Blackman’s Taeler Dowdy on Saturday August 1, 2015.

Blackman’s Taeler Dowdy on Saturday August 1, 2015.

MURFREESBORO – Taeler Dowdy’s opportunity is now.

He isn’t going to let it slip away.

Dowdy, a 6-foot-1, 185-pound running back, is Blackman’s featured running back this season after serving as a backup to last year’s District 7-AAA Offensive MVP Charlie Davidson.

His second game as a starter was one to remember.

Dowdy rushed for 184 yards on 25 carries including touchdown runs of 40, 10 and 5 yards in the sixth-ranked Blaze’s 44-42 win over McCallie last Friday night.

Dowdy, a senior, has been named The Daily News Journal’s Week 2 High School Football Player of the Week.

Dowdy said watching Davidson last year prepped him for his senior season. Davidson also was a backup his junior year.

“It helped me a lot, seeing Charlie play last year,” said Dowdy, prior to the season. Dowdy admits he is faster than Davidson.

Dowdy rushed for 380 yards on 55 carries with six touchdowns in 2014. He already has 216 yards on 37 carries this season.

His best game in 2014 came against Brentwood in Week 1 when he had 80 yards on seven carries.

“It definitely feels good to finally show people that I can be the lead guy,” Dowdy said.

MTCS’ Green makes big impact in opener

Dowdy has a good blend of speed, power and vision and showed it against the Blue Tornado. He often powered through the line of scrimmage, darting away from defenders as he looked for an opening for a big gain.

“I do a little bit of everything,” Dowdy said. “I think I have a little more vision than a lot of running backs. But I feel like I can run over people, run past people.”

Blackman (1-1) hosts eighth-ranked Riverdale (1-1) at 7 p.m. Friday in the Backyard Brawl. It marks the Blaze’s third straight ranked opponent. Blackman opened the season with a 38-7 loss to Clay-Chalkville, which is ranked No. 1 in Class 6A in Alabama.

And next week’s opponent – Tucker, Ga. – is receiving votes in Georgia’s AP statewide poll.

“Those games, if we can win, are really going to turn heads,” Dowdy said. “People are going to notice that we are good even though we lost a lot of starters. It’s huge to start the year against our hardest teams.”

Dowdy also has been forced to play some on defense in the secondary due to his large frame. He played some at cornerback, picking off a pass, in the loss to Chalkville.

“I’ve played corner all of my life,” Dowdy said. “I just had to work with (assistant) coach (Kit) Hartsfield and get caught up.”

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

Players of the week

Each week The Daily News Journal names a high school football player of the week.

Week 1: Tanner Green, MTCS

Week 2: Taeler Dowdy, Blackman

Week 3 Schedule

(All games at 7 p.m.)

Smyrna at Coffee Co.

Franklin Co. at Stewarts Creek

East Robertson at Eagleville

Riverdale at Blackman*

Siegel at Oakland

La Vergne at Columbia

Cannon Co. at Grundy Co.**

Jo Byrns at MTCS

*WGNS (1450-AM, 100.5-FM, 101.9-FM)

**WBRY (1540-AM, 96.7-FM)

American Football Sports Scoreboard

Week 1 Scores

Clay-Chalkville 38, Blackman 7 See Game Coverage

Community 53, Cannon County 14

Hoover 24, Oakland 6 See Game Coverage

Lewis County 48, Eagleville 14 See Game Coverage

MTCS 26, Ezell-Harding 7 See Game Coverage

Ravenwoord 41, Siegel 27 See Game Coverage

Riverdale 9, Ooltewah 5 See Game Coverage

Smyrna 16, La Vergne 13 See Game Coverage

Stewarts Creek 16, Overton 8 See Game Coverage

Fred Shambaugh led Middle Tennessee Christian to a 9-1 regular-season record and the school’s first District 9-A title.

Oakland’s Lazarius Patterson runs the ball as teammate Jacob Lowery tries to clear the way and Hoover’s Christon Taylor tries to bring Patterson down during the second game at the Middle Tennessee Classic at MTSU’s Floyd Stadium Saturday, Aug. 22, 2015.

Blackman’s quaterback Miller Armstrong scrambles in the backfield looking for a receiver during the first game of the Middle Tennessee Classic against Chalkville at MTSU’s Floyd Stadium Saturday, Aug. 22, 2015.

Smyrna’s Ikenna Okeke makes a diving catch 2 yards from the end zone during the La Vergne vs. Smyrna game at La Vergne Friday.

Siegel’s Greedy Howse (23) rushed for 180 yards in the Stars’ 47-27 loss to Ravenwood on Thursday.

Siegel’s Greedy Howse is the returning rushing leader in Rutherford County.

Blackman running back Charlie Davidson is hit by Oakland’s Tyler Black, right, as Oakland’s Cameron Newman closes in on the left in the first half of the play-off quarterfinal Friday, Nov. 21, 2014 at Blackman. Oakland won 20-9.

Football

2015 high school football schedules
Oakland, Blackman move up, Riverdale drops in 6A poll
Rutherford County high school football region standings
Five big impact newcomers
TSSAA lifts Owens’ suspension after ejection
TSSAA lifts Owens’ suspension after ejection

Week 2 Scores

Blackman 44, McCallie 42 See Game Coverage

Franklin 34, Riverdale 20 See Game Coverage

Hendersonville 35, Siegel 15 See Game Coverage

Jackson County 47, Cannon County 0

La Vergne 18, Antioch 3 See Game Coverage

MTCS 28, Red Boiling Springs 7

Oakland 36, Hillsboro 28 See Game Coverage

Smyrna 28, Stewarts Creek 14 See Game Coverage

Scores from past weeks 

High School Scores

Pigskin Personalities

Fins up: Nix leads Oakland defense
MTCS’ Green makes big impact in opener
Cannon County female player one of few in state
Cannon County’s Bryson directs young Lions
MTCS’ Green wants to leave legacy on field
Game changer: Lyons likes expanded role
Okeke accepts being ‘face of Smyrna football’
JaCoby Stevens not distracted by college offers

Executive Director Bernard Childress speaks during a TSSAA Legislative Council meeting at DoubleTree Hotel in Murfreesboro, Tenn., Tuesday, Sept. 1, 2015. Legislative Council members vote on seven proposed changes to its constitutional bylaws.

The TSSAA Legislative Council meeting is held to vote on seven proposed changes to its constitutional bylaws at DoubleTree Hotel in Murfreesboro, Tenn., Tuesday, Sept. 1, 2015.

MURFREESBORO – Tennessee Secondary Schools Athletic Association Executive Director Bernard Childress called it closing a loophole Tuesday.

Private school administrators called it creating confusion as to where they fit in the high school athletic association.

The loophole? While private schools providing need-based financial aid had been sent to compete in Division II, those that provided aid to immediate family members of athletes as well as work study had been allowed to remain in a division competing with public schools.

That was resolved Tuesday when TSSAA’s Legislative Council approved five of six proposals including the creation of a “financial-assistance program” that would move schools that provide it to Division II.

The program is for all schools – both public and private – that provide any financial assistance to tuition-paying athletes or members of athletes’ immediate family. Financial assistance includes student employment for athletes or employment for parents, guardians or immediate family members unless they are full-time certified teachers or classified employees.

Any public or private school that has a financial assistance program (i.e., loans or employment) must compete in Division II, which currently includes schools that offer need-based financial aid or money. That program begins in the 2017-18 school year after the next reclassification.

The state goes through reclassification every four years.

