Week ending Sept. 14

Hess proves big hassle for Cherokee offense

Alcoa senior Brody Hess, pictured here at left on offense last season, is making a big impact on defense this fall.

McMinn County had a terrible time moving the ball against Alcoa on Friday. Tornado senior Brody Hess, the Barley’s/Blount Press Row Player of the Week, was a big part of the reason why.

Through two quarters of play, the Cherokees had rushed 13 times for 1 yard in an eventual 42-10 Alcoa win. McMinn County fared little better throwing the ball as the Tornadoes rolled to a 35-3 lead at the half. A lot of what Alcoa did defensively can be attributed to Hess, a fullback last season who’s spending much of his final season at defensive tackle.

Hess made life miserable for Cherokee quarterback Corbin Powers, Hess finishing with two sacks and two quarterback hurries. Powers was on the run a lot. Along with a tackle for loss, the tireless Hess had three solo tackles.

The short list: Alcoa running back Jaquez Tyson — 163 yards rushing, four touchdowns, two catches, 58 yards; Alcoa quarterback/linebacker Mitchell McClurg – four solo tackles, sack, tackle for loss on defense, 21-yard touchdown run on offense; Heritage quarterback Dustin Richardson – three touchdown passes in 45-8 win over Seymour; Heritage receiver Riley Hill – touchdown catches of 11 and 36 yards.