How running back Tee Perry made most of his first start in MUS football win over Arlington

ARLINGTON — Tee Perry finally got his turn to shine Friday. Memphis University School’s junior running back got experience on the varsity level last season as a sophomore but rarely carried the ball.  

This year, he’s the Owls' feature back — and he looked the part.  

Perry had 117 rushing yards and three touchdowns in his first varsity start, as the Owls shut out Arlington 35-0.  

“I feel great,” Perry said. “I’m really confident going into the season after that.” 

And he should be.  

He dominated all night against the Tigers. 

“I’m very proud but not surprised,” MUS coach Bobby Alston said. 

MEMPHIS AREA SCOREBOARD:West Tennessee high school football scores for Week 1 of 2022 TSSAA regular season

ISAIAH COBBS' BIG NIGHT:'It just felt like it was home': Isaiah Cobbs, Munford gets statement win over Covington

Perry is built like a power back and that’s exactly how MUS used him. Alston said his team wasn’t going to pass the ball as much as it did a year ago. And Perry’s presence in the backfield proved why it might not have to.  

When the Owls did throw, all it did was force Arlington to guess what the Owls were going to do next.  

Perry didn't get many big gains early. It wasn’t until the end of the first quarter when he broke free for a 19-yard touchdown to break open the scoring.  

“I’ve been working hard all off season for it,” Perry said. “I knew that it was my time to be the starter so I had to take advantage of it. I had to come out here and prove it.” 

Perry is hoping his college recruitment will take off, too. He doesn't have any scholarship offers but has started getting interest from Austin Peay.  

The Owls lost several offensive weapons from last season. Alston wasn’t quite sure how that side of the ball would look.  

Along with Perry, Mahki Shaw was another bright spot for the Owls. He scored two touchdowns rushing and added an interception, setting up Perry’s final score of the night. 

“We were good tonight against Arlington,” Alston said. “Next week against Germantown, a little different group of characters on the defensive side so I’m sure it will be a lot tougher.”

Reach Wynston Wilcox at wwilcox@gannett.com and on Twitter @wynstonw__.