“Twenty years ago when the rule was put in to have Division I and Division II and base it on need-based financial aid they left some gaps in the rules and loopholes that people could use,” Childress said. “(Tuesday) they closed those loopholes.”

Childress acknowledged that some may try to find new loopholes.

“You can’t write a rule for everything,” Childress said. “We couldn’t legislate morals and ethics. … You have to write what you feel is fair and equitable for everyone.”

Childress pointed out that each approved proposal affects both public and private schools. The council’s decisions came 47 days after it voted against a complete public-private split by a 5-4 vote.

Lewis County Assistant Principal Mike Tatum, who is on the Legislative Council, said he remains unconvinced that the decisions will create a fair and level playing field between public and private schools.

Lewis County and Trousdale County officials had proposed a public-private split.

“I really don’t think it will,” Tatum said. “Time will tell. We’ll have to wait and see.”

Private school administrators spent several minutes after the votes asking questions of Childress and TSSAA attorney Rick Colbert about the approved proposals.

“I think the first thing we need is clarity of explanation and definitions from the TSSAA, which, hopefull,y they will address in rules meetings (later this month),” said Christ Presbyterian Academy headmaster Nate Morrow immediately after the meeting. “It’s too hard to predict exactly how it is going to affect us until we understand the definition around every one of those things.

“I think that is a public (school) and private (school) conversation. Both people need to know.”

Creek Wood Athletic Director Chuck Daniel, whose school competes with CPA as well as Lipscomb Academy, approved of the decision, but didn’t have an issue playing both schools.

“… If you were to ask me, I’d probably favor a split, but I’ve had a pretty good relationship with those people,” Daniel said. “I like the ruling because I think it makes it fair across the board. It may put public schools on notice if an out-of-school kid is coming to their school, and he is getting his tuition paid for by somebody else, that’s considered Division II.

“So that may slow down some of the beefs that private schools have with public schools or magnet schools. I think TSSAA is trying to make it fair across the board, and I agree with that.”

Other items approved:

Athletic coaching link. If a student transfers and an “athletic coaching link” existed in the past 12 months, that student is ineligible for 12 months at all levels beginning with the 2016-17 school year. Coaching links include a player’s attendance at an individual camp and then transferring to that coach’s school, playing on a non-school team and then transferring to that coach’s school, transferring to a school where a former coach has just been hired and transferring to a school where a former or current personal trainer or strength-and-conditioning coach is employed.

The rule doesn’t apply to a student who moves to his or her new school after completion of the highest grade at the previous school.

Siegel High had made a similar proposal several years ago, but it was not approved.

“I think it’s a good rule,” Siegel girls basketball coach Alan Bush. “Hopefully, now some of the issues in high school sports will be addressed. Hopefully, they will deal with them a little more appropriately.”

Weight-training/conditioning redefined: Only students enrolled and in regular attendance at the school may participate during the school year. That includes eighth-graders who attend a high school conditioning program in the spring. The rule becomes official Oct. 1.

Coaching change: Coaches will fall into one of four categories: full-time certified teacher, retired educator, non-faculty coach and classified employee.

All coaches must be approved by the principal, schools director or school board. All coaches must go through the proper TSSAA training. But the new rule does not set limits as to how many coaches can be used.

All classified employees or non-faculty coaches must continue to have five years of experience as a coach at a TSSAA or TMSAA school to serve as a head coach in baseball, basketball, football, softball and track.

The rule goes into effect in the 2016-17 school year.

The board denied the proposal to declare any student ineligible who lives outside of his or her eligibility zone and enrolls in that school after the completion of the eighth grade. The proposal was for that athlete to be ineligible for 12 months.

“It was a major concern when you look at school choice,” said Maplewood Principal Ron Woodard, a Legislative Council member. “School choice is a new option in our district, and we want the students to have the opportunity to choose the school that’s in their best interests and have the opportunity to start a fresh new athletic record without any penalty.”

Reach Tom Kreager at 615-278-5168 and on Twitter @Kreager. Contributing: Michael Murphy and Sam Brown

MURFREESBORO Two weeks into the high school football season, several have asked a question as they glanced down at their rosters.

Who are these guys?

Graduation each year forces new players to fill new roles on the football field.

Here are five new starters who are already making a big splash on Friday nights.

La Vergne’s Nick Jones runs the ball as Smyrna’s Antonio Robinson grabs Jones’ jersey and tries to hold Jones back during the La Vergne vs. Smyrna game at La Vergne on Friday, Aug. 21, 2015.

Nick Jones, La Vergne

The senior running back didn’t play a year ago for the Wolverines. However, he’s filled in nicely in place of RoShea Grays, who rushed for more than 2,000 yards in 2014. Jones currently has 377 yards (188.5 ypg) with four touchdowns.

He has answered a key question for La Vergne by quickly becoming the Wolverines’ go-to player in the backfield.

Smyrna’s Devin Smith (25) and Jordan Jones (14) celebrate a defensive play during the Bulldogs’ 28-14 win.

Devin Smith, Smyrna

Smith has been known primarily as a running back in past seasons for the Bulldogs. However, he has gone to the other side of the football this year after Smyrna coach Matt Williams faced the dilemma of having two linebackers (Austin Brown and Deylon Williams) out with injuries in the spring.

Brown is now back, but Deylon likely will miss at least the regular season.

“He was a back-up linebacker,” Matt Williams said. “When and Deylon got hurt, we had to find someone at that position. He’s worked into that role.

“He’s a tough kid and a great teammate.”

Smith picked off a pair of passes in Smyrna’s 28-14 win over Stewarts Creek in Week 2. He made a key tackle for loss against the Wolverines in a 16-13 Week 1 win when they faced it third-and-goal from the Smyrna 1.

MTCS quarterback Joe Peck (8) ran for 162 yards in the Cougars’ win over Ezell-Harding.

Joe Peck, MTCS

Joe Peck replaced Morehead State freshman Justin Winn at quarterback this season. Peck is a former defensive player that overcame a knee injury his freshman season. The junior quarterback hasn’t shown as strong of an arm as Winn thus far this season.

However, his tough running has given the Cougars a second standout runner in the backfield with teammate Tanner Green.

Peck has rushed for 212 yards and thrown for 115 yards in the Cougars’ 2-0 start.

Oakland’s Kaleb Oliver runs the ball after an interception against Hoover.

Kaleb Oliver, Oakland

The younger brother of former standout Kyle Oliver, Kaleb Oliver has helped solidify the Patriots’ secondary at safety with safety teammate JaCoby Stevens.

Kaleb, a junior, has an interception and has forced a fumble.

The hard-hitting safety also has 14 tackles thus far this season.

Smyrna’s Casey Perkins, right, tries to shake off Stewarts Creek’s Tre Bailiez during the game at Smyrna on Friday.

Casey Perkins, Smyrna

Perkins became the Bulldogs’ starting running back this season after playing primarily on defense in the secondary in 2014. His play with the ball in his hands has been a surprise for the undefeated Bulldogs.

Perkins has 216 yards on 40 carries plus 38 receiving yards in two games. He also has four total touchdowns.

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

Week 3 Schedule

Smyrna at Coffee Co.

Franklin Co. at Stewarts Creek

East Robertson at Eagleville

Riverdale at Blackman*

Siegel at Oakland

La Vergne at Columbia

Cannon Co. at Grundy Co.**

Jo Byrns at MTCS

*WGNS (1450-AM, 100.5-FM)

**WBRY (1540-AM, 96.7-FM)

Riverdale’s Cortland Owens runs the ball as Smyrna’s D.J. Williams moves in for a tackle during the first round of playoff games at Riverdale on Friday Nov. 7, 2014.

