Pigskin preview 2014 by Herald-Citizen

A2 — HERALD-CITIZEN, Cookeville, Tenn. — www.herald-citizen.com — Thursday, August 21, 2014

PIGSKIN PREVIEW 2013 Upper Cumberland Statistical Leaders

■ The Herald-Citizen Sports Staff

Rushing Rusher G Connor York, UHS 14 Alaz Looper, MHS 11 Austin Butler, UHS 14 Blake Lynn, WC 11 Divonta Milan, DC 11 Kaelin Cason, GHS 11 Joseph Walton, JC 11 Jalen Manning, SC 11 Cam. Germenis, CHS 11 Jayar Fraga, Clay 10 Dalton Phillips, MHS 11 Dalton Gore, PC 9 Isaiah Walker, MHS 11 Jordan Savage, LA 10 Lance Crockett, York 11 River Boruﬀ, WC 11 Cameron Dukes, JC 7 Luke Boss, DC 11 Des. Pincheon, CHS 9 Grant Williams, SC 11 James Owens, LA 10

No. 257 188 194 228 136 226 212 161 176 121 140 118 122 110 94 64 60 74 41 54 46

Yds.Yds./C 2611 10.2 1384 7.4 1363 7.0 1338 5.9 1312 9.6 1290 5.7 1251 5.9 1172 7.3 1040 5.9 1033 8.5 815 5.8 727 6.2 694 5.7 608 5.5 524 5.6 474 7.4 395 6.6 377 5.1 325 7.9 319 5.9 300 6.5

TD 37 14 13 13 14 17 19 14 15 9 12 6 8 5 4 5 8 4 5 6 3

Passing Quarterback Comp.Att. Connor York, UHS 149 242 Steven Jennings, DC128238 B. Stewart, Clay 81 145 Jarred Medlin, JC 95 182 N. Smotherman, GHS87 158 Kaleb Qualls, LA 68 155 Mason Dillon, SC 68 155 J. Edgington, CHS 53 119 Aaron Reagan, PC 32 76 Cor. Heiderich, MHS42 88 Mas. Cravens, York 35 81

Int. 8 10 11 9 10 5 4 6 5 6 7

Yds. 2524 1847 1472 1427 1417 1178 1024 880 622 596 544

TD 35 16 14 11 11 5 7 6 4 6 2

Receiving Receiver Robert Stephenson, UHS Wade Eldridge, LA Aaron Patterson, DC Jason Jones, UHS Austin Vaden, GHS Wyatt Mabry, Clay Chase Mabey, CHS Dustin Warner, DC Jayar Fraga, Clay Zac Jackson, GHS Josh Mee, JC Vince Lotempio, York Brad Rankin, SC

Rec. 71 34 43 42 41 25 36 28 27 22 30 15 19

Yds. 1252 745 733 672 659 617 595 537 532 458 443 358 315

TD 16 8 9 9 3 7 4 2 6 6 4 2 3

Sports editor CRAIG DELK (left) and assistant sports editor THOMAS CORHERN (right) ■ Credits Cover design — Thomas Corhern Cover photos — Craig Delk, Thomas Corhern Writing and editorial — Craig Delk, Thomas Corhern Photos — Craig Delk, Thomas Corhern, Ty Kernea, Tony Marable, Bill Bowden Layout and design — Craig Delk, Thomas Corhern Photo production — Jamie Danforth

Interceptions Defender Skylar Delaney, WC Josh Blodgett, LA Logan Henderson, MHS Harley Smith, Clay Logan Clark, LA Wade Eldridge, LA Perry Clayton, WC

Int. 7 4 3 3 3 3 3

Tackles Defender Joey Creekbaum, LA Lance Crockett, York Seth Davis, WC Billy Joe Dunham, CHS Adam Throgmorton, CHS Taylor Hunt, GHS River Boruﬀ, WC Tyler Pike, CHS Alaz Looper, MHS Robert Bryant, LA Dakota Dilldine, UHS Josh Blodgett, LA Jayar Fraga, Clay Will Edgington, CHS Jesse Henson, JC Matt Williams, York Maverick Melton, PC Hunter Cantrell, WC Dillon Maynard, JC Kyle Ragsdale, GHS Zack Reed, York Matt Fraga, Clay Billy Newton, GHS Anthony Brusaw, CHS Daniel Flatt, LA Hunter McDonald, LA Andrew Conner, PC Trent Cumby, CHS

Total 161 108 105 97 94 91 91 90 90 90 86 83 82 77 77 77 73 73 72 69 65 62 61 60 60 58 57 56

BOLD denotes returning player in 2014

■ On the Cover

Clockwise, Cookeville senior defensive end Trent Cumby, Monterey senior running back Dalton Phillips and Upperman senior quarterback Bailey Phillips will all be key parts of their respective teams during the 2014 season.

■ Table of Contents

Contents/Stats District 6-AAA Cookeville White County District 8-AA Upperman Livingston Academy Smith County DeKalb County York Institute District 7-A Monterey Jackson County Clay County Pickett County Gordonsville Cookeville freshmen Algood Avery Trace Burks Cornerstone Prescott South Tennessee Tech

2 4 5 7 8 9 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27

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PIGSKIN PREVIEW

6-AAA

CAVS, EAGLES PICKED ATOP DISTRICT CRAIG DELK

■ District 6-AAA Predicted Order of Finish

HERALD-CITIZEN Sports Editor

Rhea County practically steamrolled its way to the District 6-AAA title last season, outscoring its five opponents 209-39 and advancing to the second round of the Class 5A playoffs. The Eagles have six starters back on offense and eight on defense, and District 6AAA’s coaches think they’ll be back at the top of the standings. But they also think Cookeville will be there with Rhea County. In a poll of the coaches, the Eagles and Cavaliers were each picked at the top of the district, followed by White County in third, Stone Memorial and Warren County tied for fourth, and Cumberland County in sixth. Cookeville coach Jimmy Maynord dismisses any thought that the Cavaliers could be a co-favorite, pointing to Rhea County’s returning experience. “They were the district champions and really nobody played them close (in 2013),” Maynord said. “We probably played them closer than anybody (in a 27-3 RCHS victory). But I think they’re definitely the odds-on favorite to repeat, and it’s gonna be a tough game because we’ve gotta go to Rhea County.” Rhea County The Eagles have a host of playmakers back, including returning two-way starters Jake York (Sr. RB/LB), Noel Patterson (Jr. WR/DB) and Jacob Williams (Sr. OL/DL). Other returning starters include: on offense, sophomore running back Cody Bice, and senior offensive linemen Logan Hinds and C.J. Shelton; and on defense, sophomore linebacker Mason Stephenson, senior defensive back Bryce Keylon, senior linebackers Zach Daoust and Holden Doss, junior linebacker Tyler Pendleton, and senior defensive lineman Lee Hill. RCHS also has another potential playmaker who has moved in from Norway, senior kicker Aleksander Hatlem, who replaces the strong-legged Wyatt Maerki. “This kid I think is going to be able to get to (where he can kick to the end zone on kickoffs),” Eagles coach Mark Pemberton said of Hatlem. “And he can hammer some field goals, so I’m really pleased with that.” Stone Memorial Mark Wattenbarger’s team may be even younger than it was last year — the Panthers have just six seniors on this year’s

1. Cookeville 1. Rhea County 3. White County 4. Stone Memorial 4. Warren County 6. Cumberland County

Rhea County head coach MARK PEMBERTON squad — but one key returnee is junior run- he said. “Just looking at the schedule, ning back Justin Johnson, who ran for 1,200 there’s a lot of games that could go either way, and you’ve gotta win those. You’ve yards last season. Having Johnson back — and losing quar- gotta hope that funny-shaped ball bounces terback Brady Wattenbarger to graduation your way.” Warren County — will likely change Stone Memorial’s ofUnder new leadership in head coach Scott fensive dynamic. “We won’t throw it like we did,” coach Smith, the Pioneers have quite a bit of youth Wattenbarger said. “We didn’t throw it a in the skill positions, with three starters whole lot last year, but we were able to back on offense and six on defense. “To watch our team and the kids that I when we needed to.” The Panthers proved very adept in close have this year, I had to get film from a mom games last year — they won four by three that filmed the JV games in the stands,” points or fewer on their way to a 6-5 season Smith joked. Warren County does have some size and — and coach Wattenbarger expects this experience on the line, including returning year’s schedule to be just as competitive. “We’re gonna have a lot of close games,” starters Dylan George (Sr. G, 6-0, 250),

Ethan Stuart (So. G, 5-11, 310) and Jarrett Winfree (Sr. T, 6-3, 240). Regardless of returning experience, Smith hopes his team can develop a winning attitude and physical mentality after the Pioneers were seemingly snake-bitten last year in numerous close games on their way to a 1-9 record. “Winning breeds more confidence and more success,” he said. “We are still fighting when we get down, learning not to put our heads down, and learning that the game is truly four quarters and it’s not over. I hope that the one mentality that they get from myself and our staff is, ‘We want to be in it in the fourth quarter, we want to be physically tougher.’” Cumberland County The Jets have struggled in recent years — they haven’t recorded a .500 record since 2003 — but last year’s 2-8 output marked their most wins since 2010 (4-6). With 10 starters back on offense and eight on defense, third-year coach Ted McCaslin believes CCHS has the chance to make marked improvement this season. “We want to take a giant step this year,” McCaslin said. “… The attitude is a lot better, the kids are doing what you ask them to do, not only on the field but off the field. We’ve worked really hard the last two years to cut down on those types of things.” In addition to having sheer numbers of returning starters back, the Jets have a capable playmaker in senior quarterback Jordan Buckner (6-1, 175), and great size at wide receiver in juniors Ty Tabor (6-4, 185) and Tyler Howard (6-4, 195). Plus, McCaslin likes his players’ mentality on defense. “We’re not very big defensively, but we’re scrappy,” he said. “We’re like the little gnat that buzzes around your ear and won’t go away. Our kids are scrappy, and they’ve worked well in the offseason.”

HERALD-CITIZEN, Cookeville, Tenn. — www.herald-citizen.com — Thursday, August 21, 2014 — A5

DISTRICT 6-AAA

CAVALIERS

SKILL ABOUNDS FOR CAVALIERS IN 2014 CRAIG DELK HERALD-CITIZEN Sports Editor

COOKEVILLE — If the Cookeville football team can stay healthy, the 2014 season has the potential to be an exciting one. The Cavaliers, led by head coach Jimmy Maynord in his second year with the program, have a plethora of talented ballcarriers and some strong returnees on defense. Cookeville’s players are excited about the possibilities for this year. “One of our goals is to be district champions this year,” senior offensive lineman Adam Haney said. “I think it’s very achievable, too. We just need to make less mistakes. Last year, we had a lot of penalties and played sloppy. This year,

we’re gonna try to clean it up.” Haney added, “I think if we can get everything running right and sync up, we can go pretty far.” The Cavaliers have a wealth of options at the skill positions. “I think in those areas, that’s where we’ve got more depth than anywhere,” Maynord said. “We’re thin up front with our offensive line, and we’re thin in some other places. But as far as skill players and people that can make plays, I think we’ve got a lot of kids that can do that. We can spread the ball around a little bit. … We’ve got a stable of running backs, and you need that. That’s a good thing.” Some of those who will be counted on at running back are a pair of junior transSee CHS, Page 6

Cookeville head coach JIMMY MAYNORD

A6 — HERALD-CITIZEN, Cookeville, Tenn. — www.herald-citizen.com — Thursday, August 21, 2014

COOKEVILLE

CHS: Lots of capable playmakers for Cavaliers

From Page 5 fers from Wilson Central — Gabe Angel (6-2, 315) and Vic Johnson (6-0, 205) — along with classmate Ty Hammons (5-9, 165). Junior James Massengille (6-2, 230) will be the fullback. Taking the snaps at quarterback and giving Cookeville yet another fleet-footed option is junior Matt Collins (5-9, 185). Collins’ options when he throws the ball include junior Zach Poston (5-9, 160) and sophomore Blake Ashburn (5-9, 175) at the wideouts, and senior Jacob Edgington (6-6, 255) at tight end. The Cavaliers have some solid players on the offensive line, though there is not much depth. Haney (6-5, 300) could be an impact player at tackle, and he is joined by junior Drew Gates (6-1, 240) at the other tackle. Seniors Thomas Dillehay (6-0, 250) and Josue Perez (5-10, 250) are the guards, and junior Ryan Hammons (5-11, 205) is the center. “Up front, our first string is pretty solid, most definitely,” Haney said. “We’ll ground and pound no-huddle if we can stay healthy.” Maynord added “Some of those guys could play defense for us and probably start, but we’ve elected not to do that right now because we’re trying to keep the offensive line intact, obviously for good reason. If we can come up with some defensive linemen, I think we’ll be OK and not having to play (the offensive linemen) on defense.” Overall, Maynord has high hopes for the offense as a whole. “We’re fast-paced and spread,” he said. “It’s a mixture of a power run game and quick passing game. It’s got a lot of capabilities, I think. … We’ve got some other things we can do. We like what we’ve got going on with it, and hopefully we can build on it and get a little bit better.” The defense, meanwhile, has several returning playmakers, including four who earned All-District 6-AAA recognition last year. Both ends were all-district honorees in

2013, seniors Trent Cumby (6-2, 210, 56 tackles and 5 sacks in 2013) and Billy Joe Dunham (5-9, 165, 97 tackles, 6 sacks). The tackles are slated to be Massengille and senior Phillip Vinson (6-0, 215), while junior Josh Brady (6-3, 300) will be the nose guard. The linebackers include junior Tim Bungart (6-2, 215, 43 tackles and 6 sacks) and another returning all-district honoree, senior Adam Throgmorton (5-9, 180, 94 tackles and 3 sacks). Last year’s 6-AAA Defensive Back MVP Will Edgington (6-0, 185, 77 tackles and 5 pass break-ups) returns for his senior season at strong safety, while Angel will be the free safety. Poston and Ashburn are penciled in as the defensive backs. Maynord also has high praise for his special teamers, including senior kicker Spencer Wright (6-2, 190, 24-of-26 point-after kicks, 3-of-5 field goals) and senior punter Nick Zalewski (5-10, 165, 38.1 yards per punt). “I feel like (the kicking game) should be a strength for us,” Maynord said. “... I feel good about where we are with our kickers and punters and snappers. Those are things that are important that sometimes get overlooked a little bit. But I think that’s definitely an area that we’ve got to make sure we take seriously and excel. “We have the capability of field goals and some things; we’ve just gotta do a good job with our protection and make sure we cover well.” In addition to their offensive and defensive responsibilities, Angel and Poston will also handle punt and kick returns. Another key to the Cavaliers’ success could be an increased familiarity with Maynord and his system. “It was a lot different (in 2013) because I had a different coach every year,” Haney said. “My senior class is the first year of actually having two years of the same coach, so it makes a big difference.”

