By Bill Sorrell
Nominations from recommendations from area coaches and media have been sent to the Tennessee Sports Writers Association for selection for 2019 all-state football teams. The teams, in each of the nine divisions, will be announced in late December or early January.
Included below are players from Memphis and West Tennessee submitted by the West 10 Media. The nominations include Murfreesboro Oakland, which played Germantown. Other area media workers also sent nominations.
6A
ARLINGTON: Stats based on 10 games.
1. Zach Baker, Arlington, Region 7- 6A, Quarterback, Junior. Completed 135 passes for 815 yards (60 percent), 9 touchdowns, 7 interceptions, rushed for 405 yards on 73 carries, 4 touchdowns. Second leading rusher on team, 405 all-purpose yards.
2. Mitchell Faulkner, Arlington, Region 7-6A, Running Back/Linebacker, Senior. Offense: Rushed for 798 yards on 145 carries, 9 touchdowns, 5 kickoff returns for 87 yards, 929 all-purpose yards. Defense: 33 tackles, 5 tackles for loss, 1 sack, 1 interception. First-Team All-region. Playing in AutoZone Liberty Bowl All-Star game.
3. Cannon Linebaugh, Arlington. Region 7-6A, Wide Receiver/Linebacker, Junior. Offense: 26 receptions for 335 yards, 7 touchdowns, 335 all-purpose yards, scored 42 points, second on team. Defense: 24 tackles, 8 tackles for loss, 1 sack, 1 fumble recovery. Firs-team All-region, wide receiver.
COLLIERVILLE: Stats based on 11 games.
1. Mitch Austin, Collierville, Region 7-6A, Quarterback, Senior. Passed for 1868 yards on 142 of 276 completions for 22 touchdowns, 10 interceptions, 206 yards rushing, 7 touchdowns, 2 point conversion in playoffs. First-team All-region, AutoZone Liberty Bowl All-Star game.
2. Scottie Alexander, Collierville, Region 7-6A, Wide Receiver, Junior, 25 receptions for 446 yards, 7 touchdowns, 79 return yards, Second-team All-region.
3. Jared Dawson (PICTURED), Collierville, Region 7-6A, Defensive lineman, 81 tackles, 5 sacks, 1 forced fumble, 1 fumble recovery, First-team All-region, Preseason All-State, AutoZone Liberty Bowl All-Star game, Committed to Louisville.
4. Caleb Myers, Collierville, Region 7-6A, Kicker, Scored 52 points, 28 of 31 points after touchdown with two blocked, 3 fumbled by holder. 8 of 16 field goals with longest of 42 yards. First-team All-Region, Autozone Liberty Bowl All-Star game.
GERMANTOWN: Stats based on 11 games.
1. Duane Akon II. Germantown, Region 8-6A, Wide Receiver, Senior. 45 receptions for 463 yards, 3 touchdowns. First-team All-region. Team captain.
2. John Paul Penn, Germantown, Region 8-6A, Tight End, Halfback, Punter.
Senior. 17 receptions for 212 yards, 1,000 all-purpose yards, punts averaged 34 yards, First-team all-region tight end, second-team All-region punter. Nominated Auto Zone Liberty Bowl All-Star game. Team captain.
3. Curt Garrett, Germantown, Region 8-6A, Offensive Lineman, Senior.
First-team All-region. Team captain.
4. Marcus Askew, Germantown, Region 8-6A, Defensive Back. Senior. 122 tackles including 91 solos, 2 tackles for loss, 6 pass break-ups. First-team All-region. Auto Zone Liberty Bowl All-Star game. Team captain.
5. Dannie Towles, Germantown, Region 8-6A, Linebacker. Senior. 93 tackles including 64 solos, 3 tackles for loss, 2 sacks, 2 interceptions, one touchdown. Second team All-region. Team captain.
6. Cole Cocroft. Germantown, Region 8-6A, Defensive Lineman, Junior. 78 tackles including 45 solos, 4 tackles for loss. First-team All-region. Team captain.
7. Myles Saulsberry, Germantown, Region 8-6A, Defensive Lineman. Sophomore, 45 tackles including 31 solos, 22 tackles for loss, 1 sack. First team All-region.
HOUSTON. Stats based on 14 games.