Canaan Owens

MURFREESBORO Canaan Owens will be back on the football field Friday night.

The Riverdale linebacker had his one-game suspension lifted by the TSSAA after the school won its appeal. Owens had been ejected during the Warriors’ 34-20 loss at Franklin.

“The eye in the sky doesn’t lie,” said Riverdale coach Ron Aydelott referring to video from the game.

Owens, who is also the team’s punter, has 19 tackles and an interception this season.

Eighth-ranked Riverdale (1-1) plays at sixth-ranked Blackman (1-1) at 7 p.m. Friday in both teams’ Region 2-6A opener.

Road trip: Siegel’s volleyball team will travel out of state this weekend, participating in the Charger Invite in Champaign, Illinois.

Siegel coach Shawn Robinson said he had looked at playing in a tournament in Florida, but it coincided with the school’s homecoming.

Robinson said getting out of town could be good for the program after this past week. Several team members were close to classmate Mason Loupe, who died Wednesday after suffering a gunshot wound to the head Saturday.

“We canceled practice (Wednesday),” he said. “About 95 percent of the team were good friends with Mason. This has hit my team pretty hard.”

Voyles Classic: Central Magnet sophomore Taylor Cuneo finished second in 18:19.14 in the Voyles Classic on Saturday at Sharp Springs Park in Smyrna. Brentwood Academy’s Claire Cheeseman won the girls race in 18:05.63.

Riverdale’s Emma McClellan (19:07.16) finished fourth. Teammates Sarah Sneed was seventh (19:35.27) and Maddy McClellan was 12th (20:06.36).

Blackman’s Michael Maier led all Rutherford County boys runners, finishing 11th (16:07.09). Riverdale’s Timothy Dye was 13th (16:20.72).

Brentwood’s Taylor Vroon won the boys race in 15:12.72.

Player of Week: Siegel’s Kristin Demonbreun was named the MaxPreps/AVCA Tennessee High School Player of the Week. The senior setter had 242 assists in 23 games played. She also had 27 aces and 25 digs for the week.

Community support: Oakland’s girls soccer team will donate all proceeds to its non-district game today to Mason Loupe’s family. The Lady Patriots host Central Magnet at 7 p.m. A junior varsity game will be played prior at 5 p.m.

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

Collegiate Football on the Field

2-6A

5-5A

4-3A

4-2A

5-1A

Blackman’s quarterback Miller Armstrong scrambles in the backfield looking for a receiver during the first game of the Middle Tennessee Classic against Chalkville at MTSU’s Floyd Stadium Saturday, Aug. 22, 2015.

Riverdale at Blackman

When: 7 p.m., Friday

Where: The Inferno

Radio: WGNS (1450-AM, 100.5-FM, 101.9-FM)

Records: Riverdale is 1-1 overall, 0-0 in Region 2-6A. Blackman is 1-1 overall, 0-0 in Region 2-6A.

AP ranking: Riverdale is ranked eighth in Class 6A. Blackman is ranked sixth in Class 6A.

Players to watch: Riverdale: RB Austin Bryant (89.5 rushing ypg), QB Brandon Bea (154 passing ypg, 2 TDs, 2 INTs), WR Jarek Campbell (90 receiving ypg), LB Canaan Owens. Blackman: RB Taeler Dowdy (108 rushing ypg, 3 TDs), QB Miller Armstrong (125 passing ypg, 2 TDs, 0 INTs), WR Darius Simple (61 receiving ypg), LB Tony Ochoa.

Keys to the game: Riverdale’s offense has yet to get in sync this season. If it can get its passing game going, it can have a big game against the Blaze secondary. Blackman must pressure Bea, or whoever the Warriors have at QB and make him uncomfortable.

Oakland junior Brendan Matthews, an Independence transfer, is competing with Cody Miller for the starting quarterback position.

Siegel at Oakland

When: 7 p.m., Friday

Where: Ray Hughes Stadium

Record: Siegel is 0-2 overall, 0-0 in Region 2-6A. Oakland is 1-1 overall, 0-0 in Region 2-6A.

AP ranking: Siegel is not ranked. Oakland is ranked fourth in Class 6A.

Players to watch: Siegel: QB Jordan Middleton (247 passing ypg, 2 TDs, 1 INT), RB Greedy Howse (95 rushing ypg, 63.5 receiving ypg, 3 TDs), RB Michael Scruggs (68 receiving ypg), RB Rodney Murray (25 rushing ypg). Oakland: QB Brendan Matthews (72 passing ypg), RB Lazarius Patterson (63.5 rushing ypg), LB Jackson Cauthen (21 tackles) FB/DT Chris Onwusmere (43 rushing ypg, 17 tackles).

Keys to the game: It’s been an emotional week for both programs with the passing of Siegel sophomore Mason Loupe. Eliminating mental mistakes after a mentally draining week is key. Siegel’s rush defense is giving up 370 yards a game through two weeks. Oakland will exploit that.

Smyrna’s Ikenna Okeke is the defensive leader for the Bulldogs after recording 62 tackles with five interceptions one year ago.

Smyrna at Coffee Co.

When: 7 p.m., Friday

Where: Carden-Jarrell Field

Radio: WMSR (1320-AM, 107.9-FM)

Records: Smyrna is 2-0 overall, 0-0 in Region 2-6A. Coffee County is 1-1 overall, 0-0 in Region 2-6A.

AP ranking: Neither team is ranked.

Players to watch: Smyrna: RB Casey Perkins (108 rushing ypg, 4 total TDs), QB John Turner (127.5 passing ypg, 1 TD), LB Austin Brown (21 tackles, 1 forced fumble), LB Devin Smith (2 INTs). Coffee Co.: QB Alontae Taylor, WR Tyrese McGee, RB/LB Mill Harner, OL/DL Jacoby Lowe.

Keys to the game: Taylor is dual-threat quarterback. He is likely a larger threat on the ground than with his arm. Smyrna’s defenders must key on him.

La Vergne’s Nick Jones gets tackled as he continues to push his way through a pack of players during the La Vergne vs. Smyrna game at La Vergne on Friday, Aug. 21, 2015.

La Vergne at Columbia

When: 7 p.m., Friday

Where: Lindsey Nelson Stadium

Radio: WKRM (1340-AM)

Records: La Vergne is 1-1 overall, 0-0 in Region 5-5A. Columbia is 2-0 overall, 0-0 in Region 5-5A.

AP ranking: Neither team is ranked.

Players to watch: La Vergne: RB Nick Jones (197.5 rushing ypg), LB Aaron Jones (23 tackles), ATH Drew Howard (12 tackles, 1 INT), Gulecy Buni (18 tackles, 1 fumble recovery). Columbia: QB Orrin Delk (182 passing yards, 3 TDs in 28-21 win last week over Dickson County); WR T.J. McCoy (93 receiving yards last week); OL Ryan Wagner.

Keys to the game: La Vergne’s secondary will be tested this week by Delk. The way Nick Jones is running the football, it may not matter. No one has slowed him down yet.

Stewarts Creek’s Zach Long rungs the ball 39 yards for Creek’s first touchdown of the night as Smyrna’s Ikenna Okek, left and Deven Sims, right, try to tackle Long, on Friday, August, 28, 2015, at Smyrna.

Franklin Co. at Stewarts Creek

When: 7 p.m., Friday

Where: Red Hawk Stadium

Records: Franklin County is 1-1 overall, 0-0 in Region 5-5A. Stewarts Creek is 1-1 overall, 0-0 in Region 5-5A.

AP ranking: Neither team is ranked.

