Week 1 of high school football is in the books, and a lot of Rutherford County stars had huge weeks. Here’s a look at the best performances this week, in descending order.
Timmy Goodrich, Sr., quarterback, Oakland
Senior Timmy Goodrich had two things going against him on Friday. First, he hadn’t played football in two years. Second, he was splitting time at quarterback with junior Brevin Linnel. No matter. Goodrich threw the ball just once, but ran seven times for 120 yards and scored twice on runs of 42 and 47 yards, helping Oakland build an early lead it in an impressive 38-6 thrashing of Independence.
Blake Watkins, Jr., running back, Smyrna
Blake Watkins may not have been involved in quarterback Alex Bannister’s last-second heave that helped Smyrna shock LaVergne. But the Bulldogs, down 28-7 in the fourth quarter, couldn’t have been in position without terrific play from Watkins. Watkins did a bit of everything on Friday, rushing 17 times for 132 yards and two scores, catching three balls for 25 more, and returning kickoffs for 105 more. Watkins also added an interception for good measure. You may see video highlights of his evening here.
Trey Knox, Jr., wide receiver, Blackman
Knox was our pick for the top offensive player in Rutherford County coming into the season. He showed why in Blackman’s opener, a 63-28 rout of Hendersonville in which the Blaze put up 49 points in the first half. Knox caught six balls for 129 yards and two scores against the Commandos on Friday, and here are video highlights of that performance.
Lelan Whilhoite, Sr., running back, Siegel
Wilhoite was huge in Siegel’s 43-2 route of Stewart’s Creek. The Stars built a 36-0 halftime lead things to their senior running back, who did all of his damage on the ground (14 carries, 111 yards) in the first half. For the evening, Wilhoite added three catches for 80 yards and accounted for four total touchdowns.
Master Teague, Sr., running back, Blackman
Master Teague put on a show in Blackman’s thrashing of Hendersonville. The Ohio State running back commitment ran 18 times for 186 yards, added 58 yards receiving and a 97-yard kickoff return score as part of a four-touchdown evening. Here are video highlights of his evening.
Also considered:
Alex Bannister, QB, Smyrna
Brendan Crowell, QB, Siegel
Kemari McGowan, QB, Middle Tennessee Christian
Christian Souffrant, QB, Riverdale
