2010 Football Preview - The Leader

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C2 • Thursday, August 19, 2010 • FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2010 •THE LEADER

www.covingtonleader.com

Welcome to The Leader's 2010 high school and middle school football preview.

This is an annual publication profiling Tipton County's football programs, coaches, goals and outlooks in addition to listing team rosters and photographs.

We hope each team has a fun and productive season without injury. We hope residents will attend games and support their local football teams, cheerleaders and marching bands. These individuals have worked hard in excessive heat to prepare for the 2010 season and it is important that this dedication not go unrecognized.

We wish nothing but the best for each of the Tipton County teams: Brighton High School Cardinals, Brighton Middle School Cardinals, Covington High School Chargers, Crestview Middle School Chargers, Munford High School Cougars, Munford Middle School Eagles and the Tipton-Rosemark Academy Rebels.

Good luck and play hard!

Table of Contents Brighton returns serious offense power .....................................C3 Cards not satisfied with recent success ......................................C4 Cardinals' spread offense has produced results ........................C4 Chargers want to avoid injury bug in 2010................................C5 It's year two with Wheeler at the helm .......................................C6 Wheeler turning the page at CHS ...............................................C7 Youthful Cougars looking to make strides in 2010 ...................C8 MHS coaching staff, players melding well ................................C9 MHS players, coach have big goals this season ........................C9 Rebels want to make mark in DII ..............................................C10 'Coach Dodd' has big plans for TRA program ........................C11 New TRA coach hopes to provide stability .............................C12 High school freshmen photos ..................................................... D1 Middle school photos, schedules ....................................... D2, D5 Varsity position photos .........................................................D3-D4 District outlooks ............................................................................ D6

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Thursday, August 19, 2010 • FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2010 • THE LEADER • C3

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Brighton returns serious offensive firepower

By JEFF IRELAND sports@covingtonleader.com When the Brighton offense hits the field for the first time in 2010, only three seniors are expected to be in the starting lineup.

But that is very misleading because the majority of the key cogs in Brighton’s powerful 2009 offense are back after seeing a lot of playing time as sophomores and juniors.

“All of these guys on offense have played,” said Brighton head coach Will Wolfe, who led the Cardinals to an 8-3 record and a district title last season. “These guys have played a lot as 10th graders. They ought to be ready to go.”

Leading the Cardinals’ pass-happy offense will be senior quarterback Danny Potter.

He was thrust into action midway through the 2008 season when starter Kale Jackson went down and he hasn’t looked back. Potter threw for 1,906 yards and 18 touchdowns in 2009.

“He did a great job running the offense last year,” said Wolfe. “He’s been doing it now for two and a half years. He really knows it now. He’s just been doing a really good job of managing

the offense.”

The only black mark on Potter’s resume last year was 14 interceptions, That’s been something player and coach have been working on correcting this season.

“He’s really got to do away any kind of turnovers, and he’s done a good job. That was a point of emphasis coming in … protecting the ball a little more.”

“To be honest,” said Potter, “the best thing that could have happened to me was getting a chance to play six games as a sophomore. Stepping on the field, I used to get nervous, But now, stepping on the field, it’s not even a big deal.”

Potter’s wide receiver corps has plenty of experience as well with the return of senior John Osborn and juniors Ricky Foster, Greg Starks and Rujon Glass.

Foster caught 41 balls for 592 yards and seven scores a year ago to lead the team. Starks caught 24 passes for 317 yards and Osborne racked up 221 receiving yards and four touchdowns.

When the Cardinals run the ball, look for junior Treyshun Gardner to get the bulk of the carries. He rushed for 589 yards and seven scores last year. Starks will also

TEAM PROFILE Brighton Cardinals Head Coach Will Wolfe 2009 results 8-3, lost to Kirby first round of playoffs Returning Starters 8 offense, 7 defense see some action at running back.

“Treyshun is a raw, powerful back,” said Wolfe. “He can juke, but he can still lower his shoulder and get that tough yardage. Starks is more of a finesse runner … really smooth.”

On the line the Cardinals had a fill a few holes left by graduation. Left tackle Andre Warfield, who is a senior, probably has the most experience. Juniors Chris Coleman, Jack Ruffin and Austin Barnett project as starters and sophomore Travious Fields will be a newcomer to the line.

On the defensive side of the ball, Gardner will line up at linebacker and will be the leader of the defense. The district player of the year in 2009, Gardner racked up

team highs of 136 tackles and seven sacks. Antonio Dickerson, a sophomore, will team up with Gardner at linebacker.

The defensive line will be led by junior Zach Rogowski, who is also coming off a huge season. He finished the year with 65 tackles.

Joining him up front will be senior John Terry, juniors Daryl Bing and Chris Coleman and sophomore Caleb Armour.

The Cardinals are coming off arguably the best two seasons in the school’s history. Brighton hosted a first round playoff game for the first time in 2008 and again last season.

But, unfortunately, Brighton lost both times.

The Cardinals fell to Melrose two seasons ago and Kirby last year.

It’s something that’s hard to forget, but the Wolfe and his players are ready to move on.

“We talked about it in preseason,” said Wolfe.

“But now, our philosophy in camp is that it’s about us. I don’t think those playoff losses had anything to do with anything but us, especially last year.”

A pair of turnovers turned into a 21-0 deficit against Kirby early, but Brighton fought back to cut the lead to 21-14 at the half.

“We had a bunch of 10th graders,” said Wolfe.

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“Right now our goal is to continue to get better at what we do. I believe if we do that the games will play themselves out.”

Senior wideout John Osborne remembers last year’s loss well.

“We use it for motivation,” he said. “It’s a big barricade. We hit the first round and don’t know what happens …

Of course we want to be state champs, but most specifically we want to get to the second round of the playoffs. It’d be nice to go the second and third round.”

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C4 • Thursday, August 19, 2010 • FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2010 •THE LEADER

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Cardinals’ spread offense has produced results

By JEFF IRELAND sports@covingtonleader.com

Cards not satisfied with recent success “People are going to say we’re good,� said senior quarterback Danny Potter. “So we mind as well be good. But you got to be good all the time. If you’re going to be a champion, you got to be a champion all the time. It’s not just something you turn on and off.� “We’ve worked harder and harder each day because there are a lot things expected out of us, and we expect a lot out of ourselves,� said junior running back Treyshun Gardner. “We want to win a state championship.�

Wolfe doesn’t like to talk too specifically about his team’s goals, at least not to those outside of the program. He concedes that some goals have been met, but nearly all of them. “I can sit here and dress it up and give you coach talk, but we want more,� said Wolfe. “We want to be more successful. That’s what we’re working for.

