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Jackson Cassidy Named Mr. Football

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NASHVILLE (December 7) — Jackson Cassidy is the Class 1A Mr. Football. The senior quarterback for McKenzie was one of three finalists including Kumaro Brown of Memphis Academy of Science and Engineering and Isaiah Thomison of Fayetteville High School.
 
There were 10 winners in 10 divisions. 
 
Cassidy, a senior at McKenzie High School, started all four years of his career. He played as quarterback and defensive back for the 2022 Class 1A Champions - McKenzie Rebels.
 
Cassidy led his team to the runner-up in the championship game against South Pittsburg in 2021 and as the winner of the championship game against Clay County in 2022. He was named most valuable player in the championship game.
 
Cassidy is the son of George and Angela Cassidy. His younger brother, Jake, is a junior on the McKenzie Rebels team. He has a younger sister, Charlie.
 
Traveling to Nissan Stadium for the ceremony were Cassidy, his parents, George and Angela, his brother, Jake, his sister, Charlie, Jackson’s girlfriend, Ava Kate Bomar, Head Coach Wade Comer, and McKenzie High School Principal Kelly Spivey. The Rebels team returned to the stadium on Sunday, December 11 to watch a Titans game.
 
During a press briefing at Nissan Stadium, Coach Wade Comer said Cassidy truly represents the value of his team and his small hometown of McKenzie. Cassidy had tremendous leadership this year and led the team to the first-ever state championship for McKenzie.
 
“This puts the icing on the cake,” said Comer of Cassidy being named Mr. Football. “Everyone knows how good he is on Friday nights, but the values he has, the kid is an exceptional young man. He is humble. I promise you he is not wanting the spotlight.” Comer concluded that Jackson is a role model for young men.
 
Cassidy is truly a young man of few words. And he used those few words to give credit to others.
 
“This is a huge honor. I am really thankful for my teammates, my family, and my coaches,” said Cassidy. He said he is now turning his attention to his senior year on the MHS baseball team. The team earned the runner-up position last year in the state baseball championship in Murfreesboro. 
 
Cassidy is undecided on a college.
 
Cassidy joins former McKenzie quarterback Drew Hayes as recipients of the Mr. Football Award.
 
Tennessee’s best high school football players for 2022 were recognized at the Tennessee Titans Mr. Football Awards luncheon hosted by the Tennessee Titans.
 
More than 400 people, including the honorees, their families, coaches, school administrators and members of the media from all parts of the state, attended the 2022 luncheon at Nissan Stadium.
 
“This is such an outstanding honor for all 30 of the young men recognized today at the Tennessee Titans Mr. Football Awards,” said Mark Reeves, Executive Director of the TSSAA. “They were here not only due to their athletic ability that they displayed on the field throughout the season, but just as much for their outstanding character and academic achievements.”
 
“For decades, the Titans have made supporting high school and youth football programs a top priority. The athletes being honored today represent some of the most talented across the state – not only showing determination on-the-field, but also demonstrating tremendous character off-the-field,” said Burke Nihill, Titans President and CEO. “We are proud to support the Mr. Football Awards and highlight these incredible men who will be the leaders of tomorrow.”
 
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 2022 regular season. Academics and character were also taken into consideration.
 
The awards were presented to the top football players in each of the nine classifications of the Tennessee Secondary Schools Athletic Association. The top kickers in the state were also recognized. There were three finalists in this category, regardless of their school’s classification.
 
Cassidy’s Record — In 47 games which counts through the final regular season game at McEwen, Jackson completed 238 passes out of 436 attempts for 4,472 yards and 50 touchdowns with 15 interceptions. His career completion rate is 55 percent of his passes. He also rushed 196 times for 1,736 for an average of 8.9 yards per carry and 28 touchdowns.
This year, heading into the playoffs, Cassidy completed 66 of 107 passes for 1464 yards and 20 touchdowns with only 2 interceptions. On the ground, he has 28 carries for 347 yards and 7 touchdowns.
He has been a force defensively with career numbers including 221 total tackles, 14 tackles for loss, 7 interceptions, 3 caused fumbles, and 1 fumble recovery. This year alone, Cassidy has 51 total tackles and 2 tackles for loss through the ten regular season games.
 
The Titans became sponsors of the Mr. Football Awards in 2007.
 
2022 TENNESSEE TITANS MR. FOOTBALL AWARD WINNERS
Division I, Class 1A
Jackson Cassidy, McKenzie
Division I, Class 2A
Josh Jackson, Tyner
Division I, Class 3A
Lance Williams, Alcoa
Division I, Class 4A
Marcellus Jackson, Fulton
Division I, Class 5A
De’Sean Bishop, Karns
Division I, Class 6A
Arion Carter, Smyrna
Division II, Class A
D.J. Merriweather, Clarksville Academy
Division II, Class AA
Maureice “Junior” Sherrill, Lipscomb Academy
Division II, Class AAA
Marcel Reed, Montgomery Bell Academy
KICKER OF THE YEAR
Oziel Hernandez, Germantown