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In a critical Region 7-3A game to decide the likely No.2 seed in the league, Dyersburg and Crockett County went back and fourth with the outcome being decided on the final play of the game. After both teams traded scores in each overtime, Dyersburg registered a sack on an attempted two-point conversion by Crockett County in the final overtime to give the Trojans the dramatic victory.
"It's an honor for our school and our students to have Coach Counce and for him to receive this award re-confirms just that," said Dyersburg Athletic Director James Counce. "The kids will jump over the moon for him and that is a credit to the way he coaches and cares about each of his student-athletes."
Through the Titans Foundation, team owner K.S. "Bud" Adams, Jr. will make a $1,000 contribution to the Dyersburg High School football program in Coach Counce'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 Counce will be the team's guest at the Titans vs. Pittsburgh Steelers game on December 21st when the team honors all 2008 Coach of the Week winners and announces the winner of the 2008 Coach of the Year! Coach Counce 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 votes for the coach of the week was Ooltewah coach Benny Moore who led the No.9 ranked (Class 5A) Owls to a 31-3 upset victory over top-ranked Farragut, Kenny Parker of Cascade high school in Wartrace, TN who guided his team to 62-32 defeat of region foe Nashville Christian to stay undefeated in 2008, Scott Vernan of Happy Valley whose 39-0 victory over South Greene moved them to first place in the Watauga Conference, Scott Smith of Science Hill who guided his club to a 26-7 victory over Campbell County in a key Big East Conference contest and Franklin's Craig Clayton who led his team to a 42-14 victory over 6-5A opponent Columbia.
Now in its 11th season, the Adams has awarded more than $112,000 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.
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