HS Football Playoffs Week 1: Defensive Player of the Week

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Round 1 of the 2017 TSSAA football playoffs is in the books, as are our picks for Defensive Player of the Week within our coverage area.

5. Jake Huner, safety, Independence

Independence scored a 14-13 upset of Smyrna thanks to a great defensive effort. Jake Huner was the Eagles’ biggest defensive star, as he recorded 12 tackles and a stop for loss.

4. Conner Mitchell, cornerback, Battle Ground Academy

BGA pounded Harding Academy, 54-14, in a first-round playoff game on Friday. Conner Mitchell had eight solo tackles and 11 assists in that playoff win.

3. Chico Bennett, linebacker, Battle Ground Academy

Bennett has become one of the area’s premier pass rushers. He recorded 6 1/2 tackles, including three sacks in BGA’s dismantling of Harding Academy.

2. Jacob Jackson, linebacker, Franklin Road Academy

Jacob Jackson FRA

Jackson, a sophomore, has increasingly become a big part of the FRA defense. He had 16 tackles, 10 of them solo in the Panthers’ 17-6 win over St. George’s,.

1. Austin Harshaw, linebacker, Page

Page, Gallatin Play an Overtime Playoff Thriller
Page’s Austin Harshaw had 10 tackles vs. Gallatin.

Harshaw had 20 total hits, including a tackle for loss and a forced fumble, in Page’s 27-21 overtime win at Gallatin.

Disclaimer: In compiling this list, we considered players from our entire coverage area, which includes the following schools: Brentwood Academy, Battle Ground Academy, Brentwood High School, Centennial High School, Christ Presbyterian Academy, Ensworth, Fairview High School, Father Ryan High School, Franklin High School, Franklin Road Academy, Grace Christian Academy, Independence High School, Nolensville High School, Page High School, Ravenwood High School, Spring Hill High School, Summit High School. Although not all of these schools are within the boundaries of Williamson County, we know many of our parents have children at those schools and are interested in their sports programs; therefore, we consider all football players at these schools.