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WGSM 104.7 FM KICKOFF: 2023 FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2 2 Oldies 98.3 FM
WGSM 104.7 FM KICKOFF: 2023 FOOTBALL PREVIEW 3 SCHOOLS Sequoyah High School .................................................................. 4 Sweetwater High School 14 Tellico Plains High School ............................................................ 26 ADVERTISERS 91.1 FM ........................................................................................ 35 A&W Drive-In ................................................................................ 30 Biereley-Hale Funeral Home ......................................................... 14 City Of Sweetwater........................................................................ 18 City Of Tellico Plains ...................................................................... 30 Cup Runneth Over Coffeehouse .................................................... 22 Dickey Mccay Insurance ................................................................ 36 Donna’s Old Town Cafe .................................................................. 15 Fish Skinz ..................................................................................... 32 Foothills Federal Credit Union ....................................................... 22 Jacky Jones Ford Of Sweetwater .................................................... 18 Kyker Funeral Homes 3 The Lamp Post............................................................................... 11 Little Drug .................................................................................... 27 Mason Furniture & Appliances 9 Monroe County Prevention & Wellness Coalition ........................... 39 Myers Funeral Home ..................................................................... 32 Paramount Insurance Services 20 Peoples Bank ................................................................................ 14 Sloan’s Hometown Hardware .......................................................... 7 Starr Orthopedics & Sports Medicine 24 State Farm, Eric Hazuda ................................................................... 9 State Farm, Jessica Green .............................................................. 22 Sweetwater First Baptist Church 17 Sweetwater Flower Shop ............................................................... 28 Sweetwater Hospital Association .................................................. 40 Tellico Beach Drive-In .................................................................... 30 Tellico Drugs ................................................................................. 30 Tom Hatcher ................................................................................. 26 United Primary Care ........................................................................ 2 Valley Building Supply, Inc ........................................................... 20 Volunteer Federal Bank ................................................................... 5 Vonore Quick Lube ........................................................................ 12 Wgsm 104.7 ................................................................................. 28 Wmty 98.3 ................................................................................... 26 Wren Rock Mercantile ................................................................... 36 Yates Home................................................................................... 37 PHOTO CREDITS Sequoyah High School Posed Shots:......................................................................... Tony Cox Action Shots: Jerry Denham Sweetwater High School Posed Shots:......................................................................... Tony Cox Action Shots: Doodle Bivens Tellico Plains High School Posed Shots:......................................................................... Tony Cox Action Shots: Della Williams ARTICLE CREDITS Sequoyah: .................................................................... Brittany Lynn Sweetwater: ..................................................................... Artie Gross Tellico: Jeff Anderson INDEX

2023 Sequoyah High School Seniors

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Billy Barr Peyton Harper Dallas Coker Brayden West Omar Fatih Eddie Duncan Cooper Lovingood Ethan Hunt Emilio Sanchez Issac Harris Cyrom Black

2023 Sequoyah High School Seniors

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Aiden Mason Ronnie Cruz

2023 SEQUOYAH HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL CHIEFS

SEQUOYAH HIGH SCHOOL “COMPETE”

Work ethic, off-season dedication drive 2023 Chiefs

A conversation with Coach Derrick Vestal is full of two things: hope and determination. In his second year as head coach at Sequoyah High School, Vestal has a vision for his team. He gets excited about more than just football: “We want to see progress and growth – not just on the field, but maturity with classes and their peers. We want to bring a better product to the stadium and to society.

I talked to Derrick as he and the team were coming home from camp at Carson Newman University.

Vestal values the whole athlete as a person and expects the boys of fall to improve as people, not just players.

and not on anyone else.”

Sure, there are plenty of people with opinions about the Chiefs and their performance the last half decade. Coach and his staff are not looking at the past.

“Last year was the ‘try’ year,” Vestal said resolutely. “This year is the ‘do’ year.”

