sports weekly Nashville Volume 6 Number 38 The Home of Hometown Heroes! October 16, 2019 Dream Come True Pearl-Cohn QB Owens Dreamed of Job at Nine Years Old By Vince Troia the horizon, Owens was sacked by NSW Contributor his coach for failing with school-re- lated responsibilities. Two weeks without football has “When I heard the decision, I was Martino Owens “hun- heartbroken. It was a rivalry,” Ow- gry” and he’s hoping the Pearl- ens said, but quickly noted that if he Cohn Firebirds will get to feast on was upset, it was at himself, not his their opponent, Whites Creek High, coach. “Whatever decision (Coach this Friday night. Brunetti) makes I won’t get angry However, half of Owens’ two- with him, because I see him as a fa- week fast was unplanned. ther figure.” Although the Firebirds had a Brunetti, who along with winning bye last week, Owens, the start- games, sees his role coaching play- ing junior quarterback, was given ers as “teaching them to make good the previous week off in the form choices.” He knew the suspensions of a one-game suspension by head would upset some people, but said coach Tony Brunetti. Owens and it was “an easy decision.” several teammates watched from “I think it sent a message to the the as Pearl-Cohn pulled rest of the team. We have been very out a 14-0 victory over rival East successful as a program but some- Nashville to remain undefeated on times mistakes are made,” Brunet- the season. ti said, adding that Martino never This was a season that Owens had complained. to work hard to play in, following a Owens has a history with his devastating ACL injury at the start coach that’s somewhat unique. of his sophomore year. Being the For starters, he and the coach’s starting quarterback for Pearl-Cohn son, Lucien (a standout receiver at was something that Owens pledged MBA), grew up together, playing a to do ever since he told Brunetti lot of baseball in West Nashville. he would... when he was just nine It was there that Owens declared he years old. would someday play quarterback at He started, played well, and the Pearl-Cohn. Firebirds won their first six games. Befriending the coach’s son The team vaulted to a No. 2 Mid- also found him on the sidelines at state Football ranking by USA To- Firebirds games in 2014 watch- day Sports Network and Martino Rising Star ing up close as Pearl-Cohn legend got an offer sheet to play at Ten- Pearl-Cohn quarterback Martino Owens has not let injury or circumstance Ke’Shawn Vaughn rushed for 2,646 nessee State University after high stop him from leading the Firebirds and Coach Brunetti is determined to keep him on the right track. school. Then, with a rival game on Photo by Vince Troia Continued on Page 6 INSIDE THIS ISSUE

WNSL Gears Up for Basketball West Side TKD Students Earn Belts Ensworth Bounces Back With Shutout Page 3 Page 5 Page 7 2 Nashville Sports Publications October 16, 2019

