Jacksonville’s Carter McCown Named the ETSN.fm Dairy Queen Offensive Player of the Week

Most 15-year-olds making their varsity debut at quarterback don't enjoy immediate success. Even fewer go on the road and engineer a game-winning drive in fourth quarter to knock off a state-ranked power.

That's exactly what Jacksonville's Carter McCown did on Friday night. And for his efforts, McCown is the ETSN.fm Dairy Queen Offensive Player of the Week for Aug. 30-Sept. 1.

McCown (6-2, 165) spotted Darrell Minifee for an 11-yard touchdown with 40 seconds remaining, leading Jacksonville to a 34-30 upset of Carthage, which came in ranked No. 3 in Class 3A. He finished the night 23-of-36 passing for 369 yards and four touchdowns.

"He was very poised," first-year Jacksonville coach Chris Taber said. "He doesn't look like a sophomore out there."

And if that name sounds familiar, yes ... Carter is the cousin of the famed McCown brothers Randy, Josh and Luke, who all enjoyed great success at Jacksonville before going on to careers in college and the NFL.

"He's one of those kids who grew up believing he was supposed to do this," Taber said. "He's preparing for this his whole life."

Jacksonville (1-0) continues its season Friday night at home against Palestine (0-1).