Players to watch: Franklin Co.: RB Dalton Russell (87.5 rushing ypg), RB Marce Gray (42.5 rushing ypg), LB Jarious Johnson (11.5 tackles), LB Jai Kinslow (10 tackles). Stewarts Creek: RB Zach Long (59.5 rushing ypg), QB Chris Dye (76 passing ypg), WR T.J. York (52 receiving ypg), ATH Cynterius Lyons.

Keys to the game: Both teams have been successful moving the football on the ground. The Red Hawks’ offensive line must give Dye more time to throw. It struggled to slow down Smyrna’s pass rush last week.

East Robertson at Eagleville

When: 7 p.m., Friday

Where: Talon Field

Records: East Robertson is 0-2 overall, 0-0 in Region 4-2A. Eagleville is 0-2 overall, 0-0 in Region 4-2A.

AP ranking: Neither team is ranked.

Players to watch: East Robertson: QB James Coleman, ATH Brenden Moore, WWR Adrian Jarrett; RB Hunter Jeen. Eagleville: QB Ethan Cobb (174.0 passing ypg), RB A.J. Garza (34.5 rushing ypg), OL/DL James Witt, WR Graham Hatcher (97.5 receiving ypg).

Keys to the game: Despite being a freshman, Cobb hasn’t gotten rattled under center. He’s yet to throw an interception. He will have to make quick decisions this week as his line has been banged up this past week.

Jo Byrns at MTCS

When: 7 p.m., Friday

Where: Throneberry Stadium

Records: Jo Byrns is 2-0 overall, 0-0 in Region 5-1A. MTCS is 2-0 overall, 1-0 in Region 5-1A.

AP ranking: Neither team is ranked.

Players to watch: Jo Byrns: QB Connor Cathey, ATH Parker Baxley, RB Eric Herring, RB Sammy Earheart; MTCS: RB Tanner Green (164 rushing ypg), QB Joe Peck (106 rushing ypg, 57.5 passing ypg), FB/LB Nick Merritt (43.5 rushing ypg), WR/DB Trey Hickey.

Keys to the game: MTCS showed a better passing attack last week against Red Boiling Springs. That will need to continue against a talented Jo Byrns squad.

Rutherford County football statistical leaders
Rutherford County high school football region standings

Siegel Cheerleaders, from left, Delaina McDonald, a junior; Sydney Myers, a sophomore; Sylvia Waldon, a junior; and Lexi Davis, a senior; Thursday make a sign for Friday night’s game against Oakland. The sign is in memory of Mason Loupe, a Siegel football player who died Wednesday. #MasonStrong and #22Reasons were both popular hastags on social media to show support for Loupe and his family.

Siegel Cheerleaders, from left, Lexi Davis, a senior; Delaina McDonald, a junior; Sydney Myers, a sophomore; and Sylvia Waldon, a junior; make a sign Thursday to be displayed at Friday night’s game against Oakland. The sign is in memory of Mason Loupe, a Siegel football player who died Wednesday.

MURFREESBORO Two days later, Siegel High will return to the football field with memories of teammate Mason Loupe in their hearts.

The sophomore two-sport athlete died Wednesday afternoon, four days after he sustained a gunshot wound to his head.

However, things now will begin to slowly return to normal, albeit a new normal. The Stars play at 7 p.m. Friday at Oakland’s Ray Hughes Stadium in both teams’ first Region 2-6A contest.

“Sports is a healing mechanism,” Siegel coach Greg Wyant said. “I’m not sure if we ever thought about postponing the game at all. Of course, this was an ongoing situation. It was a thing that changed daily.”

MTSU professor emeritus Mark Anshel said playing the game is likely the best thing for both the teams as well as the community.

“You have to rely on routines and getting back to normal behaviors as quickly as possible,” said Anshel, who taught in the department of health and human performance. “But you don’t want to deny expressing emotions, including anger and depression that this has happened.”

Both teams plan on paying tribute to Loupe at the game. Loupe was well-known by students at both schools. He attended Oakland Middle before going to Siegel.

Oakland will have a moment of silence before the game and ask for donations for the family. Both schools have been selling paper “Loops for Loupe” this week to help raise money for the Loupe family.

And Siegel players plan on wearing a decal on the back of their helmets.

“This game has a different feel,” said Oakland first-year coach Kevin Creasy. “I don’t know a lot about this rivalry. It makes sense that it would be that it would be a game that both sides would put a lot of emotion into.

“But with this going on, it just kind of puts things in perspective.”

Getting back to normal

Wyant described the week as his toughest professionally he’s had as a teacher and coach. He spent days in the classroom, counseling players while also preparing for a game against his school’s biggest rival. He said he and his coaching staff had a game plan ahead of time that helped.

“Our whole thing this week was to keep our kids in a routine,” he said. “We wanted to keep them distracted as much as possible.”

And playing this game will continue to do that.

“It’s a game,” Wyant said. “That’s all that it is. It’s an extracurricular activity. It always will be an extracurricular activity.

“But it’s also a great way for young men to learn how to become men and grow up. A football team is a great place to be in crisis times like right now. The average Joe that doesn’t play on a team sport doesn’t understand what you go through on a daily basis. It creates a bond.”

That bond has increased this week as an entire county has sent prayers and support to Siegel.

Blackman wrestling coach Ronnie Bray is familiar with that community support.

In February, Blackman wrestler Daniel Winters died hours after qualifying for the state tournament when a car driven by a teammate rolled multiple times on Interstate 24.

Bray said he did his best to keep his wrestlers distracted by keeping them busy.

Bray has spoken to Siegel wrestling coach Lee Ramsey daily. Loupe was also a wrestler.

“Those are like our kids,” said Bray, who is also a Blackman assistant football coach. “We treat all of those athletes like they are ours. I’ve got a 20-month-old son. But before I had my own, they were my sons.

“The good thing is while we are looked at as leaders, there are also preachers in the community and other people that can help give support. There are churches, parents and just the community that reaches out to us. That really helps out a lot.”

Blaze remember teammate’s mom

Blackman High has grieved this week for the loss of a parent.

Blackman football player Colin Simpson’s mother, Kimberly Simpson, died Sunday from injuries sustained in an automobile accident.

Like Wyant, Blackman coach David Watson has tried to keep things in a routine for Simpson, a senior.

“We have tried to provide stability for him,” Watson said. “We’ve just supported him and tried to make things as close to normal as we can for him.

“He practiced with us this week. But that choice was made by him and his dad. They felt it was important to be with people and be part of our football team because we’re his family.”

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

Week 3 Schedule

Smyrna at Coffee Co.

Franklin Co. at Stewarts Creek

East Robertson at Eagleville

Riverdale at Blackman*

Siegel at Oakland

La Vergne at Columbia

Cannon Co. at Grundy Co.**

Jo Byrns at MTCS

*WGNS (1450-AM, 100.5-FM)

**WBRY (1540-AM, 96.7-FM)

Riverdale football coach Ron Aydelott doesn’t put too much stock in the AP football poll, which has his team ranked fourth.

MURFREESBORO Ron Aydelott is still searching for the offensive identity of his Riverdale football team two weeks into the season.

That identity better be found quickly.

The eighth-ranked Warriors, who are coming off a 34-20 debacle to unranked Franklin, play at sixth-ranked Blackman at 7 p.m. Friday at The Inferno on opening night of Region 2-6A play.

“We just need to play, period,” Aydelott said. “We have not played very well on the offensive side all year.”

The game is one of four 2-6A games, three of which involve Rutherford County teams. Siegel plays at fourth-ranked Oakland. Smyrna is at Coffee County.