2019 FRANKLIN AMERICAN MORTGAGE MUSIC CITY BOWL TICKETSTICKETS ONON SALESALE NOWNOW

MONDAY, DEC. 30, 2019 3:00 PM CST NISSAN STADIUM NASHVILLE, TN

WWW.MUSICCITYBOWL.COM October 16, 2019 Nashville Sports Publications 3 WNSL Gearing Up for Winter Basketball West Nashville Sports League is gearing up for the 23rd Winter Bas- ketball season and we hope your player will join us! There are many reasons why WNSL continues to grow each year, so take a look at some of these outstanding stats: Mike Hastings WNSL began in 1997 as the Publisher WNBA (West Nashville Basketball [email protected] Association) with 100 girls play- ing basketball in 2 gyms - Harding Editorial Staff Academy and Ensworth. In 1999 Stetson Marlin boys basketball was added and the Contributing Writer name changed to the WNSL. Parker Bell Today, the league has over 2,500 Contributing Writer boys and girls playing basketball Local basketball teams are coming together in anticipation of the 2019 Craig Flagg with 20+ gym floors being utilized. Winter Basketball season at the WNSL. Contributing Writer It takes a tremendous community Photo courtesy of WNSL Craig Ladd effort to house all of the basketball Contributing Writer players and play 125 basketball the tournaments use their skills they held at MBA on November 17th and Chip Cirillo games on a Saturday. have built on to play competitively. 24th and December 1st and 8th. To Contributing Writer The Christmas and March Mad- Winter Basketball is open to boys learn more about the season and to George Wong ness Tournaments were added and girls in grades Pre-K - 9th and register your player we encourage Contributing Writer to allow our teams to play other boys in 10th - 12th grade. The 12th you to visit WNSL.org/Basketball. league teams, and other area teams/ grade division is new this year During the Basketball season leagues/schools 11 and 20 years Photography By: as we had such a turnout for 11th WNSL also offers Basketball ago respectively. These tourna- grade teams last year and are excit- Cheerleading for our peppy siblings Carl Edmondson ments have grown over the years ed to have them return this season. (or players - we encourage players www.cejrphotography.com and are very popular events in the Teams are built by grade and not to participate in as many sports as Andrew Atkins Southeast with 72 teams playing in age allowing players to play with they wish - we will make schedul- Contributing Photographer the Christmas Tournament and 295 their friends - regardless of age. ing arrangements!) in grades Pre-K Sarah Galloway teams playing in the March Mad- Registration is open for full/partial - 6th. Full uniforms and practice Contributing Photographer ness Tournament last year. teams and free agent players. WNSL times/location is also provided. John Wilkinson As with all sports, WNSL prides builds teams based off of several el- Basketball registration closes No- www.jfw3.com itself on the emphasis on sports- ements for free agent players, area vember 8th for Pre-K - 4th grade Katie Bashaw manship. We reward teams for lov- of town in which you live, school and December 6th for 5th - 11th Contributing Photographer ing the game, not winning. Regular the player attends, friend/coach re- grade, and Cheerleading registra- Jennifer Spradlin season records are not published quest, etc. Full uniforms are provid- tion closes December 6th. The sea- Contributing Photographer and after three weeks of play, we ed and every game throughout the son will tip off on January 11th and Jan Johnson look at all teams and change divi- season has certified referees. look forward to once again to serv- www.imagine--this.com sions if necessary. Our intent and In keeping with tradition, we will ing the children of Middle Tennes- Greg & Jess Photo hope is that the players will learn also offer four pre-season clinics see! www.gregandjess.com the game and have fun, then during

Art Director: Renee Phillips �ase�all � �o��all Instruc�on �a�ng cages • Pitching mounds Advertising Sales: Colby Rager 10,000 square feet • Indoor field [email protected]

Stephanie Haynesworth [email protected] Experience our player-first approach to helping all players improve and enjoy the game 615.891.1676

www.NashvilleSports.net Facebook/NashvilleSports15 Twitter: @15Nashville (1.5 miles off the I-65/Harding Place exit) The Sports Weekly is published by Nashville Sports Publicastions LLC, 142 Belle Forest Circle, Nash- ville TN 37221. All rights reserved. 4 Nashville Sports Publications October 16, 2019

SEE YOURSELF REACHING THE TOP WITH A SMILE

Delta Dental of Tennessee

Now offers DeltaVison®, reliable vision coverage you can count on administered by VSP®.

To learn more about protecting your eyes and your smile, visit: www.DeltaDentalTN.com.