We’re not going to settle. I think a lot of people might be satisfied with what we’re doing, but we are not satisfied at all. We’re hungrier. Have we set goals and accomplished them? Yes, but there are a lot of goals that have not been reached yet. We haven’t done anything yet in my eyes. We’ve got a lot of work to do.�

By JEFF IRELAND sports@covingtonleader.com It wasn’t that long ago that Brighton was at the bottom looking up at Tipton County rivals Munford and Covington.

For a while the Chargers were handling Brighton every year and Munford was finishing at the top of the league standings.

Things have changed.

Munford and Covington have struggled through losing seasons the past two years. Brighton has won 17 games over that span and hosted a pair of playoff games.

Even though Munford won the unofficial Tipton County championship last year, beating Covington and Brighton, the Cardinals are now considered the best team in Tipton County.

No one could logically argue the point.

Nevertheless, Cardinal head coach Will Wolfe, who is in his fifth year at Brighton, is not satisfied. “Maybe, the first couple of years, I thought about how much we were improving,� said Wolfe. “Now, we just want more. We want more. That’s the bottom line.�

His players have set some high goals this year and feel the same way.

Between the 2007 and 2008 seasons, Brighton head coach Will Wolfe felt like a change needed to be made.

He abandoned Brighton’s traditional run-first offense and put in the spread.

The results have been dramatic.

Brighton has gone 17-5 the last two seasons and hosted a first round playoff game both seasons.

While it might seem like the positive results came overnight, it’s been an ongoing process. “It’s more suited to what we do,â€? said Wolfe. “It’s been good for us. We coach it better now. I’m a better play caller than I was three years ago, at least I guess I am ‌ The kids are used to it. It’s what we do.â€?

By all accounts, the Cardinal players enjoy the offense, particularly the skill players. “Obviously it’s fun,� said senior quarterback Danny Potter, who has prospered in the offense since taking it over as a sophomore. “I feel like our coaches believe it. They went to that offense for a reason.�

Junior running back Treyshun Gardner doesn’t get as many carries as backs in more traditional offenses, but he loves it just the same. “It’s a lot fun because you get to see the ball passed around,� he said. “It makes everybody happy and we have better team chemistry. I don’t care if I run the ball at all as long as I’m doing enough to support the team.�

Senior wideout John Osborne is best friends with Potter, and the offense works perfectly for the duo. “Not many teams can throw to any receiver they have,â€? he said. “Every receiver we have is great, but it’s a lot of hard work and conditioning ‌ Danny and I have a lot of chemistry. We’ve played together since middle school. If you’re not friendly with your quarterback, you’re not going to have that eye contact. We can read each other’s minds sometimes. We’re usually thinking about the same things out there.â€?

To the average fan who watches Brighton throw the ball nearly 30 times a game all over the field, it may look like chaos. But Wolfe can attest that there is a method to the perceived madness. “I think some people misunderstand what we do and how technical you have to be,â€? Wolfe said. “They think you can just run around out there throwing the ball around. We film every practice. We coach off that film ‌ We’re not playing backyard ball.â€?

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Thursday, August 19, 2010 • FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2010 • THE LEADER • C5

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Chargers want to avoid injury bug in 2010

By JEFF IRELAND sports@covingtonleader.com The 2009 season for the Covington Chargers started off well enough.

Covington won two of its first five games and lost a couple of heartbreakers to county rivals Brighton and Munford.

But the second half of the season saw the Chargers go 0-5 as injuries mounted.

Four of the team’s five starting lineman missed a lot of time because of injuries as the Chargers finished 2-8.

“Last year was a tough one for us,” said secondyear Covington coach Marty Wheeler. “It was a good learning lesson for the kids, and more so the coaches. We haven’t dealt with a lot of injuries here at Covington. It’s something that’s part of the game.

You try and work in the offseason to prevent those things, but it happens.”

The Chargers have some depth this season, something that will hopefully come in handy if the injury bug hits again.

“We have some depth at the skill positions,” said Wheeler, who was an assistant coach at Covington during the early 2000’s. “As much depth as we’ve ever had here at Covington. We’ve got three good

Good luck to all the local teams!

TEAM PROFILE Covington Chargers Head Coach Marty Wheeler 2009 results 2-8, missed playoffs Returning Starters 3 offense, 3 defense

backs, just like in the heyday so to speak. Back then we were fortunate enough not to have injuries.”

Junior Britt Dunn will be the starting quarterback after seeing some action last year when the starter was injured.

“He’s got a little more experience than most backups coming into a new season,” said Wheeler. “Britt’s had a really good offseason trying to do what we as a staff want him to do. He doesn’t have to win the

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game, he’s just got to manage it for us and not do something that’s going to cost us a ballgame. We want him to be a good decision maker and manage the offense.”

He will have some talented backs behind him in juniors Terrence Pierson and Collier Robinson, senior Cordera Olden and sophomore Carlos Williams.

Williams, who played quite a bit last season as a freshman, will play various positions on offense and is expected to be a playmaker. Juniors Dietrich Smith and Carlos Burton, as well as sophomore Johnston White, will also vie for playing time in the backfield.

“We’re really young in the backfield grade-wise,” said Wheeler. “But several have had quite a few reps in game situations.”

At wide receiver look for senior Jake Morris, junior Shelton Lyons and others to compete for time.

Seniors Mardrecus Dyson and Gerren Stewart are a pair of tight ends who will be a big part of the offense.

On the line junior center Walt Downing and senior Nathan Rogers return after missing much of last season with injuries. Martavian Adams, a senior, and junior James Fields bring some experience to the position. A pair of sophomores, Artavious Brown and Clayton Click, will be in the mix as well.

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C6 • Thursday, August 19, 2010 • FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2010 •THE LEADER

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It’s year two with Wheeler at the helm

Continued from A5 “We don’t have a lot of depth on the offensive line,” said Wheeler. “We really need to stay healthy there.”

The team was hit pretty hard by graduation on the defensive line, but there is some experience returning.

Senior J.T. Boykin, Dyson and Jadarious Temple are three guys will anchor the defensive line.

The linebacking corps should be pretty solid with the return of guys like Adams, Lyons and Stewart.

Josh McLillie, a senior, and junior Carlos Burton are two more players who will be asked to make some plays at linebacker.

Covington’s depth at defensive back took a little bit of a hit in a preseason scrimmage when sophomore Tyrone Tipton, a starter, went down with an injury.

Wheeler said he will miss the season opener but should return after that.

Others expected to see time in the defensive backfield include Johnston White, Williams, Dietrich Smith, Morris, Robinson, Morris and Pierson.

Just like their coach, Covington’s returning players know last year did not go as planned. And they realized there’s work to be done if thing are going to go better this year.

It’s been a hot preseason, but the players are optimistic.

“We’ve got to learn how to be more mentally tough,” said Dyson, “and fight through the tough times.”

“It’s all about mental toughness,” said Williams.

“You’ve got to push yourself through this.”

“We’ve got to work in being more physical,” said Downing. “Playing smart and playing with our heads. I think we’ll be better at that this year.”

