Tigers Maul Big Red 50-21

It was about time this game did not live up to the hype; it was Ensworth's from the first series.

On MBA's opening drive they were forced to punt on 4th down, and from that point, it just got worse for the Big Red.

The Tigers drove the ball down the field with ease. Orleans Darkwa scored from 10 yards out and Jacob Carter ran in the 2 pt conversion because of a bad snap on the PAT attempt.

MBA was stopped once more and Darkwa took one to the house from 54 yards out. This became the theme for the night. Orleans finished the game with 5 touchdowns and 341 rushing yards on 29 carries.

Before the half the Tigers took advantage of Quinn Hamilton's first interception of the year. With just over 40 seconds left, Cody Tollison found a wide open Daniel McFadden who ran it all the way to the MBA 4 yard line. With just seconds remaining, Tollison threw a jump ball in the end zone, and Carter came down with a remarkable catch even though pass interference was called on MBA. Ensworth missed the 2 point conversion. The score at halftime was 28-7.

Colbert's Season

MBA lost a lot more than just a rivalry game Friday night: they lost their quarterback, Luke Colbert.

Colbert scored MBA's only touchdown of the first half, but he took a hit to the head when he was crossing the goal line.

MBA and Ensworth students both ask to keep Luke and his family in your prayers.

Colbert was replaced by backup quarterback Van East. MBA might try senior wide receiver Holden Mobley at quarterback next week against Independence.

2nd Half

Ensworth scored on their opening drive after a 13 yard touchdown run by Orleans. Soon after, MBA running back Tyler Franks scored from 66 yards out.
Rodney Anderson responded with a touchdown run off of an option pitch from Cody Tollison.

From then on, the Tigers put in the 2nd team and the celebration began in the EHS student section.

The Tigers have an off week since the Tuscola game was canceled, but they will face McCallie on the road the following week.

11 in 11 Part 6: Jacob Carter

Senior wide receiver and defensive back Jacob Carter is one of the most vital members of this year's team. Jacob is also a kick and punt returner as well as a kicker and a punter. Last week against Oakland, Jacob had a 25 yard punt return that ultimately set up the game tying touchdown. Can he do it again against MBA?

Jacob, you had a game changing punt return against Oakland that gave us great field position. How did you manage to get past most of their cover unit?

My blockers; that's about all I can say. I didn't really have to do much to find a hole. Everyone blocked great.

You had a nice interception in that game as well, do you like being a two-way player?

Thanks, yeah I enjoy it a lot. It's fun to be on the field the whole game. I think being a two-way player helps me understand the game better and to become more "football smart".

Before the Oakland game you received an honor; can you explain exactly what you received and what it means to you?

Yes, I was nominated for a $5,000 scholarship from the Captain D's Thursday Night Lights for Ensworth High School. At the end of the season they pick a nominated player from the Thursday night games, and he receives the scholarship. It means a lot to me to be nominated for Ensworth, but there are plenty of players on the team that could have received this honor instead of me.

Kicking was a weakness for this team last year, what have we been doing to improve the kicking game?

Drew Parker (holder) and I have been coming out to practice early just getting some reps so we can become more consistent with our kicking game. There is always room for improvement.

Are you excited to have a quarterback like Cody Tollison throwing your way?

Yeah, it's very exciting to have him back there at quarterback. He's got some big shoes to fill, but I know he will be able fill them, if not make them bigger. And I know he has a lot of faith in the receiving corps to come up with the ball when he puts it in the air.

How close do you think the MBA game is going to be? Do you think you can have success against their secondary and special teams?

Well I hope it isn't close at all. MBA is a great team every year and they are going to play their best game against us because of all the hype. So it will be a competitive and fun game to play. I think we have a good chance at success against their secondary because they will have to respect our run game. I'm not sure if we can do much about Fletcher and their kicking game, but hopefully we will be able to return some punts against them. We'll see what happens.

Have you received interest from any colleges?

Yeah, a little, nothing that big though.

What does this team have to do to get to state?

We have to come out every week and play our game. If we do that, we'll be all right.

Around The Web 9/5/09

MBA Streak Will be Tested

11 in 11 Part 5: Corey Sacks

Senior Corey Sacks has played cornerback all four years that he has been an Ensworth Tiger, and now he is going to play wide receiver on the other side of the ball as well. Corey is very fast and has a knack for the ball when it's in the air. He is also back as a returner on kickoffs as well. Last year Corey had to sit out the first few games with a knee injury, but now he's all better and ready to go. The play of Corey Sacks will be very crucial for the Tigers since their schedule is one of the toughest in the state. On that schedule is MBA, one of the state's best passing offenses. Will Corey help slow down MBA's passing attack?

