**
 |
Before reaching the state championship, Beech had never advanced past the semifinals in the history of the school and this year won its second consecutive regional title and third in Crabtree's five seasons at Beech. The Buccaneers used a balanced passing and rushing attack to score the highest amount of points in this year's state championship games led by Quarterback Jarod Neal's four passing touchdowns of which tied a state championship game record.
"If I could describe Coach Crabtree in one word, the word I would use is solid. He's a solid individual in the way he approaches the game, solid in his relationships with the players and solid in the way he serves our community," said Beech Principal Frank Cardwell."I am a firm believer in the adage that says players take on the identity of the coach's personality and fortunately for us, that has paid huge dividends."
Through the Titans Foundation, team owner K.S. "Bud" Adams, Jr. will make a $2,000 contribution to the Beech High School football program in Coach Crabtree's honor. Crabtree was also named a Titans Coach of the Week in Week 10 of the 2005 season, his first year as the head coach at Beech.
"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 Crabtree will be the team's guest at the Titans vs. St. Louis game on December 13th when the team honors all 2009 Coach of the Week winners and announces the winner of the 2009 Coach of the Year!
Also receiving strong consideration in this week's poll was Alcoa's Gary Rankin whose team captured their sixth consecutive state title this past weekend; Darren Bowling of Union City whose club won its first ever state title with a victory over heavily-favored South Pittsburg; Shawn Witten of Elizabethton who led his team to a 11-3 record in 2009 and is heavily involved with youth community programs.
Now in its 12th season, the Adams has awarded more than $126,000 from the Titans Foundation to football programs across the state in honor of the Coach of the Week winners.
"High school football coaches can play a role in the lives of their players that will have lasting results," said NFL director of football operations Gene Washington. "A competitive spirit, good sportsmanship and character development are some of the issues confronted on a daily basis by football coaches. We are thankful for the many coaches around the country who assume such a demanding role."
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.
