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We’re past the halfway point of the high school regular season. With that, here’s the pecking order thus far for our Offensive Player of the Year in the Williamson County Area.
5. Drew Martin, quarterback, Battle Ground Academy
Martin’s having a terrific season for BGA. He’s completed 128-of-182 (70.3 percent) of his passes for 1,466 yards (8.1 yards per attempt) with 13 touchdowns and two interceptions. Martin has also run 43 times for 162 yards (3.8 per attempt) and six touchdowns. BGA is 5-1 with a game with White’s Creek coming up.
4. Nicky Clifton, running back, Ensworth
Ensworth’s senior has been the hallmark of consistency in 2017, running for between 192 and 201 yards in games against CPA, Knoxville-Webb and Baylor. Ensworth’s blowout of Trezevant limited him to 37 yards on six carries on Friday. But Clifton has been there when it’s most mattered for the 4-2 Tigers. Here are a few video highlights of his season and career.
3. Darius James, running back, Fairview
James didn’t play in the opener against Page, but he’s had five-straight 100-yard rushing games since, with Fairview wining four of those contests. The Sycamore transfer has 63 rushes for 658 yards (10.4 per carry) with eight catches for 180 more and 15 total touchdowns this season. Here are video highlights of his season.
2. Carson Shacklett, quarterback, Brentwood
Shacklett’s another player whose overall stats have been limited by virtue of being pulled in blowouts. But the senior quarterback has been flat-out fantastic when he’s on the field. Shacklett has completed 68-of-108 throws (62.3 percent) for 1,162 yards (10.8 per attempt), 13 touchdowns and three interceptions. Shacklett has rushed 44 times for 105 more yards (2.4 per carry) in leading Brentwood to a 5-1 start.
1. Dontae Smith, running back, Spring Hill
Putting together a top five hasn’t been easy. However, Putting Smith at No. 1 has been just that. The Spring Hill senior continues to dominate with 105 carries for 1,209 yards I11.5 per carry) and 16 touchdowns this year. Here are highlights from his 2017 campaign.
Other players we are watching (ordered by school):
Ollie Reese, Battle Ground Academy
Camron Johnson and Gavin Schoenwald, Brentwood Academy
Tavion Fleming, Centennial
Keshawn Lawrence, Ensworth
Eric Stoxstill-Diggs, Franklin Road Academy
Jackson Byrd, Father Ryan
Austin Amor, Grace Christian Academy
Nathan Cisco and T.J. Sheffield, Independence
Bubba Johnson, Page
Tai Carter, Summit
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.