Wheeler said the team has had some ups and downs during the preseason.

“It’s a new year and a whole new outlook,” Wheeler said. “We’ve got a long ways to go. We’re not anywhere near where we want to be as a football team and we understand that … We’re just trying to find a way to be consistent.”

By JEFF IRELAND sports@covingtonleader.com When Marty Wheeler was hired as head coach at Covington before last season, it wasn’t his first taste of Covington football.

In the early 2000’s he was an assistant on some very successful Covington football teams.

He ended up taking a head coaching job at Ripley before returning to Tipton County in 2009.

While the stadium and school were the same, as were some of the fans and supporters, the players were obviously different.

And just like any new coach, it took some time for everybody to get used to each other.

So how has year two gone so far?

“It’s all about knowing what he wants,” said junior center Walt Downing. “It’s come a whole lot easier as far as what he wants done and what expects from us.

We’ve got to deliver on our end

"We're trying to be more positive ... we're trying to do more teaching ..."

- Marty Wheeler the same as he does.”

Sophomore Carlos Williams said it’s been tough, but he understands.

“He’s pushing us,” Williams said, “just like he’s supposed to be doing.”

Wheeler said even though he had been through Covington before, he considered himself a new coach last season.

“Is it smoother now?” said Wheeler. “Yes it is. But you still have good days and then you have one or two bad days. Sometimes you tend to focus too much on those bad days. We’re trying to be more positive. More teaching …

It’s intense out there at practice, but we’re trying to do more teaching instead of just yelling.”

There are also other challenges that a new coach faces. Coaches

who have been around for four or five straight years have seen the players develop as they head into high school. But when a coach comes into a new situation, the players are new and sometimes it takes a year or two put everybody in positions to succeed.

Wheeler has moved a few guys around since last season as their particular skill sets have emerged.

He likes to compare it to teaching a puppy.

“You try to teach him to be a good dog, but sometimes he does things that make you scratch your head and wonder what you’re doing,” said Wheeler. “There’s never a dull moment.”

But overall, Wheeler believes the program has made strides since last year.

“You look out there a lot of days, see our coaches and our kids, and it looks more like what I though it would,” he said. “I think everyone knows what to expect.”

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Thursday, August 19, 2010 • FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2010 • THE LEADER • C7

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High School Schedules 2010 BRIGHTON CARDINALS

Wheeler turning the page at CHS

By JEFF IRELAND sports@covingtonleader.com The success of the Covington High School program is pretty wellknown among area football fans.

In the past 15 years the team has been to a pair of state title games and won numerous league titles and playoff games.

Marty Wheeler, Covington’s second-year coach, was an assistant on one of those teams that played for a state title.

When he was hired at Covington last year, he thought it would be a good idea to talk to the current players about the program’s success. He even showed old film of the team rolling over one opponent after another.

“I was trying to show them what we’re trying to do does work,” said Wheeler. “We spent quite a bit of time on it.”

This year he decided keep the old film on the shelf and focus on the present and future.

“In the offseason I made a commitment to them that I wasn’t going to talk about the past anymore,” said Wheeler.

“That’s in the past. We have not had success here the last three seasons. Those years are gone. It’s time now to start a new era.”

Most of the players on this year’s team have probably heard about the “old days” of Covington football, but are too young to remember.

Like their coach, they are focused on the here and now. But they are aware of expectations that are borne of the past.

“I’m going to be honest,” said senior Madrecus Dyson. “We need a little work to get back to where everybody expects us … But I think we can do it.”

Sophomore Carlos Williams and junior Walt Downing both said their goal is a state title.

“If we ain’t expecting that,” said Downing.

“There ain’t no reason to be out here.”

Wheeler, of course, like most coaches, won’t talk openly about winning a state title.

Instead, he’s focusing on rebuilding a proud tradition one practice, one game and one season at a time.

“You don’t get the response I thought you would talking about that (past success),” said Wheeler. “I think they’re tired of talking about it.

They want to make a name for themselves and be the group that gets this thing back on track …

The kids are really buying in. We’ve got to get over that hump. I think we’re closer than a lot of people think we are.”

COVINGTONLEADER.COM Phottos. Scores. Game recaps. All this and more.

Date 8-20 8-27 9-3 9-10 9-17 9-24 10-1 10-8 10-15 10-29

Opponent Raleigh-Egypt Bartlett Cordova Covington Jackson North Side* MAHS Munford* Carver-Homecoming Hardin Co.*Sr. Night Dyer County

Time 7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

Home/Away Home Away Away Home Home Home Away Home Home Away

*denotes District 13AAA game

2010 COVINGTON CHARGERS Date 8-20

Opponent Frayser

Time Home/Away 7:30 p.m. Home

8-27 9-03 9-10 9-17 9-24 10-1 10-8 10-15 10-22 10-29

Munford Dyersburg Brighton Ripley Southside Obion Co. Haywood Open Milan Westview

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C8 • Thursday, August 19, 2010 • FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2010 •THE LEADER

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Youthful Cougars looking to make strides in 2010

By JEFF IRELAND sports@covingtonleader.com With youth comes optimism.

And the 2010 version of the Munford Cougars football team appears to have plenty of both heading into the new season.

Although there are nine returning starters back from last year’s 3-6 team, several key positions will be manned by players with little or no experience at the varsity level.

But that’s not preventing the Cougar players and their secondyear head coach, Matt Saunders, from remaining optimistic as the season nears.

“We’ve got so many guys who are getting varsity snaps for the first time,” said Saunders.

“But those guys will be getting better as the year’s go along. They can only go up.”

That positive attitude is shared by the players.

“We finished camp on a great note,” said senior

tight end/linebacker Troy Glover. “I can’t wait to get started.”

The Cougars get started Friday at home against Fayette-Ware.

An example of the team’s youth will likely be found right behind center. As the opener approached it looked like sophomore Hunter Harden was going to get the call at quarterback.

Senior Johnathan Lee saw action last season, but a back injury kept him out of practice. His status for the season is uncertain.

“I was looking forward to a battle between him (Lee) and Hunter Harden, but Lee has been hindered with the injury,” said Saunders.

“We’re just going to have to wait and see if he’s going to be able to play.”

Harden took all of the snaps with the number one offense in the preseason, giving Saunders confidence that he will be able to get the job done.

“To be honest, the

first time I saw him, I couldn’t wait to get him,” said Saunders. “With me wanting to run the spread offense … He put up some big numbers on the freshman team. I like to run the ball with the quarterback as well, but we won’t be able to do that as much right now because we don’t have a lot of depth there.”

Junior Stephen Stewart, an all-around athlete who also plays linebacker, has also been getting some reps at quarterback and will be an option at the position.

The running game should be in good hands with the return of senior running back Drew Weston. He rushed for 1623 yards last season and became the offense’s go-to guy as the season progressed.

