Grace quarterback Cade Tinsley (9) breaks into the open behind the blocking of Jimmy Green (22). The Boyd-Buchanan Buccaneers visited the Grace Baptist Academy Eagles in TSSAA football action of September 22, 2017. Arguably the most impressive aspect of what Cade Tinsley does each Friday night is that he's able to put up remarkable numbers despite being the focus of every defensive game plan he faces.
Grace Academy's senior all-state athlete has nearly 1,000 yards of total offense in just four games, and last Friday he led his team to its first win over rival Boyd-Buchanan in program history with his most complete performance of the season.
The 6-foot-2, 185-pound dual-threat quarterback ran 11 times for 151 yards and three touchdowns, completed four of six passes for 85 yards and another score and also had five solo tackles, two assists and an interception from his safety position on defense. Those 236 total yards and four TDs, as well as his work on defense, helped the Golden Eagles post a 35-0 win over the Buccaneers.
That combination also earned Tinsley this week's BMW Prep Performance of the Week award.
"After watching film on them and getting some really good looks from our defense all week during practice, I knew what to expect and was able to make some plays to help us get a really big win," Tinsley said. "It really was huge for our confidence and just to finally beat that team, but we all understand that we're not done yet.
"I like proving people wrong, so if people want to continue going against us that's fine. We know what we're capable of. We have 14 seniors and some younger guys who are all stepping up to make big plays. I'm more happy with our team having success than just me."
Led by Tinsley - a three-sport athlete - Grace is 3-1 and has outscored opponents 111-0 in the three wins. The three-year starter has rushed for 591 yards (7 per carry) and thrown for 314 with 13 total TDs. He also leads the team in tackles with 19 solos, 5.5 for lost yardage, and has a 37-yard punting average.
"We don't make any secret that he's getting the ball, and getting it a lot," Grace Academy coach Bob Ateca said. "Other teams know they have to stop him because everything we do flows through Cade.
"He's played quarterback for us since his sophomore season, so he understands what we want to accomplish and he's mature enough to lead the offense. His versatility is what really separates him. He's just a really good athlete who can do so many things for us."
Contact Stephen Hargis at shargis@times freepress.com or 423-757-6293. Follow him on Twitter @StephenHargis.