@DeltaDentalTN October 16, 2019 Nashville Sports Publications 5 Moving Up Students at West Side Tae Kwon Do Awarded New Belts During the first week of - Sep Joseph DeHarde, Ashley Lesogor, tember, students at West Side Tae- Liam Moran, Natalie Papendick. kwondo participated in the Summer Senior Green Belt to Junior Blue Graduation. We congratulate them Belt - Allison Glenn, Matthias Lo- on their promotions. They put in pez, Matilda Drennan. Junior Blue many hours of work in learning and Belt to Blue Belt - Carsyn Carder, perfecting their techniques. In their Jordan Hayes, Beckett Lee, Eliza- work they have shown persever- beth Claxton. Blue Belt to Senior ance, self-control, and indomitable Blue Belt - Keira Dunbar, Addison spirit which are 3 of the 5 Tenets of Ripmaster, Hazel Crabiel, Henry Taekwondo. (Courtesy and integ- Sandberg, Bruce Newland, Adri- rity being the other 2 tenets). Our anne Burroughs, Maverik Hawkins. students strive to show all 5 tenets The Advanced Level students at school, work, home, and in the that promoted are as follows: Se- dojang. nior Blue Belt to Junior Red Belt - Kristy Chau, Kenneth Chau, An- The Beginners that promoted are drew Rybiski, Trinity Mahan. Ju- as follows: White Belt to Junior nior Red Belt to Red Belt - Karo- Beginning students at West Side Tae Kwon Do take a picture with Master Yellow Belt - Max Floyd, Brighton Lewis and their new belts!. lyn Baldwin, Sydney Lee, Alana Burchett, Joey Folk, Brennan Haw- Photo courtesy of WSTKD Burroughs, Diana Warrick, Jewell kins, Sara Jerome, Elijah Reedus, Hamilton. Red Belt to Senior Red Raegan Smith, Arianna Reese, Ar- nior Yellow Belt - Caleb Goddard, Jack Kelso, Noah Emerson. Junior Belt - Luke Doster. Senior Red manee McCray, Yousef Jambi, Jon Olivia Mart, Will Claxton, Madoc Green Belt to Senior Green Belt - Belt to 1st Degree Recommended Harris, Keegan Blount. White Belt Drennan, Rylan Sawyer, Mack Gwenevieve Glidewell, Helenna Black Belt - Dominic Daggs, Alisa to Yellow Belt -Jordyn Simmons, Pearson, Michael Collins, Nolan Cargill-Malaney . Gilchuk. 1st Degree Black Belt to Nandini Chitraju. Junior Yellow Veliz, Jalen March, Joani March, 2nd Degree Recommended Black Belt to Yellow Belt - Peyton Burt, Geneva Peoples. Senior Yellow The Intermediate Level students Belt - Evan Radke. Penelope Patrick-Wesson, Weston Belt to Junior Green Belt - Ava that promoted are as follows: Green The next promotion will be the Williams, Bennett Wang, Waylon Bradley, Maximiliano Lares, An- Belt to Senior Green Belt - Payton Autumn Graduation to be held in Williams, Wyatt Williams, Jake drew Dansby, Camden Denning. Carter, M. Husan Mirsalikhov, M. December. For more information, Simmons. Junior Yellow Belt to Junior Green Belt to Green Belt - Hasan Mirsalikhov, Khabibullokh contact West Side Taekwondo at Senior Yellow Belt - Jensyn March, Lexi Joiner, William Brownlee, Ad- Mirsalikhov, Robert Simmons, 615-891-7184 or visit www.lew- Randy March. Yellow Belt to Se- riah Dansby, Bastion McCormick, Sarah Hayes, Nathaniel Caballero, ismartialartstn.com. 6 Nashville Sports Publications October 16, 2019 Pearl-Cohn QB Making His Dreams Come True Continued from Page 1 telling me to just put the football . They were like, ‘Your gift is yards and 45 as a se- baseball, so stick to that.’ I was like, nior, earning the Tennessee Gato- but I love football too.” rade Football Player of the Year Ultimately, after sitting down with award. (Vaughn is now a senior at his mom and dad, Owens made the Vanderbilt.) decision to finish what he dreamed “I had always pulled for Pearl- about when he was nine. Cohn and I knew (Brunetti) was the “I knew how good this football coach there,” Owens said. “I looked team was and I wanted to be part of up to Ke’Shawn, and watching him that family,” he said. “My coaches from the sidelines I thought this is stuck with me through it all and that where I