By MARK BURGESS, [email protected]
December 17, 2004

Buck Coatney's latest victory came the democratic way.

Put up for a vote, Coatney was a landslide winner of the Tennessee Titans High School Football Coach of the Year Award.

"It's just great honor for the program," Coatney said. "Its great for the school and the community."

Coatney led his Fulton Falcons to a 13-2 record and a second consecutive Class 3A state championship.

In what was supposed to be a rebuilding year, Coatney proved the Falcons have grown into one of the best programs in the state.

"I'm excited for the team because I see this as a team award," Coatney said. "It's not about me, it's about this team and these players believing in themselves."

The Falcons also receive $3,000 from the Titans and owner Bud Adams. The Titans donate $1,000 to each coach of the week winner and $2,000 for the coach of the year.

"That (money) is coming at a great time," he said. "We're getting ready to buy some new (state championship) rings."

Coatney was selected coach of the year ahead of nine other weekly winners:

Kirk Williams, Greenbrier; Kevin Ward, Camden Central; Andy Shattuck, Clinton; David Watson, Siegel; Jeff Porter, White House; Brian Rector, Ravenwood; Arcentae Broome, McGavock; John Cooley, Ridgeway; Jerry Joslin, Cookeville.

Each winner, including Coatney, will be recognized at the Titans' home game against the Detroit Lions on Jan. 2.

"High school football enjoys a great tradition in Tennessee," Adams said in a statement. "That tradition is based not only on the outstanding quality of play but on the devotion of their coaches who continue to develop high school football players into young men of strong character.

"I'm very pleased to underwrite this program that recognizes the efforts of so many talented high school coaches across the state."

In its seventh season, the Titans Coach of the Week program has awarded more than $78,000 to football programs across the state.