Davidson Academy QB Stone Norton returns after 2 weeks at Blackman
Quarterback Stone Norton has returned to Davidson Academy, coach Jonathan Quinn confirmed Tuesday.
After enrolling at Blackman two weeks ago, Norton, a rising junior who intended to transfer to the Class 6A school in Rutherford County, has re-enrolled in Davidson Academy, where he attended classes Monday.
"Now that he's back we're just trying to come together as a team, look towards the future and try to put it behind us," Quinn said. "I don't know how there can't still be some hard feelings, but I don't think it's anything that time, hard work and friendships can't overcome."
As a sophomore at Davidson Academy, Norton completed 169 of 269 pass attempts for 2,637 yards and 26 touchdowns with nine interceptions, helping lead the Bears to a 7-4 record along with a Division II-A playoff appearance, and the 6-foot-1, 160-pounder also ran for 132 yards and a touchdown.
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“I think anytime you lose a good athletic player — especially a good young player — the team takes a hit, but with that being said, we would have moved forward,” said Quinn, who has compiled a 19-15 record in three seasons at the North Nashville private school. “Our team was very resilient and actually came together and became tighter.
In addition to the strong-armed signal caller, the Davidson Academy also returns its leading rusher and receiver from a season ago in Da'Joun Hewitt (1,627 yards rushing) and Ben Switzer (802 yards receiving), along with prized 2019 defensive end prospect Ani Izuchukwu, who missed the majority of 2016 with a shoulder injury.
Blackman returns its starting quarterback in Connor Mitchell from last year's 9-4 squad. Mitchell completed 102 of 167 passes for 1,219 yards with 14 touchdowns and seven interceptions. He also rushed for 444 yards. Mitchell, a rising senior, would have likely been a receiver had Norton stayed.
Reach Michael Murphy at mfmurphy@tennessean.com or 615-259-8262 and on Twitter @Murph_TNsports.