NASHVILLE, TN, Oct. 6, 2008 - The Tennessee Titans announced today that Jeff Morris, head football coach of Milan High School in Milan, Tenn., has been named the Titans High School Football Coach of the Week for Week Six. Milan (6-0) edged University School of Jackson (5-1) 42-35 in thrilling fashion to keep a stronghold on the region.
In a battle of state-ranked, Region 8-2A teams, the two teams combined for over 900 yards of offense that came down to which team would get a defensive stop. Facing one of the top quarterbacks in the region in USJ's Jake Overby and missing three starters due to injury, Milan used a steady rushing attack (Jobronski Gilbert 255 yards, four TDs) and a balanced passing game to out-duel USJ.
"Coach Morris in an outstanding coach and in his short tenure here at Milan, he has already earned two state championships and has the expectation of winning it each year," said Milan principal Kris Todd. "He is well respected in the community, our parents love him and the students look up to him. It's a big honor for him to be rewarded as the Titans Coach of the Week."
Through the Titans Foundation, team owner K.S. "Bud" Adams, Jr. will make a $1,000 contribution to the Milan High School football program in Coach Morris' 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 Morris 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 Morris 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 Jackie Kelley of Westmoreland high school who lead his club to a 18-3 victory of the high-powered York Dragons who entered the contest averaging 31 points per game, Ricky Bowers of Ensworth who defeated a tough Montgomery Bell Academy squad 41-28, Thomas McDaniel of Oakland whose team defeated Smyrna 24-17 after four overtimes and Dwayne Hatcher of Morristown East whose club earned their first victory over city-rival Morristown West 21-14 in five years.
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.
