November 5, 2020
By: Dwayne Page
DCHS Tiger Quarterback Axel Aldino is in the running for the 2020 TSSAA Class 4A Tennessee Titans Mr. Football honor.
The list of the semifinalists was released Thursday which includes Aldino and four other players from Class 4A.
The Mr. Football Award honors the top player in each classification as well as the top kicker in the state regardless of classification during the regular season.
The winners will be announced Dec. 8 at Nissan Stadium in Nashville.
The semifinalists will be whittled down to three finalists on Nov. 17.
Aldino has led the Tigers in compiling a 6-3 record and the program’s first ever regular season region championship at 3-0. Aldino has rushed for 10 touchdowns and thrown for 21 TD’s this season. He will lead his team hosting Spring Hill Friday night, November 6 in the first round of the TSSAA playoffs in Smithville. Kick-Off is at 7 p.m. and WJLE plans LIVE coverage.
Aldino has also been selected to participate in the Tennessee Athletic Coaches Association All-Star Combine in December. This event replaces the East-West All-Star game this year due to the COVID-19 virus. It will take place at Oakland High School on Wednesday, Dec. 9, 2020.
A committee of statewide sports writers selected nominees for Mr. Football based on performance in the 2020 regular season. Academics and character were also taken into consideration. High school coaches and members of the media nominated the finalists.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, fewer people will be permitted to attend this year’s awards ceremony. More than 100 people, including the 30 finalists, family members, and coaches are expected to attend the 2020 luncheon.
Here are the 2020 Tennessee Titans Mr. Football semifinalists
DIVISION I
CLASS 1A
Hunter Frame, South Pittsburg
Kyler Parker, Moore County
Kolbi Stewart, Huntland
Jared Stone, South Pittsburg
Kaden White, Moore County
CLASS 2A
Blake Carroll, Lewis County
Khalik Ganaway, Peabody
Will Meadows, Meigs County
Kolby Morgan, Oneida
Luke Myers, South Greene
CLASS 3A
Anthony Brown, Milan
Grey Carroll, Alcoa
Isaiah Cox, Alcoa
Martino Owens, Pearl Cohn
Ty Simpson, Westview
CLASS 4A
Axel Aldino, DeKalb County
Troy Parker Hughes, Elizabethton
Rivers Hunt, Hardin County
Bryson Rollins, Elizabethton
Jakobe Thomas, Tullahoma
CLASS 5A
Kalib Fortner, Knoxville Central
Jermarcus Johnson, Henry County
Prince Kollie, David Crockett
Jordyn Potts, Powell
Destin Wade, Summit
CLASS 6A
Raymond Banner, LaVergne
Jake Briningstool, Ravenwood
Jaxson Campbell, Independence
Jalen Hunt, McMinn County
C.J. Taylor, Warren County
DIVISION II
CLASS A
Jon Lewis, DCA
Na’Kelin McAfee, King’s Academy
A.J. Quinn, Davidson Academy
Aaron Smith, Jackson Christian
Griffin Swinea, Davidson Academy
CLASS AA
Jackson Bradley, Knoxville Webb
Alex Broome, Lipscomb Academy
James Dunn, CAK
Langston Patterson, CPA
Dietrick Pennington, ECS
CLASS AAA
Michael Dallas, Briarcrest
B.J. Harris, McCallie
Dallan Hayden, CBHS
Elijah Howard, Baylor
D.C. Tabscott, Father Ryan
KICKER OF THE YEAR
Upton Bellenfant, Stewarts Creek
Bryson Flynn, Gatlinburg-Pittman
Teagen Lenderink, Brentwood Academy
Trey Turk, Oakland
Connor Wood, Lexington