Dawson County graduate Chad Cunningham had the game of his life against Auburn Sept. 27.

The former Dawson County High School Tiger punter, punted 10 times for a 39.9-yard average, placing five kicks inside the 20-yard line with three kicks being inside the 5-yard line at the 3, 4, and 5-yard lines for the University of Tennessee Volunteers.

Because of his efforts Chad was named player of the game by long time Tennessee Vols network radio commentator Bob Kesling.

His longest punt in the game was 57 yards. Off of four kick-offs he recorded two touchbacks.

Cunningham was also an honorable mention for special teams by the Southeastern Conference for week 5.

“With both offenses struggling, the Vols’ best weapon in the second half might have been punter Chad Cunningham,” said AP Sports Writer John Zenor.

“He buried Auburn’s sputtering offense inside the 5 three times, the last one with 2:59 left in the game,” Zenor added.

Auburn coach Tommy Tuberville was quoted as saying, “Their punter kept us in the hole all night. We had no field position.”

Cunningham seemed to be about all the offense Tennessee could muster against Auburn in the 14-12 loss.

Last Saturday, Cunningham punted three times against Northern Illinois with a long punt of 57 yards in the Vols 13-9 victory.

Tennessee currently stands at 2-3 overall with a game “Between the Hedges” this Saturday vs. the University of Georgia.

Kick-off is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. and will be telecast nationally.