It also marks the first week of region play in Region 5-5A. La Vergne plays at Columbia. And Stewarts Creek hosts Franklin County.

Riverdale (1-1) has averaged just 14.5 points and 271 total yards through the first two weeks of the 2015 season. The Warriors averaged 33.3 points and accumulated 340.1 yards a game last season.

Aydelott used two quarterbacks, Brandon Bea and Christian Souffront, against Franklin in an attempt to get in a rhythm. But it never happened.

“It’s several items,” Aydelott said of his team’s offensive woes. “We’re trying to find out who our quarterback is. We lost our best threat at running back (Jerry Young to injury). And we’ve had two offensive linemen out the last two weeks.

“We’re trying to find an identity, and we are painfully making progress.”

Aydelott said senior offensive linemen D.J. Johnson and Jonathan Conyers will play this week against the Blaze.

After struggling to find their offense in Week 1 against nationally-ranked Clay-Chalkville, the Blaze (1-1) moved the ball with ease in a thrilling 44-42 win over McCallie.

Blackman’s head footbal Coach David Watson watches his team from the sidelines during the first Jamboree game against Stewarts Creek on Friday Aug. 14, 2015, at Stewarts Creek.

Blackman had over 500 yards of total offense. Blackman running back Taeler Dowdy had a career-high 184 rushing yards on 24 carries in the win. Quarterback Miller Armstrong added 218 passing yards.

But Blackman’s defense has struggled, giving up 503 yards a game.

Smyrna (2-0) is the lone Rutherford County Class 6A program that is undefeated.

However, after a pair of wins over North Rutherford rivals La Vergne and Stewarts Creek, the Bulldogs enter league play with more at stake.

While all Class 6A teams qualify for the playoffs the next two years due to the new TSSAA playoff plan, region seeding is important. The TSSAA placed the top 32 enrollments in Class 6A this year with all getting playoff berths.

The top four seeds hosts a first-round playoff game.

“We had two big rival games and were lucky to come out with victories,” Smyrna coach Matt Williams said. “But as big as those games were, there are no bigger than region games.

“Region games determine seeding. Our goal is to have a home playoff game. We want to finish in the top half.”

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

Week 3 Schedule

Smyrna at Coffee Co.

Franklin Co. at Stewarts Creek

East Robertson at Eagleville

Riverdale at Blackman*

Siegel at Oakland

La Vergne at Columbia

Cannon Co. at Grundy Co.**

Jo Byrns at MTCS

*WGNS (1450-AM, 100.5-FM)

**WBRY (1540-AM, 96.7-FM)

Smyrna Head Coach Matt Williams works with works with a player during the school’s first day of pracitce with full pads on Monday, July 27, 2015.

Collegiate Football on the Field

Friday’s Games

Final

Blackman 38, Riverdale 0

Eagleville 14, East Robertson 6

La Vergne 55, Columbia 14

Smyrna 38, Coffee Co. 3

Jo Byrns 28, MTCS 7

Grundy Co. 37, Cannon Co. 14

Stewarts Creek 42, Franklin Co. 14

In progress​

Oakland 49, Siegel 30, 4Q

Collegiate Football on the Field

RUSHING

PASSING

RECEIVING

SCORING

Daily News Journal sports reporter Tom Kreager.

MURFREESBORO – It’s been a hard week for all of us.

There have been tears. There have been anger. There have been questions.

Folks, we don’t have the answers. We may never have all of the answers surrounding the Mason Loupe tragedy.

However, for at least Friday night, let’s turn the attention back to the football field.

A colleague of mine sent me a message Sunday night.

“You know, it would be a lot more fun if we could go back to covering games,” the Twitter direct message said.

Now, we finally get to do that, at least for one night.

Oakland hosts Siegel on Friday in what will be a night of tributes, healing and football for both schools’ communities that have been rocked by the Siegel sophomore’s death.

And while I am picking the Patriots, a part of me would smile at a Siegel upset. It would do wonders for that program right now.

Kreager’s pick: Oakland 27, Siegel 21

Riverdale at Blackman

Riverdale’s offense has sputtered this season through two games. But the Warriors have enough talent that coach David Watson should be very concerned. Riverdale may have the best collection of wide receivers in the county.

Blackman’s defensive front will need to apply large amounts of pressure on QB Brandon Bea.

Kreager’s pick: Blackman 31, Riverdale 20

Smyrna at Coffee Co.

Smyrna’s Casey Perkins has been a welcomed addition in the backfield for the Bulldogs this season. Look for another 100-yard night for the seniors. But can Smyrna’s defense contain Coffee County standout QB Alontae Taylor?

Kreager’s pick: Smyrna 35, Coffee Co. 21

La Vergne at Columbia

Nick Jones is on his way to being the top rusher in Rutherford County. He has almost 400 after just two weeks. That number should grow considerably after this week.

Kreager’s pick: La Vergne 25, Columbia 17

Franklin Co. at Stewarts Creek

Stewarts Creek struggled in the second half a week ago in a 28-14 loss to rival Smyrna. However, the ground game behind Zach Long had its moments.

The Red Hawks’ running game will lead them to win No. 2 Friday.

Kreager’s pick: Stewarts Creek 31, Franklin Co. 14

East Robertson at Eagleville

Eagleville has battled a few injuries this week. If Ethan Cobb can get time to throw the football, those injuries won’t matter. Cobb, a freshman, has 348 yards in the air through two games.

Kreager’s pick: Eagleville 22, East Robertson 6

Jo Byrns at MTCS

MTCS’ first big test rolls into Throneberry Stadium in the form of Jo Byrns. The Adams high school, like MTCS, is undefeated this season. It will remain unbeaten.

Kreager’s pick: Jo Byrns 28, MTCS 26

Cannon Co. at Grundy Co.

Both teams have struggled offensively this season. Cannon County has scored just 14 points in two games. Grundy has scored 12.

And both have given up large amounts of points. Cannon has yielded 100. Grundy has given up 84.

Isn’t that the recipe for a great Region 4-3A game?

Kreager’s pick: Grundy Co. 18, Cannon Co. 17

Last week: 6-3.

Season: 15-3 (83 percent).

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

Eagleville football coach Steve Carson has led his team to six straight playoff appearances.

EAGLEVILLE – Channeling more than just the home team advantage, Eagleville picked up its first win of the season Friday, beating visiting East Robertson 14-6 at Talon Field.

Eagleville’s score was solidified in the first half of the game, seeing seven points in the first quarter and seven points in the second quarter. The Eagles’ defense did the rest to help preserve the win in both teams’ Region 4-2A opener.

Running back Rodney Turner’s first-quarter touchdown put the Eagles (1-2, 1-0) up early. Graham Hatcher added the second score.

On the team’s efforts, East Robertson’s Coach Broadrick said, “I feel that both teams did a good job, but in a lot of ways I feel that we outplayed them. We played hard. We’ve just got to learn to finish games and not make as many mental mistakes.”

Freshman Ethan Cobb continued his outstanding season, completing 8-of-13 passing for 143 yards.

Eagleville was coming off a one-point loss to Clarksville Academy. The Eagles opened the season with a loss to Lewis County.

“It was the first region game, first win of the season, and a big game for us,” Eagleville coach Steve Carson said. “I’m proud of our defense for keeping them out three quarters of the game.”

Riverdale’s quaterback Brandon Bea (12) passes the ball as his teammate Austion Bryant (6) tries to stop Blackman’s Korey Tillman (48) at the game at Blackman Friday Sept. 4, 2015.

Blackman’s Camron Curtis hoists teammate Taeler Dowdy in the air after Dowdy scored the first touchdown of the game against Riverdale on Friday.