1. Lincoln Pare, Houston, Region 7-6A, Running Back, Senior. 2019 Mr. Football 6A. Rushed for a school single-season record 2,804 yards on 353 carries, first in the state; 5 receptions for 75 yards, 12 kickoff returns for 393 yards, 38 touchdowns, second in the state. Set school rushing record of 5,658 yards. First-team All-region, Offensive Player of the Year in region.. Auto-Zone Liberty Bowl All-Star game. Led Houston 13-1 record, state-semifinals, most wins in school history. Scholarship offers from Navy, Richmond, Arkansas State, preferred walk-on offers from Virginia Tech, Ole Miss. Runs 40 in 4.5, strongest pound-per-pound player on team with 315 pound bench press, 500-pound squat, 300-pound power clean.
2. Ethan Burns, Houston, Region 7-6A, Quarterback, Senior. Completed 116 of 193 passes (60 percent) for 2,218 yards, 30 touchdowns, 5 interceptions, 151 rushing yards, 4 touchdowns. Second-team all-region. Led team to 13-1 record.
3. Grayson Hitt. Houston, Region 7-6A, Wide Receiver, Senior. 54 receptions for 1,101 yards, 19 touchdowns, Firs-team All-region. AutoZone Liberty Bowl All-Star game. Committed to Alabama to play baseball.
4. Nathan Havrda, Houston, Region 7-6A, Offensive Lineman, Senior.
First-team All-region. Toyota East v. West All-Star game.
5. Deion Harris, Houston, Region 7-6A, Defensive Lineman, Senior. 68 tackles, 14 sacks, 21 for loss. First-team All-region, region Co-Defensive Player of the Year.
OAKLAND: Stats through 14 games.
1. Kody Sparks, Oakland, Region 3-6A, Quarterback, Senior. Passed for 1,412 yards for 27 touchdowns, 3 interceptions, rushed for 4 touchdowns. First-team All-Region. Offensive Most Valuable Player Region. Scholarship offers from Kent State, North Alabama, University of Tennessee Martin, Northern Iowa Led team to 13-1 record, state-semifinals. Ranked No. 1 most all season.
2. Aaron Moore, Oakland, Region 3-6A, Outside Linebacker, Senior, 81 tackles, 6.5 sacks, 18 tackles for loss. First-team All-region. Defensive Player of the Year Region, Offers from Arkansas, Oklahoma State, Colorado State. Toyota East v. West All-Star game.
WHITEHAVEN: Stats based on 11 games.
1. Bryson Eason, Whitehaven, Region 8-6A, Linebacker, Fullback, Senior. Mr. Football finalist. 87 tackles, 38 solos, 49 assists, 1 sack, 7 tackles for loss, 1 interception. First-team All-region. Co-Defensive Player of the Year, AutoZone Liberty Bowl All-Star game. Committed to Tennessee.
2. Martavius French, Whitehaven, Region 8-6A, Defensive Back/Linebacker. Senior, 82 tackles including 42 solos, 17 tackles for loss, 1 safety, 2 interceptions, First-team All-Region. Co-Defensive Player of the Year, AutoZone Liberty Bowl All-Star game. Committed to Tennessee.
3. Tamarion MacDonald, Whitehaven, Region 8-6A, Defensive Back, Linebacker, Senior. 11 games stats, 50 tackles including 23 solos. 2 sacks,7 tackles for loss, First-team All-region, AutoZone Liberty Bowl game, Committed to Tennessee.
4. Zyon Walker, Whitehaven, Region 8-6A, Offensive Lineman/Defensive Lineman, Senior. First-team All-Region defensive line. 15 college offers, including 10 D-1.
5. Keyshawn Harris, Whtiehaven, Region 8-6A, Quarterback, Senior. 94 of 183 for 1058 passing yards for 11 touchdowns, 1 interception, rushed for 250 yards on 67 carries for 5 touchdowns, First-team All-region. Co-Offensive Player of the Year. AutoZone Liberty Bowl All-Star game.
WHITE STATON: Stats based on 12 games
1. Jeremy Boyland, White Station, Region 8-6A, Defensive End. Junior.
56 tackles including 38 solo, 5 tackles, 14 tackles for loss. First-team All-Region.
