HHS football celebrates memorable season, end of a legacy

The Harpeth High School football team gathered on Jan. 20 to celebrate their 2024 season at the annual End of Year Banquet. As the room filled with players, managers, coaches, athletic trainers, family and friends, the evening overflowed with recognition, camaraderie and heartfelt moments.

This banquet marked the final one for Head Coach Doug Loope, who has been hosting this special event for 20 years, but attending for even longer. His presence and leadership have left an indelible mark on the Harpeth Indians, making this year’s banquet a bittersweet farewell.

Records Broken/Tied

The 2024 season saw several record-breaking or record-tying performances:

• CJ Turner (#6, Junior): Three touchdown receptions in a single game, joining Perry Horkins and Bradley Baker in the record book.

• Charlie Wilson (#7, Senior): Five touchdown passes in a game and 34 pass attempts in a game.

• Defensive Team Records: Fewest rushing yards allowed in a game (negative yards) and fewest yards per carry in a game (-2.15 per carry).

  
  

All-County Recognition

The Cheatham County Exchange selected several Harpeth players for All-County honors:

• CJ Turner (#6, WR)

• Charlie Wilson (#7, QB)

• Griffin Corlew (#8, LB)

• Karson Mauk (#9, RB)

• Luke Summers (#13, DB)

• Hudson Ealy (#25, LB)

• John Michael Neely (#33, RB)

• Joshua Mealio (#54, OL)

• Cade Harper (#71, DL)

• Boo Moberly (#77, OL)

  
  

All-Academic Team

These scholar-athletes maintained at least a 3.5 GPA while excelling on the field:

• Griffin Corlew (#8)

• Jaiden Railey (#12)

• Luke Summers (#13)

• Gage Scott (#22)

• Hudson Ealy (#25)

• Jake Parsley (#32)

• John Michael Neely (#33)

• Cadge Roark (#50)

• Joshua Mealio (#54)

Player of the Week Honorees

Sponsored by local Farm Bureau agent Spencer Garrett, the weekly standout players were:

• Week 1: John Michael Neely (#33)

• Week 2: Karson Mauk (#9)

• Week 3: Luke Summers (#13)

• Week 4: John Michael Neely (#33)

• Week 5: Hudson Ealy (#25)

• Week 6: Cade Harper (#71)

• Week 7: Karson Mauk (#9)

• Week 8: Charlie Wilson (#7)

• Week 10: Boo Moberly (#77)

• Week 11: Griffin Corlew (#8)

  
  

All-Region 5 AA Recognition

The following players earned All-Region honors:

• Most Valuable Linebacker: Karson Mauk (#9)

• All-Region: Griffin Corlew (#8), Luke Summers (#13), John Michael Neely (#33), Boo Moberly (#77)

• Honorable Mention: CJ Turner (#6), Charlie Wilson (#7), Joshua Mealio (#54), Cade Harper (#71)

  
  

National Football Foundation Award

• Winner: Luke Summers (#13)

  
  

Team Awards

• Summer Workout Award: John Michael Neely (#33, Sophomore)

• Horizon Defense Award: Caleb Thomas (#28, Freshman)

• Adam Huffines Most Valuable Linebacker: Hudson Ealy (#25, Sophomore)

• Jason Tant Most Valuable Offensive Lineman: Joshua Mealio (#54, Junior)

• Most Valuable Junior Varsity Player: Jayden Stromatt (Junior)

• Horizon Offense Award: CJ Turner (#6, Junior)

• Kevin Downs Practice Player: Houston Greer (#53, Junior)

• Most Valuable Defensive Lineman: Boo Moberly (#77, Senior)

• Most Valuable Special Teams Player: Charlie Wilson (#7, Senior)

• Brian Elliott Most Valuable Offensive Back: Karson Mauk (#9, Senior)

• Perry Horkins Most Valuable Receiver: Luke Summers (#13, Senior)

• Most Valuable Defensive Back: John Michael Neely (#33, Sophomore)

• Most Valuable Player: Karson Mauk (#9, Senior)

• Coaches Award: Griffin Corlew (#8, Senior)

• Indian Character and Trust Award: Cade Harper (#71, Junior)

  
  

A Night to Remember

The Indians will graduate 10 senior players and two senior managers this year, losing a big part of this special team. Coach Loope awarded a game jersey to each senior player that was proudly displayed in their shadow boxes at the head table for the evening. At the end of the night, each senior in attendance spoke a few final words over their fellow Indians, offering advice, guidance, love and support for the future seasons to come.

As the banquet concluded, the team reflected on a season filled with triumphs, challenges and unforgettable moments. Coach Loope’s final banquet as head coach was a testament to the legacy he leaves behind, one defined by dedication, mentorship and a commitment to excellence. The Harpeth Indians will carry his lessons forward, striving for greatness both on and off the field.

Congratulations to all players, coaches and supporters on another incredible season!