Referee Bobby Garrison flips the coin before the start of the Blackman vs. Riverdale game, at Blackman, on Friday Sept. 4, 2015. Blackman player Colin Simpson (42) has Mom writen on his wrist to honnor his mother who died earlier this week.

Asher Peyton, 3, plays a game of catch with the Riverdale mascot Chief Win-Em-All, senior Jacob Reissner before the Blackman vs Riverdale game at Blackman, on Friday Sept. 4, 2015.

Blackman senior Sammie Sansing, right, paints a 42 on the back of Garrett Noffsinger before the Blackman vs Riverdale game at Blackman, on Friday Sept. 4, 2015, to remember, Kimberly Simpson, the mother of Blackman player Colin Simpson, who died earlier this week. The Blackman students also had a MP painted on their arms to remeber Siegel football player Mason Loupe, who also died earlier this week.

Riverdale dance team member and senior Madison Hargrove practices a routine before the Blackman vs Riverdale game at Blackman Friday, Sept. 4, 2015. The dance team wore the number 22 on their faces to remember Siegel football player Mason Loupe who died earlier this week.

Blackman’s Amauri Burks runs the ball as he is tackled by Riverdale’s Jarek Campbell on Friday.

MURFREESBORO – Blackman fixed its defensive issues Friday night.

Riverdale’s offensive woes might have taken a step backward.

The Blaze held Riverdale to just 151 total yards in a 38-0 win at The Inferno to open Region 2-6A play. The win was Blackman’s fifth straight over Riverdale in a game that has been coined the Backyard Brawl.

“Until we fix our problems and keep gift-wrapping points, that’s the way it’s going to be,” Riverdale coach Ron Aydelott said. “… We’re just not a very good football team right now.”

Blackman’s strong defensive showing comes after giving up an average 503 yards a game in contests with Clay-Chalkville, Alabama, and McCallie.

“Other teams have been doubting us; everybody in the county has doubted us,” Blackman linebacker Tony Ochoa said. “Yeah, the first couple games we did give up a couple big runs, big points. But all we practiced this week was defense.

“Coach was on us to make us better. We wanted to prove to this county that we are more than an offensive team.”

Blackman scored touchdowns in all three phases of the game — offense, defense and special teams.

The Blaze (2-1 overall, 1-0 in 2-6A) scored twice within a 32-second span in the first quarter for a quick 14-0 lead.

Connor Mitchell recovered a blocked punt in the end zone 4:20 into the game. Two plays later, Amauri Burks scooped Austin Bryant’s fumble and returned it 57 yards for a touchdown.

The Blaze were just warming up.

Taeler Dowdy capped a 63-yard drive when he broke free on fourth-and-1 in Blackman’s ‘heavy’ package, which included three backs in a Maryland-I formation. Dowdy broke the line of scrimmage, bounced to his right and scored on a 28-yard TD run.

“I didn’t think we played particularly well on offense because we turned it over three times in the first half,” Blackman coach David Watson said. “We missed a lot of opportunities because we had a chance to really put the game away.”

Dowdy led the Blaze with 133 yards on 20 carries and had two touchdowns.

“I’m enjoying it,” Dowdy said. “I like how we are proving people wrong. Everybody thought it was going to be a close game.

“I’m glad we shut them out.

Backup Savion Davis led Riverdale (1-2, 0-1) with 86 yards on eight carries. Riverdale played both quarterbacks — Brandon Bea and Christian Souffront — in the contest. They combined to complete 8-of-17 passes for 51 yards and a pair of interceptions.

Riverdale managed just nine yards of offense in the first half, benefiting from Blackman’s 65 yards of penalties.

“We were able to get pressure and make Riverdale one dimensional and go to the pass,” Watson said. “That helped us out quite a bit. They are explosive with their wide receivers and athletes.”

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

Blackman’s Conner Mitchell (6) runs in the endzone with the football to score the first touchdown of the game against Riverdale at Blackman, on Friday Sept. 4, 2015.

Blackman’s Camron Curtis (99), in front, and Taeler Dowdy (3) celebrate Dowdy’s touchdown in the game against Riverdale at Blackman, on Friday Sept. 4, 2015.

Riverdale’s Austin Bryant (6) runs the ball during the game against Blackman at Blackman, on Friday Sept. 4, 2015.

Blackman’s quaterback Miller Armstrong (12) runs the ball as Riverdale’s Canaan Owens dives toward Armstrong and Riverdale’s Preston Barge (14) moves in for a tackle, at the game at Blackman, on Friday Sept. 4, 2015.

Blackman’s Master Teague (33) runs the ball as Teague is tackled by Riverdale’s Austin Valentine (28) at the game at Blackman, on Friday Sept. 4, 2015.

Blackman’s Taeler Dowdy (3) runs the ball in for a touchdown in the second half as Riverdale’s Preston Barge (14) tries to tackle Dowdy at the game at Blackman, on Friday Sept. 4, 2015.

Riverdale’s quaterback Brandon Bea (12) passes the ball as his teammate Austion Bryant (6) tries to stop Blackman’s Korey Tillman (48) at the game at Blackman, on Friday Sept. 4, 2015.

Blackman’s Amauri Burks (1) runs the ball as he is tackled by Riverdale’s Jarek Campbell (10) at the game at Blackman, on Friday Sept. 4, 2015.

Blackman’s Camron Curtis (65) hoists teammate Taeler Dowdy (3) in the air after Dowdy scored a touchdown in the game against Riverdale at Blackman, on Friday Sept. 4, 2015.

Riverdale dance team member and senior Madison Hargrove practices a routine before the Blackman vs Riverdale game at Blackman, on Friday Sept. 4, 2015. The dance team wore the number 22 on their faces to remember Siegel football player Mason Loupe that died earlier this week.

Blackman senior Sammie Sansing, right, paints a 42 on the back of Garrett Noffsinger before the Blackman vs Riverdale game at Blackman, on Friday Sept. 4, 2015, to remember, Kimberly Simpson, the mother of Blackman player Colin Simpson, who died earlier this week. The Blackman students also had a MP painted on their arms to remeber Siegel football player Mason Loupe, who also died earlier this week.

Asher Peyton, 3, plays a game of catch with the Riverdale mascot Chief Win-Em-All, senior Jacob Reissner before the Blackman vs Riverdale game at Blackman, on Friday Sept. 4, 2015.

Referee Bobby Garrison flips the coin before the start of the Blackman vs. Riverdale game, at Blackman, on Friday Sept. 4, 2015. Blackman player Colin Simpson (42) has Mom writen on his wrist to honnor his mother who died earlier this week.

Siegel’s Michael Scruggs runs in for a first-quarter touchdown.

Siegel’s Michael Scruggs runs upfield against the Patriots.

Oakland’s Charles Diawara (22) and JaCoby Stevens (7) celebrate a Stevens touchdown.

Oakland’s Kendrick Johnson runs upfield in the Patriots’ win over Siegel on Friday night.

Lazarius Patterson (4) throws a stiff arm at Siegel’s Ricco Gregory in the Patriots’ win Friday night.

MURFREESBORO – Oakland scored 35 unanswered points after falling behind early, including two touchdowns apiece from Kendrick Johnson and JaCoby Stevens, and the Patriots racked 488 yards of total offense in a 49-30 victory over Siegel Friday night at Ray Hughes Field.

The Patriots (2-1) fumbled twice in the opening quarter, leading to 10 Siegel points and a 17-7 deficit after Jacob Smith’s 18-yard field goal with 2:58 left in the period.

