Alcoa's Tallant shows value for East

JEFFERSON CITY - As the two teams began to disperse after the East's 26-9 win over the West in the annual Tennessee All-Star Classic, Alcoa High School offensive lineman Derek Evans grabbed Austin Tallant in a giant bear hug. The two concluded ther high school career with another win at Carson-Newman College to an already lengthy list.

"To never lose a game as a starter in high school, you can't ask for much better," said Tallant, who played quarterback and safety for Alcoa. I hope I can continue this at the next level."

Tallant definitely helped his case Saturday, earning the East's Defensive Player of the Game, registering nine tackles including a touchdown-saving chase of West wideout Jamaar Embry.

By rule, the defense had to stay in a base 4-3, cover-2, but it didn't stop Tallant from being a factor in almost every play. He also had a 36-yard kickoff return that nearly broke free for a score.

"I give the credit to my teammates," Tallant said. "To come out here and get a victory after two years of the East being down is phenomenal."

Kentucky commitment Christian Coleman, from Milan, harassed East's quarterbacks for a game-record four sacks to earn the West's Defensive Player of the Game. Coleman was almost unstoppable against an offensive line with four Division I recruits, recording eight tackles and also forcing a fumble.

"I wanted to go out doing something special," Coleman said. "This was my last chance. I was getting whipped a little bit at first, but as the game went on I figured out a way to beat them."

Young Held Out: University of Tennessee commitment Devrin Young of Bearden did not play due to a sore right shoulder.

Injuries: Alcoa running back/defensive end Darrell Warren hurt his ankle on the East's opening drive. Warren was diagnosed with a sprain and was on crutches for the rest of the game.

Oak Ridge linebacker Geoff Mitchell suffered a mild concussion after losing his helmet and taking a blow to the head during a tackle in the first half.

Isom Dual Threat: Alcoa wide receiver Steven Isom pulled double duty, not only leading the East in receiving with five catches for 61 yards, but also punting five times for a 33.2-yard average.

East Is Offensive: East quarterback Tanner Williams of Anderson County may have been beat out for the offensive MVP by his QB partner Quinn Epperly of CAK, but he still managed to put up some good statistics.

Williams completed 13 of 25 passes for 112 yards and a touchdown. He threw one interception.

Wide receiver Jacob Sexton of Scott caught four passes for 58 yards and a TD.

West Catching On: Brentwood Academy wide receiver Jacob Pleasant was named the West's offensive player of the game.

Pleasant led all receivers with seven catches for 88 yards. Jackson Northside's Dhahraun Bivins caught six passes for 93 yards.