OFFENSE: Spread DEFENSE: 4-3

ASSISTANT COACHES:

Shemar Collier

Avery Jones

Nathan Lynn

Drew Carson

Junior Giles

Haden Houser

Billy Vestal

“This camp was the best thing that has happened to Sequoyah football since Sequoyah football started because relationships grew spiritually, mentally, – and not just the kids, coaches, too! The isolation from their phones, parents, and naysayers taught them to rely on each other

This certainly reinforces the team’s motto for the year. “Compete! Everything is about competition,” which explains why he laughs about the boys even competing about who can eat the fastest. Before the season started, Coach Vestal and his staff worked diligently to remove the mental barriers associated with last year’s losses and opinions from others. He and all of the Chiefs know that there is more to the game on the gridiron than routes, reps, and returns.

If the Chiefs are going to be successful on the field, the negative noise in the background will have to lessen.

But how do you do that?

You give them something else to talk about. For the Chiefs, that’s the work. These boys have

DERRICK VESTAL Head Coach 2ND SEASON Sequoyah Posed photos by Tony Cox, WMTY-FM. Sequoyah action photos by Jerry Denham SEQUOYAH CHIEFS REGION 3 AAAA
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certainly put in the work.

Vestal does nothing but brag on the whole team and knows that without their work ethic and off-season dedication, the success will be nonexistent. Vestal’s goals in the off-season prove this. “We wanted to work on putting players in places where they were loved, cared for, knowing they had an integral part of the team. That’s every player and every coach. This has resulted in the team growing, pouring into around sixty five players.”

Coach does not leave out the support around these boys. “I’ll put my staff up against anyone else’s.” He explains that each position coach not only coaches football but works in the kids’ lives to build their academics and maturity.

Vestal has been the leader from the front in this endeavor, pulling the community straight into the heart of the team itself and encouraging the two feeder townships, their businesses, leaders, and families to be ever-present in the students’ lives. From opportunities to mentor to astounding monetary and material donations, the communities of Vonore and Madisonville have witnessed the sweat this man and his staff have put into the team, and they have responded in kind.

Of course, this will be showcased for the Jamboree this year, as Sequoyah and the Chiefs will be hosting.

Vestal is excited about hosting this event. With the facility upgrades and the draw of district wide attendance, Sequoyah High School and its entire faculty and staff will have an opportunity to really show off the Chiefs’ upgrades.

Vestal’s biggest concern, though, is the show on the field: “We want every player to get that experience, so every player will play.” Scrimmaging against McMinn Central will give each player a chance to prove his off season diligence and possible room for growth or change.

Some of these players include returning seniors Cyrom Manley and Peyton Harper along with first-year senior Billy

2022 SEASON RESULTS

Barr as both wide receivers and defensive backs, and Omar Fatih on the D-line.

On the offensive side of the ball, Trenton West will be the starting center and Landon Slack will be returning to the line. Trey Lewis and Trevon Brown will see action on both sides of the ball, while Dallas Tallent will return on the D-line.

Some outstanding freshmen coming up to the Chiefs are Meechi Rice, Ben Barr, and Carter Williamson Elijah Faraji will not only start at safety but will also participate on special teams, which will also highlight Maddox Jones as a return man and kicker Roni Eufragio-Cruz

Certain aspects of play that Vestal and his staff will be honed in on are the specific skills and needs of each player and position.

Coach feels like the biggest area of strength that was lacking last year is depth.

Vestal explains, “We don’t have all of these players going both ways which is a relief and also allows for each player to develop as a skilled position player.”

For the captains of the Sequoyah Chiefs, this means they have the chance to not only play and push others but develop themselves as true leaders from the front. Vestal gave a blurb about each one of the captains: “[Emilio] Sanchez is our hardest worker and it has paid off. He is the definition of teammate, working to hold others accountable. Dallas Coker is a picture of maturity, changing himself and growing to give 100% to the game.

Ethan Hunt is an animal! The word is tenacious. Hunt works to never lose a rep. [Cooper] Lovingood has in the last five months become the ultimate team “doer”, never backing down and always showing up completely.”