Cookeville junior running back VIC JOHNSON

■ 2014 Cavaliers schedule Aug. 22 Aug. 29 Sept. 5 Sept. 12 Sept. 19 Sept. 26

Monterey at Cleveland Warren County Smith County at Stone Memorial Lebanon

Oct. 3 Oct. 17 Oct. 24 Oct. 31

BOLD denotes District 6-AAA game

■ Quick Facts District: 6-AAA (6A playoﬀs) Head coach: Jimmy Maynord Career record: 185-86 (24th year) Record at school: 6-5 (2nd year) Assistant coaches: Chuck Gentry (oﬀensive coordinator), David Foster (defensive coordinator), Jim Ledford (OL), John Ledford (LB), Brian Chambers (WR), Jamie

Angel (RB), Justin Angel (OL), Justin Qualls (DL), Drew Teague (DB), Steve Hatcher (K) Returning lettermen: 30 Returning starters: 3 oﬀense, 5 defense 2013: 6-5 overall, 3-2 District 6-AAA (3rd) Last playoﬀ appearance: 2013, lost to Sevier County in first round

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HERALD-CITIZEN, Cookeville, Tenn. — www.herald-citizen.com — Thursday, August 21, 2014 — A7

DISTRICT 6-AAA

WARRIORS SPARTA DETERMINED TO CONTINUE SUCCESS CRAIG DELK HERALD-CITIZEN Sports Editor

SPARTA — White County is determined to make sure last year’s 8-3 finish becomes an expectation and not a blip on the radar. To replicate that success, however, the Warriors will have to overcome losing a big senior class that played large roles on both sides of the ball. “Last year’s seniors were definitely a special group,” WCHS coach Matthan Houser said. “Offensively we had two offensive linemen, one tight end, five wide receivers, one quarterback and two running backs that were all seniors and played a huge role in our success. Defensively we lost two defensive linemen, two linebackers and three defensive backs. It’s going to be tough to replace their leadership and production, but I believe we have some players in place that are willing to step up to the challenge.” This year’s Warriors are playing the underdog role once again, and are counting on opponents underestimating them. “Nobody expects us to win,” senior offensive guard/defensive end Jo-Jo Matlock said. “Last year, we were an underdog. Everybody threw us under the bus, no matter who we played. And we showed them up. This year, we’ve gotta do the same.” Houser said his players have the right attitude as they continue to foster a winning culture in the program. “I think this year’s group is excited about

the challenge to keep the expectations high,” he said. “There are a lot of people who think we’ll take a step back after the graduation of so much production from last year’s group, and this team has a little bit of a chip on their shoulder to try to prove those people wrong. It’s not going to be easy to replicate the success we had last season, but I like the focus of this team and how they’ve grown and come together as a group.” Senior linebacker Seth Davis — who last year was named the District 6-AAA CoDefensive MVP — said the Warriors are trying to balance confidence and not being satisfied with last year’s success. “We’ve gotta have confidence, but not let it make us cocky like we’ve already done it,” said Davis, who will also be starting at running back this season. “It doesn’t matter what we did (last year). We’ve gotta take it to the next step and go on from there, win a playoff game, win two or three and see how far we can take it. We just need to know we can play and compete with anybody we deal with.” WCHS will have a host of newcomers at the offensive skill positions. Sophomore Trenton Hodges (6-1, 170) will be the starting quarterback, and he’ll be flanked at running back by Davis (5-11, 175) and senior Perry Clayton (5-7, 170). Clayton saw some action last year in the backfield, running 45 times for 183 yards and three scores. See WCHS, Page 31

■ 2014 Warriors schedule Aug. 22 Aug. 29 Sept. 5 Sept. 12 Sept. 19 Sept. 26

York Institute at Livingston Academy Rhea County DeKalb County Warren County at Chattanooga Christian

Oct. 3 Oct. 10 Oct. 24 Oct. 31

at Cumberland County Sequoyah at Stone Memorial at Cookeville

BOLD denotes District 6-AAA game

■ Quick Facts District: 6-AAA (5A playoﬀs) Head coach: Matthan Houser Career record: 12-10 (3rd year) Record at school: 12-10 (3rd year) Assistant coaches: Josh Hackett (defensive coordinator/ LB), Jeremy McDonald (oﬀensive coordinator/OL), Mark Houser (special teams coordinator/RB/DB), Zac Hennigan

(WR/DB), Mike Harris (TE), Montuka Murray (DL), Brian Everett (field maintenance), Brent Ryan (athletic trainer) Returning lettermen: 15+ Returning starters: 3 oﬀense, 4 defense 2013: 8-3 overall, 4-1 District 6-AAA (2nd) Last playoﬀ appearance: 2013, lost to Cleveland in first round

White County junior running back/defensive back JOSH ROWAN

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A8 — HERALD-CITIZEN, Cookeville, Tenn. — www.herald-citizen.com — Thursday, August 21, 2014

PIGSKIN PREVIEW

8-AA

TRADITIONAL POWERS COULD RISE AGAIN IN ’14 THOMAS CORHERN HERALD-CITIZEN Assistant Sports Editor

UPPER CUMBERLAND — Last year, there were a lot of young teams in District 8-AA. The traditional powers were going through a lot of growing pains, and Upperman, who had steadliy improved over the previous seasons, used amazing performances from its senior-heavy class to power its way to its first regular-season championship since 1996. But as the 2014 season approaches this week, it’s a completely different look again as there’s a lot of experienced players across the board in District 8-AA. “DeKalb County only lost three or four players,” said Livingston Academy head coach Bruce Lamb. “Macon County didn’t hardly lose anybody. Smith County has got a lot of kids coming back. I think the only team last year that was senior-oriented was Upperman, so they’re having to rebuild and everyone else has got people coming back. Everybody should be much improved this year and I really believe it’s going to be a dogfight.” DeKalb County head coach Steve Trapp agreed: “I think there are still a lot of unknowns. We only lost three guys with a lot coming back. Smith County lost some stuff up front, but that have some explosive guys and a returning quarterback and that always bodes well. Cannon County has a bit more experience. I think York Institute could be a key game. They had a lot of good players, but they had so many injuries last year. They got a lot of young kids some playing time. They could be a team to watch out for. It’s going to be very exciting.” With Livingston Academy leading the way in overall experience and a loaded roster, it’s no surprise to see them also leading the way in the preseason projections. The Wildcats had the first-place votes of all ballots received, while Smith County was second and DeKalb County picked third. “Livingston’s got a couple of guys back they didn’t have last year and should be a solid football team,” Trapp said. “They were five or six plays from being 7-3 last year. Their year last year reminds me of our 2010 year when we were 3-7. If we had a few plays go different, we could very easily have been 6-4. They lost a lot of

Livingston Academy senior wide receiver WADE ELDRIDGE Moises Rodriguez and sophomore Chanclose ball games and played hard. Our dler Hudson are at tackle, and senior Gage game was close all the way down to the ■ District 8-AA Predicted Carr is at center. end. It will be interesting to see how that Order of Finish MCHS has four returning starters on depans out.” fense as sophomore tackle Tyler Swindle, Upperman was fourth, followed by junior linebacker Tanner Lowhorn, senior Macon County and York Institute. Cannon 1. Livingston Academy linebacker Brandon Graves and cornerback County was projected as the final team in 2. Smith County 3. DeKalb County Tyler Carlisle return for another campaign. the standings. 4. Upperman Cannon County Macon County The Lions snapped a two-season winless Macon County is coming into its second 5. Macon County streak last season, beating Red Boiling season in District 8-AA and looks to make 6. York Institute 7. Cannon County Springs to get back into the win column, more of an impact in 2014. The Tigers finished fifth last season in the throw passes to junior receivers Tyler and CCHS will use that as a chance to district and completed the season with a 3- Carlisle (5-10, 155) and Trace McPherson build some momentum. Sophomore Josh Walkup is expected to 7 record. (6-3, 210), and senior wideout Brandon play quarterback for the Lions this season, Coach Nathan Wilson expects his Tigers Noles (5-10, 160). to have improved speed and strength comSenior Dale Turner (5-7, 160) and Logan while senior Austin Brock could give him ing into this new year, but has to contend Grace (5-7, 155) will run the ball for the some competition there. CCHS has five players at wide receiver with a lot of young players in key roles. Tigers. with A.J. Daniel, Ethan Smith, Wilder MCHS will have a freshman quarterback Three of Macon County’s returning ofstarting as Seth Carlisle (6-0, 190) will fensive starters are on the line as junior Mankin, Forrest Mason and Seth Woods.

HERALD-CITIZEN, Cookeville, Tenn. — www.herald-citizen.com — Thursday, August 21, 2014 — A9

DISTRICT 8-AA

BEES

BEES LOOK TO REPEAT 8-AA TITLE THOMAS CORHERN HERALD-CITIZEN Assistant Sports Editor

BAXTER — After a very successful 2013 season that saw the Upperman Bees reach the TSSAA Class 3A semifinals and win their first regular-season championship since 1996, there’s no question that the Bees might have a bit of a target on their back from the rest of District 8-AA, considering the results and Upperman’s 13-game winning streak, which ended in the Class 3A semifinal to Alcoa. It’s going to be an uphill battle. There’s no doubt that the 2013 success was guided by a seniorheavy group, as well as a strong line, great running backs and wide receivers, a solid defense ... and a quarterback named Connor York. The team broke several state and national records. But that was then and this is now. Upperman returns four offensive starters and two defensive starters from last year’s lineup. The Bees’ offensive coordinator last season, Derik Samber, is now up the road in Jamestown directing York Institute’s offense, while defensive assistant Justin Qualls is now in Cookeville under Jimmy Maynord’s Cavalier staff.

Todd Stanton, who appeared to be a possible candidate for the quarterback job, left to focus on baseball. Add all of that with a very young team looking to fill the shoes of a senior-heavy 2013 team ... not quite the situation any coach wants to be in just a few weeks before the season starts. But there are several bright sides. Upperman does return two starters on the offensive line in seniors Cody Mann and Daniel Withers. Starting quarterback Bailey Phillips did get playing time at the position last season in situations where York was taken out of the game. There is depth at most positions with a lot of young players. And the biggest factor of all is the 2013 playoff run. The team has the memories of those games fresh in their mind and believes they can get back there. “We’re youthful,” said UHS head coach Ben Herron. “We’re working hard, and we’re still making mistakes here and there, but we have talent all over the field. They don’t quite have the football smarts yet, but they’re working hard every day, they’re putting great effort out there and they’re listening. They’re coachable and they’re See UHS, Page 10

Upperman head coach BEN HERRON

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UPPERMAN

UHS: 2013 success still lingers in Baxter From Page 9 doing the things we’ve asked them to do. We’re doing better each time we come out on the field.” Phillips is doing well in the transition to starting QB. “He’s been playing great,” Herron said. “He’s still not quite making the reads right, but for just about four weeks, he’s done well. He’s going to get better. He continues to listen and he’s doing everything I’ve asked him to do.” Phillips will have a sophomore heavy wide receiver corps in Braden Cowan (who has also seen action as a backup QB), Dustin Dilldine, Brett Burish and Michael Sauceman to go along with junior Cody Leckenby. At running back, juniors Austin Butler and Connor Smith will pave the way on the ground. Butler had a fantastic season last year in the running game and looks to pick up even more numbers in 2014. “That’s been a pretty good duo,” Herron said. “We know what we’re getting with Austin. Now Connor, he’s still got to put that

ball away, but he ran the ball really hard. Dylon Cushing can run the ball just as well as either one of them. We never use him much, but he’s a really good runner too.” On the offensive line, Withers and Mann are at tackle, while sophomore Joseph Oracion and junior Cody Hopkins are at right guard and senior Matthew Harris is at center. With the change at offensive coordinator after Samber went to another District 8-AA school, Herron has had to tweak the plans. “I’ve put my own spin on a few things,” Herron said. “But you know, there’s no reason to reinvent the wheel. We do what we do, and what we do is good. Coach Samber and I worked together on offense. The coaches don’t score touchdowns. The kids score touchdowns — and I’m not knocking him because he did an excellent job for us. We have to understand as a team that if we execute the plays, we can score just as well as we did last year.” On the defensive side, Oracion and sophomore Braden Reinard are at defensive end, junior Johnathan Abboushi is at defensive

■ 2014 Bees schedule

Aug. 29 Sept. 5 Sept. 12 Sept. 19 Sept. 26 Oct. 3

at Monterey at Smith County Clay County at Gordonsville at Jackson County York Institute

Oct. 10 Oct. 17 Oct. 24 Oct. 31

tackle and senior Clayton Judkins is at nose guard. Senior Hunter Vick and junior Jacob Smith are at outside linebacker, while junior James Gomez is at inside linebacker and sophomore Cushing is at middle linebacker. Smith and junior Allen Nash are at defensive back, while Phillips is at safety. On special teams, Upperman has two options at kicker with sophomore Allen Fields and freshman Blaine Loftis, while Dilldine will fill punting duties. Phillips will be the Bees’ punt returner, while Cowan will be the kick returner. The young Bees are taking the role of shoefiller pretty well in stride. “They’re taking on these roles,” Herron said. “I feel like we have a lot of really good athletes. We just have to keep on keeping on. The results will be there.” But while there are a lot of newcomers, the memory of the 2013 season still lingers. “Some of them know what it was all about,” Herron said. “We’re still young with 27 freshmen. That’s a lot. Even though we do have some players that lived it last year, we have a lot of players now who don’t know what it took. They got to

Upperman senior quarterback BAILEY PHILLIPS

see it. Hopefully, they can learn what it takes to be champions. Every year we talk about what mark you can leave on your team. The first group laid the foundation, the second group built on that. The third year, it paid off.”

at Macon County Livingston Academy at DeKalb County Cannon County

BOLD denotes District 8-AA game

■ Quick Facts

District: 8-AA (3A playoﬀs) Head coach: Ben Herron Career record: 22-13 (4th year) Record at school: 22-13 (4th year) Assistant coaches: Kris Fields (OL/DL), Brian Johnson (WR/DE), David Oaks (strength & conditioning), Steve Pierce (OL/DL), Dustin Williams (defensive coordina-

tor/WR/LB) Returning lettermen: N/A Returning starters: 4 oﬀense, 2 defense 2013: 13-1 overall, 6-0 District 8-AA Last playoﬀ appearance: 2013, lost to Alcoa in semifinals