2. Dwight Holmes, White Station, Region 8-6A, Quarterback. Junior.
119 of 207 completions for 1,555 yards for 14 touchdowns, 10 interceptions.
3. Robert Artis, White Station, Region 8-6A, Defensive Back. Senior, 1 touchdown, 2 interceptions, 11 pass breakups. Second team All-region.
4. Daniel Gwin, White Station, Region 8-6A, Linebacker, Junior.
81 tackles including 64 solo, 1 sack, 9 tackles for loss. First-team All-region.
5. Scott Welborn, White Station, Region 8-6A, Outside Linebacker, Senior.
46 tackles including 28 solos, 1 sack, 1 tackle for loss. First team All-region.
6. Ray Curry, White Station, Region 8-6A, Offensive Left Tackle, Senior.
AutoZone Liberty Bowl All-Star game. Committed to Missouri.
5A
BRIGHTON: Stats based on 10 games
1. Nick Johnson, Brighton, Region 8-5A, Quarterback. Senior. Completed 104 of 210 passes for 1,372 yards, 10 touchdowns. Averaged 36.6 yards punting. First-team All-Region. Liberty Bowl All-Star game. Has thrown for 4,312 yards and 36 touchdowns in career.
2. Austin Welsandt, Brighton, Region 8-5A, Defensive Tackle, Senior.
48 solo tackles, 5 sacks, 18 tackles for loss, 7 forced fumbles, 1 fumble recovery. First-team All-Region.
3. Jackson Kelley. Brighton, Region 8-5A, Offensive Lineman. Senior.
Second-team All-region. Offer from Austin Peay.
SOUTHWIND: Stats based on 11 games
Romal Webb, Southwind, Region 8-5A, Running Back, Senior.
176 carries with 2,056 yards, 33 touchdowns. Receiving 3 catches for 205 yards, 1 touchdown. First-team All-region. Most Valuable Offensive Player in region. AutoZone Liberty Bowl game. Offers from Eastern Illinois. Southern Illinois, Tennessee State, University of Tennessee Martin.
4A
BOLTON: Stats based on 10 games
1. Josh Alexander, Bolton, Region 8-4A, Wide Receiver/Defensive Back, Senior. 17 receptions for 286 yards, 13 kickoff returns for 211 yards.
First-team All-region. Nominated for AutoZone Liberty Bowl All-Star game. 2019 BSN Heart of the Game Award winner. Offers from Bethel, Defiance, Arkansas Baptist, Tennessee Valley Prep, Georgia Knights Prep Academy.
BROWNSVILLE HAYWOOD. Stats based on 11 games.
Advanced to state semifinals.
1. Markeston Douglass, Haywood, Region 7-4A, Tight End, Senior.
Total of 22 receptions for 516 yards, 7 touchdowns. 46.91 yards per game.
First team All-region. Named Best Tight End in region.
2. Travarious Baker, Haywood, Region 7-4A, Linebacker, Senior.
120 tackles, 3 sacks, 10 tackles for loss, 1 interception, 1 interception for touchdown, 1 blocked field goal. First team All-region. Named Best Linebacker in region.
3. Marquis Pugh, Haywood, Region 7-4A, Outside Linebacker, Wide Receiver, Senior. 105 tackles, 2 sacks, 10 tackles for loss, 5 forced fumbles, 2 fumble recoveries, 2 defensive touchdowns. First-team All-region. Defensive MVP of region.
JACKSON NORTH SIDE. Stats based on 12 games.
1. Cortez Chandler, North Side, Region 6-4A, Linebacker, Senior.
85 tackles, 10 pass breakups, 5 interceptions, 3 sacks, First-team All-region.
Linebacker of the Year in region. West Tennessee All-Star game.
2. Julius Jackson, North Side, Region 6-4A, Middle Linebacker, Fullback. Senior. 78 tackles, 5 forced fumbles, 12 pass breakups. First-team All-region. Region Defensive MVP.
3. Cordarion Jones, North Side, Region 8-6A, Defensive End, Senior Cornerback. Rushed for 825 yards, 13 touchdowns, First-team All-region.
Region Back of the Year. West Tennessee All-Star game.
