Westview football player earns 'joy'ous rankings

Last Thursday night against archrival Dresden, the Charger wide receiver's 332-yard effort was the third best single-game effort in state history. He supplanted Clarksville Northwest's Gus Antoine Jr., who amassed 326 yards against West Creek in 2017. He trails No. 2 Devin Ramsey of Unaka (352 yards vs. Harlan, Ky. in 2021) and No. 1 Keiwone Malone of Memphis Mitchell (358 yards vs, Dyersburg in 2008).Joy's effort, while exemplary, couldn't edge Westview past the Lions. Dresden scored on an 11-yard pass from quarterback Cameron Schlicht to Nick Turnbow with 5:13 remaining in the game to secure the 40-34 victory.Westview head coach Jarrod Neal had praise for his young receiver."It was his first career game ever as a receiver," Neal said. "I knew he was explosive and if they didn't tackle him he could make something big happen. I was proud of him for sure."Dresden coach Keith Hodge also heaped lavish praise on the Charger receiver. "We double teamed Joy and he got loose. We couldn't cover him," Hodge said. "He is a special player and we didn't have an answer for him. (Westview quarterback Miles) Vincent did a good job getting him the ball."The Chargers amassed 498 yards of total offense against the Lions. Westview quarterback Miles Vincent was 15-23 passing for 421 yards and five touchdowns, three of those tosses to Joy.The Chargers host nearby rival Obion Central 7 p.m. Friday night at UT Martin's Hardy Graham Stadium, but the game could be delayed if the temperatures don't cool off.