Christman in running
for Mr. Football award
By Wes Holtsclaw
STAR STAFF
Perhaps the biggest honor for a player
in the state of Tennessee is to be nominated or honored with
the American General Mr. Football Award.
Cloudland's Dane Christman was announced as one
of the three top players in the 1-A Lineman category this
past Wednesday. Christman will be up for the award alongside
Bruceton-Central's Patrick Willis and Ezell-Harding's Antoine
Owens.
Christman has had two stellar seasons at linebacker
for the Highlanders, last season he racked up over 100 tackles,
and so far this season he has amassed 144 tackles and 12 sacks,
with two fumble recoveries and an interception.
It's been a great honor for Christman, who has
an amazing work ethic with the Highlanders.
"It feels great," said Christman, "It was a big
surprise. I would be tickled to death to get it, but I'd be
more than happy to get back to state."
Christman has been a big key in the middle for
Cloudland, controlling the run and applying pressure on the
quarterback like they did this past week against Powell Valley.
"I've really enjoyed playing the position. I'd
be mad if I played anywhere else. It's a good place to read
from."
After last season's loss to Ezell-Harding, this
season began for the Highlanders in the weight room. Christman
displayed an ideal effort with his hard work to get better
and put on some weight to better himself at the spot.
"It was preparation to get stronger, and show
more endurance. We've all worked hard during the offseason.
It's kind of like a Physical Science deal." he said.
Christman has enjoyed this season thus far for
the Highlanders, who travel to Greenback this week for a big
quarterfinal match-up with the undefeated squad.
"This year's been great," Christman said. "I
have had a lot of fun, especially going out there the last
game. I enjoy playing with the guys I play with."
He has had a lot of support from his family,
especially his parents.
"I've had a lot of support from my mom and dad,
my brother, my nieces, my grandparents and my girlfriend Nikki.
They've been at all of the games."
Christman will be a needed force this week to
stop the Greenback passing game, as Austin James has threw
for over 2,300 yards this year.
"We hope to shut them out this week. We've got
to have a good week of preparation, especially in the secondary.
If we can keep pressure on him, they can provide good coverage."
No matter what the results prove to be this week,
nobody can take away the excellent season that Christman has
had for the Highlanders.
GAME OF THE WEEK
CLOUDLAND AT GREENBACK
The Highlanders will be on the road this week,
to take on the Cherokees of Greenback. The Highlanders will
need to execute top-notch defense the entire contest to pull
away from the contest.
The Cloudland rushing game is good for 28 points
any given week, and this week will be no different. However,
it will not be a cakewalk for the 'Landers who will need support
from all of their fans down in Blount County this Friday night.
Expect a big defensive game from the Cloudland
defensive line, and never look past the offensive performances
from Mark Byrd, Dakota Benfield, and Mark Barnett, as well
as Derrick Birchfield and Dustin Sluder, both who will be
crucial for this contest.
Although many people expect the Highlanders to
fall this week, I believe they will have a good showing on
the road. CLOUDLAND 36-14
