NASHVILLE, Tenn. - The Tennessee Titans announced today that Keith Henry, head football coach of Coalfield High School in Coalfield, TN, has been named as the Titans High School Football Coach of the Week for week four. Coalfield defeated local rival Oliver Springs 20-0, a huge turnaround from their 48-2 loss to the same school last season!
Henry's starting lineup includes two freshmen and an eighth grader on the offensive line, a unit that enjoyed success against Oliver Springs.
"It's a well deserved honor as Coach Henry works very long hours. He works incredibly hard and he works the kids very hard as well. They are very disciplined. We all are proud of him," said Coalfield High School Principal Bob Bennett. "Coach Henry wants to succeed for the kids and he always puts them first."
Through the Titans Foundation, team owner K.S. "Bud" Adams, Jr. will make a $1,000 contribution to the Coalfield High School football program in Coach Henry's 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 Henry will be the team's guest at the Titans vs. Houston Texans contest on December 19th when the team honors all 2010 Coach of the Week winners and announces the winner of the 2010 Coach of the Year! Coach Henry is now eligible for the Tennessee Titans Coach of the Year award and Adams will make an additional $2,000 grant to the Titans Coach of the Year winner on that date.
Also receiving strong consideration in this week's poll was Tab Vowell of Jackson North Side. Vowell was not present for the game due to father's death but his preparation and motivation led his team to a 51-21 win over previously undefeated Brighton High School, a Class 6A top 10 ranked team. Matt Lowe of Powell High School also received votes for his team's 42-12 victory over an Anderson County team that entered the game averaging more than 55 points per game. Powell is now 5-0 for the first time since 2002. Oakland High School's Thomas McDaniel defeated cross-town rival Riverdale High School by a 34-28 score in triple overtime! Oakland entered the game ranked third in the state and Riverdale was ranked sixth prior to the classic battle.
Now in its 12th season, Mr. Adams has awarded more than $130,000 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.