“He was our workhorse,” said Saunders.

“He had two games last year of over 200 yards. I think after that first game last year I saw he was going to be our leader. We really leaned on him.”

2010 MUNFORD COUGARS Date 8-20 8-27

Opponent Fayette-Ware Covington

Time Home/Away 7 p.m.

Away 7:30 p.m. Away

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“I definitely want to try and step it up a little more this year,” said Weston, who has gotten some looks from colleges. “My goal is to just play hard.”

Junior Cedric Williams and senior Reggie Fleming both saw plenty of action at running back last year and figure to get more in 2010.

“I plan to run a lot of two-tailback sets with all three of those guys,” said Saunders. “That can really put a lot of stress on the defense. All three are track athletes with a lot of speed. Hopefully we’ll be able to utilize that.”

At wideout, several players will figure into the mix, including senior Jordan Wade, junior Derek Howell and sophomores Antonio Moore and Derek Pierce.

Wade was a promising player last year before getting injured early and missing the rest of the season. Howell is a large target with some experience. Saunders is excited about the athleticism of Moore and Pierce.

Youth will certainly be served on the offensive line with three sophomores – Johntavious Bowers (6-0, 225), Michael Pugh (6-3, 222) and Sedric Pryor – expected to start.

Senior center Nathan Smith (6-1, 222) will be looked to for leadership, as will junior Brock Ayers (6-0, 205).

“I tell people all the time that there will be some bumps in the road for our offensive line,” said Saunders. “It’s going to be a learning experience. But by the end of the year we should have a better offensive line than we had last year.”

TEAM PROFILE Munford Cougars Head Coach Matt Saunders 2009 results 3-7, missed playoffs Returning Starters 4 offense, 5 defense

On defense, the scheme will change from a 3-3 to a 4-3.

Senior tackle Bruce Fleming (5-11, 226) will be asked to plug things up in the middle, as will Robert Estes (5-9, 290), another senior.

Glover and Stewart will play either mike or sam linebacker, and are expected to be the leaders of the defense.

Guys like Weston, Williams and Reggie Fleming are likely to see SEE STRIDES, PAGE C9

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Thursday, August 19, 2010 • FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2010 • THE LEADER • C9

www.covingtonleader.com

MHS players, coach have big goals this season

By JEFF IRELAND sports@covingtonleader.com

MHS coaching staff, players melding well

By JEFF IRELAND sports@covingtonleader.com Things went a lot smoother this year as the Cougars made preparations for the 2010 season for a few reasons.

First and foremost, head coach Matt Saunders began his second year as the leader of the Munford football program.

And is usually the case, things are little easier the second time around. “It has,� said Saunders when asked if things have gone more smoothly the past few months through spring and preseason practice. “If you’re not fundamentally sound, you’re going to get beat. I think last year I spent a lot of time installing the offense and defense, and I think we lacked some fundamentals and good techniques. This year I haven’t had to tell them things like how to run a route. They know that already. During these weeks of practice there’s been a whole lot of teaching techniques and fundamentals.

It’s taken a lot of stress off me for sure.�

Things are usually a little easier for the players as well during a coach’s second year. Quite often much off the first year is spent figuring out what the new coach expects. “The atmosphere has definitely changed,� said senior tackle Robert Estes. “We have a new type of energy and we’re playing at a high level. We play hard, play smart and play fast every play.�

STRIDES

Continued from C8 the bulk of the action at defensive back.

The defense should have a different look this season. The offense began as a spread last

year but morphed into more of a running, ball control offense at times. “You really have to adapt to the personnel you have,� Saunders said. “I love to spread things out, and that’s only going to progress with Harden

Senior Jordan Wade added, “We have a lot more hustle. We want people to see that we’ve come together as one with everybody giving high fives and going to the ball.� “Last year was different with a new coach,� said senior Jordan Wade. “This year it got a little easier.

We’re more comfortable with the new coach and his offense.�

An addition to the coaching staff has also made a big difference in the preseason.

In the offseason John Thompson was hired to serve as the team’s defensive coordinator and strength and conditioning coach.

He coached at Lambuth University before coming to Munford. He’s changed the defense from a 3-3 to a 4-3. “We’re incredibly fortunate to have him,� said Saunders.

Steve Ledford, who is Munford’s head baseball coach and assistant basketball coach, is coaching the defensive backs. Ernie Bennett returns to coach on the defensive side of the ball after serving as the defensive coordinator last season. “They’ve all meshed so well,â€? said Saunders. “We’ve got a head coach, a former defensive coordinator and former college coach all coaching on the defensive side of the ball. I don’t have to worry about the defensive side of the ball ‌ I’m very fortunate that I can focus on the offense.â€?

at quarterback, if he’s the one in game one against Fayette-Ware. My goal is to spread the field four or five wide and throw it around with him. When you do that, obviously it opens up the run game.

We’ve got a sophomore-

lade line. I really want to open up the passing game take a little pressure off our o-line with the running game.�

Second-year Munford head coach Matt Saunders is certainly aware that the odds are stacked against his team winning a state title this season.

In fact, they won’t be favored to win District 13-5A. The Cougars have "Obviously, gone 5-15 the past two years and will suit up a our first goal is pretty young squad for to win a region the 2010 season.

Nevertheless, he championship ... doesn’t see any point in To sell yourself not setting big goals. short of anything “Obviously, our first goal is to win a else is not why region championship,� we got into Saunders said. “That’s the bottom line. I think coaching.� that’s why I got hired here. To sell yourself short of anything else - Matt Saunders is not why we got into coaching.�

Though Munford went 3-7 last year, there were some promising signs.

One of those signs is commemorated by a trophy in Saunders’ office that proclaims the Cougars as the 2009 champs of Tipton County.

Munford beat Brighton and Covington last season. “Our booster club made a big deal about it,�

Saunders said. “They tell me it’s the first time we beat Brighton and Covington in the same season.�

Last year’s taste of success made an impression on the Cougar players as well, and they’ve set their goals accordingly. “Any team’s goal is to win a state championship,â€? said senior Troy Glover. “We just need to win district and keep it going.â€? “We’re going to take it one step at a time,â€? said senior Robert Estes. “We want to do a lot better than last year. A lot better ‌ We’ve worked hard this summer with two-a-days. We’ve been through hell, got through, fought and made it. We want to see what we can do.â€?

Added senior Jordan Wade: “We want to make sure we do good in our district. That’s the first thing. When the playoffs get here, we’ll take it from there.�

The Munford program has a successful history.

The Cougars won a region title in 2007 and went to the state title game13 years ago.

Saunders is looking to make some more history. “Obviously the goal is to get the gold ball,â€? said Saunders. “My thing is to get into the playoffs and anything can happen. You never know how the ball’s going to bounce ‌ Let’s get our foot in the door and run with it after that.â€?