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HERALD-CITIZEN, Cookeville, Tenn. — www.herald-citizen.com — Thursday, August 21, 2014 — A11

DISTRICT 8-AA

WILDCATS WILDCATS LOOK TO REBOUND FROM 3-7 RECORD THOMAS CORHERN HERALD-CITIZEN Assistant Sports Editor

LIVINGSTON — A 3-7 record last season was a bit of an aberration. Livingston Academy had a team much better than its record showed and with a few things happening one way or another, it wouldn’t have been surprising to see the Wildcats at 7-3 or better. That probably won’t be the case in 2014. The Wildcats boast seven all-district players returning for this upcoming season and have an amazing amount of experience in the lineup. In Coach Bruce Lamb’s projected lineup, there are eight seniors on the offense, 10 on defense and an additional one on special teams. “We’re experienced for sure,” Lamb said. “A lot of these guys got to play when they were sophomores. We were lucky enough to get ahead in some of those games in 2012 and they got in there. They got a lot of experience then. Last year, with the injuries and the things that happened to us, they got a lot of experience. They got a lot of playing time and it’s paying off for them. We are senior-oriented. Hopefully, they’ll be heck of leaders. They have been so far and they’ll lead us in the right direction.” But the impressive thing about them is just how fast they are. “We played a lot of people last year,” Lamb said. “We have a lot of them coming back and we probably have the most speed that I’ve ever coached with Wade Eldridge, Peter Hollars, Carter Hayes and Dylan Lin-

der. They’ve all got a lot of speed and we have some backups who are fast as well. It’s going to be interesting. If we can get everybody to gel together, I think we could have a pretty good year.” As it stands, Livingston Academy could be the most experienced team in the district. Senior quarterback Kaleb Qualls, an AllDistrict 8-AA selection, is coming back for a second campaign as the signal caller, and he got overshadowed a bit with some of the other quarterbacks in the district last season. “He’s one of the smartest kids I’ve ever coached,” Lamb said. “He really, really knows the game. He’ll come over sometimes during the game and say, ‘Coach, we can do this.’ He’s like a coach on the field. He’s grown a bit and has matured. He’s got a little more zip on the ball when he throws it and he’s a very heady player. He’s a good high school quarterback.” He’ll have some help in the backfield from junior running back Linder, who has looked impressive in the preseason following a year out. “He is a force,” Lamb said. “We missed him last year, but this is a new year and Dylan’s come out with a little bit of a chip on his shoulder. He’s played really well in the scrimmages. He has a lot of speed and quickness and he just sees the field really, really well. He’s gotten stronger since his freshman year and he had 500 yards then. We’re looking for big things to come out of him.” Freshman Carter Hayes, the latest addition

Livingston Academy head coach BRUCE LAMB

See LA, Page 29

■ 2014 Wildcats schedule

Aug. 22 Aug. 29 Sept. 5 Sept. 19 Sept. 26 Oct. 3

Stone Memorial White County DeKalb County Macon County at Hixson at Smith County

Oct. 10 Oct. 17 Oct. 24 Oct. 31

Cannon County at Upperman Christian Acad. of Knoxville at York Institute

BOLD denotes District 8-AA game

■ Quick Facts

District: 8-AA (4A playoﬀs) Head coach: Bruce Lamb Career record: 46-53 (10th year) Record at school: 38-30 (7th year) Assistant coaches: Shane Qualls (oﬀensive coordinator), Dale Flatt (TE/DL), Curtis Beaty (OL/DL), Tyler Liv-

ingston (WR/LB), Darren Barlow Returning lettermen: 50 Returning starters: 9 oﬀense, 9 defense 2013: 3-7 overall, 3-3 District 8-AA (4th) Last playoﬀ appearance: 2012, lost to Fulton in quarterfinals

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A12 —HERALD-CITIZEN, Cookeville, Tenn. — www.herald-citizen.com — Thursday, August 21, 2014

DISTRICT 8-AA

OWLS

OWLS LOOK TO MAKE NEXT STEP TO 8-AA TITLE 1,000 yards and have a good season. He’s got a really good receiving corps to go to.” The SCHS rushing and receiving corps is definitely a strength for the Owls, as Joe Neal Vance (junior, 6-0, 160) and Camron Huff (junior, 6-0, 160) fill in wideout roles. Freshman Shermar King (6-0, 160) and senior Carlos Harris (6-0, 165) are listed as skill players. And then there’s Milan, who put up great numbers with the Tigers in Smithville, before transferring to Carthage. “Divonta has done a really good job of learning our offense,” Dickerson said. “We’ve also got Bailey Kemp returning from last year, so we have two running backs that we feel like can carry the load and split it. Divonta, of course, can take the ball to the house on any play. It’s always good to have that threat in the backfield.” Up front for the Owls on offensive line,

THOMAS CORHERN HERALD-CITIZEN Assistant Sports Editor

CARTHAGE — Smith County finished 5-1 last season in District 8-AA — its only loss came to Upperman as the Owls won six straight games before falling to Tyner Academy in the opening round of the TSSAA Class 3A playoffs. Now as head coach Mike Dickerson heads into his second season at the helm of the Smith County program, he’s looking to build on the successes of 2013. The downside? He’s got a young team. “We got better as our younger kids got better,” Dickerson said. “Hopefully, the same will happen this year. Just returning four on defense and three on offense from last year, we’ve got quite a few holes to fill. But those kids that played last year will fill some of those positions. Plus, being in the mix with Livingston and DeKalb as your top teams, we’ll see how that plays out.” Still, the Owls have plenty to be optimistic about. “We’ve got a really good group that works hard,” Dickerson said. “They’re very coachable and probably a little more athletic than we have had in years past. But we are inexperienced and we’re really thin in the line. We’ll see how that plays out as the season goes on.” But one of the Owls’ newcomers certainly isn’t a newcomer to District 8-AA as senior running back Divonta Milan, who was a standout with DeKalb County, makes the trip over to Carthage to fill in a hole left by graduate Jalen Manning, who is now with

Smith County senior quarterback MASON DILLON

the Tennessee Tech football team. Milan (6-1, 190), along with junior Bailey Kemp (6-0, 170) and junior Matthew Rutherford (5-10, 190), will make up the Owls’ rushing attack, while senior quarterback Mason Dillon (6-0, 160) returns for another campaign with the Owls. “Mason has had a great fall camp,” Dickerson said. “He brings a lot of experience from last year and I think if we can protect him, I look for Mason to throw for over

■ 2014 Owls schedule Aug. 21 Aug. 29 Sept. 5 Sept. 12 Sept. 19 Oct. 3

at Alcoa Gordonsville Upperman at Cookeville York Institute Livingston Academy

Oct. 10 Oct. 17 Oct. 24 Oct. 31

Warren County at Cannon County at Macon County at DeKalb County

BOLD denotes District 8-AA game

■ Quick Facts District: 8-AA (3A playoﬀs) Head coach: Mike Dickerson Career record: 6-5 (2nd year) Record at school: 6-5 (2nd year) Assistant coaches: Brett Hackett, Jason Harville, Brian Hackett, Steven Clemons, Randall Smith, John Foster,

Joe Skelton Returning lettermen: 5 Returning starters: 3 oﬀense, 3 defense 2013: 6-5 overall, 5-1 District 8-AA (2nd) Last playoﬀ appearance: 2013, lost to Tyner in first round

Collin Grisham (junior, 6-1, 230) and Ty Yarbrough (junior, 6-3, 270) are at tackle, Jackson Oldham (junior, 6-0, 240) and Nick Bratcher (senior, 6-0, 220) are at guard and Lane Slack (senior 5-11, 260) is at center. Bratcher will also play nose guard on defensive line, as well as Grisham and Oldham at defensive tackle, while senior Wanya King (6-2, 190) and sophomore Tyler Harris (5-10, 175) are at defensive end. Rutherford leads a linebacker unit that also includes senior Wes Dunbar (6-0, 170) and John Michael Donnell (6-2, 170). Huff and King are at defensive back, while Kemp is at safety. Kemp will also see action on special teams as the Owls’ punt return specialist, while Milan will return kicks. Senior Ryder Denney will return for another season as SCHS’ kicker and punter.

HERALD-CITIZEN, Cookeville, Tenn. — www.herald-citizen.com — Thursday, August 21, 2014 — A13

DISTRICT 8-AA

TIGERS LOTS OF RETURNING FACES IN SMITHVILLE THOMAS CORHERN HERALD-CITIZEN Assistant Sports Editor

SMITHVILLE — Each and every year, it seems that DeKalb County finds a way to come up with one of the most explosive offenses in District 8-AA. 2014 is no different, especially since nearly every key player is back for another campaign. Just looking at the quarterback and wide receivers alone is enough to give opposing defenses a reason to worry. “I’m just really excited about this year’s team,” said DCHS head coach Steve Trapp. “Mainly from the simple fact that we only had three seniors last year so we have a lot of guys coming back with a lot of experience. We did lose a couple of guys who would have been seniors this year that didn’t come back with us, but we’ve still got a lot of guys have been playing a lot of football with us.” Sophomore Steven Jennings, who was named the District 8-AA Most Outstanding

Quarterback as well as a selection on the HERALD-CITIZEN’s All-Upper Cumberland first team, proved himself last season as a very capable quarterback and put up strong numbers. “He had really good numbers for a true freshman,” Trapp said. “We have had a long line the last few years, going back to the Hunter Poteete days of really good quarterbacks. A lot of those guys have had to start young, get a couple of years under their belts, then just turn into really great players for us. We see that same pattern with Steven. He’s vety mature and beyond his years. I think he played a lot better than most people would expect a freshman to play. He’s got a really good arm. This year, he’s bigger, faster, stronger, more comfortable back there. Everyone in these parts are really looking forward to see whether he has a great year and the guys around him are going to help him do that.” He’s got a great group of receivers to throw to in all-district pick A.J. Mooneyham, second-team All-Upper Cumberland

■ 2014 Tigers schedule Aug. 22 Aug. 29 Sept. 5 Sept. 12 Sept. 19 Oct. 3

Warren County Stone Memorial at Livingston Academy at White County at Cannon County at Trousdale County

Oct. 10 Oct. 17 Oct. 24 Oct. 31

at York Institute Macon County Upperman Smith County

BOLD denotes District 8-AA game

■ Quick Facts District: 8-AA (4A playoﬀs) Head coach: Steve Trapp Career record: 46-52 (10th year) Record at school: 46-52 (10th year) Assistant coaches: Michael Shaw, Bruce Parsley, Clarence Trapp, Kevin Young

Returning lettermen: N/A Returning starters: 8 oﬀense, 7 defense 2013: 6-5 overall, 4-2 District 8-AA (3rd) Last playoﬀ appearance: 2013, lost to Knoxville Catholic in first round

coach STEVE TRAPP he’s going to be a great player. He’s had a really good offseason and preseason. He’s gained a lot of confidence and is a lot more comfortable on the field, and I expect him to be a playmaker for us all the way around. Munoz probably has some of the smoothest hands on the team. At our Z-position, we had a guy there who decided not to come back and play, but that gave a big-time opportunity for a couple of the athletic guys that we’ve got in Drew Castorena and Drew Hoffman, both sophomores with a lot of potential to help us.” The Tigers lost a senior running back in Divonta Milan, who transferred to Smith

See DCHS, Page 29

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DeKalb County head selection Aaron Patterson, Jonathan Munoz and Drew Castorena. “They’re solid,” Trapp said. “Athletically, our 2012 team will be really hard to match, I think ever. That was one of the best teams ever at DeKalb County, but these guys have experience. “A.P. (Patterson) was the backup quarterback as a freshman and sophomore and really had a great year last year. He surprised a lot of people, but he didn’t surprise me. He just works extremenly hard. Stat-wise, he was one of the best receivers in the district.” Trapp continued, “I’m really expecting a breakout year for A.J. Mooneyham. He was a sophomore last year and we’ve known

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A14 —HERALD-CITIZEN, Cookeville, Tenn. — www.herald-citizen.com — Thursday, August 21, 2014

DISTRICT 8-AA

DRAGONS

WRIGHT LOOKS TO LEAD YOUNG YORK BACK TO PLAYOFFS Clay County) and he’s right about that.” Mason Cravens will stand in at quarterback, while he will have receivers Dylan Cravens, Blake Asberry, Steadman Rudd and tight end Matthew Delk as targets. In the backfield, E.J. Wright, Caleb Probst, Vinnie Lotempio and Brian Crabtree will provide some power in the running game. “Vinnie’s back at running back as well as Brian Crabtree,” Wright said. “Brian didn’t have a great year, but he’s a pretty good athlete. Caleb played quite a bit last year and ended up getting a separated shoulder midseason. He’s a good strong runner.” York’s offensive front will feature Logan Jones and Tanner Davidson at tackle, Trent Smith and Trent Hadcock at guard and Davis Hendricks at center. On the defensive line, Hadcock and Delk are at end, while Jacoby Johnson is at tackle. Jo Jo Williamson is at nose guard, while Ross Wright, E.J. Wright, Austin Bur-

THOMAS CORHERN HERALD-CITIZEN Assistant Sports Editor

JAMESTOWN — After a few years away from the gridiron, Derwin Wright is patrolling the sidelines again at York Institute. Wright led the Dragons to several successful seasons during his 13-year run as head coach, and with the departure of Dickie Brown to take the same position at Clay County, Wright looks to pick right up where he left off. “After taking over in the spring, I’ve already seen a lot of improvements,” Wright said. “Obviously, it’s a new offense and a new defense, so there’s still a long way to go.” The return has been a fairly easy transition back from the basketball court. “It’s been good,” Wright said. “I love football. I didn’t get out in 2008 for anything other than things that had changed in my life. I had some personal things going on in my life and I didn’t think I could commit to the kids and totally focus on football, so I just felt like it was time to step down for awhile. “But I’ve really enjoyed being back. I’ve got a couple of new young coaches who have brought a lot of energy in, too. Really, I’m glad to be back.” He brings with him a few new faces on his staff including former Upperman offensive coordinator Derik Samber, who will be filling in the same role at YAI, his alma mater. The Dragons, even with all of their injury woes and a 4-7 record, reached the TSSAA playoffs and ended their season with a visit to eventual Class 3A champion Alcoa.