Johnson scored from six yards out, capping a nine-play, 73-yard drive, and then on a three-yard run after a 63-yard catch-and-run from Stevens. Jackson Cauthen’s 47-yard interception return for a TD late in the half gave the home team a 28-17 advantage at the break.

The Patriots took the opening drive of the second half 80 yards on seven plays, with Stevens catching a 26-yard TD pass. Siegel answered with its best drive since the first quarter, moving to the OHS 11, but Greedy Howse fumbled in a pile of players and the ball popped out to the feet of Stevens, who picked it up and scampered 91 yards for another score and a 42-17 Patriots advantage.

Stevens also got Oakland on the board with a 51-yard TD catch in the first period and also grabbed a 46-yard spiral in the final quarter. He finished with five catches for 208 yards and the two scores and also made eight tackles in the contest.

“Three games in a row we’ve gotten behind, and three games in a row we’ve turned the ball over, so I’ll take the blame for this,” OHS head coach Kevin Creasy said. “We have fought back when we’re down a few scores, but if we’re going to keep winning close games, we’ve got to start fast, and we’ve also got to put people away.”

The two teams honored Mason Loupe, who died Wednesday after a gunshot wound suffered last weekend, before the game, with both squads lining the sidelines and marching toward midfield arm-in-arm for the pregame coin toss. The Siegel players held Loupe’s No. 22 jersey as well.

“I think the kids handled the situation very well. It’s been so up-and-down, not knowing what the outcome was going to be until Wednesday,” Siegel head coach Greg Wyant said. “I can’t say enough about our community and how they’ve supported us and this football team and supported the Loupe family by giving money and prayers and prayer vigils.

“Just those things make you proud to be from Rutherford County.”

“I think both schools honored the Loupe family tonight,” Creasy added. “It really shows what impact his life was on everybody that he touched.”

Howse rushed for 136 yards on 23 carries while Jordan Middleton finished 13-of-27 passing for 128 yards and two touchdowns, both of those in the second half.

Fans, family honor Mason Loupe at Siegel game

Blackman’s Miller Armstrong tries to run past the Riverdale defense on Friday night. Blackman won 38-0.

MURFREESBORO – High school football is three games into the 2015 season. There have been surprises — both good and bad.

Here are five things we know entering Week 4.

Oakland, Blackman now favorites in 2-6A

Prior to the season it appeared to be a three-team race for the Region 2-6A championship between Blackman, Oakland, and Riverdale.

With Riverdale’s offense stuck in neutral, it’s safe to say both Blackman and Oakland are now the favorites. The two meet Sept. 18 at Oakland’s Ray Hughes Stadium.

Blackman and Oakland have played the toughest schedules among area teams three games into the season. Blackman faces another big challenge on Friday when Tucker, Ga., comes to The Inferno. Oakland has a bye week.

Smyrna football coach Matt Williams leads the undefeated Bulldogs to second-ranked Independence (5A) on Friday.

Smyrna faces first big test

Off to a 3-0 start for the third consecutive season, the Bulldogs face their biggest challenge to date when they play at Independence on Friday.

The Eagles (3-0) are ranked second in the Associated Press’ most recent Class 5A statewide poll. However, Independence may be without quarterback Andrew Bunch. Bunch didn’t play in last week’s 35-14 win over Lincoln County due to a minor injury.

Smyrna’s three wins were against teams (La Vergne, Stewarts and Coffee County) with a combined 5-5 record.

Riverdale, we have a problem

Once slated to be one of the Region 2-6A contenders, Riverdale lost its second straight game and was shut out for the first time since Sept. 6, 2013. Ironically, it was Blackman that shut out the Warriors in both instances.

Riverdale’s offense has sputtered out of the gates. The passing game, which was considered a strength in the preseason, has yet to be a consistent threat. And the loss of running back Jerry Young has slowed down the run game.

Turnovers and penalties have stopped any momentum all season.

Stewarts Creek is off to a 2-1 start behind quarterback Chris Dye (16). The Red Hawks play at La Vergne on Friday.

La Vergne, Creek definite playoff contenders

La Vergne walloped Columbia 55-14. Stewarts Creek had a similar performance against Franklin County in a 42-14 rout.

Not bad for Rutherford County’s two Class 5A teams in their region openers.

Both teams appear to be headed to top-four finishes. Stewarts Creek plays at La Vergne on Friday in a Region 5-5A contest.

Cannon in for long season

At 0-3 with lopsided losses in two of those three, Cannon County’s final legitimate shot at a win in 2015 will likely come Friday at Red Boiling Springs.

RBS picked up its first win of the season Friday, beating Pickett County 41-12.

Red Boiling Springs defeated Cannon County 14-13 in 2014.

Cannon County has been outscored 137-28 in three games.

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

Friday’s games

Smyrna at Independence

Stewarts Creek at La Vergne

Loretto at Eaglevile

Hillsboro at Riverdale

Wilson Central at Siegel*

Tucker (Ga.) at Blackman

MTCS at Monterey

Cannon Co. at Red Boiling Springs**

*WGNS (1450-AM, 100.5-FM, 101.9-FM)

**WBRY (1540-AM, 96.7-FM)

The Blackman girls soccer team won the Rebelette Invitational last weekend. In the bottom row, from left, are Kelsey Abernathy and Elise Chessor. In the second row, from left, are Erin Laubacher, Tyler Cosby, Jill Berosh, Hope Gallagher, Layne Nash, Kenzi Vetter, Brinley Vinson, Beth Sengsouk and Alaysha Russell. In the third row, from left, are coach Bill Vice, Carly Bowen, Mallory Conlin, Amelia Goodnight, Ashley Anderson, Kate Rudesill, Carrington MacKenzie, Jenna Kleinschmit, Emily Nash and assistant coach Katie Smith.

Siegel’s volleyball team won the silver bracket in the Charger Invite in Champaign, Illinois. In the front, from left, are Katelyn Lester, Asha Phillips, Kristin Demonbreun, MaKenzie Jordan, Julia Wheeler and Caitlyn Delk.In the back, from left, are assistant coach Maggie Allan, Leah Poarch, Hannah Adams, Kayla Mize, Liz Bossong, Alexis Radtke, Ashley Wessner, coach Shawn Robinson and manager Austin Kraner

Leah Poarch was named to the all-tournament team in the Charger Invite in Champaign, Illinois, after helping lead Siegel’s volleyball team to the silver bracket title this past weekend.

Poarch recorded 36 kills, three aces, four blocks and 42 blocks during the tournament.

Siegel went 4-1 over the weekend. The Lady Stars (15-4) defeated Rochester, Illinois, 2-0; Urbana, Illinois, 2-0; Plainfield North, Illinois, 2-0 and Champaign, Illinois, 2-0. Siegel’s lone loss came 2-1 to Whitney Young.

Siegel finished fifth overall out of 20 teams. The four teams ahead of the Lady Stars were all defending state champion or runner-up in different classifications in Illinois.

Tennessee commitment Asha Phillips had 32 kills, 49 digs and two blocks. Kayla Mize tallied 24 kills and eight blocks. Katelyn Lester recorded 20 kills and seven blocks. And Hannah Adams added 15 kills and eight blocks.

Setter Kristin Demonbreun dished out 112 assists and served 14 aces. Tennessee Tech commitment Liz Bossong had 64 digs and five aces. MaKenzie Jordan served four aces.