ARE YOU READY FOR SOME FOOTBALL! Good Luck to all the teams!

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C10 • Thursday, August 19, 2010 • FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2010 •THE LEADER

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Rebels want to make mark in DII

By JEFF IRELAND sports@covingtonleader.com Division II football was reclassified last season.

The division went from three classifications (large, medium and small) to two (large and small).

A couple of schools that were playing in the public school division also moved into the private school division last season.

Ti p t o n - R o s e m a r k Academy landed in the small division, but the team’s competition became much tougher.

Teams in TRA’s league include University School of Jackson, Jackson Christian School, Harding Academy and Evangelical Christian School.

For a small school team like TRA trying to rebuild, it makes things tough.

But new head coach Dodd Gengenbach is keeping a positive outlook.

“From day one, I don’t like to approach anything without the goal that we’re out here to win a state championship, plain and simple,” said Gengenbach. “Now we’ve got to do a lot of things to make that happen.”

With six starters back on offense and five on defense, the new coach and his team will begin climbing the ladder this year.

Gengenbach takes over for Jake Linville, who coached TRA for just one year. While there will be some differences, he plans to use the same offensive and defensive schemes.

Leading the way at quarterback will be junior quarterback Chance Sampson. He has

TEAM PROFILE Tipton-Rosemark Rebels Head Coach Dodd Gengenbach 2009 results 82-8, missed playoffs Returning Starters 6 offense, 5 defense

some experience at the position, but was not the starter for most of last season.

On offense the team’s strength figures to come at running back where returning starters Zac Hodgins and Jordan Fox, both seniors, return.

Hodgins is the team’s leading returning rusher and Fox got plenty of work last year as well.

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defensive coordinator during that time.

He’s patiently waited for his chance at a head coaching job. While he’s trying to keep some things the same, he does plan to put his own stamp on this team.

“From a stand point of conditioning I hope people notice that were in better shape than weve ever been in,” said Gengenbach. “That’s a product of being in the weight room pretty consistently. I also hope people notice that were a little bit more competitive in all of our ballgames this year. That would be two big things that I hope the people on the outside looking in pick up on.”

Gengenbach knows making TRA competitive on a weekly basis is going to be a process.

“Accountablility and not being complacent on the practice field are things we talk about a lot,” said Gengenbach.

“These are things you use as key words as stepping stones to take care of those week-by -week games … Obviously a lot of things have fall in place for you to win a state championship, so we can just kind of take them one step at a time.

What we can do on the practice field is something that’s under our control.”

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Look to see the ball in the hands of both of these guys on a regular basis.

“At the skill positions we’ve got a fair amount of experience under our belts,” said Gengenbach.

“Both Fox and Hodgins have been playing a lot since they were freshmen.”

When Sampson takes to the air in Gengenbach’s spread offense, senior wideout Keith Hamlin and junior wideout Jlyn Ballard figure to be two of his primary targets.

TRA’s passing attack also includes the tight end.

Senior Ryan Payne will fill that role.

Up front the team will be full of upperclassmen with experience.

Junior Nathan Holder will hold down the center spot. At the guard spots junior Brandon Eldridge and senior Zach Howard project as the starters.

At the tackle spots juniors Jordan Wilson and Sam Watson bring some experience to the lineup.

Howard believes the offensive line will be a strength of the team this year.

“We’ve been working really hard on the offensive line in practice,” he said. “I think our blocking has been a lot better.”

The defensive line will include experienced players Dylan Sykes, Dylan Hambick and Sam Watson, all of whom will be charged with slowing down some tough running attacks in DII-Small this season.

At the linebacker position, look for big contributions from the likes of Brandon Caradine, Holder, Howard and Payne.

Ballard, Hodgins, Austin Rushing and Keith Hamlin will be at the defensive back positions.

Gengenbach has been an assistant at TRA the past three seasons. He’s served as offensive and

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‘Coach Dodd’ has big plans for Tipton-Rosemark program

Thursday, August 19, 2010 • FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2010 • THE LEADER • C11

By JEFF IRELAND sports@covingtonleader.com New Tipton-Rosemark Academy head coach Dodd Gengenbach, who the players call “Coach Dodd,” is the kind of coach who likes to have goals. And he doesn’t mind talking about them.

Those goals are for the present, and the future.

He knows for his program to get to where it wants to be, one thing needs to change: numbers.

And by numbers he means the number of players standing on his sideline.

There will be games this year when TRA’s "Once you start opponent will have twice as many players on the opposing sideline. winning some “I hope, two to three years down the road, within our own school walls we can have more ballgames, that participation,” said Gengenbach. “Numbers would have to be one my biggest things. Looking cures a lot of your on the sidelines and seeing more guys and having a full JV program.” ills."

There are currently 30 players on the TRA roster. If nobody played both ways and you account for a kicker and punter, that would leave just six - Dodd extra players.

Gengenbach Gengenbach knows that, barring an enrollment explosion at the school, there’s really only one sure way to make that happen.

“Once you start winning some ballgames, that cures a lot of your ills,” he said. “I think that will happen as we start having some success on the football field.”

The current TRA players have plans this year that would certainly help the future of the program.

“We want to go to state, of course,” said senior Zach Howard.

Same goes for senior Ryan Payne.

“Our theme this summer has been to make it to the state championship,” Payne said. “That’s what keeps us working hard. But to be real, we want to make the playoffs and go from there. We’re just going to take it one game at a time.”

Local news and weather updates Sports and educaƟon news & photos 3,420 fans and counƟng facebook.com/covingtonleader

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C12 • Thursday, August 19, 2010 • FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2010 •THE LEADER

www.covingtonleader.com

Support your local athletes - go to a game!

New TRA coach hopes to provide stability

EYV ERZ]XReV ARcej DeRced 9VcV

By JEFF IRELAND sports@covingtonleader.com Things have been pretty tough for the Tipton-Rosemark Academy seniors the past three-plus years.

When head coach Jake Linville left during the offseason and was replaced by assistant Dodd Gengenbach, that made three head coaches in four years for the Rebel seniors.

That means different philosophies and different terminology … different everything.

“It hasn’t been good,” said senior Ryan Payne. “But I think Coach Dodd is going to bring us back up … The seniors love him. I’ve had him since I was a freshman. We can trust him. All the other guys just come and leave. We can trust Coach Dodd.”

Gengenbach is trying to make the transition as easy as possible for his players.

“It’s been different for them,” Gengenbach said, “but we’re trying to keep things as consistent as possible. There have been a lot of changes over the years with coaches and systems. We’ve been very consistent with them as far as what we expect of them and some of the things we’ve done from last year to this year.”

The offensive and defensive schemes have remained basically unchanged from last season. The spread offense is still being used and the base defense is still a 50.

That appears to be something the players appreciate.

“It’s been better this year and more organized,” said senior Zach Howard.

