NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The Tennessee Titans announced today that Stanton Stevens, head football coach of LaVergne High School in LaVergne, Tenn. has been named Titans High School Football Coach of the Week. Stevens' Wolverines defeated class 3A number one ranked Christian Academy of Knoxville (CAK) Warriors in a thrilling double overtime victory, 43-42. The triumphant victory ended a six game losing streak and handed CAK their second loss of the season.
"Coach Stevens is one of those coaches where his players will step up and play the entire season," said Assistant Principal and Athletic Director, Letoni Murry. "We are not having one of the best of seasons, up to this point, but his athletes continue to work hard for him. Coach Stevens is a great role model for the kids and we are fortunate to have him here at LaVergne High School."
Through the Titans Foundation, team Owner K.S. "Bud" Adams, Jr. will make a $1,000 contribution to the LaVergne High School football program in Coach Stevens' honor.
"High school football enjoys a great tradition in Tennessee," said Adams. "That tradition is based not only on the outstanding quality of play but on the devotion of their coaches who continue to develop high school football players into young men of strong character. I'm very pleased to underwrite this program that recognizes the efforts of so many talented high school coaches across the state!"
Coach Stevens will be the team's guest at the Titans vs. New Orleans Saints contest on December 11th when the Titans honor all 2011 Coach of the Week winners. On that date, the Titans will also announce the winner of the 2011 Coach of the Year, who will earn a $2,000 grant for his football program.
Also receiving strong consideration in this week's poll Jeff Morris of Milan High School, who defeated Covington 28-26 to become a step closer in winning their division. Also receiving support this week was Rodney Saulsberry of Whitehaven High School, who defeated Mitchell High 48-0 to remain undefeated and Larry Shively of Happy Valley, whose Warriors knocked off heavily-favored Hampton High, 35-21.
Now in its 12th season, Mr. Adams has awarded more than $146,000 from the Titans Foundation to football programs across the state in honor of the Coach of the Week winners.
The criterion for selection includes the coach's impact on his team, school and community. A statewide media panel votes each week to determine the weekly winner. All high school football coaches in Tennessee, regardless of their school's size, league, or division, are eligible to be selected each week. The program is designed to recognize high school coaches who transform, through their hard work and dedication, student-athletes into the best possible football players and citizens in their community.