As for Sequoyah’s new starting quarterback, the entirety of Chief Pride or Die sits on the shoulders of a young man who Vestal knows will be quiet in voice but heard through his actions. Coach says about Aaron Hunt: “Because Aaron leads with his actions and has maturity with his emotions, he will lead this team to victory.”

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OPPONENT RESULT VS. TELLICO PLAINS L 21-27 VS. POLK COUNTY L 13-42 VS. HIXSON L 14-35 VS. EAST HAMILTON L 6-48 VS. SODDY DAISY L 0-19 VS. SWEETWATER L 7-43 VS. EAST RIDGE L 0-40 VS. CHATTANOOGA CENTRAL L 0-60 VS. ONEIDA L 19-27 VS. RED BANK L 7-34
Last year was the ‘try’ year. This year is the ‘do’ year.
— Derrick Vestal Head Coach
Ethan Hunt set and ready for the next play against East Ridge last year.

singled out as outstanding contributors on both sides of the ball. After mentioning several players and positions, Bolinger again asserts, “Our backfield is our strength.”

2023 SEQUOYAH CHIEFS FOOTBALL ROSTER

Coaches

Two new coaches have been added to the mix at Sequoyah. Dustin Peels, a Sequoyah product, will return as Offensive Coordinator. Last year, he was Defensive Coordinator at Lenoir City. Bryce Ruis comes to the Sequoyah staff from William Blount High School. Ruis will coach the offensive line and the inside linebackers.

A Normal Year

Coach Bolinger points to the fact this will be a normal year. He was hired at Sequoyah around Memorial Day. He was not able to work with his new team in the spring and had no idea about the team or their skill set. Additionally, he needed time to evaluate the coaches he had inherited. His second season was plagued by Covid 19. The team was not able to work out or practice. This year, for the first time, the Chiefs had spring and fall practice. “A full year will make a big difference,” Bolinger contends. “Our kids have done really well in 7 on 7 competition. They see what we can do and they are excited for the season to begin.”

Sequoyah’s first game will be August 20, when Tellico Plains comes to Sequoyah. This is a key game against a traditional in county rival. The Sequoyah Chiefs have an inscription on their shirts: Take Pride in Your Tribe. They are hard at work seeking to instill in their school and fan base a renewed pride in the Sequoyah High School football program.

2023 SEQUOYAH CHIEFS FOOTBALL SCHEDULE

All games played at 7:30 P.M. Schedule subject to change.

Stadium Address:

SEQUOYAH HIGH SCHOOL

3128 US-411 S

Madisonville, TN 37365

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DATE OPPONENT LOCATION 8/18 SWEETWATER AWAY 8/25 TELLICO PLAINS HOME 9/1 SIGNAL MOUNTAIN AWAY 9/8 SODDY DAISY* HOME 9/15 HOWARD HOME 9/22 LOUDON* HOME 9/29 HIXSON AWAY 10/6 RED BANK* AWAY 10/13 OPEN WEEK 10/20 EAST RIDGE* HOME 10/27 CUMBERLAND COUNTY AWAY
* Region Game
Number Grade 0 Ethan Hunt SR 1 Cyrom Black SR 2
JR 3
SR
SR
SR 6
Jones JR 8 Clint Staples SO 9 Elijah Faraji SO 11 Dallas Coker SR 12 Pruitt Nix SO 13 Dametric Rice FR 18 Benjamin Barr FR 20 Eddie Duncan SR 22 Jeremiah Elmore SR 23 Treven Brown JR Number Grade 24 Landon Berrong FR 26 Kody Parker JR 28 Theo Spurling SO 32 Isaiah Wilson SO 35 Carter Williamson FR 41 Eli Ellis SO 42 Issac Harris SR 43 Caden Atkins FR 44 Tristan Dupes SR 45 Elijah Wilson FR 50 Aiden Mason SR 51 Trenton West SO 52 Brayden West SR 54 Hunner Johnson SO 55 Logan Sosnowski JR 56 Jayden Burchfield SO Number Grade 58 Robert Quijano FR 60 Tanner Parcher SO 61 Aidan Givens JR 63 Dillon Wilson SO 64 Logan Dupes FR 70 Brody Hunt SO 72 Trevor Vance JR 74 Benjamin Ridge JR 75 Landon Slack JR 76 Cooper Lovingood SR 78 Robert “ Trey “ Lewis SO 80 Ronnie Cruz SR 81 Jayden Weese SO 88 Isaac Henry JR 92 Dallas Tallent JR 99 Omar Fatih SR
Aaron Hunt
Billy Barr
4 Peyton Harper
5 Emilio Sanchez
Maddox
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2023 SEQUOYAH HIGH SCHOOL C HEERLEADERS

