McKENZIE (January 19) — Just a month after the team’s historical victory to win their first football state championship in school history, the McKenzie Rebels honored their team and their accomplishments for this season. Head Coach Wade Comer thanked the athletes for their time they invested in the program and the community for their endless support. Comer went on to thank the booster club, his coaching staff and their wives, and everyone who devoted time for the program’s benefit.

Comer then recognized his players for their dedication to the team throughout the year with awards and plaques.

The All-Region players were recognized by Comer. Jackson Cassidy was awarded the region’s most valuable player. Marques Taylor was the offensive MVP, and Elijah Edmonson was the defensive MVP. Zach Aird was the all region kicker. Included on the All-Region list were Camden Allison, Drew Chappell, David Cheney, Hunter Harvey, Jose Luna, Rashad McCreary, Daniel Latimer, Etijay Tharpe and Zay Webber.

Ty Anderson, Jake Cassidy, Cameron Flippin and Colt Norden had honorable mentions.

Jackson Cassidy was the only Rebel selected to the Tennessee Football Coaches Association All-State Team.

Camden Allison and Cassidy participated in the All-West Tennessee All-Star game.

Cassidy, Taylor and Latimer were selected to the Jackson Sun’s All-West Tennessee first team. Zach Aird was selected to the second team. Camden Allison was honored on the third team. Comer was selected as the coach of the year.

Aird, Cassidy, McCreary and Taylor were selected to the Tennessee Sports Writers Association All-State Team.

During their history breaking year, the Rebels broke many school records. Marquez Taylor now holds the most points scored in a single season with 276 points. Taylor has the most rushing yards in a season (1966) and most touchdowns in a season (46).

Zach Aird has the best stats for a single season of kicking. Aird completed 87 of 89 extra points and was 7 for 7 for field goals and had a total of 108 points.

The 2022 team holds the most team points in a season at 666 points. With their 15-0 record, the team holds their only perfect record and the best record in a season.

The team had special awards given that were voted on by the team and the coaches. Taylor was awarded most valuable offensive back. Zay Webber was the most valuable wide receiver. Daniel Latimer was the most valuable offensive lineman. Camden Allison was awarded most valuable defensive back. Rashad McCreary was the most valuable linebacker. David Cheney and Elijah Edmonson were awarded most valuable defensive linemen. Cameron Flipplin was awarded most improved for the year. Zach Aird was given the specialist award.

Cassidy was also voted as Mr. Rebel (most valuable player).

Jakob Grgic and Hunter Harvey were awarded the Jeff Givens Sportsmanship award. Jose Luna and Ty Anderson earned the Phillip Carter most inspired award. Jackson Cassidy and Marquez Taylor were awarded the Kermit Holland 3Ds: Discipline, Dedication and Determination award.

Comer touched on his plans for next year. He told the team that it is going to take more than it took this year to get to the championship again. He mentioned his motto of finishing from his speech in 2022. “This year, our motto is finish,” Comer said. “The moral of this story is that the price for what you want in life never stays the same, it is always going up. You are only going to get exactly what you pay for; that means this year, we must work harder and pay more than we did last year, in order to get what we want”

The team is looking forward to their upcoming season and plan to return to the Blue Cross Bowl in the 2023 season even after graduating 15 seniors.