York Institute sophomore quarterback MASON CRAVENS

The downside is that the Dragons return just three offensive starters and four offensive starters in 2014. “Coach (Dickie) Brown ended up last year with his junior quarterback injured and he ended up playing a freshman — Mason Cravens — most of the year. Mason’s a talented young athlete. Mason’s older brother, Dylan is an excellent wide receiver, who’s returning from last year. I have about four guys returning on the defensive side who were starters. So far, I really like the kids’ enthusiasm. Coach Brown told me they were a great bunch of boys when he went over (to

■ 2014 Dragons schedule Aug. 22 Aug. 29 Sept. 5 Sept. 12 Sept. 19 Sept. 26

at White County Oliver Springs at Macon County Bledsoe County at Smith County at Cumberland County

tram, Rudd and Crabtree are penciled in at linebacker. Cravens and Lotempio are at cornerback, while David Reagan is at safety. After all the injuries in 2013 — and making a playoff run despite that — this year’s York team feels like they have something to prove. “Last year, they went 4-7 and they were a young team last year,” Wright said. “With us, I feel like they’re still a young team. We have nine seniors on this squad, which isn’t a large group. I have two seniors back who haven’t played since they were freshmen, so they’re just now getting reacclimated to football. But we have a really large sophomore class and a large freshman class with 24 sophomores and 15 freshmen. “Any time you get that extra game and extra week of practice from making the playoffs, typically, it makes you hungry to repeat and try to move on.”

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at Upperman DeKalb County Cannon County Livingston Academy

BOLD denotes District 8-AA game

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■ Quick Facts District: 8-AA (3A playoﬀs) Head coach: Derwin Wright Career record: N/A (13 years) Record at school: N/A (13 years) Assistant coaches: Vic Wheaton, Derik Samber, Adam Bowden, James Cox, Jay Johnson, Glen Rexroat, Kyle

Payne, Anthony Delk Returning lettermen: N/A Returning starters: 3 oﬀense, 4 defense 2013: 4-7 overall, 1-5 District 8-AA (6th) Last playoﬀ appearance: 2013, lost to Alcoa in first round

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HERALD-CITIZEN, Cookeville, Tenn. — www.herald-citizen.com — Thursday, August 21, 2014 — A15

PIGSKIN PREVIEW

7-A MONTEREY CONSENSUS PICK IN 7-A FINALE CRAIG DELK HERALD-CITIZEN Sports Editor

UPPER CUMBERLAND — In what is the last year of the current District 7-A, the district’s coaches believe Monterey will go out on top. With the recent vote by the TSSAA, next year’s alignment could resemble the last edition of the old Region 4-A, with Goodpasture taking the place of Friendship Christian. As for this season, the Wildcats are the consensus pick as they received first-place votes from every other district coach. But that doesn’t mean first-year head coach Scott Hughes is taking anything for granted. “Every game for us is tremendous,” Hughes said. “Pickett County has a new coach (Jeff Holt), and he’s doing a great job. They’ve got their numbers up. Coach (Dickie) Brown at Clay County is a tremendous coach; he’s won a lot of football games, and you know what you’re gonna get when you play his football team. And Jackson County’s gotta be the favorite in our district. Coach (Sean) Loftis does a tremendous job with Jackson County year in and year out. “He’s changed that program ever since he’s been there, and me and him are close friends,” Hughes added regarding Loftis. “I respect him tremendously and the job he’s done. He’s just a tremendous coach, and he’s always gonna have a good football program, and his kids are gonna be well-disciplined and well-prepared.” After the Wildcats, Jackson County is picked second, followed by Clay County and Pickett County. District 7-A foes have reason to believe Monterey could have an advantage. The Wildcats outscored the Blue Devils, Bulldogs and Bobcats last year by a combined total of 121-20. But the Wildcats also have reason to be wary of their 7-A foes. Monterey has a large core of returning starters (7 on offense and defense), but so do Jackson County, Clay County and Pickett County. The Blue Devils have seven back on offense and nine on defense; Clay County has six back on offense and five on defense; and Pickett County has six back on offense and five on defense. A possible wild card is the return of Brown to District 7-A. He spent the last five

■ District 7-A Predicted Order of Finish 1. Monterey 2. Jackson County 3. Clay County 4. Pickett County

Clay County head coach DICKIE BROWN

years coaching at York Institute, but retired from full-time teaching to come back on a shorter contract at CCHS, where he spent the 2007-08 seasons and guided the Bulldogs to the playoffs in 2008. The Bulldogs are feeling the excitement of having Brown back on the sidelines and have big aspirations. “Our first team goal is to win our district,” senior center Jordan Collins said. “Then we want to have a winning season, and we all want to try to get to the first round of the playoffs this year. That’s our three main goals.” Brown said the Bulldogs’ goals are lofty coming off a 3-7 season, but also attainable, and he adds that his players’ attitudes in buying in have been a big strength. “We talk about those three goals overall and not try to overextend ourselves,” Brown said. “We know you don’t go from 3-7 to 15-0. You’ve gotta crawl before you walk and be competitive, even at the single-A level.”

Monterey head coach SCOTT HUGHES

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A16 — HERALD-CITIZEN, Cookeville, Tenn. — www.herald-citizen.com — Thursday, August 21, 2014

DISTRICT 7-A

WILDCATS

RETURNING CORE GIVES WILDCATS HOPE CRAIG DELK

■ 2014 Wildcats schedule

HERALD-CITIZEN Sports Editor

MONTEREY — Many teams that just lost a 1,384-yard rusher and their leading tackler, as well as their third-leading rusher and a couple key line players, wouldn’t have as much reason for hope in the next season. Those teams aren’t Monterey. Despite losing Kentucky Christian University signee Alaz Looper, Isaiah Walker, Caleb Sampley, Caleb Wright and more, the Wildcats have a strong core coming back in 2014. Monterey returns the majority of its offensive and defensive lines, its starting quarterback, an experienced running back and its leading receiver. “We’re gonna miss what we lost from last year,” said senior offensive and defensive tackle Payton Norrod, who is expected to be an anchor on both sides of the ball. “But I think we’ll make up for it just physically with our new weight programs and our conditioning. With the upcoming seniors this year, I think we’ll be all right with what we’ve got. We’re doing some good stuff, and we’ve got good leadership.” That leadership starts with a new head coach in Scott Hughes. Hughes was an assistant for the Wildcats in 2013, and took over after longtime head coach Billy Heady stepped down following the season. Hughes can feel the excitement surrounding the program as the Wildcats prepare for the 2014 season. “Our kids are excited, and they’ve bought into what our program philosophy is, not only on the field but off the field and in the school and community,” he said. “It just makes it fun to be around them every day, when you’ve got every young man in your program doing what’s right.” Norrod said the acclimation to Hughes has been a smooth process. “It’s gone great. Everybody has their morale up,” he said. “Everybody is real excited. When somebody new comes in, everybody’s always real excited. He’s doing a lot of good things for the program.” Hughes reciprocates the feeling about his players, praising their attitude, work ethic, hard-nosed approach and dedication. Monterey has plenty of experience back that could spur a successful season. Junior quarterback Corey Heiderich (6-0, 180) returns for his second year at the helm. In 2013, he finished 42-of-88 passing for 596

Aug. 22 Aug. 29 Sept. 5 Sept. 12 Sept. 19 Sept. 26

at Cookeville Upperman at Clay County Gordonsville Pickett County at Community

Oct. 3 Oct. 10 Oct. 23 Oct. 31

Jackson County at Wartburg Central at Sale Creek at Oliver Springs

BOLD denotes District 7-A game

■ Quick Facts District: 7-A (1A playoﬀs) Head coach: Scott Hughes Career record: 0-0 (1st year) Record at school: 0-0 (1st year) Assistant coaches: Lewey Clouse, Brad Eich, Mike Staup, Michael Henry

Monterey junior quarterback COREY HEIDERICH yards with six touchdowns and six interceptions as the Wildcats employed the runheavy single-wing offense. Hughes says Monterey will have the capability to open the playbook a little more this season. “We’re gonna be a little bit more balanced than what Monterey has probably has ever been — that’s our goal,” he said. Heiderich is joined in the backfield by another returning starter, senior running back Dalton Phillips (6-0, 180). Phillips — ran for 815 yards and 12 touchdowns in 2013 — will be flanked at running back by junior Jesse Raines (5-10, 205) and junior Caleb Phillips (5-8, 180). When the Wildcats take to the air, they’ll have senior receiver Logan Henderson (62, 175) as a target once again. Henderson finished 2013 with 12 catches for 239 yards and two scores. On the other side is junior receiver Noah Mason (5-8, 170), who also returns to his starting position. “Our receivers, they do a great job of working every day,” Hughes said. “They’ve

See MHS, Page 31

Returning lettermen: 21 Returning starters: 7 oﬀense, 7 defense 2013: 6-5 overall, 3-0 District 7-A Last playoﬀ appearance: 2013, lost to Fayetteville in second round

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HERALD-CITIZEN, Cookeville, Tenn. — www.herald-citizen.com — Thursday, August 21, 2014 — A17

DISTRICT 7-A

BLUE DEVILS JCHS LOOKING TO MAKE RUN AT 7-A TITLE THOMAS CORHERN HERALD-CITIZEN Assistant Sports Editor

GAINESBORO — After a second-place finish last year in District 7-A, Jackson County is looking to take it a step further. And the good news for the Blue Devils is they have the pieces in place to do it. “We have a lot of people coming back on both sides of the ball,” said JCHS head coach Sean Loftis. “I expect a lot of good things. We have 11 seniors and a majority of those guys have played a lot of football. “Offensively, we’re returning eight kids. We’ll have five seniors up front. Obviously, the biggest issue we’re going to have is depth and trying to get the younger kids as much playing time as possible early on in the year.” Even though the team had a 5-6 record, JCHS was 2-1 in 7-A, falling to Monterey in the district championship and reaching the playoffs. But the Blue Devils are still looking for their first playoff win since 1981 — also the last time the team won a regular-season championship. And it’s not out of the realm of possibility that this could be the year. “We feel like we can (make that step),” Loftis said. “We’re going to be playing in a district where Clay County is on the upswing, Monterey is going to be Monterey and it’s always battles with those two teams and we know it’s not going to be a walk in the park by no means. We feel like we have the talent and the team to make a run at hopefully a district championship.” Jackson County returns five players who

won district honors last season, including senior running back Joseph Walton (District 7-A co-offensive player of the year), senior Josh Mee (special teams player of the year) — who is making a switch from wide receiver to quarterback — as well as linebacker Dillon Maynard, offensive/defensive tackle Brandon Baglarz and offensive guard/defensive tackle Wyatt Mabry. Mee is an interesting switch in position. Last season, Mee caught 30 passes for 443 yards and four touchdowns. This year, he’s the one behind center, throwing to Tyler Boling (also listed at quarterback), Gatlyn Wade, Wesley Punzalan, Evan Richardson and Jeremy Walker. “Josh has grown up a lot,” Loftis said. “Instead of just being a receiver, he’s absorbed just so much of what we have put in so far. He’s kind of been our offensive leader at this point and time. He’s stepped up and is acting like a senior. He’s throwing the ball well. He’s able to run the ball, which with this style of offense we’ve moved to, that was the reason we moved to it.” At running back, Walton proved to be a bit of a workhorse last year, rushing for 1,251 yards and 19 touchdowns on 212 carries, as well as catching 17 passes for 287 yards and two touchdowns. “Joseph is battling a hip injury right now,” Loftis said. “He should be good to go in a week or so.” He’ll be accompanied in the backfield by Caleb Wall, Zac Davidson and Colby Long. On the offensive line, Maynard and Baglarz are at tackle, David Stewart and Mabry are at guard and Mason Jones is at center.

■ 2014 Blue Devils schedule

Aug. 22 Aug. 29 Sept. 5 Sept. 12 Sept. 19 Sept. 26

at Red Boiling Springs Cannon County at Pickett County Oliver Springs at Clay County Upperman

Oct. 3 Oct. 10 Oct. 24 Oct. 31

at Monterey Gordonsville Grace Baptist at Watertown

BOLD denotes District 7-A game

■ Quick Facts

District: 7-A (2A playoﬀs) Head coach: Sean Loftis Career record: 27-28 (6th year) Record at school: 27-28 (6th year) Assistant coaches: Brandon Chaﬃn (defensive coordinator/LB), Kevin King (DT), Richmond Tooley (DB), Davis

Maxwell (DE/WR), Thomas Cagle (RB), Matthew Scoggins (OL) Returning lettermen: N/A Returning starters: 7 oﬀense, 9 defense 2013: 5-6 overall, 2-1 District 7-A (2nd) Last playoﬀ appearance: 2013, lost to Goodpasture in first round

On the defensive side, Wade and Jones are at defensive end, and Baglarz, Ryan Bean, Stewart and Mabry are at tackle. At linebacker, Wall (50 tackles in 2013), Maynard (72 tackles), Devin Mayberry, Davidson and Long will provide coverage. Then, at defensive back, the Blue Devils have Walton (40 tackles, 1 INT), Walker, Mee, Boling (29 tackles, 2 INT), Punzalan and Brandon Murphy (39 tackles, 2 INTs). “We’re only going to be as good as our defense,” Loftis said. “In the past five years, if we can hold opponents to less than 21 points — that’s been the key number — our record is really good when we hold them to less and really bad when we give up more.” In addition to quarterback and defensive back, Mee will also continue to be the kicker and punter for the Blue Devils. Murphy will return punts and kicks, while Boling is also listed as a punt returner and Walton is listed as a kick returner.