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Front row (Left to Right): Landria Benson, Kaylee Cline, Adrianna Tallent. Second row: Lily Maiuri, Chloe Tallent, Shianne Croft. Third row: Taylor Atkins, Kaysen Butler, Mylie Phillips, Lydia McDaniel, Mackenzie Lyons. Back row: Ashlyn Deering, Chloe Saffles, Callie Garren, Macy Raper and Kayla Couch.

2023 Sequoyah High School Seniors

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Kaylee Cline Mylie Phillips Chloe Tallent Landria Benson Lily Maiuri Shianne Croft Adrianna Tallent
“Overpower. Overtake. Overcome.”
Serena Williams
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Top left: Senior Emillio Sanchez running hard against the Sweetwater Wildcats at Home last year. Left: Center Brayden West getting ready to snap the ball against Sweetwater last year. Above: Senior Cooper Lovingood pursues the ball carrier against East Ridge at Homecoming last season.

2023 Sweetwater High School Seniors

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Jayven Melton Chris Alford Kai Correll Cristian Contreras Jesus Guzman Maddox Johnson Ben Coleman Demarth Upton Ty Webster Brennan Teutiznez
WGSM 104.7 FM KICKOFF: 2023 FOOTBALL PREVIEW 18 18 Oldies 98.3 FM P.O. Box 267 | 203 Monroe Street Sweetwater, TN 37874 (423) 337-6979 SweetwaterTN.net GOOD LUCK THIS SEASON, WILDCATS FROM THE CITY OF SWEETWATER 0820 Sweetwater half pg FBP.indd 1 8/6/20 12:15 PM

SWEETWATER HIGH SCHOOL “A NEW CHAPTER BEGINS”

Wildcats’ offense to succeed, proceed behind running game

Head Coach

1ST SEASON

Sweetwater posed photos by Tony Cox, WMTY-FM

Sweetwater action photos by Doodle Bivens.

Although much of last year’s talent returns this year, the 2023 edition of the Sweetwater Wildcats does have a different look. Not long after the 2022 season ended, Coach Mike Martin announced that he was stepping away from the program. He had accomplished what he set out to do — return Sweetwater football to the joy of winning. It is the historic nature of the program that drew the interest of many coaches including Caleb Slover

football teams. “It’s always your goal to get somewhere special that you can settle in and want to stay for a long time.”

So what can fans expect to see this year?

SWEETWATER WILDCATS REGION 3 AAA

OFFENSE: Multiple Spread DEFENSE: 3-5

ASSISTANT COACHES:

Jerel Smith

David Staff

Brett King

Dustin Latham

Justin Houston

“Sweetwater is one of those jobs where you know the history, you know the passion of the town and the community,” Coach Slover said as he described what drew him to Monroe County. A native of Anderson County, Slover has a deep understanding of how small towns in east Tennessee rally around their

Kichal Jennings

Mike Newman

Bo Simpson

Gavin Boruff

Jon Campbell

“We look like a spread team or a passing team, but we’re gonna be able to adjust to what we have. I’m a firm believer that if I can run the football, there’s a lot less that can go wrong than there is if I throw the ball all over the place. Right now we’ve got three or four good running backs, so we’re gonna lean on those guys, but we’ve also got some dynamic players out at wide receiver.”

