NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The Tennessee Titans are proud to announce Week 5 nominees for the Titans High School Coach of the Week honors!
The nominees are Shawn Witten of Elizabethton High School, Terry Anderson of Nashville's Overton High School, James Carr of Franklin County High School and Darren Bowling of Union City 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 5 voting is open until 9 a.m. ET/8 a.m. CT Thursday, Oct. 3. VOTE here.
The 10 weekly winners of the Coach of the Week will earn 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 earn 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 $165,000 in grants to support high school football programs throughout Tennessee via this program!
Please review the brief description of each nominee before voting:
Shawn Witten, Elizabethton High School:Coach Witten's Elizabethton Cyclones defeated their longtime rival Tennessee High Vikings 35-13. The Cyclones, ranked eighth in the state in Class 4A, won easily against Class 5A seventh-ranked Vikings.
Terry Anderson, Nashville Overton High School:Coach Anderson's Overton Bobcats defeated the Ravenwood Raptors 34-33 in overtime. Battling throughout the contest, Overton gained a 34-27 lead in the extra period with a short touchdown run. The Raptors countered but the Bobcats were able prevent a two-point conversion attempt with a tremendous defensive effort and game-clinching interception.
James Carr, Franklin County High School:Coach Carr's Franklin County Rebels defeated the Marshall County Tigers 47-34. The Rebels came into the contest rated lower than the Tigers in the Tennessee rankings and were expected to lose to a team containing a few Division I college commits. Franklin County is now 2-0 since their bye week.
Darren Bowling, Union City High School:Coach Bowling's Union City Tornados defeated the Dresden Lions 42-32. The game had 33 points scored in the third quarter, as the Tornados, kept the Class 1A No. 3 Lions at bay with great offensive play calling and tremendous defensive efforts. This is Coach Bowling's second Coach of the Week nomination this year.
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 5 Coach of the Week. Voting is open until 9 a.m. ET/8 a.m. CT Thursday, Oct. 3.