want to go to high school.” meant a lot. Now, everybody’s be- There was never a guarantee hind me 100 percent.” he would play for Brunetti, since Owens did play all but seven coaching changes happen a lot and Playing for Pearl-Cohn and Coach Brunetti has been a dream that Owens baseball games last year following families can move out of the area, has made come true. Fans of the Firebirds have benefited as the team the injury and may play again after has come up huge this year. football is over. But he’s committed but Owens said being the Pearl- Photo by Vince Troia Cohn starting quarterback was the to football now. only vision he had. hard,” he said. “As one of 10 chil- Even Brunetti admits that Owens “He’s Division I talent and he’s a “That’s the way I was looking at it dren, he’s had to take on lots of re- is a gifted baseball player, a smaller very intelligent kid,” said Brunetti. (when I first told him). I wasn’t try- sponsibilities.” kid who always played up in class So, what did Owens learn from ing to impress him; I was just mo- When he finally earned the start- and boasts a great skill set. And the suspension? “To keep my head tivated,” he said. “I’d been strug- ing job behind center last year, Mar- Owens parents surely didn’t want on straight,” he said. “And to think gling my whole life, so that’s what I tino tore is ACL and would have to to see him sustain another serious about my team before I think about wanted to be.” overcome another obstacle. injury. myself.” Without going into detail, Brunet- “It was devastating,” Owens said, “I think some people thought He said he thinks his team at home ti said that Martino, the second of adding that family and friends who my football injury would be like against Whites Creek on Friday is 10 children in his family, has had were “tore up” watching his recov- a wakeup call, but I always said I “going to play lights out!” And after to overcome a lot in his young life. ery and rehabilitation were now would be coming back to play quar- the bitter taste of sitting out a game “He’s got two good parents, which telling him to quit football and play terback,” said Owens. “But outside and swallowing his pride, Owens counts for a lot, but it’s still been baseball. in the community everybody was simply said, “I’m hungry.” NCS Volleyball Move On in Mid-Region Tourney The Nashville Christian Lady Ea- ed up losing to Goodpasture, 1-3 matchup against a tough BGA team, the region tournament, both Lynn- gles volleyball team secured a spot but solidified the second spot in the who had finished Davidson Acad- lee Page and Amber Bishop were in the sub-state this past week, as region tournament. emy. The Lady Eagles won that named to the All Tournament team. they won two games in the Division The Lady Eagles opened up the matchup as well, advancing them All-Tournament. II-A Middle Region tournament. 2019 Division II-A Middle Region to the region final later that night The Lady Eagles will host Notre The Lady Eagles had a successful tournament up at home, hosting against Goodpasture. Dame this Tuesday night. Notre season posting a 15-9 record. Nash- the No. 3 seed MTCS. They won Goodpasture bested the Lady Ea- Dame comes into this matchup af- ville Christian ended up with a 9-3 in three straight sets to advance to gles to win the Division II-A Mid- ter finishing third in the East region. record in the region on the season. the region semifinal. Thanks to their dle Region tournament, but a runner They finished with a 26-9 record. They beat DCA to advance to the win against MTCS in straight sets, up finish helped Nashville Christian The winner of this matchup will District 4 Championship against they advanced to the sub-state. land the second seed in the next face a very tough St. George team Goodpasture. They ultimately end- The Lady Eagles then had a round. Because of their play in on Saturday, October 19th.