Whether a team wants to run or throw, all good football teams start with the offensive line. This is an area where the Wildcats have a huge advantage in terms of experience returning. Names such as Ty Webster, Maddox Johnson, Jesus Guzman, and Lucas Stamey are all familiar

2023 SWEETWATER HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL WILDCATS CALEB SLOVER
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to followers of Sweetwater football. Some of the names that could possibly be filling the remaining spot on the line include Silas Brown, Jack Henry Davis, and Andrew Hadorn.

The question on everyone’s mind is-who will be the Wildcat quarterback? With the hiring of Coach Slover, Sweetwater got a two for one deal. Austin Slover, the coach’s sophomore son, will be leading the Wildcat offense. Slover was the backup quarterback for Morristown East last year and did see some game action. His biggest asset is that he has been running this offense for years and is very familiar with it. Freshman Nolan Dacus is also learning the offense and making good strides. In regards to the position, Coach Slover said, “We’re gonna be young and inexperienced at that position, but again, with those guys on the outside, and the guys in the backfield, and the guys we’ve got coming back up front, we feel like we’re gonna be successful with those guys just because of the pieces we have around them.”

With the youth at the quarterback position, the running game will be extremely important for the Wildcats. Coach Slover is looking primarily to three guys to carry the load: Brayden Westfield, Kai Correll, and Jayven Melton. Look for Westfield to be the feature back. According to his coach, “We think that he can be a three down back that can carry the ball 20-25 times a ballgame.”

A major focus of the run game this spring and summer has been to get the backs to turn their attention to running straight ahead as opposed to side to side in an effort to pound the ball at the defense.

As for the receivers, look for Ben Coleman to return to his tight end position although you may see him lining up more in the slot position. Another option in the slot that could also be brought into a tight formation is Correll. Lining up at wide receiver will be Chris Alford, Brennan Teutimaz, Demarth

Upton, and Jeremiah Parris

Defensively, the Wildcats will look a lot like last year running a 3-5 look up front with the ability to switch to a 4-4. Ironman football will be in full effect as the defensive line will primarily be manned by Guzman, Johnson, and Stamey. Webster offers the coaching staff some versatility as he can play at defensive end or linebacker. Joining him at linebacker will be Melton, Correll, Coleman, and Brown. Sophomores Zack O’Daniel and Codi James as well as freshman Ty Fitch are among those that have made great improvement this summer and could provide some relief at the linebacker position if necessary. The greatest defensive concern is the secondary as this is where the biggest hit was taken by graduation. Chris Alford is returning, but he will be joined by a lot of new faces. According to Coach Slover, several individuals have been turning in good reps in the secondary and could see some action. Names that could fill the positions in the defensive backfield include Brennan Teutimez, Keith Allen Gentry, Upton, Jesse Winger, Parris, Luke Willett, and freshman Bryce Teutimez

Special teams are the always important third part of a football game. Any high school team that has a kicker that can do

more than hit an extra point has a huge advantage. Last year, Sweetwater was fortunate that Brennan Teutimez moved in from California. His ability to kick the ball into the endzone on kickoffs as well as hit long distance field goals is a rarity that Coach Slover is glad to have. Guzman will once again handle the punting duties for the Wildcats.

When it comes to how this Wildcat team will be remembered, the coach says it’s totally up to them. He says he has told the team, “Sweetwater High School football is one big book. You are a chapter in the book. How your chapter ends depends on how you react to everything, and how you want that chapter to be written. You’ve got to write the chapter.” Sweetwater fans are anticipating some exciting reading on fall nights in 2023.

