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The win was Sullivan South's second straight 35-28 victory after the on-field death of senior lineman Jake Logue. Logue collapsed and passed away during the third quarter of the team's matchup vs. Knoxville West. Carter's team has battled back and fought in both wins to remain competitive in a tough Division I Class 3A district.
"In light of the recent tragedy we have had here, our community, school and players have been looking for leadership and Coach Carter has been just that. He demands respect and with his tremendous work ethic, he really gets the best out of his players," said Sullivan South Athletic Director Anthony Richardson. "Anytime coaches, especially the smaller school coaches can be recognized is a huge honor and I'm sure Coach Carter will be more than pleased and honored at this selection."
Through the Titans Foundation, team owner K.S. "Bud" Adams, Jr. will make a $1,000 contribution to the Sullivan South High School football program in Coach Carter'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 Carter 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 Carter 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 Ricky Bowers of Ensworth who's club knocked off the No. 3 team in the state in Montgomery Bell Academy ending their 15-game home winning streak; Phillip Shadowens of Blackman who defeated perennial powerhouse 10-2 proving he can win in tough Rutherford County; John Offutt of Northwest High School (Clarksville), who defeated Clarksville High 14-7 on the road shocking the city and silencing critics who were opposed to his hiring.
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.