The Blackman girls soccer team won the Rebelette Invitational this weekend. In the bottom row, from left, are Kelsey Abernathy and Elise Chessor. In the second row, from left, are Erin Laubacher, Tyler Cosby, Jill Berosh, Hope Gallagher, Layne Nash, Kenzi Vetter, Brinley Vinson, Beth Sengsouk and Alaysha Russell. In the third row, from left, are coach Bill Vice, Carly Bowen, Mallory Conlin, Amelia Goodnight, Ashley Anderson, Kate Rudesill, Carrington MacKenzie, Jenna Kleinschmit, Emily Nash and assistant coach Katie Smith.

Blackman soccer wins Rebelette Invitational: Blackman’s girls soccer team defeated Shelbyville 2-0 to claim the Rebelette Invitational in Winchester.

Kenzi Vetter and Carrington McKenzie scored goals for Blackman in the title game. Brinley Vinson recorded an assist.

Blackman also defeated Columbia (7-0), Coffee County (4-1) and Franklin County (3-1) in the tournament.

Riverdale girls win Warrior Invitational: Riverdale’s girls won its own Warrior Invitational on Saturday. Sisters Emma McClellan and Maddy McClellan fi

nished second (19:47.19) and third (20:03.26), respectively, to lead Riverdale. Teammate Sarah Sneed was fourth (20:16.46). And Gracie Pendleton was seventh (21:34.71).

Riverdale won with 26 points. Central Magnet was second with 60.

Central Magnet standout Taylor Cuneo won the race in 18:49.98. Central’s Abby Graves was sixth (21:13.59). Cannon County’s Hannah Whited was eighth (21:38.59).

Riverdale was third in the boys race with 102 points. Wilson Central won with 39 points.

Riverdale’s Timothy Dye was third (17:07.06). Teammate Avery Stokes was 10th (18:03.54).

Jordan Shirley led Central Magnet, finishing eighth (17:49.39).

Former Eagle honored: Cumberland University linebacker Nathan Jernigan was named the Mid-south Conference Defensive Player of the Week on Monday after recording 15 tackles in Cumberland’s 33-26 win over 11th-ranked Georgetown College.

It marks the second time in the former Eagleville standout’s career to receive the honor. Jernigan had 1.5 sacks in the win.

Smyrna football recognized: The Tennessee state fire marshal recently awarded the Smyrna senior football players the Community Service Award for participating in the “Be Alarmed” campaign. The players worked with the Smyrna fire department to install smoke detectors in homes that didn’t have them.

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

Oakland’s JaCoby Stevens

Oakland’s JaCoby Stevens, on Wednesday, August 5, 2015.

MURFREESBORO — JaCoby Stevens welcomed the challenge of playing on both offense and defense entering the high school football season.

The Oakland junior scored on offense and defense in Friday’s 49-30 win over rival Siegel to kick off Region 2-6A play. He has been named The Daily News Journal’s Football Player of the Week.

“We’re happy that he realizes how important it is for him to be on the field as a playmaker,” Oakland coach Kevin Creasy said. “A lot of teams are playing guys on one side of the ball. We’re pleased that he’s dedicated himself to be in the best shape of his life.”

Against the Stars, Stevens reeled in touchdown passes of 51 and 26 yards from quarterback Brendan Matthews and finished with five catches for 208 yards. Stevens, a 6-foot-2, 190-pound safety and wide receiver, also picked up a Greedy Howse fumble and returned it 91 yards for a touchdown. He had eight tackles.

“He has big-play potential,” Creasy said. “Our quarterback did a good job of getting him the ball in space. And our offensive line did a good job protecting him. He’s a playmaker on both sides on the ball.”

Blackman, Oakland now favorites in Region 2-6A
Oakland comes back for win

Creasy said what sets Stevens apart is that opposing coaches realize his ability on the field and adjust their offense and defense around him. They often key on him with double teams when Stevens lines up on offense. And they run and throw the ball away from him when he is on defense.

“There is no secret out there about JaCoby,” Creasy said. “Everybody knows about him. Everyone tries to match coverage.

“That’s a credit to his ability. People know about him and he is still making plays.”

Stevens has 10 catches for 248 yards through three games with four total touchdowns.

Stevens, who has already been selected for the 2017 Army All-American game for after his senior year, is the 24th-ranked college prospect for the Class of 2017 by ESPN and ranked No. 72 by Rivals. His college offers include Alabama, Auburn, Georgia, LSU, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Tennessee, Texas A&M and Vanderbilt.

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

Player of the Week

Week 1: Tanner Green, MTCS

Week 2: Taeler Dowdy, Blackman

Week 3: JaCoby Stevens, Oakland

Week 4 games

(All games start at 7 p.m.)

Smyrna at Independence

Stewarts Creek at La Vergne

Loretto at Eagleville

Hillsboro at Riverdale

Wilson Central at Siegel*

Tucker (Ga.) at Blackman

MTCS at Monterey

Cannon Co. at Red Boiling Springs**

*WGNS (1450-AM, 100.5-FM, 101.9-FM)

**WBRY (1540-AM, 96.7-FM)

SMYRNA — There was a moment prior to the season when Austin Brown didn’t know if he’d be medically cleared to start the high school football season.

Brown, a senior Smyrna linebacker, missed most of the preseason with a fractured vertebrae sustained during spring practice.

However since he was granted clearance to play days before Week 1, it’s been hard to get Brown off the football field.

He is the Bulldogs’ top tackler and directs the defense. He is the team’s punter, and averages nearly 42 yards a punt. And he is often used as Smyrna’s short-yardage running back due to his 6-foot, 230-pound body that includes deceptive speed.

“Austin is just a great football player for us,” Smyrna coach Matt Williams said. “He’s a big kid that can run.

“He’s a tone-setter for our football team. Last week against Coffee County, he took a swing pass out of the backfield and sort of laid out one of their defensive backs. That set the tone for our team.”

Brown leads Smyrna (3-0) with 27 tackles and a forced fumble entering Friday’s showdown with Independence (3-0), which is ranked first in Class 5A in the Associated Press’ statewide poll. Smyrna is ranked 10th in Class 6A. Indepednence is the first ranked opponent the Bulldogs have faced this season.

Smyrna’s defense is giving up 10.0 points and 181.3 yards a game this season.

“It’s going to be a great challenge for us,” Brown said. “It’s going to be a real test to see where our team is at. It’s going to be a fun game knowing that it’s two really good teams playing against each other.

“It’s going to be a good one.”

Brown, who has a pair of rushing touchdowns despite having just four carries for 5 yards, was never truly concerned that he may never step on the field when he was injured during a collision with teammate Deylon Williams.

Williams, a linebacker, remains out with a shoulder injury sustained in the collision. He may miss the season.

“I guess some weren’t sure if I’d be ready or not to start the season,” Brown said. “But I was progressing faster than I should have been.”

Brown brings a physical presence to Smyrna’s defense. He doesn’t shy away from contact despite his recent injury.

“It’s more of a mindset for me,” Brown said. “I won’t be beat. I just don’t want to get beat. I want my teammates to see that since I’m physical, they want to play up to my standard.”

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

Week 4 games

(All games start at 7 p.m.)

Smyrna at Independence

Stewarts Creek at La Vergne

Loretto at Eagleville

Hillsboro at Riverdale

Wilson Central at Siegel*

Tucker (Ga.) at Blackman

MTCS at Monterey

Cannon Co. at Red Boiling Springs**

*WGNS (1450-AM, 100.5-FM, 101.9-FM)

**WBRY (1540-AM, 96.7-FM)

Smyrna linebacker Austin Brown leads his team in tackles and is Smyrna’s punter and short-yardage rusher.

Smyrna linebacker Austin Brown leads his team in tackles and is Smyrna’s punter and short-yardage rusher.