Corey, you have played cornerback every year so far at EHS. With Michael Dunn and Richard Bowers gone, you are going to be one of the main guys at wide receiver this year; do you like the position?

I like wide receiver because it gives me the opportunity to score. It's always exciting when you have a good quarterback throwing to you.

I understand you have been to some camps over the summer, have you received interest from any school yet?

I've been to TCU, Tennessee, and Louisville. I've had some interest from MTSU.

How good do you think our receiving corps and our secondary is this year compared to last year's?

We have a very good receiving corps this year with Jacob and me catching the passes from Cody. He has good enough faith in us to where if he throws it, he knows one of us is going to come up with the ball. Our secondary this year is very fast, and we will make a lot of plays this year. We are all upperclassmen and leaders on the field.

What was going through your mind when you scored the touchdown against Oakland to send the game to overtime?

When I caught the screen pass from Cody I was determined to score a touchdown; my adrenaline was pumping so it made me run a little faster. It was late in the 4th quarter and it was time to make a play. The whole team executed perfectly, and I had great blocking.

What will EHS have to do to beat MBA? What will be the deciding factor?

To win against MBA this Friday, it will come to which team is better conditioned and more physical in the 4th quarter.

Do you feel that this team can go farther than last year's?

This team has a great chance of winning the state championship, but so does every other team we play. We have to play every game like its our last if we have any shot of making to the championship.
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Ensworth VS. MBA Preview

It's almost here, the game that everybody has been waiting for since last year's game ended with the score 41-28 EHS. Last year's game was a seesaw battle for momentum after the Tigers got off to a 21-0 start that later dissolved into a 28-27 deficit. Then after, MBA had every bit of momentum, Tavarres Jefferson took it all away with two remarkable touchdown runs that put the Tigers up for good.

Last year's win was the first victory over MBA in Ensworth's second year of competition in Division 2-AA.

Build Up

Last year's matchup was probably one of the most hyped high school football games in Nashville in years. I remember sitting in class days before the game looking out the window and watching the TV truck setting up and bleachers being moved to the end zones. As Friday came closer the talk got louder. One hour before the game all the students from both schools gathered and participated in pre-game rituals that got a bit out of hand: afterwards two MBA students were brought in front of their honor council. During the game the students did not get out of hand since the two sections were roped off to keep the students separated and out of trouble.

DOUBLE O-D

Last year running back Orleans Darkwa had touchdowns from 99 and 80 yards out. The game was probably Darkwa's best ever as an Ensworth Tiger. He will be probably the biggest factor for both teams Friday night.

How to Win

1. Run

2. Run

3. And Run some more! Seriously, though, the running game is crucial to both teams. The ability to get the offensive push from the offensive line will be key in this game. I think Ensworth has the edge on this one with Darkwa getting the touches behind a great offensive line but MBA's senior running back Fitz Lassing ran over Maplewood last week with 145 yards and 2 touchdowns.

4. Momentum- I don't think I need to tell Ensworth or MBA students, fans, or players that this is an emotional game. Neither team can hang their head because both teams are talented enough and so well coached you will get run over physically and on the scoreboard if you are caught out of place or not giving 100%. Just ask Maplewood or Oakland.

5. 4th quarter- This is most likely going to be a full 48 minute game. The team that runs and hits with the same intensity in the 1st quarter as they do in the 4th quarter will have a huge advantage.

Key Players-Ensworth

Both of these teams are loaded with talent. Most people know to keep an eye on Orleans Darkwa, who rushed for almost 2,000 yards last year, but everyone now is watching junior two-way lineman 6'6" 330lb Antonio Richardson. Richardson can take over a game on his own by getting in the backfield every play, and he is considered the best prospect in Tennessee for the class of 2011. Also keep an eye on Clemson commit Sam Cooper, who can be a terror at defensive end but can also catch passes at tight end.

MBA

Luke Colbert has put together two good games so far this year. The game relies much on Colbert's ability to step outside the pocket and find an open William Tanner or Holden Mobely. Fitz Lassing on the offensive end put up big numbers last week against Maplewood as mentioned earlier, but also keep an eye on linebacker prospect Brad Bars who put up great numbers up against Pearl-Cohn.