2022 SEASON RESULTS

OPPONENT

VS. TELLICO PLAINS

7-43

32-14

49-7

VS. MCMINN CENTRAL R W 24-17

VS. GRUNDY COUNTY* W 35-6

VS. MCMINN CENTRAL* W 55-21

VS. GILES COUNTY*

* PLAYOFF ROUNDS

13-24

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RESULT VS. MEIGS
L
W
LOUDON
W
KINGSTON
W
SEQUOYAH W
SIGNAL
W
L
COUNTY
22-23 VS. ROCKWOOD
35-0 VS.
R
31-13 VS.
R
28-6 VS.
43-7 VS.
MOUNTAIN R
35-32 VS. MCMINN COUNTY
W
VS. BRAINERD R
W
L
Right now we’ve got three or four good running backs, so we’re gonna lean on those guys, but we’ve also got some dynamic players out at wide receiver.
— Caleb Slover Head Coach
Right: Seniors, Kai Correll and Chris Alford, set to take the field against Brainerd last season.
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love this town.
I
2007004 State Farm, Bloomington, IL
Sweetwater. Jessica Green Ins Agency Inc Jessica Green, Agent 211 N Main St Sweetwater, TN 37874 Bus: 423-836-9370 Se habla Español
I love being here to help in a community where people are making a difference every day. Thank you for all you do.
Thanks,

2023 SWEETWATER WILDCATS FOOTBALL ROSTER

2023 SWEETWATER WILDCATS FOOTBALL SCHEDULE

All games played at 7:30 P.M. Schedule subject to change.

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No Name Class 0 Austin Slover SO 1 Ben Coleman SR 2 Tyler Beasley SO 3 Brennan Teutimez SR 4 Lucas Rockholt JR 5 Jeremiah Parris SO 6 Ty Fitch FR 7 Jayven Melton SR 8 Chris Alford SR 9 Brayden Westfield JR 10 Nolan Dacus FR 11 Jesse Winger JR 12 Trent Mizer JR 13 Jaxson Powell FR 14 Demarth Upton SR 15 Jacob Dyer JR 16 Koby McCosh FR 17 Bryce Tuetimez FR 20 Jude Knight SO 21 Landon Murphy FR 22 Codi James SO 23 Kai Correll SR 24 Ryder Powell FR 25 Isaiah Stiles FR 30 Luke Willett SO 31 Zach O’Daniel SO No Name Class 32 Luke Dalton SO 33 Keith Allen Gentry JR 34 Dallas Smith FR 43 Hayden McGrail SO 50 Jesus Guzman SR 51 Ty Webster SR 52 Landen Gentry JR 53 Jack Henry Davis SO 54 Mason Cumming SO 55 Brayden Myers FR 56 Quentin Croft JR 57 Corbin Niles FR 59 Silas Brown JR 60 Cristian Contreras SR 62 Ayden Steffa SO 64 Miguel Loredo JR 65 Kainan Dyke JR 66 Maddox Johnson SR 68 Elijah Arden SO 70 Lucas Stamey JR 71 Hayden Osborn SO 75 Michael Macon SO 77 Andrew Hadorn JR 87 Parker Willett FR 88 Ben Willett SO
DATE OPPONENT LOCATION 8/18 SEQUOYAH HOME 8/25 STONE MEMORIAL HOME 9/1 TELLICO PLAINS AWAY 9/8 MEIGS COUNTY* AWAY 9/15 MCMINN CENTRAL* HOME 9/22 TYNER ACADEMY* AWAY 9/29 CHATTANOOGA CENTRAL* AWAY 10/6 LOUDON AWAY 10/13 OPEN WEEK10/20 POLK COUNTY HOME 10/26 BRAINERD* HOME * Region Game
Stadium Address: SWEETWATER HIGH SCHOOL 414 High Street Sweetwater, TN 37874
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2023 SWEETWATER HIGH SCHOOL CHEERLEADERS

2023 Sweetwater High School Senior

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Front row (left ot right): Kamryn Marshall, Allie Cofer, Cloe Smith, Lexan Cannon. Second row: Laney Cofer, Kennady Westfield, Daisy Hawkins, Ashlyn Presley, Lindsay Ottinger, Danielle Jones. Back row: Haylea Miller, Aubrey Kate Dacus, Mahala Tuttle, Kamyah McBee, Presley Carver and Andrea Jones. Marissa Presswood and Paisley Isbill Danielle Jones
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Senior Linebacker, Jayven Melton, warming up before takign the field at Meigs County last season. Junior RB, Brayden Westfield, carries the ball against McMinn Central last season.
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Senior Kicker, Brennan Teutimez, kicking off at Meigs County last season.
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2023 Tellico Plains High School Seniors