“People are working harder …A few years ago we were running all new stuff.

It’s a lot easier now.”

“He knows us all and knows what we’re good at,” said senior Dylan Sykes.

“I’m glad he’s the coach. I can’t wait to see what the season is going to be like.”

Gengenbach asks for consistency from his players and tries to give the same thing to them in return.

“To give the kids a chance at success, consistency is going to be a big part of that,” Gengenbach said. “We’ve now had the same offensive and defensive schemes for two years in a row and they’ve never had that before. That’s something that’s going to be a big plus for them going forward. They’re not going to have be learning something from scratch.”

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D2 • Thursday, August 19, 2010 • FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2010 •THE LEADER

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Middle School Football 2010 Brighton Middle Cardinals Aug. 14 ACS Classic at Olive Branch Aug. 17 Jamboree at Crestview 5:45 p.m.

BMS vs. Lauderdale 6:30 p.m.

Aug. 19 MUS at MUS Aug. 24 Lauderdale at Ripley *B Game* Aug. 31 Munford at Brighton *B Game* Sept. 7 Briarcrest at Brighton (7th grade at 5:30 p.m.) Reg. game at 7 p.m.

Sept. 14 Fayette East at Brighton Sept. 21 Crestview at Covington *B Game* Sept. 28 Fayette West at Brighton (7th grade ECS at ECS 6 p.m.)

Oct. 5 Haywood at Haywood * B Game* Oct. 12 2 North at 1 South / 2 South at 1 North Oct. 19 WTAC Championship at North Regular games begin at 6:30 p.m.

B games are at 5:30 p.m. unless otherwise noted 2010 BRIGHTON MIDDLE CARDINALS 1 Levi Jones, 2 Lorenzo Frazier, 3 Tim Barnes, 4 Terylwayne White, 5 Desmond Maclin, 6 Dawson Carver, 7 Titus Matthews, 8 Saxton Kelley, 9 Antonio Miller, 10 Brandon Pace, 11 Marco Small, 12 Nolan Combs, 13 Cameron Cupples, 14 Bentley Jones, 15 Billy Joe Dunham, 16 Alan Bates, 17 Dorsett Johnson, 18 Chase Kidd, 19 Kameron Adams, 20 Ladarius Williams, 21 Devin Neal, 22 Rocky Thomas, 23 Mark Maben, 24 Delando Fears, 25 Montao Terry, 26 Gage Armstrong, 27 Breland Austin, 28 Cameron Butler, 29 Michael Kindred 30 Malik Mathews, 31 M.J. Hall, 32 Justin Britton, 33 Jacob Bolden, 34 Tyler Lovell, 35 Ronnie Stevens, 36 Braxton Middlebrooks, 37 Clayton Honeycutt, 38 Tim Harris, 39 Justin Krachen, 40 Zac Wagner, 41 Chris Young, 42 Brantley Baskin, 43 Austin Kelley, 44 Kolton Childress, 45 Ian Stovall, 46 Trey Johns, 47 Trevor Archer, 48 Jaquine Beard, 49 Deavius Terry, 50 Nate Wood, 51 Chase Cutrera, 52 Austin White, 53 Garrett Cosica, 54 John Bowers, 55 Brett Armour, 56 Luke Berry, 57 Austin Stevens, 58 Tyler Burgess, 59 Drake Grimes, 60 Sam Mill, 61 Tristen McPherson, 62 Dakota Dobbs, 63 Imari Allen, 64 Tucker Higgins, 65 Andrew Brown, 66 Tyrone Bond, 67 Ethan Dent, 68 Chris Lewis, 69 Jalen Powell, 70 Ish Jones, 71 Chris Cordle, 72 Conner Young, 73 Garrian Dickson, 74 Sam Bourque, 75 Hunter Carlton, 77 Eric Taylor, 78 J.D. Lowrance, 79 Tyler Greenwood, 80 Jerome Ivory, 81 Hayden Nabors, 82 Andrez Harville, 83 Marcus Jones, 84 Hunter Davis, 85 Seth White, 86 Will Walker, 87 Chris Reed, 88 Kendall Johnson, 89 Cory Stroope, 32 Zachary Camp. COACHES, Larry Williams, Jay Jennings, Kevin Byrd, Quinton Rogers, Jeff Nix, Mitch Carver and Michael Grandberry.

2010 Crestview Middle Chargers Aug. 12 Scrimmage at Dyersburg Aug. 17 South Jamboree at CHS Aug. 24 Munford Middle at HOME Aug. 31 Fayette West AWAY Sept. 7 Haywood AWAY Sept. 14 Lauderdale HOME Sept. 21 Brighton HOME Sept. 28 Briarcrest ** AWAY Oct. 5 Fayette East AWAY Oct. 12 WTAC Semifinal TBA Oct. 19 WTAC Championship TBA Oct. 30 West Tennessee Championship All varsity games will start at 6:30 p.m. All home games will have "B" games starting approximately at 5:30 . Road "B" games are at the discretion of the home team. **Non-Conference. "B" game at 5:30 p.m., Varsity game will begin at 7 p.m.

2010 CRESTVIEW MIDDLE CHARGERS Dylan Blalack, Mackie Bradfield, Spencer Bridges, Nicholas Childress, Donnarius Dean, Fentrice Flowers, Aaron Foster, Montavius Grandberry, Sherrod Hale, Kelvin Hines, Cameron Ivy, Justus Morrison, Cody Otasowie, Tanner Price, McKenzie Russell, Bobby Shanks, Cody Stafford, Cole Starnes, Bill Taylor, Heath Taylor, Hunter Taylor, Jartavious Taylor, Chris Terry, Jesse Tipton, Dalton Williams, Rudy Adams, Xavier Adams, Will Baker, John Paul Bennett, Fred Bonner, Tyronza Boyd, Frederick Burchett, Alize Coleman, Logan Cooper, Cordell Davis, Isaiah Dowell, Weston Downing, Ulus Dye, Jamie Fore, Corey Gaines, Armani Hall, Jordan Jackson, Clayton Lovett, Lee Somerville, T.J. Taylor, Curtis Wall.

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Thursday, August 19, 2010 • FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2010 • THE LEADER • D3

CARDINALS QUARTERBACKS - (l to r) Brady Stewart, Danny Potter

RUNNING BACKS - (l to r) Antonio Dickerson, Greg Starks, Treshaun Gardner, John Terry, Daryl Bing

DEFENSIVE BACKS - Front (l to r) Shane Bingham, Ronnie Brim, Greg Starks, Willie Lacy, Tyler Ogden Blake Davis. Second row (l to r) Greg Starks, Artez Harris, Rujon Glass, Devante McGuire, Bryan Dawson, Bryant Conner, Nic Rose, Malcolm Terry

LINEBACKERS - (l to r) Mark Cope, Zach Rogowski, Treshaun Gardner, Antonio Dickerson, Daryl Bing.

