As we head into the final weeks of the TSSAA football regular season, the races for the state's top individual honor are beginning to come into view.
Every year the TSSAA names a Tennessee Titans Mr. Football in each classification, as well as a Kicker of the Year, based on performances throughout the regular season along with academics and character.
For the remainder of the regular season, each week, The Tennessean will rank the top five players on our Mr. Football watchlist for every classification, highlighting the athletes we believe have the best shot of claiming the award in December.
Our first ranking for Division II-A Mr. Football was released on Oct. 15.
Here's The Tennessean's updated Mr. Football watchlist for DII-A entering Week 10
of the TSSAA football season.
Stream Tennessee HS football on NFHS Network
Ranking TSSAA Mr. Football prospects in Division II-A
1. Alie Bangura
MTCS | Junior | RB
Why chosen: Bangura continued his red-hot form in Week 9, carrying the Cougars to a 41-7 win over Tipton-Rosemark as he rushed 14 times for 186 yards and three touchdowns. He's now totaled 106 carries for 1,103 yards and 21 touchdowns, averaging 137.9 yards, while recording 11 tackles, two for a loss, and a pass break up on defense.
Last week: No. 1
2. Kristian Jones
Ezell-Harding | Sophomore | ATH
Why chosen: Jones was everywhere for Ezell-Harding in a 34-21 win over Zion Christian, recording 224 all-purpose yards and three total touchdowns. The sophomore has now caught 34 passes for 718 yards and 10 touchdowns, rushed 21 times for 495 yards and six touchdowns, while adding 443 yards and two touchdowns on returns. His impact hasn't been limited to the offensive side of the ball, also recording 34 tackles, two interceptions and a forced fumble.
Last week: No. 4
3. Jay Pirtle
Jackson Christian | Senior | RB
Why chosen: Pirtle saw plenty of the end zone in Week 9, rushing nine times for 113 yards and three touchdowns in a 49-20 win over Harding Academy. Through eight games he's led the Eagles rushing 147 times for 1,078 yards and 16 touchdowns, while catching five passes for 141 yards.
Last week: No. 3
4. Joe Cole
Trinity Christian | Junior | RB/LB
Why chosen: Cole had a much-needed breather with the Lions off in Week 9. Through seven games he's led Trinity Christian with 83 carries for 789 yards and 15 touchdowns, while on defense adding 36 tackles, 3.5 for a loss and an interception returned for a touchdown.
Last week: No. 2
5. Cayden Creech
USJ | Senior | QB
Why chosen: Creech hardly put a foot wrong in USJ's 37-0 win over Dyer County, completing 11-of-13 passes for 187 yards and two touchdowns. This season he's 82-of-120 passing for 1,306 yards with 13 touchdowns and one interception as the defending state runner up Bruins sit at 7-1.
Last week: No. 5
Do you have a player worthy of Mr. Football consideration? Email hcampbell@usatodayco.com with the athlete's information and season stats to be considered for our watchlist.
This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Who moved up to No. 2 in updated TSSAA Mr. Football Division II-A rankings? See our list
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