ÐÔÊÓ½çAPP

In addition to the prestigious title, Shoulders will receive a $3,000 grant from the Titans organization to benefit Macon County’s football program. He is now eligible for the Don Shula NFL High School Coach of the Year Award, which honors a high school coach who exemplifies the integrity, leadership and success of the NFL’s winningest coach.

Shoulders was recognized during the Titans’ recent home game against the Cincinnati Bengals in Nashville, where his achievements were celebrated by fans and the organization alike.

Shoulders began his coaching journey as an assistant at Macon County before taking on the head coaching role at Red Boiling Springs, where he made history by leading the team to its first playoff appearance in 2014. He spent two seasons at powerhouse Oakland High School under Kevin Creasy before returning to Macon County in 2018.

Over seven seasons, Shoulders has become the winningest coach in Macon County history with 55 victories, surpassing former head coach Dean Fisher. His leadership has not only brought success on the field but has also elevated the program’s reputation not only in the Upper Cumberland but also across Tennessee.

Not only was Shoulders honored, the championship gold ball went on a victory tour around the county.

The Tigers, along with their coaches, athletic director, cheerleaders and the band, visited local elementary schools and the middle school, proudly displaying the state championship trophy. Students and faculty lined hallways and gymnasiums, cheering as the team entered, creating an electric atmosphere of pride and excitement over the team’s first championship in their 98-year history.

The players were met with enthusiastic applause from students and staff alike as they pushed the trophy on a rolling cart through the halls, showcasing the tangible reward of their hard work and teamwork.