DUANE SHERRILL
Contributor
Tennessee’s best high school football players for 2025 were recognized at the Tennessee Titans Mr. Football Awards luncheon hosted by the Tennessee Titans. Among those honored was South Pittsburg’s DaYon Cooper who was named Mr. Football for Class 1A, the icing on the cake after he helped lead his squad to its second state championship in three years this past season.
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 2025 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 2025 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.
The Titans became sponsors of the Mr. Football Awards in 2007.
2025 TENNESSEE TITANS MR. FOOTBALL AWARD WINNERS
Division I, Class 1A
DaYon Cooper, South Pittsburg
Division I, Class 2A
Zach Groves, East Robertson
Division I, Class 3A
Graham Simpson, Westview
Division I, Class 4A
Caden Baugh, Greeneville
Division I, Class 5A
Cooper Newman, Sevier County
Division I, Class 6A
Kelvin Perkins, Southwind
Division II, Class A
Jared Curtis, Nashville Christian School
Division II, Class AA
Kaedyn Marable, Battle Ground Academy
Division II, Class AAA
David Gabriel Georges, Baylor
KICKER OF THE YEAR
Tommy Bauchiero, Brentwood Academy
Photos from South Pittsburg Pirate Football Facebook Page