2015 Barley’s/BPR All-Blount County

A state champion, an All-American, two Mr. Footballs and a whole lot more

Linebacker Garrett Livesay (46) leads the Alcoa defense in hot pursuit during the semifinal win over Notre Dame. The Tornadoes crafted the state’s top defense regardless of classification (6.9 points per game) en route to the Class 3A championship. Photo by Jenifer Clark

Photo by Wallace Bowden

By Stefan Cooper
Editor
Blount Press Row

Alcoa crafted the state’s top defense regardless of classification and won the school’s 14th state championship.

Maryville’s Rebels weren’t far back, finishing state runners-up and producing a high school All-American in junior linebacker T.D. Blackmon.

Class 3A Mr. Football Jonathan Decker sheds a hold in the state championship game. Photo by Jenifer Clark

Both schools had Mr. Football winners: Alcoa’s Jonathan Decker, Class 3A Lineman of the Year; Blackmon, Class 6A Back of the Year.

Heritage gave us the game of the year in a region championship showdown at West. Breakout player of the year Colton Wright had a season right out of the movies, becoming the starter in Week 4 en route to a new Mountaineer record for rushing over the next seven games.

William Blount changed the direction of the program with a new coach. Senior linebacker Tommy Myers put some sting in Phillip Shadowens’ new defense, emerging one of the county’s biggest hitters in 2015, junior Isaiah Hannah stepping forward as a playmaker on both sides of the ball.

Before we get to the 2015 Barley’s/Blount Press Row All-Blount County Team, a few highlights.