KICKERS - (l to r) John Osborne, Zach Rogowski, Brady Stewart, Drew Hopkins, Rujon Glass.

WIDE RECEIVERS - Front (l to r) Rujon Glass, Greg Starks, Bryan Dawson, Devante McGuire, Artez Harris, Zach Rogowski, John Osborne, Tyler Ogden, John Robles. Second row (l to r) 39, Blake Davis, Shane Bingham, Bryant Conner, Malcolm Terry, Ricky Foster, Willie Lacy, Quartize Glover, 83, Jon Laxton.

OFFENSIVE LINE - Front (l to r) Darius Dowell, Sean Riley, Tyson Knippelmeyer, Jack Ruffin, Austin Barnett, Chase Kellum, Tre Fields, Andre Warfield. Second row (l to r) Thomas Wright, Chris Wilson< Houston Birchfield, Mark Cope, Chris Coleman, Ryan Stevens, Caleb Armour, Sam Butler, Ladarius Douglas

COVINGTON

CHARGERS

CORNERS & SAFETIES - Front (l to r) Kirk Winberry, Britt Dunn, Brad Wallace, Tyrone Tipton. Back (l to r) Antonio Dorsey, Jake Morris, Johnston White, Carlos Williams, Carlos Burton

OUTSIDE LINEBACKERS - Front (l to r) Cordera Olden, Frank Huffman, Gerren Stewart, Skylar Ramsey, Andrew Miller. Back (l to r) logan Morris, Chris Bryan, Shelton Lyons, Alex Van Vleet, Terrance Pierson.

QUARTERBACKS - (l to r) Kirk Winberry, Britt Dunn, Detric Smith

DEFENSIVE ENDS - Front (l to r) Derious Somerville, Mardrecus Dyson, Artavian Brown, Jadarius Temple, Tevin Robinson, Back (l to r) Harley Taylor, James Fields, Walt Downing, Nathan Rogers, Robert Hensley.

OFFENSIVE LINE - Front (l to r) Jaylon Henderson, Artavian Brown, Skylar Ramsey, Nathan Rogers, Andrew Miller, Dakota Phillips, Calyton Click, Back (l to r) Tevin Robinson, James Fields, Derious Somerville, J.T. Boykin, Walt Downing, Martavian Adams, Jadarius Temple, Robert Hensley.

D4 • Thursday, August 19, 2010 • FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2010 •THE LEADER

www.covingtonleader.com

MUNFORD

COUGARS

DEFENSIVE BACKS (front, l to r) Jordan Wade, Cory Meadors, Johnny Jones, Antonio Moore, Nicholas Ecker. Second row, Zack Mays, Drew Weston, Nick Harper, Kyle Cooper, Alec Donlevy, Third Row, Matt Owens, David Lackey, Ethan Kirkhart.

DEFINSIVE LINE (front, l to r) Bruce Fleming, Tyler Harrison, Chris Yount, Andrea Bell, Sedric Pryor, Alvin Williams. Back row, Chase Williams, Johntavious Bower, Robert Estes, Bradley Harris, Michael Carlin, Laitin Beecham, Austin Perry

SPECIALTY (front, l to r) Drew Weston, Hunter Harden, Brandon Young, Kale Gramling, Jordan Wade, Johnathan Lee.

QUARTERBACKS (l to r) Hunter Harden, Johnathan Lee, Stephen Stewart.

OFFENSIVE LINE (front, l to r) Sedric Pryor, Ian Pierce, Brock Ayers, Ronnie Kidwell, Jonah DeVaughn, Back row, Johntavious Bower, Nathan Smith, Michael Pugh, Tamarie Brock, Michael Bower.

RUNNING BACKS (front, l to r) Bruce Fleming, Tyler Harrison, Turner Weston, Stephen Stewart, Drew Weston, Nick Harper, David Lackey.

RECEIVERS (front, l to r) Jordan Wade, Eric Becton, Cory Meadors, Johnny Jones, Antonio Moore, Derek Pierce. Second row, Fred Phillips, Derek Howell, Nicholas Echer, Gunner Glass, Kyle Cooper, Alec Donlevy, Back row, Andrew Bell, Brandon Young, Micah Corbett, Ethan Kirkhart, Austin Perry.

TIPTON-ROSEMARK

REBELS QUARTERBACKS - (l to r) Austin Chamber, Chance Sampson, Keith Hamlin.

GUARDS

TACKLES - Front (l to r) Peyson Terhune, Graham Crihfield, Will Phillips. Back (l to r) Jordan Wilson, Dylan Hambick, Sam Watson

DEFENSIVE STARTERS

KICKERS & HOLDERS - (l to r) Chance Sampson, Jordan Fox, Joe Scott Howard, Nathan Holder

Thursday, August 19, 2010 • FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2010 • THE LEADER • D5

www.covingtonleader.com

Middle School Football 2010 Munford Middle Eagles Aug. 17 Jamboree at Crestview 5:45 p.m.

Aug. 24 Crestview at CHS Aug. 31 Brighton Middle at BHS Sept. 7 Fayette West at MHS Sept. 14 Briarcrest at MHS B game 5:30 p.m. - A game 7 p.m Sept. 21 Haywood at MHS Sept. 28 Fayette-East at Fayette Ware A only - 6:30 p.m.

Oct. 5 Lauderdale at MHS Homecoming Regular games begin at 6:30 p.m.

B games are at 5:45 p.m. unless otherwise noted

2010 MUNFORD MIDDLE EAGLES Domonique Ball, Kyle Hindman, Queyon Mills, Jared Walker, Khatary Williamson, Clayton Richardson, Kodey Forrest, Markeeth Benard, Eli Harper, Hunter Slocum, Markeeis James, Hunter Malone, Andre Thomas, Gavin Carter, Dalton Woolsey, Brent Rhea, Wilson Lowry, John Bishop, Trey Doty, Preston Trainer, Dakota Hope, Kip Fleming, Dontavious Goodwyn, Grant McKell, Garrett Baugh, Ethan Willis, Hayden Myers, John Hall, Jeremy Sykes, Cody Arnette, Turner Gilmore, Joseph Watkins, Mikey Pugh, Blake Wilson, Kellen Holland, D.J. Joyner, Zack Wright, David Simon, Jaylon Brandley, Zach Dodson, James Wilson, Gage Fisher, Kelton Ham, Dustin Chapman, Jovanny Raitiaga, D.J. Buford, Mitchell Yarbrough, Jakob Watson Tyler Keene, Blake Archer, Wayne Johnson, Houston Graham, Edward Estes, Christian Brooks, Kentrell Eddins, Aaron Sykes, Chris Williams, Austin Gardner, Travis Gunnells. COACHES David White, Jason Bain, David Blagg, Matt Cain, Tyler White and John McPherson.