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LUKE HARRIS ELIJAH HELTON EZRA LANCE PEYTON DODSON ETHAN HARRIS JESSIE WILSON
“Success isn’t measured by money or power or social rank. Success is measured by your discipline and inner peace.”
— Mike Ditka
WGSM 104.7 FM KICKOFF: 2023 FOOTBALL PREVIEW 30 30 Oldies 98.3 FM Tellico Beach DRIVE-IN 1801 Cherohala Skwy. Tellico Plains, TN 37385 423-253-2606 Celebrating 60 years 0722 Tellico Beach Drive-In qtr FB.indd 1 6/29/22 5:00 PM Join the Town of Tellico Plains in CHEERING on the BEARS this year! Tellico Plains Tennessee Gateway to the Cherohala Skyway 0822 Tellico Plains qrtpg proc MonroeFB.indd 1 6/30/22 9:58 AM 707 Veterans Memorial Dr, Tellico Plains, TN 37385 Phone: 423-253-6003· Fax: 423-253-6888 Monday-Friday: 9a.m.-6p.m. · Saturday: 9a.m.-1p.m. · Sunday: Closed Cheer on the Bears!

2023 TELLICO PLAINS HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL BEARS

TELLICO PLAINS HIGH SCHOOL

BIGGER AND STRONGER Bears’ explosive offense ready for new Region foes in 2023

BOBBY WHITE

2ND SEASON

Bigger and Stronger with a thirst to win now! This is second year Head Coach Bobby White’s Tellico Bears attitude. Coach White’s Bears have worked extremely hard in the weight room since the injury riddled 2022 season ended. With a few changes in personnel, and players moving positions and getting a few injured players back, the Bears are ready for a good 2023 campaign in a new region.

TELLICO PLAINS BEARS

REGION 2 AA

Defensive side of the ball. Offensively, Coach White will still be running the show. The offense will basically look the same but with this being the second season in this offense, Tellico should be able to add more wrinkles and plays in 2023 to this already explosive offense.

OFFENSE: Pro Spread DEFENSE: 4-3

ASSISTANT COACHES:

Trevor Hunt

Coach White brought back Coach Trevor Hunt who will be the new Defensive Coordinator. Tellico’s Defense in 2022 was with a base 3-man front where under Coach Hunt in 2023 the Bears will run mainly a base 4-man front. The Bears will have a lot of experience coming back on the

Josh Mullinax

Cody Yates

Stone Gray

Kevin Ervin

Junior Omar Miller will be the Bears new quarterback running the offense this year replacing the legendary Landon Hollinghead. Omar does have some experience and he can definitely throw the ball downfield but Omar’s greatest asset is his legs. He is very allusive and hard to bring down. Omar is proving to be a great leader on the Offensive side of the ball. Omar could play some defense when needed.

Junior Adam Holley will be playing wide

Posed photos by Tony Cox, WMTY-FM Action Photos by Della Williams
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receiver and tight end. Coach White will be moving him from one to the other depending on the play called. Holley has gained about twenty pounds and has become much more physical during the offseason and is ready to make a big impact for this Bear offense. Holley will also be playing defensive end since he has developed more muscle during the offseason.

Sophomore Ike Hollinghead will play a key role this year as he also has grown and is much faster than last season. Ike will be one of Tellico’s big playmakers, not only on offense but defense as well. Ike’s experience and physicality will go a long way as the Bears seek to improve during the 2023 season.

Senior Ethan Harris is a very versatile player and can play many positions. Harris is always willing to play wherever needed. So more than likely Harris will be back at running back for his senior campaign. Harris is 6’2” and 215 lbs. He should be a force in the backfield.

Austin Hall will be defensive end and tight end along with Adam Holley. Hall and Holley are always together and they are about the same size so it’s no wonder that everyone on the team calls them brothers. The dynamic duo on defense will take away the outside sweeps as defensive ends.

