NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The Tennessee Titans are proud to announce the Week 9 nominees for the Titans High School Coach of the Week honors!
The nominees are Jeff Brothers of Nashville Christian School, Kevin Ward of Crockett County High School, Mark Pemberton of Rhea County High School and Craig Harris of Middleton High School.
Each coach was nominated by sports media throughout the state of Tennessee on the basis of specific criteria that include: beating a longtime rival, snapping a losing streak, defeating a defending champion, recording an amazing come from behind victory and/or involvement in the local community.
Also considered is a coach's commitment to his players' safety by teaching the fundamentals of the game, proper tackling techniques, concussion management practices and adherence to heat and hydration guidelines.
Week 9 voting is open until 9 a.m. ET/8 a.m. CT Thursday, Oct. 31. VOTE here.
The 10 weekly winners of the Coach of the Week will each receive a $1,000 grant from the Tennessee Titans Foundation for their football programs to be used to provide funds for equipment, turf treatment or upgrades to their field houses.
At the conclusion of the Tennessee state playoffs, a Titans High School Coach of the Year will be selected, and that winner will receive a $2,000 grant from the Titans Foundation for his school's football program!
The Titans began honoring Tennessee's High School Coaches in 1998 and since that time, have awarded $169,000 in grants to support high school football programs throughout Tennessee via this program!
Please review the brief description of each nominee before voting:
Jeff Brothers, Nashville Christian School:Coach Brothers' Nashville Christian Eagles defeated East Nashville 34-30. Battling back from a 14-0 deficit earlier in the contest, Nashville Christian was able to secure a four-point win with a game-clinching interception. East Nashville was ranked ninth in Class 3A, while Nashville Christian was ranked fifth in Class 1A.
Kevin Ward, Crockett County High School: Coach Ward's Crockett County Cavaliers defeated the Lexington Tigers 35-14. Facing a formidable and playoff-bound Tigers squad, the Cavaliers exhibited a great offensive prowess by scoring on their first three possessions. Crockett County will end its regular season at home before heading into the playoffs.
Mark Pemberton, Rhea County High School:Coach Pemberton's Rhea County Golden Eagles defeated the highly touted East Hamilton Hurricanes 27-24. Displaying great defense and special teams play, the Golden Eagles were able to stop the Hurricanes once more in the fourth quarter and prevent a game-winning drive. Coach Pemberton has the chance next week to end the year with a 9-1 record. Before his arrival, Rhea County went 1-9 last season.
Craig Harris, Middleton High School:Coach Harris' Middleton Tigers defeated Rossville Christian Academy 32-27. The two teams traded leads throughout the contest. The Tigers were able to secure the win with a huge stop on their 8-yard line with four seconds remaining in the game. This was Middleton's first win of the season and first home game after six straight road games.
The winner of the Coach of the Week grant will receive a $1,000 grant to help a deserving school provide funds for equipment, turf treatment or upgrades to their field house! Click **here to vote** for the Week 9 Coach of the Week. Voting is open until 9 a.m. ET/8 a.m. CT Thursday, Oct. 31.