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THE LEADER

D4 â&#x20AC;˘ Thursday, August 19, 2010 â&#x20AC;˘ FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2010 â&#x20AC;˘THE LEADER

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District Outlooks District 13-AA (Covington) TEAM: CROCKETT CO.

2009 Results: Finished 11-2, losing to Liberty in quarterfinals 2010 Outlook: After a so-so year in 2008, the Cavaliers bounced back in a big way last season. The teamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s only two losses came against a state semifinalist (Liberty) and a state finalist (Milan). Some talent left with the graduation of running back Darrius Bass and quarterback Drew Speaker.

Senior Dustin Taylor, who plays running back and a linebacker, will be a leader.

TEAM: DYERSBURG 2009 Results: Finished 5-6, losing to Sheffield in the first round of the playoffs 2010 Outlook: The first year under head coach Bart Stowe was up and down for the Trojans.

After starting 4-1, a four-game skid left the Trojans with a low playoff seed. With some experience coming back, look for more from the Trojans in 2010.

TEAM: GIBSON CO. 2009 Results: Finished 0-10 and did not qualify for playoffs 2010 Outlook: The Pioneersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; program has struggled mightily the past few years, and things wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t get any easier in a very difficult league. Do-everything Sherrod Johnson graduated. The Pioneers will lean heavily on senior quarterback Lee Whitaker and running back Chase Arnold.

TEAM: HAYWOOD 2009 Results: Finished 4-6 and did not qualify for playoffs 2010 Outlook: The Tomcats lost several close games last season

that ended up costing them a playoff bid. The team was hit pretty hard by graduation. How the Tomcats overcome the loss of Harold Watson, who played quarterback and led the defense, will be a key.

TEAM: MILAN 2009 Results: Finished 14-1, losing to Alcoa in state title game 2010 Outlook: Last season was a magical one for the Bulldogs. This year, if thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s more magic, it have to be produced a largely different cast. Jabronski Gilbert and Avery Williamson, both of whom played linebacker and running back and were D-I prospects, graduated. As did quarterback Zac Ryan.

TEAM: OBION CO. 2009 Results: Finished 6-5, losing to Fairley in the first round of the playoffs 2010 Outlook: Head coach Shawn Jackson directed one of the feelgood stories of 2009. A year after going winless, the Rebels won six games and made it the playoffs. With some talented guys back on both sides of the ball, more success could be in order.

TEAM: RIPLEY 2009 Results: Finished 4-6 and did not qualify for the playoffs 2010 Outlook: Al Pellegrino came over from Lake County before last season and installed his wide-open, pass-first offense. The results were mixed, but the Tigers definitely showed the ability to put some points on the board, scoring 28 points or more three times.

Pellegrino will have to find a replacement for graduated quarterback Erick Scruggs.

TEAM: WESTVIEW 2009 Results: Finished 7-5, losing to Camden in the second round of playoffs 2010 Outlook: The Chargers lost their first four games before reeling off seven straight wins to make it to the second round of the playoffs. Tanner Spencer is back to lead the offense at quarterback. A replacement will have to be found, however, for dynamic running back DeMarcus Williams, who graduated.

District 13-AAA (Brighton, Munford) TEAM: DYER CO. 2009 Results: Finished 2-8 and did not qualify for playoffs 2010 Outlook: The Choctaws struggled to pick up wins last season, but the teamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s offense was productive. Junior quarterback Dylan Dye threw for over 2300 yard last season and is a player to watch. Junior Thaddeus Medford is a talented running back.

TEAM: HARDIN CO. 2009 Results: Finished 8-3, losing to Melrose in the first round of the playoffs 2010 Outlook: Mason Tidwell, the teamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leading rusher from last year, graduated. Senior Daniel Avilla is another standout runner, and heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s back after a big year. Junior quarterback Barker Burnham got a ton of experience last year as a 10th grader.

TEAM: JACKSON NORTH SIDE 2009 Results: Finished 6-4, losing to Mitchell in the first round of the playoffs 2010 Outlook: The Indians were one of the

more surprising teams last season. Head coach Tab Vowell put freshman Adam Craig in at quarterback, and he performed well. With a more experienced signal caller and some leaders back on defense, the Indians are a team to watch.

Division II-A West 2 (TiptonRosemark) TEAM: FAYETTE ACADEMY 2009 Results: Finished 5-6, losing to Franklin Road Academy in first round of playoffs 2010 Outlook: Junior quarterback Josh Johnson returns for the Vikings after a solid 2009 season under center. Senior linebacker Will Landry also returns.

Joseph DeFoor, who did a little of everything last season, graduated.

TEAM: JACKSON CHRISTIAN SCHOOL 2009 Results: Finished 4-6 and did not qualify for playoffs 2010 Outlook: Cody Jones run, passed and kicked for the Eagles last season. He graduated, which will leave a big hole to fill. Look for senior Noah Chandler, who plays wide receiver and linebacker, to be the teamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leader this season.

TEAM: ROSSVILLE CHRISTIAN 2009 Results: Finished 2-8 and did not qualify for playoffs 2010 Outlook: Quarterback Greg Sheehan was the teamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leader last season. His graduation will give some younger players a chance to shine. Look for seniors Chase Dyson and Dylan Crawford to have big seasons.

TEAM: ST. GEORGEâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S 2009 Results: Finished 8-4, losing to Webb in the second round of playoffs 2010 Outlook: Guys like Rob Hyde and Forbes Harris, both of whom graduated, will be hard to replace for veteran coach Ken Netherland.

Senior Cabell Brown will be a go-to guy on offense and also leads the defense at linebacker.

TEAM: USJ 2009 Results: Finished 11-2, losing to Webb in the state title game 2010 Outlook: Senior quarterback Jake Overbey threw for 2,695 yards last year and is one of the best quarterbacks in the state.

He was the DII-A Mr. Football winner last year. Preston Overbey and Austin Martindale, his top two targets last season, both graduated.

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Fall Shopping Frenzy Fall SSHOP...

HOP... SERVE... SUPPORT N November ovember 5th & 6th, 2010 Now Accepting Merchant Applicants More information can be found at: www.tiptoncountyja.org (Select the finance link then Fall Frenzy page)

By Calling Noel at (901) 619-3852 Sending an email to fallfrenzy@hotmail.com Family Friday, November 5 6:00 pm - 8:30 pm 6:15 pm 7:00 pm

Summer Clearance Blowout Sale 20% - 40% off all plants, bushes and trees!

Go Gunner! Go Cougars!

May this be the BEST year yet!

Shops Open & Silent Auction Preview Art Contest Winners Munchkinz & Moviez (A Family Friendly Outdoor Show) $5 Admission

Super Saturday, November 6 9:00 am - 3:00 pm 9:00 am - 11:00 am 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm

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Shops Open Silent Auction Auction Pick-Up $3 Admission encouraged, but not required

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