McKenzie High School Celebrates Stellar Football Season

McKENZIE (March 8) — McKenzie High School celebrated a stellar 2025 football season with a banquet Sunday afternoon at McKenzie Church of Christ.

The Rebels continued their successful run with a 13-2 record and a state runner-up finish, their third title game appearance in four years.

After a delicious meal catered by Hometown Hangout, the program began with Mayor Ryan Griffin presenting a proclamation declaring March 8, 2026 "Rebel Football Day".

Cheer coach Brittany Beard recognized each cheerleader and spoke about the squad's unity and success.

The football team presented a gift to senior cheerleader Tobey Brooks.

Head football Coach Keith Hodge thanked a great many people for their contributions to the football program and presented plaques to Touchdown Club officers President Chad Batton, VP Raven Cunningham-Tharpe, Treasurer Reni Toombs and Secretary Lesley Davidson.

Next, each player was recognized and presented with a certificate, some earning letterman status.

Principal Kelly Spivey presented academic awards to players and managers.

Those with a 3.0-3.49 GPA were Kason Brown, Aiden Callis, Jayden Callis, Alijah Darnes, Landin Deatherage, Davarion Gilbert, Kamyah Gordon, TJ Johnson, Aiden Mason, Hunter Shafer, Hunter Sims and Hunter Winstead.

Those with a 3.5-4.0 GPA were Mason Batten, Ethan Batton, Avery Brown, Cole Brown, Cooper Davidson, Matthew Gaylord, Alex Hughes, Aiden Legens, Aiden Orten, Dawson Reeder, Parker Ross, Ryan Toombs, Ramon Vasquez, Olivia Cantrell, Sophie Cole and Matteo Tabada.

Players were recognized for earning All-Region, All-State and All-West Tennessee honors.

Coach Hodge then recognized junior Cole Brown for earning a place in the TSSAA record books. He is tied for second all-time with seven total touchdowns in a game. His 60 touchdowns in a season is fifth all-time, and his 4,053 yards of total offense in a season is tenth all-time.

Next, individual awards were presented:

Unsung Hero Award – Lelan Gordon

Impact Player of the Year – Aiden Legens

Coaches Award – Timmy Arline and Jayden Callis

David Long Academic Award – Ethan Batton

Kermit Holland 3-D Award – Ryan Toombs

Jerry Carter Century Award – Alijah Darnes

Howard Nolan Team First Award – Avery Brown

Mr. Rebel Award – Cole Brown

Touchdown Club President Chad Batton recognized the large group of seniors. All seniors were presented with a photo book and their senior banner. Senior manager Olivia Cantrell was gifted a necklace. Senior players also received a shadowbox containing their jersey and other memorabilia.

Seniors who were four-year team members received a jacket and a pin. They were Timmy Arline, Mason Batten, Davarion Gilbert, Matthew Gaylord, Ethan Batton and Ryan Toombs.

Hodge noted that these players appeared in three state championship games, earning one gold ball and two silver.

Rebel football radio announcer Craig Lunn gave closing remarks, commending the seniors on their leadership and encouraging the underclassmen to continue the standard set.

Senior football players were Timmy Arline, Mason Batten, Ethan Batton, Aiden Callis, Jackson Cantrell, Khamari Coleman, Alijah Darnes, Landin Deatherage, Matthew Gaylord, Davarion Gilbert, Fletcher Holt, Xander Johnsey, TJ Johnson, Aiden Legens, Aiden Mason and Ryan Toombs.

Junior football players were Avery Brown, Cole Brown, Casey Cunningham, Lelan Gordon, Jacobi Melton, Aiden Orten and Matteo Tabada.

Sophomore football players were Kason Brown, Jayden Callis, Cooper Davidson, Kenneth Ellis, Malaki Harris, Alex Hughes, Connor Mann, Maddox Shiell, Hunter Sims, Jacion Townes, Ramon Vasquez and Hunter Winstead.

Freshmen players were Jaden Blanton, Devin Dennie, Cayden Gordon, Matthew Jackson, Brayden Mort, Dawson Reeder, Parker Ross, Hunter Shafer, Ryan Sherrod, Bryson Smith and Ashli Winston.

Managers were Sophie Cole, Kamyah Gordon, Kamdyn Tharpe and senior Olivia Cantrell.

Head Coach Hodge was assisted by Trey Cantrell, Austin Chapman, Merritt Spence, David Duncan, Kentrell Diggs, Chris Wall, Ben Hargett, Randy Thomas, Jacob Fuzzell and Tyler Reeder.

Cheerleaders were Brooke Murphy, Madelynn Pewitt, Addi Davis, Carleigh Lunn, Addison Milam, Olivia Pate, Katelyn Prather, Chloe Veliz, Hadley Smith, Lola Sumrok, Marlee Toombs, Frannie Trout, Kinsley Wilson and senior Tobey Brooks.