Jackson County senior quarterback JOSH MEE

A18 — HERALD-CITIZEN, Cookeville, Tenn. — www.herald-citizen.com — Thursday, August 21, 2014

DISTRICT 7-A

BULLDOGS

CLAY HOPES TO REKINDLE SUCCESS WITH BROWN CRAIG DELK HERALD-CITIZEN Sports Editor

CELINA — The last time Dickie Brown was the head coach of the Clay County football team, the Bulldogs advanced to the Class 1A playoffs and had a winning record in the rugged Region 4-A. Many of the Bulldogs’ current players remember watching the 2008 team, and they’re glad they now have the chance to play for Brown, who returned to Celina after spending the last five seasons as the head coach at York Institute. “I grew up watching the high school football players play for him, and it’s always been one of my dreams to play for him,” junior wide receiver/outside linebacker Wyatt Mabry said. “So it’s been great having him (back at CCHS).” Senior center Jordan Collins added, “The team before he came just looked like regular-old Celina, then the next year when he came here we were a state playoff contender. He’s knows how to coach football.” As a result, Brown says it has been a seamless move back to CCHS, where he coached in 2007 and 2008. “There’s been no transition down here,” Brown said. “I know most of the staff by name. I didn’t know the kids, but it didn’t take long to learn them because there’s only 27 of us. We learned the kids pretty quick, and I’ve got both of the assistants I had last time so they know the system. There’s not been a lot of transition and having to change things. “I enjoyed my time last time, and everybody understood why I left the last time,” Brown added, referencing the opportunity to coach the program where he attended high school. “But now that I’ve retired and I’m working this shorter contract, I feel like I’m gonna be here a while and they do too. We hope it’s a healthy marriage for a while.” The respect that Brown’s players have for what he was able to accomplish during his

Clay County senior quarterback/safety LaTRONE BOWMAN previous tenure at CCHS has also helped in 2013), was dismissed from the team by Brown as a disciplinary action. foster a very coachable attitude. Though Bowman does not have much ex“The sixth- and seventh-graders (during the last tenure) remember the excitement perience behind center, Brown likes his upthat we had down here before,” Brown ex- side in running the veer offense. “We’re not gonna ask him to throw it 40plained. “They know that it can be done, and that’s the main thing right now, trying 50 yards downfield,” Brown said. “If we to get across to them that just because we’re can just do some nice play-actions, short Clay County, you don’t have to get your routes and screens to keep the defense honhead down if you get behind by a touch- est and keep them from putting nine men in down. We can come from behind, and the box on us, then he’ll be very successful there.” we’ve got some things that we can do.” Senior Matt Fraga (5-6, 150) gives CCHS Brown’s Bulldogs have a solid core returning from a team that was snake-bitten by in- a returning starter in the backfield, while juries and finished 3-7 in 2013. Six starters freshman Briley Rich (6-0, 200) and senior are back on offense and five return on de- Dalton Smith (5-6, 150) will join Fraga at running back. fense. The wide receivers are an experienced Having three offensive line starters could be a big plus as the Bulldogs will break in a pair, with junior returning starters Wyatt new starter at quarterback, senior LaTrone Mabry (6-5, 200) and Clay Copass (6-2, Bowman (5-10, 190). The move of Bow- 160) giving the Bulldogs great size there. man to quarterback became necessary after Last year, Mabry caught 25 passes for last year’s starter, Brandon Stewart (81-of- 617 yards and 7 touchdowns, while Co145 passing for 1,472 yards, 11 TD, 9 INT pass caught 8 passes for 148 yards and a

■ 2014 Bulldogs schedule Aug. 22 Aug. 29 Sept. 5 Sept. 12 Sept. 19 Sept. 26

at Gordonsville at East Robertson Monterey at Upperman Jackson County at Red Boiling Springs

Oct. 3 Oct. 10 Oct. 24 Oct. 31

score. “We’ve just gotta make sure we find ways to get them the ball and make teams stay honest instead of double-covering them,” Brown said of his receiving tandem. “We’re gonna have to develop some type of running game to keep from double-covering those guys.” Another candidate for action at the skill positions is sophomore Taylor Strong (5-9, 150), who Brown lists as an impact newcomer. The offensive line’s three returning starters are senior tackle Matt Maxfield (6-5, 200), senior guard Tony Spivey (5-10, 175) and senior center Jordan Collins (6-0, 200). The new starters on the line include another impact newcomer, senior Ivan Murphy (6-2, 310) at tackle, and junior Tyson Fleming (60, 220) at guard. On defense, returning starter Mabry and senior Mitchell Short (6-0, 160) are the outside linebackers, while returning starter Maxfield and sophomore Dakota Scott (511, 210) are the tackles. Murphy gives opponents a potential matchup problem at nose guard. The other linebackers for the Bulldogs will be Fleming, Spivey and Fraga — Fleming and Fraga are returning starters there. The defensive secondary includes Strong and Copass — a returning starter — at the cornerbacks, and Bowman at safety. On special teams, sophomore Baltazar Sebastian (5-10, 180) is the kicker and Rich is the punter. The Bulldogs have focused on their main goals for the season, which include advancing to the playoffs, winning the District 7A title and having a winning season. “We talked about being reasonable with our goals,” Brown said. “Goal number one is to try to make the playoffs since the last time I was here. We’d like to win the district, and we feel like if we make the playoffs and win the district, we’ll have a winning season.”

■ Quick Facts at Pickett County Whitwell at Clinton County (Ky.) at Macon County

BOLD denotes District 7-A game

District: 7-A (1A playoﬀs) Head coach: Dickie Brown Career record: 132-135 (25th year) Record at school: 12-9 (3rd year) Assistant coaches: Daniel Strong, David Maxfield, Aaron Brown, Blake Van Winkle

Returning lettermen: 11 Returning starters: 6 oﬀense, 5 defense 2013: 3-7 overall, 1-2 District 7-A (3rd) Last playoﬀ appearance: 2008, lost to South Pittsburg in first round

HERALD-CITIZEN, Cookeville, Tenn. — www.herald-citizen.com — Thursday, August 21, 2014 — A19

DISTRICT 7-A

BOBCATS HIGHER NUMBERS GIVE BOBCATS HOPE CRAIG DELK HERALD-CITIZEN Sports Editor

BYRDSTOWN — For several years, the Pickett County football team has battled low numbers that have threatened to keep the program from continuing. That could be changing, if the Bobcats’ new coaching staff has anything to say about it. Optimism abounds for the team under first-year head coach Jeff Holt, and the Bobcats have bumped up their numbers into the upper 20s for the 2014 season. Not only do they have better numbers, the players say there is a renewed dedication to becoming a more competitive program. “We’re a lot more dedicated than we have been,” said senior Dalton Gore, who will be Pickett County’s starting quarterback after

starting the last three seasons at running back. “Last spring, we couldn’t even get people in the weight room — we had five or six. Now, we’re having everybody in the weight room. Gore added, “Our goal is to win and compete. Compete is a big word we’re throwing around. And coming together, because most of us are new with six people coming back. We’re becoming brothers, and that’s a big thing for us.” Holt said he hopes that brotherhood and dedication will translate into a program that keeps building. “As long as we start with 26, 27, and we end with 26, 27, then we have football for next year,” he explained. “If we end up with low numbers this next year, it’s scary. That’s

■ 2014 Bobcats schedule Aug. 22 Aug. 29 Sept. 5 Sept. 12 Sept. 19 Sept. 26

Clinton County (Ky.) at Oakdale Jackson County at Stone Memorial at Monterey Jellico

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Clay County at Mt. Juliet Christian Red Boiling Springs at Lancaster Christian

BOLD denotes District 7-A game

■ Quick Facts

District: 7-A (1A playoﬀs) Head coach: Jeﬀ Holt Career record: 0-0 (1st year) Record at school: 0-0 (1st year) Assistant coaches: Roy Geesling (RB/DB), Mike Worley See PCHS, Page 30 (WR/DB), Eric Thoman (WR/DB), Tim Witcher (OL/DL),

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Oct. 3 Oct. 10 Oct. 24 Oct. 31

Matt Clark (QB/LB) Returning lettermen: 6 Returning starters: 6 oﬀense, 6 defense 2013: 1-9 overall, 0-3 District 7-A (4th) Last playoﬀ appearance: N/A

A20 —HERALD-CITIZEN, Cookeville, Tenn. — www.herald-citizen.com — Thursday, August 21, 2014

PIGSKIN PREVIEW

TIGERS

MARSHALL LOOKS TO PUSH THE TEMPO CRAIG DELK HERALD-CITIZEN Sports Editor

GORDONSVILLE — Gordonsville coach Ron “Moose” Marshall says he and his Tigers program learned a valuable lesson in their loss to Upperman last season. That lesson has perhaps changed the way they plan to play during the 2014 season. After being worn down by a relentless uptempo Bees offense in a 60-14 loss, Marshall plans to implement some of the same strategy for his team this season. “When you go no-huddle, you put a lot of pressure on the defense. Me being a defensive coordinator, it put a lot of pressure on me,” Marshall said with a laugh. “So we decided we’re gonna try to speed up our game just a little bit.” Marshall said his team’s offensive mindset will be the same — only the speed of play will be different. Another change that will be beneficial for the Tigers is having lots of experience back. Gordonsville didn’t have that luxury in 2013, as it had lost almost all of its starters from the 2012 Class 1A championship team. “Last year, we had two returning starters, total — one on offense and one on defense. This year we have seven on both sides of the ball, so that will benefit us a whole lot. We have some kids that are getting confidence in themselves, and hopefully they’ll be able to go out and show it on the field.” The Tigers have a host of experience players returning to the backfield, beginning with senior Noah Smotherman (6-0, 201) at quarterback. As a junior, he finished 87-of158 passing for 1,417 yards with 11 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. Joining him are senior running back Billy Newton (5-10, 185) and junior slot back Dusten Holder (5-10, 175). Last year, Newton ran 46 times for 150 yards and two touchdowns while battling an ankle injury, while Holder had 34 totes for 284 yards and

Gordonsville head coach RON “MOOSE” MARSHALL ior tight end Kyle Ragsdale (6-1, 190), a rea pair of scores. Newton says having a pair of experienced turning starter. The offensive line has three returning running backs opens up a lot of options for starters, senior guards Cody Quarles (5-10, the Tigers’ offense. “It puts pressure on the defense,” he said. 200) and Ralph Salisbury (5-11, 220), and “It makes it easier for us to run the ball, and senior center Keigen Daniels (5-10, 265). then get the play-action (pass) off of that.” The tackles are new starters, junior Jon Smotherman’s receiving targets may be Wright (6-0, 190) and senior Colby Edlight on experience at the position, but they wards (5-11, 190). On the other side of the ball, returning could be a talented and speedy pair. Senior Colt Nokes (6-3, 180) comes to the gridiron starter Ragsdale (69 tackles in 2013) and from the basketball court and gives the sophomore Chris Edwards (6-2, 195) are Tigers some athleticism, while junior the ends, returning starters Salisbury (31 Johnny Oberle (6-1, 185) could also step tackles) and Quarles (23 tackles) are the into a valuable role with the team on both tackles, and fellow returning starter Daniels is the nose guard. sides of the ball. The linebacking corps will get a big boost Another option in the passing game is sen-

■ 2014 Tigers schedule Aug. 22 Aug. 29 Sept. 5 Sept. 12 Sept. 19 Sept. 26

Clay County at Smith County at Red Boiling Springs vs Monterey (at Tennessee Tech) Upperman Westmoreland

with the return of senior two-year starter Taylor Hunt, who was lost to a torn ACL in last year’s Week 8 game against Trousdale County. Hunt still led Gordonsville in tackles with 91, and also returned an interception for a touchdown. “It’s exciting to be back,” Hunt said. “It really makes you appreciate the game a lot more when you get an injury and have to be out for so long.” Sophomore Jacob Lancaster (5-10, 190) is a new starter at linebacker, while the third linebacker spot is still up for grabs. The cornerbacks are an experienced pair, with returning starters Newton (61 tackles, 3 FR) and Holder (37 tackles) manning those spots. Oberle is penciled in at safety. Returning starter Tyler Prevec (5-9, 150) is back at kicker, while sophomore Colby Watts (5-10, 190) will handle punting duties. Marshall is hoping to stay away from the injury bug that hampered the Tigers’ efforts last year. “You have good years with injuries and bad years with injuries, and last year we had several injuries that hurt us,” Marshall said. “We lost Hunt at linebacker, Oberle in the secondary, and we had Newton and Holder that were banged up all year. That hurt us quite a bit. We’re hoping this year that the injury bug won’t bite us as bad as it did last year. It’s like when we won it all in 2012, you’ve gotta have a lot of luck. Some of it goes your way and some of it doesn’t.” With good health, Marshall feels his team could be primed for a successful run. “This bunch has worked in the weight room in the offseason and has had as good an attitude as any bunch we’ve had since I’ve been here at Gordonsville,” he said. “They’ve worked hard, and they’ve gotten stronger. We’re gonna have a little bit of speed this year, so we’ll just kind of see how things go, jelling-wise. They’re a close bunch, they push each other and they work hard, so we’ll just have to wait and see.”

■ Quick Facts Oct. 3 Oct. 10 Oct. 17 Oct. 31

Watertown at Jackson County Trousdale County at Goodpasture

BOLD denotes District 8-A game

District: 8-A (1A playoﬀs) Head coach: Ron “Moose” Marshall Career record: N/A (11th year) Record at school: 48-23 (7th year) Assistant coaches: N/A Returning lettermen: 9

Returning starters: 7 offense, 7 offense 2013: 5-6 overall, 2-2 District 8-A (3rd) Last playoff appearance: 2013, lost to Fayetteville in first round

HERALD-CITIZEN, Cookeville, Tenn. — www.herald-citizen.com — Thursday, August 21, 2014 — A21

PIGSKIN PREVIEW

FRESHMEN

TALENTED CLASS COULD PROPEL CAVS IN ’14 CRAIG DELK HERALD-CITIZEN Sports Editor

COOKEVILLE — If the middle school careers of the Cookeville freshman team are any indication, the Cavaliers have a chance to make some noise in the 2014 season. The ninth-grade Cavs have a big influx of players from last year’s Algood squad that finished 9-0 and the Prescott South team that went 6-3. Add to it some talented players from Avery Trace, and coach Steve Medlin has some cautious optimism about the upcoming season. “We’ll be all right,” Medlin said. “We’ve got a long season, and right now we’re about where we should be. We’ve still got a few holes to fill, but it will take just a little bit (to get those filled).” On top of his goal of having a successful season, Medlin also takes the unique roles of a freshman team coach very seriously, including getting his players acclimated to the speed of the game at the next level as well as molding former rivals into teammates. “That’s huge,” Medlin said. “It seems like a big role of mine is to make sure we mesh with those three schools coming together. They’ve been competing against each other for a couple years, and now we’ve gotta bring them together and they’ve gotta mesh together.” Algood’s Parker Klein (6-1, 175) is slated to be the starting quarterback, while Prescott South pair Mike Scavo (5-8, 206) and Jarquzes Hicks (5-7, 161) give the Cavs a potential thunder/lighting combo in the backfield. However, Medlin says Hicks and Avery Trace’s Logan Cole (5-9, 148) could also see time behind center. “Jarquzes didn’t play quarterback as much due to (Blaine) Espinosa being (the starting quarterback at Prescott South) as a seventh-

grader, but those three boys have really competed,” Medlin said. “(Who starts) will depend on what type of game we’re looking for.” Avery Trace’s Harley Key (5-7, 117) is penciled in at flanker, while Prescott South’s Davin Dyal (6-3, 185) and Algood’s Dylan Sparks (6-2, 151) give the Cavaliers some size at the wideouts. Others who could see time at the skill positions are Avery Trace’s Glenmore Crabtree (5-5, 154) and Algood’s Cole Gray (5-5, 158). Blocking up front for those players will be Prescott South’s Braxton Green (5-10, 244) and Avery Trace’s Colby Martin (6-1, 246) at the tackles, Avery Trace’s Caleb Smith (5-9, 295) and Algood’s Devin Parker (5-9, 246) at the guards, and Avery Trace’s Conner Wright (5-11, 213) at center. On defense, Dyal and Cade Smith (5-10, 170) are the ends, while Caleb Smith and Algood’s Ross Denton (6-1, 273) are the tackles. Parker will serve as the nose guard. The linebackers will include Avery Trace’s Sam Oldham (5-10, 162) — who suffered a wrist injury in last Saturday’s jamboree — as well as Hammons (5-11, 180) and Jacob Libbey (5-10, 154). Hammons also is on the mend after suffering an ankle injury in the preseason. The defensive secondary includes Algood’s David Gist (5-6, 142) and J.P. Bush (5-4, 111) at cornerback, and Algood’s Will Arnett (5-10, 139) at safety. Others who could see time on defense are Algood’s Jathan Gentry (5-6, 130) and Cole at cornerback and Avery Trace’s Tucker Scott (5-10, 138). Hammons could be a versatile threat for the freshman Cavs, as he is also slated to be the punter and placekicker. Hicks is set to be the punt returner, while Key and Prescott South’s Carl Barraclough (5-9. 150) will be the kick returners.