4. Camaryon Jones, North Side Region 8-6A, Senior, Quarterback,
1,600 yards rushing, 14 touchdowns, 777 yards passing, 5 passing touchdowns. Finished second in West Tennessee for rushing yards, First-team All-region, Region Athlete of the Year, West Tennessee All-Star game.
5. Alvin Howse III, North Side, Region 8-6A, Wide Receiver, Junior.
500 yards receiving, 10 touchdowns.
3A
SHEFFIELD: Stats based on 11 games
Cameron Ware, Sheffield, Region 8-3A, Defensive Tackle, Junior,
68 tackles including 50 solo, 23 tackles for loss, 5 forced fumbles, 5 fumble recoveries, 10 sacks. 3.5 GPA
2A
TRENTON PEABODY: Stats based on 13 games
1. Cooper Baugus, Peabody, Region 7-2A, Quarterback, Senior, 2019 Mr. Football. Completed 89 of 131 passing for 1,557 yards, 23 touchdowns. Rushed for 542 yards, 10 touchdowns. First-team All-Region, Most Valuable Player of Region. Toyota East v. West All-Star game. Runs 40 in 4.6. Offers from Henderson State, Bethel, Cincinnati Christian.
All-state in 2018. Led team to 2018 state championship and will play for state championship Dec. 7. Trenton has 22 game winning streak and ranked No. 1 throughout the season.
2. Jarel Dickson, Peabody, Region 7-2A, Running back, Defensive Back, Senior, Offense: Rushed for 1,120 yards, 16 touchdowns. Defense: 51 tackles, 19 tackles for loss, 2 sacks. First-team All-region, Region Best Defensive Player. Committed to Army. Toyota East v. West All-Star game.
3. Rafe Hannah, Peabody, Region 7-2A, Offensive Guard, Senior, 5-6 pancakes, Player of the Week every week. West Tennessee All-Star game.
DIVISION 2 AAA-West
BRIARCREST Stats based on 11 games.
1. Omari Thomas, Briarcrest, Division 2- AAA West, Offensive/ Defensive Lineman. Senior. 2019 Mr. Football, 43 tackles, 23 solos, 6 sacks, Graded at more than 90 percent on offense. First-team All-region. Named region Defensive MVP. Playing in Army All-American Bowl in January in San Antonio. 40 college offers.
2. Jabari Small, Briarcrest, Division 2-AAA West, Running Back, Senior.
Mr. Football Runner-up. 1,538 rushing yards, 25 touchdowns, 23 receptions for 342 yards, 2 touchdown, 2,100 all-purpose yards, 1 pass break-up touchdown, pass touchdown. First-team All-region. Offensive MVP of Region. Playing in AutoZone Liberty Bowl All-Star game. 30 college offers.
3. Michael Dallas, Briarcrest, Division 2-AAA West, Quarterback, Junior,
1,685 yards passing, 12 touchdowns, 4 interceptions, 480 rushing yards, 6 touchdowns, 41 yard punt average which led Memphis. First-team All-region. Committed to Kentucky to play baseball.
4. Rodney Newsom, Briarcrest, Division 2-AAA West, Offensive/Defensive Lineman, Senior, 25 tackles, 14 solos, 4 sacks, Graded at more than 90 percent on offense. First-team All-region. AutoZone Liberty Bowl All-Star game. 20 college offers.
5. Carrington Kelsey, Briarcrest, Division 2-AAA West, Safety/ Outside Lineabacker, Senior, Captain of defense. 55 tackles including 33 solo.
First-team All-region. AutoZone Liberty Bowl All-Star game. Preferred Walk-On offers from Georgia Tech, Virginia Tech, Duke and potential one from Auburn. Made 35 on ACT, 5.0-plus GPA.
6. Reggie Neely, Briarcrest, Division 2-AAA West, Wide Receiver, Defensive Back, Senior. 3 Interceptions, 27 tackles including 2 solos, 26 receptions for 378 yards, 4 touchdowns, First-team All-region, AutoZone Liberty Bowl All-Star game.
7. Christian Green, Briarcrest, Division 2-AAA West, Center, Noseguard, Senior. First-team All-region. Liberty Bowl All-Star game. 32 tackles, 17 solo, 3 sacks.
CHRISTIAN BROTHERS Stats based on 11 games.
Al Wooten II, CBHS, Division 2-AAA West, Fullback, Running Back/Linebacker. Rushed for 1,063 yards on 163 carries,15 touchdowns.
