Brentwood Home Page news reports
Brentwood Academy senior linemen Woody Baron and Graham Shuler were honored as finalists at the Tennessee Titans Mr. Football Awards luncheon Monday.

Baylor’s Barrett Gouger, a finalist with Baron and Shuler, won the Division II-AA Lineman of the Year award. Ensworth junior running back-defensive back Cornelius Elder was named Division II-AA Back of the Year.

Blackman senior running back I’Tavius Mathers, who has committed to Ole Miss, took home the Mr. Football Class AAA Back of the Year award. The only other winner from Middle Tennessee was Perry County’s Jacob Tucker at Class A Back.

Over 500 people, including the honorees, their families, coaches, school administrators and members of the media from all parts of the state, attended the 2011 luncheon at the Embassy Suites Hotel & Conference Center in Murfreesboro.

The 6-2, 250-pound Baron, who has committed to Virginia Tech, was a four-year starter at Brentwood Academy and a finalist for the Mr. Football award last year as well. He had 10 sacks this year, was chosen to play in the Toyota East-West All-Star game and was a finalist last season for the U.S. Army all-star team.

Graham, a 6-4, 270-pounder who has committed to Stanford, was a three-year starter for BA and also a senior captain. He is a finalist for the 2012 Army All-American game, had 25 pancake blocks with 92% grading, and was named an All-American by Rivals.com.

Ensworth’s Elder, also a finalist for the 2011 Mr. Basketball award in the spring,  rushed for 1,549 yards this season and had 414 yards receiving. He averaged 45 yards on kickoff returns, had 24 tackles and 4 interceptions on defense, and was a Mr. Football finalist last fall.

Battle Ground Academy quarterback C.J. Beathard, another Ole Miss commitment, was also up for the II-AA Mr. Football Back of the Year.

“Today’s celebration recognizes more that the ability of these young men to play our great game of football,” said Titans Owner K.S. “Bud” Adams, Jr.  “The young men were here because of their outstanding character and academic achievements, traits which will pave their way through life, long after their football days has passed.  I congratulate all of the Titans Mr. Football Award finalists for the outstanding manner in which they represent their school and community.”

High school head coaches and members of the media nominated the finalists. A committee of statewide sports writers selected winners based on performance in the 2011 regular season. Academics and character were also taken into consideration.

The remaining winners were all from East Tennessee: Coltin Blevins, South Pittsburg (Class A Lineman); Terrell Rollins, Greeneville  (Class AA Lineman); Charlie High (Class AA Back); Jay Guillermo, Maryville (Class AAA Lineman); Brewer Congleton, Knoxville Webb (Division II-A Lineman);  Caleb Blance, Knoxville Webb (Division II-A Back); and Henrique Ribeiro, Baylor (Kicker of the Year).