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Lawrence County (5-2) used a punishing ground attack that featured the Wing-T formation to rack up 499 rushing yards. Not picked to be competitive in '09, Marston has his Wildcats positioned for their first playoff berth in 23 years.
"Coach David Marston and his staff have done a fabulous job and we are confident they will continue to do so," said Lawrence County Principal Michael Adkins. "The Wildcat football team is having a great season and the young men have persevered in the face of adversity when most may have simply chose to quit. That is a quality coach Marston has instilled."
Through the Titans Foundation, team owner K.S. "Bud" Adams, Jr. will make a $1,000 contribution to the Lawrence County High School football program in Coach Marston'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 Marston 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 Marston 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 Crockett County's P.A. Pratt whose undefeated Cavaliers defeated Dyersburg 21-14 in a key 13A contest; John Olive of Tullahoma who led his team to 49-48 double overtime victory over rival Franklin County; Kevin Creasy of Trousdale County who guided his team to a 23-7 upset over previously No.1-ranked Friendship Christian.
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.