My Take

This game is going to come down to physicality and overall strength, which should favor Ensworth over MBA. However, I would have said that about the MBA vs Maplewood game last week, and that speaks to MBA's great coaching staff. I think this one will be decided in the 4th quarter, and with Ensworth's downhill crash and bang style of play on both sides of the ball, I have to give it to them. 42-30 EHS.
Read at TNVarsity.com

11 in 11 Part 4: Rodney Anderson

Rodney Anderson is an up and coming prospect in Tennessee. Rodney got a lot of first team reps late in his freshman year as a defensive back, even in the final playoff game against Brentwood Academy. Unfortunately, last season, Rodney missed most of the season with a torn ACL. Now he's back. Against Oakland he had 5 tackles playing safety, but a lot more than tackling lies ahead for Rodney. He can play almost any position with his strength and speed. He can return punts and kicks, and he can line up as a wide receiver or as a tailback on offense. On defense he can play anywhere from corner or safety to linebacker. We will see if Rodney was the missing piece to last year's team.

Rodney, we didn't see you on offense much in the game vs. Oakland... why is that? Do you have to be more careful since you tore your ACL last season, and has it affected your playing ability this season?

I didn't play much offense in the game against Oakland because Coach Bowers and Ms. Megan were trying to be safe, and they didn't think I was ready to be hit in the legs, and yes I do have to be more careful since my injury last season, but I'm comfortable now to where I don't feel the soreness. It has affected my game just a bit. It only affected my cutting and stopping.

Do you prefer playing offense or defense? Do you see yourself as a two-way player?

I prefer to play offense but right now I don't have a choice; I do play as a two-way player, and I'm fine with it.

Next year we will lose Orleans Darkwa and Malcom Grigsby due to graduation, do you think you will be the primary tailback next season?

Losing Orleans and Malcom, I do think that I will become the primary back, but not the only back. There are plenty more tailbacks like Quinn Hamilton and Marcus McAlpin that could also play in this position.

Who will be handling most of the kickoff and punt returns this year?

The people handling the kickoffs and punt returns will be Jacob Carter, Quinn Hamilton, Corey Sacks and Orleans, but I will get back there as punt returner sometimes.

In practice you have been seeing some time at wide receiver; is that a position you like playing?

I do kind of play wide receiver; I mean its not something that I like to play, but this year I see more of the field with it in the game right now.

Have you received interest from any colleges yet?

No, I have not had any colleges that are interested in me except for camps and questionnaires.

Do you think this team has a shot at state?

Yes, I think we do have a good chance at state this year.

11 in 11 Part 3: Sam Cooper

Sam Cooper is one of the most highly regarded players at the tight end and defensive end positions in Tennessee. He is a 6’5" 230lb target for quarterback Cody Tollison and a terror for opponents. Sam committed to Clemson University in late July of this year. Will Sam’s big play result in big results for the Tigers this season?

Sam, congratulations on committing to Clemson this summer, why did you choose Clemson?

Thank you. I am extremely excited to be a Clemson Tiger. I chose Clemson because the coaching staff is phenomenal. They are people that I want to work for, and I feel like it is a perfect fit. Also, they are graduating a lot of tight ends this year and the next, and on the depth chart it is a dream of an opportunity for a TE in this signing class. The facilities are brand new and second to none; the place is very impressive.

How many more balls do you think will be thrown your way this season with a true passing quarterback like Cody Tollison?

It's tough to tell right now. We have an incredible backfield to work with. It all comes down to what the team needs in order to win football games.

How much have you improved on the defensive end?

We as a defensive line/end unit are always working. Coach Hiett is constantly drilling fundamentals; we can and always need to be better. We are putting the effort and determination forth to become a great D line unit.

What position do you think you will play as a Clemson Tiger?

I am recruited as a tight end.

Would you consider yourself as a receiving or blocking tight end?

In our previous run based offense I was mostly a blocking tight end, but I am working to be whatever the team needs me to be.

What do you think of the new knee/leg braces you and the other linemen are wearing this year?

It's a comfort knowing that your knees are protected, especially as a tall player. As a tight end I can tell it is harder to move in them, but after a few weeks we were all used to them.

Do you think EHS has a shot at the state title this year?

Absolutely. We are definitely a team to watch for. Our team as a unit has the chance to be great, and each day we are putting forth the effort to reach that goal.