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.
Initially five Mr. Football semifinalists will be named by the TSSAA in each classification, after fielding nominations from high school coaches and media members across the state. Then a committee of Tennessee high school sports writers will meet to determine the winners in each class.
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.
Here's The Tennessean's Mr. Football watchlist for Division II-A entering Week 9 of the TSSAA football season.
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Ranking TSSAA Mr. Football prospects in DII-A
1. Alie Bangura
MTCS | Junior | RB
Why chosen: MTCS is 6-1 through eight weeks of the season with Bangura having rushed 92 times for 917 yards and 18 touchdowns.
2. Joe Cole
Trinity Christian | Junior | RB/LB
Why chosen: Cole has rushed 83 times for 789 yards and 15 touchdowns, while adding 36 tackles, 3.5 for a loss and an interception on defense.
3. Jay Pirtle
Jackson Christian | Senior | RB
Why chosen: Through six games Pirtle had 114 carries for 838 yards and 12 touchdowns, along with 141 receiving yards.
4. Kristian Jones
Ezell-Harding | Sophomore | ATH
Why chosen: Jones has 30 catches for 655 yards and nine touchdowns, while rushing for 415 yards and four touchdowns.
5. Cayden Creech
USJ | Senior | QB
Why chosen: Creech has led last season's state runner up completing 71-of-107 passing for 1,119 yards with 11 touchdowns and one interception.
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: Ranking TSSAA Mr. Football Division II-A top candidates entering Week 9
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