■ 2014 Cavaliers schedule

Aug. 21 Aug. 28 Sept. 4 Sept. 11

Livingston Academy Franklin County Coﬀee County Upperman

Sept. 18 Sept. 25 Oct. 6

at Warren County at Stone Memorial at Rhea County

■ Quick Facts Head coach: Steve Medlin Years at school: 23 Assistant coaches: Deke Waters (OL/DL), Beau Wynn

(WR/DB), Jerry King (FB/LB) 2013: 4-3

Cookeville freshman running back MICHAEL SCAVO

A22 —HERALD-CITIZEN, Cookeville, Tenn. — www.herald-citizen.com — Thursday, August 21, 2014

PIGSKIN PREVIEW

REDSKINS

REDSKINS SHORT ON EXPERIENCE, BUT NOT TALENT CRAIG DELK HERALD-CITIZEN Sports Editor

ALGOOD — Talk about completely wiping the slate clean. The Algood football team, which is coming off a 9-0 season for the second time in three years, does not return any starters on either side of the ball, and has 29 seventhgraders and 18 eighth-graders. That’s not to say that the Redskins don’t show promise. Head coach Gavin Moore said his team has lots of raw talent and is eager to learn as it looks to tap into that talent. “It’s hard to fill some of the shoes of the people that we lost last season,” Moore said. “However, I think that with a couple of games under their belt, I think we can start to look like a team that needs to be reckoned with.” The setup of middle school football means Moore knows there are some years with lots of returnees and others with very few. “It being a two-year program, you are going to have your peaks and valleys,” he said. “But I think we can surprise some people this season, for sure.” In addition to having to replace the entire starting lineup, the Redskins will also have a different mindset than the one they had last year, which included lots of big strikes offensively. “We’re gonna have to play smart, and make fewer mental mistakes than a typical young team would make,” Moore explained. “And we are going to have to play ball control more so than we did last season.” Leading the Redskin offense at quarterback will be either eighth-grader Bryce Turnbow, who is in his first year on the team, or seventh-grader Cameron Harris.

When Harris is not taking snaps, he and eighth-grader Jordan Phillips are both penciled in at fullback, where Phillips saw some action last season. Eighth-grader Jacob Cole did not garner any carries as a seventh-grader, but Moore says he is a hard runner as he is listed as a starter there. When the Redskins decide to throw, Turnbow will have several options. Listed as wide receiver starters are seventh-grader Mason Turney, eighth-grader Mason Walker and seventh-grader Mikey Gonzalez. Walker saw limited playing time in 2013. A couple other receiving possibilities are seventh-grade tight end Paxton Payne, seventh-grade wide receiver Layne Dale and eighth-grade wide receiver Matthew Samon, who is in his first year with the team. Protecting those players up front will be eighth-graders Spencer Holland and Zach Butler at the tackles, while seventh-grader Caden Heupel, eighth-grade newcomer Michael Curt and eighth-grader Dalton Summers will all see action at guard. Seventhgrader Bobby Lane is penciled in at center. On the defensive side of the ball, Harris and Payne are the starting ends, and eighthgrader Andrew Bundrant will also contribute there. Eighth-graders Crayley Rivers and Summers are the tackles. The linebackers are an entirely seventhgrade group, including William Bryant, Layton Proffitt, Cole and Turney. Seventhgrader Jacob Stamps and Gonzalez are slated to be the cornerbacks, while Samon will be the safety. There are still some question marks in the special teams, including punter and kicker, though Cole is the main punt returner and kick returner.

■ 2014 Redskins schedule

Aug. 14 Aug. 19 Aug. 21 Aug. 28 Sept. 4

Burks (L, 26-16) Jackson County (W, 38-20) at Cornerstone at Prescott South Winfree Bryant

Sept. 11 Sept. 18 Sept. 25 Oct. 2

at Celina Avery Trace Clinton County Burks

■ Quick Facts Head coach: Gavin Moore Career record: 27-8 (5th year) Record at school: 27-8 (5th year) Assistant coaches: Gavin Moore (offensive backs/DL), Justin Brown (OL/defensive coordinator), Ron Eschel-

bacher (WR/DB), Andrew Bilbrey (OL/LB), Bert Collins (OL/DL) Returning lettermen: N/A Returning starters: 0 offense, 0 defense 2013: 9-0

Algood seventh-grade tight end/defensive end PAXTON PAYNE

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HERALD-CITIZEN, Cookeville, Tenn. — www.herald-citizen.com — Thursday, August 21, 2014 — A23

PIGSKIN PREVIEW

RAIDERS RAIDERS LOOK TO BUILD ON EARLY SUCCESS THOMAS CORHERN HERALD-CITIZEN Assistant Sports Editor

Avery Trace head coach KYLE RIVERS

COOKEVILLE — This isn’t your older brother’s Avery Trace Middle team. After a 1-15 record over the past two seasons, the Raiders are primed and ready to reverse that trend. “The difference this year is the leadership I have on this team,” said ATMS head coach Kyle Rivers, who his entering his third season with the Raiders as the head coach. “These boys want to play. They have a passion for football and they want to learn. They’re very coachable and I have a lot of talent all over the team.” ATMS started off the 2014 campaign with an impressive 22-0 win over Burks then beat Smith County 12-6 last week, and the team, even after just two games is already looking like a different team. “Oh, yeah, this is a great start,” Rivers

said. “These boys want to take it further. I have a great coaching staff this year and they’re very passionate about the game, so they’re really helping me and the boys out to create a complete football squad. “At the beginning of the year, we said we wanted to double the total of wins we’ve had — which is a good motivation to do, but we want to get as many wins as possible, as cleanly as possible and respectably as possible.” Helping the Raiders this season is a lot of experience coming back. ATMS features four returning starters on offense — running back Jaeden McAllister, running back Clay Massengille, running back Malachi Jared and center Jacob Stanford — as well as three on defense — Stanford at tackle, Massengille and Jared at linebacker. McAllister already made some noise this season, bursting through the Burks defense for 122 yards and three touchdowns on

eight carries, then adding two more scores against Smith County. But McAllister broke his radial bone in Tuesday’s 14-0 loss to White County, and may be out for the next four weeks. The running game, with the trio of McAllister, Massengille and Jared, is definitely a strength. At quarterback, Andrew Nash is the signal-caller for the Raiders, while he has Donovan HoDam and Parker Welch at receiver, while Justin Rushing and Aaron Deel serve as skill players in the offense. “Andrew’s definitely a player to watch,” Rivers said. “We’re going to get him more into the game on passing. We didn’t have a lot of chances to work with him with our running game, but him as a passer, Donovan HoDam as a receiver and Parker Welch, we’re really going to get them involved.” See ATMS, Page 29

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A24 — HERALD-CITIZEN, Cookeville, Tenn. — www.herald-citizen.com — Thursday, August 21, 2014

PIGSKIN PREVIEW

PANTHERS

TOUGH LOSSES IN ’13 PREPARE PANTHERS CRAIG DELK HERALD-CITIZEN Sports Editor

MONTEREY — A year ago, the Burks Middle School team took some lumps. With a lot of youth on the squad, the Panthers lost three games by at least 32 points on their way to a 3-5 season. The good news is, many of those players are back, and head coach Kyle Childress believes the lessons they learned in 2013 could pay dividends in 2014. “Last year, we were a couple times on the other end of some rough losses,” Childress admitted. “A lot of our seventh-graders got in there a lot in the fourth quarter and late third quarter. They got a lot of experience that way, so when we started spring practice, they came back and by the last games in October they were pretty seasoned.” The Panthers have two returning starters on each side of the ball — eighth-grade running back/outside linebacker Austin Payton, and eighth-grade guard/middle linebacker Logan Phillips — but they’ve also got a solid core of players who should be ready to contribute. “I’m getting back a group of around 10 or 12 kids that played — they didn’t start for me, but they played a lot of football,” Childress explained. “That sure helped. Now they’re not afraid to put their nose in there at any time and play and hit somebody. I’m fortunate to have that; that’s a good thing to have.” Stepping into the role at quarterback will be eighth-grader Elisha Roberson. He will be joined by classmates Payton and Tyler Kilby at running back, and Thomas Phillips at fullback. “They were our seventh-grade backs and quarterback last year, but we didn’t get them in the game a lot,” Childress said of his new backfield starters. “But they’re solid football players, and they do their assignments the right way. Once they get a couple games under their belt, they’ll be solid.” When the Panthers take to the air, eighth-

Burks eighth-grade offensive guard/linebacker LOGAN PHILLIPS grader Matthew Harris and seventh-grader Bullfrano Allreno at guard and eighth-grade center Damien Buckner. Kevin Borjas are the targets at receiver. “Our offensive line, we had two or three The line is anchored by Logan Phillips at guard, and also includes seventh-grader last year that played quite a bit in a reserve Cameron Evans and eighth-grader Dalton role,” Childress said. “They would come in Roberts at the tackles, eighth-grade guard for one that would get tired, so that makes

■ 2014 Panthers schedule Aug. 7 Aug. 14 Aug. 21 Aug. 28 Sept. 4

at Avery Trace (L, 22-0) at Algood (W, 26-16) at Prescott South at Celina at Jackson County

Sept. 11 Sept. 18 Sept. 22 Oct. 3

it a lot easier of a transition when you’ve got three or four kids come back that already know where their spots are supposed to be.” Many of those same players will do double duty on defense, including Harris (nose guard), Allreno (tackle), Roberts (tackle), Buckner (end), Borjas (end), Payton (outside linebacker), Kilby (outside linebacker), Logan Phillips (middle linebacker) and Roberson (cornerback). Eighth-grader Alex Juan is also slated to see plenty of action at nose guard, while the other defensive starters are seventh-grader Jordan Key at cornerback and eighth-grader Roscoe Gragg at safety. Childress lists Key and Evans as impact newcomers, as well as seventh-grade offensive and defensive lineman Jaime Moran. Borjas will handle the kicking and punting duties. Like last year, the Panthers will not have any true home games while the new Monterey High School is being built — they previously played their home games at Medley Field at the old MHS. But Childress is thankful that Algood and Prescott South have allowed Burks to use their fields for a total of three games to allow the Panthers to get some extra gate money. “We’re fortunate that Algood is letting us use their field a couple games (Sept. 11 vs. Cannon County and Oct. 3 against Algood as the home team), and we all appreciate what they’re doing for us,” Childress said. “And Prescott is letting us borrow their field for a game (Sept. 22 vs. Cornerstone), so the county teams are helping us out quite a bit.” Childress believes his team could be primed for a successful season. “We’ll hold our own, and that’s all I ask for up here is to just compete and have a good time,” he said. “That’s our goal every day — compete and have a good time, and I think we’ve got a team that can do that. I can’t predict a record because I don’t know, but we ought to be there at the end of every game.”