Led state in kick returns 7 for 348 yards, 2 touchdowns,
First-team All-region. AutoZone Liberty Bowl All-Star game. Multiple D-1 offers.
MEMPHIS UNIVERSITY SCHOOL Stats based on 12 games
1. Marcus Henderson, MUS, Division 2-AAA West, Offensive/Defensive Lineman, Senior. 22 tackles, 6 tackles for loss, 2 sacks, 3 quarterback hurries, First-team All-region, Overall MVP of region. Playing in Under Armour All-American game, Polynesian All-Star game in Hawaii.
2. Ben Skahan, MUS, Division 2-AAA West, Punter, Senior. Averaged 37.9 yards per punt. First-team All-region. AutoZone Liberty Bowl All-Star game.
3. Devonte Nelson, MUS, Division 2-AAA West, Defensive Back, Senior.
40 tackles in 10 games played, 2 interceptions, 1 blocked kick. First-team All-region. AutoZone Liberty Bowl All-Star game.
4. Hunter Kendall, MUS Division 2-AAA West, Running Back, Senior.
Scored 132 points, 22 touchdowns (team high), Rushed for 1125 yards on 234 carries. First-team All-region. AutoZone Liberty Bowlgame.
5. Keithran Hopson, MUS, Division 2-AAA, Defensive Lineman, Senior,
46 tackles, 17 for loss (team high), 4 sacks, 1 pass breakup, 2 quarterback hurries, 1 safety. First-team All-region. AutoZone Liberty Bowl All-Star game.
6. Cody Hopkins, MUS, Division 2-AAA, Wide Receiver/ Defensive Back, Senior. 37 tackles, 1 for loss, 6 interceptions for team-high 111 yards and 1 touchdown, 8 pass breakups, 8 receptions for119 yards, 3 touchdowns. First-team All-region, AutoZone Liberty Bowl game.
7. D.J. Brown, MUS, Division 2-AAA, Linebacker, Junior. 81 tackles, 16 tackles for loss, 4 sacks, 2 interceptions, 4 quarterback hurries, 1 forced fumble, 1 blocked kick. First-team All-region.
8. Gavin McKay, MUS, Division 2-AAA, Wide Receiver, Junior. 35 receptions for 508 yards in 11 games, 3 touchdowns. First team All-Region.
9. Roderic Lewis, MUS, Division 2-AAA West, Wide Receiver/ Defensive Back, Junior. 9 receptions for 107 yards, 2 touchdowns, 58 tackles, 1 tackle for loss, 4 interceptions, 5 pass breakups, 2 fumble recoveries, 1 forced fumble. 12 kick returns for 282 yards. First-team All-region.
Division 2 AA West
ST. GEORGE’S Stats based on 11 games.
Issac Smith, St. George’s, Division 2-AA West, Wide Receiver, Senior.
32 receptions on 680 yards, 9 touchdowns, 4.56 speed, First-team All-region. AutoZone Liberty Bowl All-Star game. Committed to Wisconsin.
Division 2- A -West
FAYETTE ACADEMY. Stats based on 12 games.
1. Rube Scott Rhea, Fayette Academy, Division 2- A West, Quarterback/Defensive Back, Senior. Finalist for Mr. Football. 1,649 passing yards, 14 touchdowns, 1,301 rushing yards, 17 touchdowns, 53 tackles, 1 interception. First-team All-region. Region Player of the Year, All-state in 2018, Preseason all-state 2019, All-region 4 years, Toyota East v. West All-Star game.
2. Quint Stackley, Fayette Academy, Division 2- A West, Linebacker, Senior, 70 tackles, 6 tackles for loss, 1 interception. First-team All-region.
3. Ryan Parks, Fayette Academy, Division 2-A West, Wide Receiver, Senior.
24 receptions for 702 yards, 8 touchdowns.
4. Luke Austein, Fayette Academy, Division 2-A West, Offensive/Defensive Lineman that led team that was 12th in state in rushing and 5th in total offense. 52 pancake blocks, graded 85 percent or better at O-Line, 28 tackles, 6 for loss, 2 sacks, 2 passes defended. First-team All-region. Preseason All-State. Toyota East v. West All-Star game.
