establish himself as one of the premier edge defenders in the state.
The length and power of the 6-foot-4, 220-pound Crawl was a game-changing factor in Friday’s 44-28 home victory over Division II-A’s top-ranked Nashville Christian. The Eagles had no answer for Crawl, who had 13 tackles, 4 1/2 tackles for loss, and 2 1/2 sacks in the statement win that provided revenge for last year’s 49-42 road loss to the eventual state champions.
Freshman Ledale Lyle also had two of the Rams’ three interceptions in the victory a week after the youngster was impressive in his coverage against Chattanooga Prep.
Meanwhile, senior Kohl Ward scored his second touchdown in as many weeks with his 20-yard touchdown reception from Tyson Sutton, providing the lead for good as Christian Mainor’s team outscored the visitors 25-7 in the second half.