357 Clofton Drive Nashville, TN 37221

615-646-7877

Hours: Monday - Sunday 11:00 am - 10:00 pm October 16, 2019 Nashville Sports Publications 7 Football Roundup Hillwood, Brentwood, CPA and Ravenwood All Win Big By Stetson Marlin Harpeth 7 Fairview 43 NSW Contributor Harpeth lost their seventh straight game of the season this past Friday The Nashville Christian Eagles night, as they fell 43-7 to a tough had to go through their toughest Fairview team. stretch of the season so far over the The Jackets jumped out to an ear- past two weeks, as they’ve had to ly 7-0 lead on a two-yard rushing travel to USJ and Fayette Academy. from Brody Cox. Logan In both weeks, they have come out Nardozzi extended their lead on a victorious, winning both games by nine-yard early in the second. the score of 28-27. He took another rushing yard to the It took a two-minute drill type of house, this time from 46 yards to in- drive last week to come back and crease their lead to 19. beat USJ, so the Eagles came into this game riding high, looking to Ensworth defenders swam the Sycamore running back during the Tigers 30-0 victory Friday night. FRA 16, BGA 14 extend their undefeated record. Photo by Carl Edmondson Jeffery Vercher had 33 carries for The Eagles had a tough task in 126 yards and a touchdown for the yards and a touchdown. Satterfield the game for the Tigers. stopping one of the most elusive Panthers. BGA quarterback Nick was McClary’s favorite target, as he Bullock had a good night, fin- players in Division II-A in Rube Semptimphelter was 8-of-17 pass- finished with six receptions for 63 ishing 10-18 for 121 yards and a Scott Rhea. He gave the Vikings the ing for 119 yards and a score. early lead on an 11-yard run late in yards and one touchdown. Owens touchdown. Ingram led the Tigers the first quarter. led the Eagles in rushing with 16 in rushing, as he finished with sev- attempts for 91 yards and a touch- en rushes for 75 yards and a touch- Lipscomb 35 Rossview 0 It took the Eagles a little while to Luther Richesson was 12-of- down. Martease Edwards had seven down. Gabriel McDaniel had 12 get things going, but Matt McClary 18 passing for 171 yards and four rushes for 24 yards. rushes for 43 yards, while Bullock found an open Jaden Satterfield in touchdowns as the Mustangs Defensively, Micah Fann had an finished with seven rushes for 30 the for a 16-yard touch- blanked Rossview. Teammate outstanding night for the Eagles, yards. down to tie things up with under a Shamar Porter caught five passes finishing with 11 tackles. He was minute in the first quarter. for 88 yards and two touchdowns. The Eagles took their first lead of in the backfield all night as well, Hillwood 42 Antioch 14 finishing with two sacks and five Hillwood had a special night this the game with just under a minute MBA 15, BA 7 left in the half when Dakota Owens TFLs. Nick Bozich also had 11 past Friday night as they hosted Marcel Reed was 7-of-17 passing took a six-yard rush to the house for tackles. Edwards finished with six the Bellevue Alumni Homecoming for 124 yards and ran for 31 yards a 14-7 lead. tackles, while William Spence had Game, playing the game at Bellev- and a score on 12 carries to lead McClary had his second passing six tackles as well and a big inter- ue Middle School. The Hilltoppers MBA past Brentwood Academy. touchdown of the day early in the ception. Harris Adams and Josh hosted a struggling Antioch Bears. Jordan James led the Eagles with third quarter when he found Jaelyn Strickland had five tackles apiece It didn’t take long for this game 114 yards and a touchdown on 15 Marsh for a 70-yard touchdown to while Lucas Kline finished with to get out of hand. The Hilltoppers carries and caught three passes for give the Eagles a 14-point lead. four tackles. were able to put up 21 points in the 11 yards. Nashville Christian got the first quarter alone. They added eight back after a Rhea touchdown look- Ensworth 30 Sycamore 0 more points in the second quarter to ing to make another game-win- The Ensworth Tigers hosted Bish- take a 29-0 lead into halftime. Page 28, Centennial 14 ning drive down the field but were op Sycamore (OH) this past Friday Hillwood added another touch- Cade Walker was 10-of-14 pass- stopped, as the game ended up go- night for Senior Night. Seniors down in the third quarter to extend ing for 103 yards and a touchdown ing into . The Eagles got for the Tigers had a good night all their lead. After scoring another and had 13 rushes for 102 yards and the ball first and were able to put a around, resulting in a 30-0 win. touchdown, Antioch scored two two scores in Page’s win on Thurs- touchdown on the board, thanks to Senior Gerard Bullock connected garbage-time touchdowns to put the day. a three-yard rush from McClary. with senior William Wright for a final score at 42-14. Teammate Bubba Johnson had Rhea scored his fourth rushing 15-yard touchdown to give the Ti- The Hilltoppers record now sits 18 carries for 84 yards and a touchdown of the day to quickly an- gers the early 7-0 lead. at 4-4. The top three teams in the touchdown. Cougars quarterback swer to the Eagles touchdown. The Charles Ingram extended the Ti- region will advance to the playoffs Grayson Marcel was 14-of-25 pass- Vikings didn’t want to extend this gers lead after rushing the ball in and the Hilltoppers are currently ing for 97 yards and a touchdown. game any longer, as they went for a from 12 yards out. Ensworth ended sitting at third with a 1-2 record. two-point conversion to try and win up taking a 13-0 lead into halftime. Summit 56, Franklin Co 21 this ballgame. Rhea’s pass ended up It took a little while for the Tigers Ravenwood 24, CPA 7 Tre Hunter had 12 carries for being deflected. to get things going after halftime, Brian Garcia was 18-of-30 pass- 129 yards and two touchdowns to McClary had yet another good but senior Keshawn Lawrence took ing for 197 yards and three touch- lead Summit past Franklin Coun- week for the Eagles, finishing the a 90 yards to the house to give downs as the Raptors beat CPA. ty. Teammate Ashton Lebel rushed day with 170 passing yards on 12- Ensworth the momentum swing. Teammate Ross Johnston had seven eight times for 82 yards and a score. 24 passing with two touchdowns Evan Cooley was hot all night catches for 97 yards and two touch- Rebels quarterback Isiaha Sisk was and one . He also add- long with his foot, making three downs and Ben Severance led the 7-of-20 passing for 136 yards and ed four rushes for nine yards and a straight field goals to ice the game defense with 10 solo tackles. CPA’s a touchdown and Marquice Toliver clutch game-winning touchdown. for the Tigers. He made a 37-yarder, Cade Law was 9-of-12 passing for had ten carries for 102 yards and Marsh had one reception for 70 a 20-yarder, and a 26-yarder to end 117 yards and a touchdown. two scores. 8 Nashville Sports Publications October 16, 2019