McKENZIE (February 23) — The McKenzie Rebels’ perfect football season was capped with a “Night of Champions Ring Ceremony” to commemorate the historic, undefeated championship season. The event was held at the McKenzie High School Theatre in front of a capacity audience on Thursday, February 23.

The event included the presentation of sports jackets to each of the seniors. The jackets had a Rebels lapel pin and was presented by school educators.

Each player, coach and manager received a championship ring, which include the Rebels logo and individually personalized with the recipient’s name.

A video recap of the season was shown and each ring recipient crossed the elevated platform to receive his or her ring from the coaches. At center stage was the Class 1A championship trophy as prop for photo opportunities.

It was a season to remember as the Rebels scored 666 points, had a 15-0 season, and record-breakers with Marquez Taylor scoring the most single-season points with 276, had 46 touchdowns, and 1966 rushing yards. Zach Aird was 87 of 89 extra kicking points, had seven of seven field goals and had 108 points. The Rebels were so dominate, many times, the starting team was sidelined after halftime to give younger players the privilege of playing time.

Quarterback Jackson Cassidy was named the Class 1A Mr. Football for the TSSAA.

To date, eight senior Rebels have committed to play at the collegiate level.

Twelfth Grade — #1 Etijay Tharpe, #2 Camden Allison, #3 Zach Aird, #4 Zay Webber, #7 Marquez Taylor, #11 Jackson Cassidy, #26 Rashad McCreary, #34 Ty Anderson, #47 Jakob Grgic, #40 Elijah Edmonson, #60, #60 Hunter Harvey, #66 David Cheney, #74 Jose Luna, #77 Daniel Latimer, #83 Matthew Garriott and manager Taniyah Diggs.

Eleventh Grade — #8 Brady Brewer, #9 Jake Cassidy, #13 Stafford Roditis, #15 Drew Chappell, #30 Dalton Hatley, #50 Ace Fisher, #56 Christopher Beck; #71 Cameron Flippin and manager Alyse Lowe.

Tenth Grade — #5 Landon Brown, #12 Colt Norden, #14 Tate Surber, #20 Carson Hill, #25 Gage Crosland, #27 Martez Teague, #51 Craegen Travis, #57 KD Cunningham, #67 Jacob Smith, #71 Charles Jennings and manager Jaylin Taylor-Megaw.

Ninth Grade — #6 Timmy Arline, #17 Owen Walker, #22 Matthew Gaylord, #24 Mason Batten, #54 Davarion Gilbert, #61 Ethan Batton, #63 Tyler Puckett, #64 Caden Tucker, #73 Ryan Toombs, and manager Olivia Cantrell.

Coaches for 2022 were: Head Coach Wade Comer, Assistant Coaches — Dylan Benson, Trey Cantrell, Nick Cobb, Kentrell Diggs, David Duncan, Alex Hayes, Randy Thomas and Chris Wall.

Cheerleaders for 2022 were: Coach Brittney Colotta; 12th Grade — Alajah Gilbert (co-captain); 11th Grade — Skyelor DeLoach, Ava Jones, Parker Lyons, Macey Mayo, Belle O’Brien, Brett Toombs, Ava Warman (co-captain); 10th Grade — Reese Gallimore, Emily McMullin, Laila Scott and Janai Tabada.