■ Quick Facts vs. Cannon County (at Algood) at Red Boiling Springs vs. Cornerstone (at Prescott South) at Algood (BMS will play as home team)

Head coach: Kyle Childress Career record: 24-25 (7th year) Record at school: 24-25 (7th year) Assistant coaches: Matt Duﬀ (oﬀensive coordinator), Joey Hoover (defensive coordinator), Brandon

Hoover (OL/DL) Returning lettermen: 15 Returning starters: 2 oﬀense, 2 defense 2013: 3-5

HERALD-CITIZEN, Cookeville, Tenn. — www.herald-citizen.com — Thursday, August 21, 2014 — A25

PIGSKIN PREVIEW

YELLOW JACKETS KEY PLAYERS COULD BRING CMS SUCCESS THOMAS CORHERN HERALD-CITIZEN Assistant Sports Editor

BAXTER — Having a very young team in 2013 may help pay dividends for Cornerstone Middle in 2014. While the Yellow Jackets return four total starters from last year’s campaign, all four of those players were in key roles, including quarterback/linebacker/punter Sidney Brewington, running back/linebacker Blake Metzgar, wide receiver/linebacker Austin Nichols and defensive back Robert Jackson. “This is a hard-wroking group,” said CMS head coach Greg Phillips, entering his season season as head coach for the Yellow Jackets. “We’ve got some experienced kids from last year. We couldn’t be any more excited about this season.” Cornerstone opened the season with a heartbreaking 36-32 overtime loss to Gordonsville in their opener. CMS finished 3-6 in 2013 and looks for plenty of improvement with the new season. With an experienced eighth-grade group of 24 players out of a 38-player roster, it wouldn’t be a surprise. Especially with those four returning starters. “They’ve all improved from last season,” Phillips said. “Sidney — it’s been really fun to work with him every day. It’s been great to just watch him improve and get better. He’s really grown into the quarterback position. That was something, starting out, he had never played before and he’s looking like a natural. Blake Metzgar, Austin Nichols and Robert Jackson, they’re all going to be helping us out tremendously.” For the offensive lineup, Brewington returns as quarterback, and will have a quartet of recievers to target with Nichols, newcomer

■ 2014 Yellow Jackets

Aug. 14 Aug. 21 Aug. 28 Sept. 4 Sept. 11

at Gordonsville (L, 36-34, OT) Algood at Overton County Avery Trace at Prescott South

Cornerstone Middle head coach GREG PHILLIPS (center) Donoven McCallister, Duke Maresh and Jake backer set with Metzgar, Nash, Nichols, BrewPenland, as well as Caden Nash and Nicholas ington and McCallister, while Jackson and Stacey in skill spots. Metzgar will be there tot- Maresh are at defensive back, while Steven ing the ball as the Yellow Jackets’ primary run- Snyder is at safety. “Our defense is really all about speed,” ning back. “One of our new players, Craig Mangrum, is Phillips said. “We’re really focused on getting also going to be huge help at receiver,” Phillips people to the football. That’s going to be our said. “All of those guys are going to be crucial.” strength, just our speed and being able to fly On the line, Lane Pippin and Alexiss Estrada around the field.” The only drawback to this lineup, though, is is at offensive tackle, Conner Bryant and Travis Smith is at guard and Dylan Rinehart is at cen- still trying to build a little bit of depth. “We had a couple of linemen go down early,” ter. On the defensive side of the line, Bryant and Phillips said. “Normally, in the past when that’s Rinehard are at defensive end, and Jake Butler happened, we’ve been in big trouble. This year, is at nose guard. CMS is playing a five-line- it’s a little bit different as we do have some guys who can fill in and know what’s going on. That’s been a help for us, but we’re still trying schedule to build depth in other places just to make sure if that scenario happens, we’ll be ready.” Sept. 18 Fentress County Sept. 22 Burks (at Prescott South) Sept. 25 Jackson County Oct. 2 Walter J. Baird* D PROU * If CMS not playing in conf. championship on Oct. 4 R

ORTE P P U S E OF TH

■ Quick Facts Head coach: Greg Phillips Career record: 3-6 (2nd year) Record at school: 3-6 (2nd year) Assistant coaches: Tad Maresh (RB/defensive coordinator), Brandon Strock (WR/DB), Daniel Worsham

Cornerstone eighth-grade quarterback/linebacker SIDNEY BREWINGTON

(OL/LB), Trent Nash (OL/DL), J.T. Flowers (OL/DL) Returning lettermen: N/A Returning starters: 3 oﬀense, 4 defense 2013: 3-6

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A26 — HERALD-CITIZEN, Cookeville, Tenn. — www.herald-citizen.com — Thursday, August 21, 2014

PIGSKIN PREVIEW

BULLDOGS

BULLDOGS YOUTHFUL BUT BONDING QUICKLY CRAIG DELK HERALD-CITIZEN Sports Editor

COOKEVILLE — The Prescott South Middle School team will have to do some reloading to replicate the success they had during the 2013 season. The good news? The Bulldogs have an experienced quarterback returning to the fold. Blaine Espinosa is back under center after helping lead a talented PSMS squad to a 73 record last season. But he’ll have a completely revamped team around him, as he is the only returning starter on either side of the ball. “Having Blaine back, that’s big for us,” PSMS second-year coach Michael McCarver said. “He knows the plays that we had from last year, he knows how to run the offense that we had, so he is a big, big part of our team. And he’s gonna have to be a big leader for our team also.” The Bulldogs have a sort of doublewhammy type of youth. Not only are there few eighth-graders on the team, several of them are newcomers to the team. And sheer attrition has trimmed down the overall roster size, as some players who came out during the spring are no longer with the team. “We started the spring out with about 45 kids, and we’re down to about 30 kids,” McCarver said. “As I was looking at my roster, I noticed that we have eight or nine eighth-graders this year, and probably five of them have played before. Out of that 30, we’ve got a lot of seventh-graders, and a lot of those seventh-graders will get to play. That will help us out in the long run.” McCarver is looking at the big picture with his Bulldogs. “As long as we’re getting better by the end of the year, that’s what I’m looking for,” he said. And McCarver said his team has the right makeup to make that happen. “I think our biggest strength is coming together as a team,” McCarver explained. “I’ve told these boys, this is probably the

Prescott South head coach MICHAEL McCARVER Prescott’s offensive line includes eighth- offense and defense are gonna have to end best group that I’ve had as far as coming together as a unit, cheering each other on and grade tackle Michael Pryor, eighth-grade up playing on special teams, too.” Dutchess and Alexander are the ends, trying to get better. I think if we can do that, guards Kaige Whittaker and Ben Brown, Parkerson and Whittaker are the tackles, and seventh-grade center Cole Parkerson. we can overcome a lot of things.” Depth is a concern for McCarver’s squad, and Brown completes the defensive line at Joining Espinosa in the backfield will be eighth-graders Dezmond Luke and Tyler and that is evident on defense as nearly all nose guard. Espinosa, Hall and Bontrager are slated to Hall, and seventh-grader Rob Bontrager at the offensive starters will play ironman be the linebackers, while the secondary will running back. The wideouts will be eighth- football. “That’s just part of it when you only have consist of Luke and eighth-grader Tyler graders Keelen Key and Mike Stout, while two more possible pass-catchers will be a 30 players,” he said. “You’re gonna have to Calhoun at the corners, and Key at safety. Luke will also handle special-teams duty pair of seventh-graders, tight ends Jake figure out who can play both offense and defense, and most of your guys who play as the punt and kick returner. Dutchess and Carlos Alexander.

■ 2014 Bulldogs schedule Aug. 14 Aug. 21 Aug. 28 Sept. 4 Sept. 11

at DeKalb County (L, 28-0) Burks Algood at Fentress County Cornerstone

Sept. 18 Sept. 25

■ Quick Facts at Overton County Avery Trace

Head coach: Michael McCarver Career record: 6-3 (2nd year) Record at school: 6-3 (2nd year) Assistant coaches: Nathan Strong (DE/special teams), Matt Utt (OL/DL), Coleman Hawkins (DB/de-

fensive coordinator), Josh Boles (OL/DL), Danny Espinosa (RB/QB/LB) Returning lettermen: 3 Returning starters: 1 oﬀense, 0 defense 2013: 6-3

HERALD-CITIZEN, Cookeville, Tenn. — www.herald-citizen.com — Thursday, August 21, 2014 — A27

PIGSKIN PREVIEW

GOLDEN EAGLES GOLDEN EAGLES PRIMED FOR OVC TITLE RUN THOMAS CORHERN HERALD-CITIZEN Assistant Sports Editor

COOKEVILLE — If Watson Brown seems very optimistic about his Tennessee Tech team for the 2014 season, there’s a lot of very good reasons — 31, to be exact. As in the 31 players returning for the Golden Eagles who have game-starting experience. “There’s even more than that who have played in ball games,” Brown said. “That should be the plus, but the league is back. If you really look at the depth charts in the (Ohio Valley Conference), there’s a lot of people with 17 starters, 15 starters, 14 starters. Next year is when I think there will be more fall off and I think we’ll have five, maybe six, starters who will be projected as seniors. This year, the experience might not be as big of an advantage as it was they year we won it.” Either way, with just a week to go before the season to starts and the fall camp in the rear view, Tech is ready to go. “We’ve got to play well because it’s a toss-up 11 games,” Brown said. “I see it as a toss-up 12 games, because

watching Kentucky Christian (Tech’s foe on Aug. 28), I saw they looked really good on defense last year. They’re younger on offense than our defense. “Then it’s 11 times, and maybe I’m being too good to us to call them toss-ups. I think going into the season, I see seven (Ohio Valley Conference) teams that could hit those three (Football Championship Subdivision playoff) spots, if there are three.” But 2014, so far, reminds Brown of 2011 in one important way. “It reminds me so much of the year we won it in 2011,” Brown said. “I said it that year that no one will win this league with just one loss. It might have even be two, and sure enough it was true. We won it with two losses, and I really think it could happen again this year. Last year, everyone knew how good Eastern Illinois was and Jacksonville State ended up a lot better than everyone thought. This year, I don’t see it. “The factor is if someone brings a transfer in here or there and then suddenly their team looks completely difSee TECH, Page 28

Tennessee Tech senior running back STEPHEN BUSH

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A28 — HERALD-CITIZEN, Cookeville, Tenn. — www.herald-citizen.com — Thursday, August 21, 2014

TENNESSEE TECH

TECH: QW position adds wrinkle to offense From Page 27 ferent. We don’t do a whole lot of that, but some of the other teams do so I don’t know what’s coming with some of these teams. But it looks to me that as long as we play good, if we can put our depth out there if we have it and get to the fourth quarter fresh and wear people down where we couldn’t last year, I think we’ve got a really good chance.” Brown continued, “Right now, we’re making first downs, getting really long drives with execution. We look like the bunch that that played a few years ago. I think it’s all on us. It’s how we play and do we stay healthy? We’re looking pretty durable right now. We’ve got fewer kids out than we have in a long time. Only (junior offensive lineman) Charles Mouton looks like he may be out any length of time, possibly the season. We’re more durable than we were, I know, the last two seasons. Let’s see if that carries into the season.” Offense ■ Quarterbacks and QWs — Last season, it was almost a coin flip between junior Darian Stone and freshman Jared Davis to see who was going to be behind center. This year, it’s a little bit simpler. Davis is the starting quarterback. But there is a whole new wrinkle in the game plan this season as Brown is introducing the QW position, which will put a second player in the backfield or as a wide receiver who can also play quarterback. “It’s neat to me,” Brown said. “I’ve been wanting to do this for years. It might get me fired. I’ve always wanted to do this and I’ve finally got two players who can do it. You can’t do this with one inexperienced guy. Both of these guys have played this position.” Stone and Livingston Academy product Brock McCoin are just two of several players who are wearing the QW label. Even Davis has been working out of the QW, sliding over to play receiver when the need arises. “It’s pretty much made for Darian,” Brown said. “It’s built around his true talent and lets him come in and play quarterback, play receiver, catch balls, throw balls, run with it. It lets Jared be more of that QB guy and he can run too. (Jared) can go out there at 6-4, 225 pounds and catch a pass every once in a while

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if he has to.” ■ Running backs — You have to go back to 2011’s championship season to find a consistent running back in the Tech offense. Dontey Gay was the guy that season, but since then, Tech’s rushers have been hampered by injuries. Hopefully, that won’t be the case in 2014. In Tech’s first scrimmage of the summer, the Golden Eagles racked up 338 yards on 58 carries among 15 different players. Cookeville native Stephen Bush could be a major factor in the running game in 2014, as could South Florida transfer — and younger brother of Tech standout Tim Benford — Willie Davis. Davis didn’t have huge numbers at USF, but that was after the Bulls changed their offense to a more pass-heavy one. A good-sized back, Davis very could well be the run-every-down kind of back the Golden Eagles have been missing the last few seasons. But that’s not all. Freshman Dorian Carter, who replaced UT freshman Jalen Hurd at Beech after Hurd was injured last season, has been impressive in summer workouts so far, as well as Tullahoma product Trey Burks. Returnees Ladarius Vanlier and Radir Annoor could also have breakout seasons from the backfield as the Golden Eagles have one of their most loaded running back corps in some time. ■ Wide receivers — There’s still some wonder on what the conditions will be for Krys Cates and Jordan Smith as they took on injuries early on in summer camp, but there are several players in line to make big catches. Steve Wilson looks primed to finally break out and make a name for himself after a fivecatch, 90-yard day with two touchdowns in the team’s first scrimmage, while Cody Matthews looks healthy and ready to go. Also in the mix are Colton Belew, Neil Gannaway and Tyler Harrell, not to mention the QW guys who can line up there. Defense ■ Linebackers — The Golden Eagles could be very strong at linebacker, led by senior Tra’Darius Goff, a player who was possibly and unfairly looked over in the OVC Preseason Defensive Player of the Year argument. Junior Jay Rudwall also adds some depth to

the position, but from there, the linebacker group gets a bit young. Tech has sophomores Lenier Lee and Robert Hill Bronson, redshirt freshmen Trey Thompson and Joshua Belhu and freshman Jonathan Coleman filling out the roster. ■ Secondary — The strength on Tech’s defense could very well be the cornerbacks and safeties. There are a lot of experienced returning players in the secondary. Sophomore corner Maleek Hall has been impressive in the spring and summer, as has junior corner Demario Donnell. Senior cornerback James Huguely had a fantastic season last year and Brown expects him to be another key player this season. Junior Luke Woodason and senior Tevin McDermott played big roles. Senior safety Marty Jones returns for his NCAA-granted sixth season with the Golden Eagles and had a big impact last season. Senior strong safety Austin Tallant has been a very reliable tackler and should continue to do so in 2014.

Tennessee Tech head coach WATSON BROWN

■ 2014 Golden Eagles schedule Aug. 28 Sept. 6 Sept. 20 Sept. 27 Oct. 4 Oct. 9 Oct. 18

Kentucky Christian at Indiana State at Tennessee State at Northern Iowa Murray State at UT Martin Eastern Kentucky

Oct. 25 Nov. 1 Nov. 8 Nov. 15 Nov. 22

at Jacksonville State Eastern Illinois Southeast Missouri Chattanooga at Austin Peay

BOLD denotes Ohio Valley Conference game

■ Quick Facts Conference: Ohio Valley (FCS playoffs) Head coach: Watson Brown Career record: 127-197 (30th year) Record at school: 33-46 (8th year) Assistant coaches: Dewayne Alexander (assistant head coach, offense), Sam Williamson (assistant head coach, defense), Steven Brown (offensive coordinator), Donn Landholm (defensive coordinator), Pat Donohoe,

Matt Forrest, Taylor Hennigan, Jim Hensel, Sidney Powell (secondary) Returning lettermen: 49 Returning starters: 19 oﬀense, 12 defense 2013: 5-7 overall, 2-6 OVC (7th) Last playoﬀ appearance: 2011, lost in first round to Central Arkansas

HERALD-CITIZEN, Cookeville, Tenn. — www.herald-citizen.com — Thursday, August 21, 2014 — A29

PIGSKIN PREVIEW LA: Eldridge will create mismatches

From Page 11

to the Hayes legacy at LA, looks to be a bit of a dual threat as the 5-7, 150-pound rookie has shown some explosive speed on the ground and in the aerial attack as a wide receiver, which could the Wildcat offense some extra options. Senior wide receiver Wade Eldridge, another all-district pick, will create some mismatches in District 8-AA with his size alone, standing tall at 6-5 and 240 pounds. “He does a great job, and I think those years playing basketball has helped him because he knows how to shield people off just like he’s posting up down low,” Lamb said. “Wade’s an exceptional talent and he’s got a future of playing on Saturdays. We want him to flourish, just like all of our guys, and if he plays well, we all play well. That’s what we’re looking for.” Eldridge will also have junior Peter Hollars and Hayes in the formation, giving LA

a lot of versatility in the passing game. Livingston also has great size and skill on the line as all-district winner Payton Land (senior, 5-9, 245), Bobby Allred (senior, 59, 250) and Cody Cantrell (freshman, 6-0, 275) are at tackle, Jacob Masters (senior, 6-0, 225) and Daniel Flatt (senior, 195, 60) are at guard and all-district center Hunter McDonald (senior, 6-1, 265) returns. The line is equally strong on the defensive side as McDonald and Jon Ramsey (senior, 6-2, 225) are at end, and Long and James Owens (senior, 5-11, 210) are at tackle. The downside for LA is depth at the line, but with a lot of experience there, it’s just a matter of keeping them fresh and healthy. All-district recipients Josh Blodgett and Jordan Savage are present with Flatt and Eldridge at linebacker to create a pretty strong quartet there, while Gage Vaughn and Hollars are set at corners, with Qualls at safety.

