Five local players are in the running for Tennessee’s top football award.

The TSSAA announced its finalists for the Tennessee Titans Mr. Football award this week, led by Southwind quarterback Kelvin Perkins. A winner in 2023 and a runner-up in 2024, he’s a finalist for the third straight season.

Perkins leads Southwind against Ravenwood on Friday in a state semifinal game. Both teams are undefeated.

Joining him for the Dec. 9 ceremonies at Nissan Stadium in Nashville are two repeat finalists, Fairley quarterback Andrew Johnson and running back Nix Fullen of Tipton-Rosemark.

The other finalists are both sophomores, Melrose quarterback Thomas Heffner and Munford running back Tay Starks.

As always, we need your help in spotlighting our top prep athletes. Coaches and stat-keepers can send in their scores, highlights and top performers from each game either by emailing jvarlas@dailymemphian.com or on X @johnvarlas.

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