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After starting the season 0-2, Riverside (6-2) has now won six straight, all but assuring themselves a playoff berth in 2009. The Panthers dominated Trinity Christian Academy, amassing 378 rushing yards en route to the victory.
"Coach Goff is dedicated first to education and then to the football program and we are ecstatic he has been chosen for this great honor," said Decatur Co. Riverside Principal Robert Myracle. "He is well-appreciated in our community and his players really look up to him. He is a tremendous role model for our students."
Through the Titans Foundation, team owner K.S. "Bud" Adams, Jr. will make a $1,000 contribution to the Decatur Co. Riverside High School football program in Coach Goff'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 Goff will be the team's guest at the Titans vs. St. Louis Rams contest 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! Coach Goff 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 Maryville's George Quarles who led his team to a 35-32 come-from-behind victory on the road to clinch the region title; Mount Juliet's Bobby Perry whose team defeated Station Camp 46-7 keeping them undefeated in 2009; Robbie Norris of Sullivan North who in just two seasons has turned the program around. They beat Happy Valley 14-0 in Week 8; Will Wolfe of Brighton High School who led his club to a 34-14 victory over Hardin Co; Thomas McDaniel of Oakland High School who led his team to a 14-0 victory over rival Blackman.
Now in its 12th season, Mr. Adams has awarded more than $124,000 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.