DCHS: Lane and Lance Ball will play linebacker

From Page 13

County for his final prep season, but will have Luke Boss handling the carries on the running game. “Divonta was an explosive guy we lost as he transferred back home,” Trapp said, “but Luke Boss is a guy we’ve been really excited about. Last year, he was our No. 2 and he came in an averaged over five yards a carry and did what he was supposed to do. He can really run the ball with some power and I think he will surprise some people if he can get into some open field.” On the offensive line, DCHS returns alldistrict players Hunter Stone at tackle and Jacob Hale at guard, while joined by tackle Eli Cross, guard Joseph Pack and center John Bradford. “All the guys we’ve got coming back on offensive line is probably our biggest

strength,” Trapp said. “We’ve got five of them coming back. We were going to start sophomore Eli Cross at right tackle to help our defensive line out a little bit, but he ended up breaking his hand, so he’s going to be out a couple of weeks, but all five guys are back up front.” Stone and Austin Ellis will play defensive end, while Pack and Hale are defensive tackles. The defensive skill players will definitely make an impact for DeKalb County as Lane and Lance Ball, as well as Mooneyham, will play a key role at linebacker. “Lane and Lance will only be playing defense, so that’s good for us,” Trapp said. Patterson, the 8-AA defensive back of the year, will continue to patrol the secondary, joined by Munoz at DB as well as newcomers Joey Moon and Christian Pruitt at safety.

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ATMS: Lot of players back from 2013 season From Page 23 Up front, anchored by Stanford at center, the Raiders have Kana Frye and Fort Hunter at tackle as well as Seth Jones and Edy Hernandez at guard. It’s an inexperienced group on the offensive line, but the ATMS rush has found some success with the line’s help. On defense, Clay Newman and Bryden Nivens are defensive ends, Stanford and Zach Phillips are defensive tackles and Jones is the nose guard. Massengille, Jared, Cooper Norrod and Deel are penciled in at linebacker, while Ben Durand and HoDam are at defensive back. McAllister is also listed as a safety/defensive back. “We’ve got a lot of guys coming back on defense,” Rivers said. “A lot of these guys played last year and have a lot of experience coming into this season. Their leadership on the field has motivated the rest of the team to step up as well.” But it’s still not going to be an easy task as the Putnam County middle schools have provided a formidible challenge. “It’s been great,” Rivers said. “It’s kind

Avery Trace eighth grade running back CLAY MASSENGILLE of thinned out the players around here, so we can compete pretty evenly against each other and show good sportsmanship for when they all come together in high school, whether it’s at Cookeville High or Upperman or Monterey.”

■ 2014 Raiders schedule Aug. 7 Aug. 12 Aug. 19 Aug. 28

Burks (W, 22-0) at Smith County (W, 12-6) at White County (L, 14-0) Fentress County

Sept. 4 Sept. 11 Sept. 18 Sept. 25

at Cornerstone Livingston at Algood at Prescott South

■ Quick Facts Head coach: Kyle Rivers Career record: 1-15 (3rd year) Record at school: 1-15 (3rd year) Assistant coaches: Mathew Perry (WR/DB/assistant oﬀensive coordinator), Jackson White (OL/DL/defen-

sive coordinator), Thomas DeBow III (OL/DL), Hayden Williams (WR/DB) Returning lettermen: N/A Returning starters: 4 oﬀense, 3 defense 2013: 1-8

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A30 — HERALD-CITIZEN, Cookeville, Tenn. — www.herald-citizen.com — Thursday, August 21, 2014

PICKETT COUNTY

PCHS: Holt looks to have fewer two-way players

From Page 19 when it becomes, ‘What’s gonna happen?’ We can’t play with low numbers.” The Bobcats have six returning starters on each side of the ball, plus they have a host of newcomers young and old. “It’s always good to have more players,” said junior running back Dakota Tompkins, a three-year starter. “It’s always better to have somebody on the sideline, knowing you’ve got somebody behind you. We’ve got a lot of talent and lot of good athletes.” The increased numbers have also brought along a different philosophy for Holt. Instead of asking many of his players to go both ways on offense and defense, he hopes to start as many different players on both sides of the ball. Holt’s reasoning is two-fold. “They have problems here with injuries, and I believe it’s because you’re playing 11 guys for four quarters in a high school football game,” he said. “It is stressful, it’s mentally hard and it’s physically hard. And eventually, the guys keep going until they break. Holt continued, “With this philosophy, I think we’ll get more kids and I’ll get a flow. Everybody gets to feel like they’re a part

even if they only played three plays during the game — they were in and out on those three plays, and it was critical that they were in.” Gore (6-0, 220) gives the Bobcats some mobility and strong running ability behind center. Last year as a running back, he carried the ball 118 times for 727 yards and six scores and was named to the All-District 7A team. The new backfield for the Bobcats — making up an I-formation — includes junior Tompkins (5-10, 185) at running back and senior four-year starter Andrew Conner (6-0, 200) at fullback. Conner was named to the All-District 7-A team last year. Another candidate for carries at running back is junior Ethan Geesling (6-0, 185). The receivers for the Bobcats are youthful, including junior program newcomer Matthew Turpin (6-2, 190) and freshman Bryson Yorke (6-2, 165). Junior Mason Colson (6-2, 185) is slated to start at tight end. Another player who is slated for playing time at the skill positions is senior four-year starter R.J. Conner (5-10, 235). Pickett County has some size on the line, including senior Caleb Bilbrey (6-4, 285) — a returning starter — at tackle along with

junior newcomer Hunter Witcher (6-4, 290). Three players could see action at the guards, freshman Joseph Cross (5-11, 180), sophomore Dylan Parrott (5-11, 190) and senior newcomer Lane Pritchard (5-11, 300). Junior Noah King (6-0, 200) will be the starting center. On defense, junior Kord Blackmon (6-1, 220) and Geesling are penciled in as the ends, while sophomore Eli Pryor (5-11, 200) and Witcher will be the tackles. The quartet of linebackers includes sophomore returning starter Trevor Beaty (5-8, 175) and freshman Levi Thoman (5-9, 145) on the outside, and returning starters R.J. Conner and sophomore Isaak Koger (5-11, 180) on the inside in the 4-4 defense. Returning starter Joseph Conner (6-0, 195) and freshman Trendon Moore (5-9, 175) are the cornerbacks, while sophomore returning starter Jared Conner (5-8, 160) will be the safety. Andrew Conner will also handle all the kicking duties, serving as punter and placekicker. Tompkins and Joseph Conner are penciled in as punt and kick returners, respectively.

Pickett County senior quarterback DALTON GORE

HERALD-CITIZEN, Cookeville, Tenn. — www.herald-citizen.com — Thursday, August 21, 2014 — A31

PIGSKIN PREVIEW

WCHS: Has several MHS: Could open up back on offensive line more on offense this year

From Page 7 Senior Tyler Brock (5-10, 190) is penciled in at tight end, while sophomore Jake Shockey (5-10, 165) and junior Josh Rowan (5-6, 150) could also see time at either running back or wide receiver. Like Clayton, Rowan also saw some action running the ball last year, with 30 carries for 159 yards and two touchdowns. Though the Warriors have little experience returning at the skill positions, they have a solid starting base on both lines, and Houser says his players’ physicality is a strength. Junior Ethan Farley (6-2, 285) and sophomore Zack Lynn (6-1, 260) both return to their starting spots at offensive tackle, while Matlock (6-1, 225) is back at guard. Newcomers to the line are junior Ethan Maggart (5-10, 260) at guard and senior Dylan Roberts (5-10, 210) at center. “I think we’re gonna have a pretty good line,” Matlock said. “We’ve got a lot of young guys who have gotten playing time. Everybody on the line has got at least one or two starts. Most of them started almost all year, so I think our O-line will be one of our strongest points this year.” On the defensive line, Matlock and Lynn are returning starters, at end and tackle, respectively. Roberts will bookend Matlock at end, while Farley will be the other tackle. Matlock had a solid junior season, racking up 14.5 tackles-for-loss, five sacks and 35.5 tackles overall. Davis is back to anchor the linebacking corps, after leading the team with 78.5 total tackles last year. He also tallied 5.5 tackles-for-loss and a sack. Davis will be joined at linebacker by new starters Shockey and sophomore Chris Richmond (5-8, 210). Clayton — who picked off three passes last season and made 38 tackles — is back at his starting spot at defensive back. He will be joined by Rowan, while senior Josh Golden (5-9, 165) is slated to be the strong safety and sophomore Trey Brewington (57, 160) is set to be the free safety. Davis says the Warriors have become an energetic bunch on defense. “We fly around,” he said. “We’ve really been picking it up lately and communicating. That’s a big thing. (Defensive coordinator) Coach (Josh) Hackett has put in some new formations and things, making sure we’re getting the plays in fast.” Senior Luke Cantrell (5-of-5 field goals, 14-of-20 extra-point kicks) will once again be the starter at placekicker, and this year

From Page 16

White County head coach MATTHAN HOUSER

he will also handle the punting duties. Clayton (8 kick returns for 155 yards, 5 punt returns for 51 yards) will handle kick and punt returns, and Shockey will join him at kick returner. Regardless of their returnees, Houser says his players are primed to compete for bigger goals. “Our guys obviously want to compete for and win a district championship, but the thing I keep hearing them mention is winning a playoff game for the first time in school history,” Houser said. “They want to leave their mark on the program, and they want to do that by doing something that’s never been done.” Houser said the program’s development of a winning culture will serve them well as the Warriors turn success into an expectation. “The mentality of our players has changed the last three years,” he said. “They enter games expecting to compete and win and they don’t back down from opponents. It doesn’t mean that we’ll win every game, but it means we believe we have a shot when we walk on the field. Once you develop the mentality that you can win every game, you have a chance to compete for titles and make playoffs the norm.”

bought into our philosophy that if they go out there and do their job blocking, we’re gonna give it back to them in return. It’s no longer them just blocking and never getting to touch the ball. We’re gonna try to get it to them. We’re gonna try to be a little bit more balanced, and hopefully we’ll be a little more potent on offense.” Others who are listed as possible skill players are sophomores Jonathan Riddle (6-0, 205) and Cole Pierce (5-8, 180). On the line, Norrod (6-5, 290) and his younger brother, sophomore Spencer Norrod (6-3, 260), give Monterey great size at the tackles. Spencer was named the District 7-A freshman of the year last season. Meanwhile, junior twin brothers Bradley and Braxton Tayes (both 6-0, 200) are the guards, giving the Wildcats a quartet of returning starters. Sophomore Dalton Beard (6-1, 240) will be the starting center. “We’ve got some depth up front — sometimes it’s young depth,” Hughes said. “We’ve got a few guys back that started last year. But I don’t think everybody on our offensive line can drive yet, so that scares you a bit when they’re that young.” Whereas many past MHS teams have played mostly ironman football, fewer Wildcats may have to shoulder doubleduty this season on defense. Junior Dale Walker (6-0, 205, 39 tackles in 2013) and senior Cody Goolsby (6-0, 200, 40 tackles) are both returning starters at the ends, while Payton Norrod is back at tackle. He is joined at the other tackle by sophomore Chase Smith (6-1, 240). Sophomore Bubba Adkins (6-0, 260) is listed at nose guard, while sophomore Zach Lewis (6-0, 200) and Braxton Tayes (45 tackles) are penciled in at linebacker. The defensive secondary includes Pierce, Henderson, Caleb Phillips and senior Dillon Stults (6-0, 170). Henderson led MHS with three interceptions last year, while Stults added two picks and 44 tackles. Junior and returning starter Elvis Perez (5-8, 170) is back at kicker, and he will also handle the punting duties. Another pair of players Hughes says could make an impact are freshman running back Tommy Wilkerson and freshman receiver Brannon Buckner. More than any returning talent the Wildcats have back, Hughes says the biggest strengths his team has are its mindset and

Monterey senior running back DALTON PHILLIPS

work ethic. “Our strengths are definitely are attitude, being coachable and our effort,” he said. “We don’t have strength classes like the other schools in the county, so our kids have to work out before practice after being in school all day. They work out, and they have to go out to practice for two hours or two-and-a-half hours. And the demeanor of our kids, they’re so resilient. It doesn’t matter what you throw at them, they keep coming back. They adapt, they go at it hard — it’s just a great group of kids.” And Hughes adds that his players have mature goals. “The number one goal that they had was to be better every day,” he said. “At no point did they talk about wins and losses. My seniors and my leadership council came to me, and they said they just wanted to work to be better every day. And the results, we’ll see. If they can be better every day, generally speaking good things will happen.” After winning the District 7-A title last season and qualifying for the second round of the Class 1A playoffs, the Wildcats are excited about the possibilities that the 2014 season holds. “Everybody’s ready to roll,” Payton Norrod said. “The whole town of Monterey is excited about having a new coach. Everybody is excited. It’s gonna be a good season for us.”

A32 — HERALD-CITIZEN, Cookeville, Tenn. — www.herald-citizen.com — Thursday, August 21, 2014