Coach White is looking for big things from Sophomore running back Nathaniel Bivens. As a freshman, the first time Bivens touched the ball in a varsity game broke off a sixty yard touchdown run. As a Sophomore Bivens is one of the strongest players on the team.

Junior Braden Reed has worked as hard or harder than anyone on the team and has grown in size and strength will play a big role on both sides of the ball. Playing receiver and corner on defense we should hear his name called quite often this year.

All State running back and middle linebacker Chance Shapiro is back. Chance is probably the strongest player on the team. Shapiro is faster this year and very exciting to watch. Chance led the team in tackles last year and was the defensive player of the year in the region and the team’s MVP.

In the line Coach White will be replacing several up front. Junior Eden Byers will more than likely be playing center. Jaden Driver as a sophomore will be playing in the offensive line as well as some on defense. Senior Luke Harris started at defensive tackle last year and has gotten bigger and stronger with the highest bench press on the team. Senior Ezra Lance will be starting at the other defensive tackle. Lance started a few games last year at defensive end but is now bigger and stronger and will move inside. Two good Seniors, Harris and Lance will anchor that defensive line.

Junior Malachi Roberts has moved around a lot but will move back to the offensive line. Not a real big player but pound for pound is probably the strongest and most physical player on the team. Roberts will also play at outside linebacker and might even play every snap of the game.

Sophomore Haden Phillips has worked hard in the weight room and has gotten a lot bigger and stronger and could possibly be a starter on the offensive line and could even see

some playing time on defense. Phillips had a real good spring and summer and the coaches are looking for him to have a great season.

Coach White is really proud of Junior Gage Sherwood. Sherwood came in as a Sophomore and hadn’t played much ball before. Sherwood has made great strides on the field and in the weight room. He has worked extremely hard and stays after practice many days to get better. Sherwood will probably be a starter on the offensive line at right tackle.

Last year Tellico was in one of the toughest 2A regions in the state. That region has Marion County, Meigs County and Tyner Academy. All these schools had played for a state championship in the last six years. The Bears have moved to a new region this year with Polk County, York Institute, Bledsoe County, Oneida, and Wartburg. Not an easy schedule but certainly not quite as tough. The September 15th game at York should be a barometer as to just how good this Tellico team can be.

2022 SEASON RESULTS

VS.

VS.

VS.

0-54

WGSM 104.7 FM KICKOFF: 2023 FOOTBALL PREVIEW 33
OPPONENT RESULT VS. SEQUOYAH W 27-21 VS. MCMINN CENTRAL L 21-42 VS. POLK COUNTY R L 26-48 VS. MIDWAY W 40-0 VS. MEIGS COUNTY R L 0-39
COPPER BASIN W
MARION COUNTY R L
VS.
27-14 VS.
14-62
BLEDSOE COUNTY R L
7-52
SWEETWATER L
7-49
TYNER ACADEMY R L
“We tell them all the time that Friday Nights are payday and we are looking to cash in this season.”
— Bobby White Head Coach
Right: Senior Lineman, Ezra Lance, gets after the QB against Miday last season.

2023 TELLICO PLAINS BEARS FOOTBALL ROSTER

2023 TELLICO PLAINS BEARS FOOTBALL SCHEDULE

All games played at 7:30 P.M. except where noted.

subject to change.

WGSM 104.7 FM KICKOFF: 2023 FOOTBALL PREVIEW 34 34 Oldies 98.3 FM
No Name Class 1 Adam Holley JR 2 Allen Matthews SO 3 Omar Miller JR 4 Elijah Helton SR 6 Peyton Dodson SR 7 Ike Hollinghead SO 9 Ryan Shaffer JR 10 Hunter Russell FR 11 Ethan Harris SR 13 Julian Celentano FR 17 Austin Hall JR 20 Cole Marie JR 21 Nathaniel Bivens SO 22 Connor Bivens FR 23 Braden Reed JR 24 Caden McConkey SO 25 Trevor Kibler FR 30 Jericho Moses JR 34 Josh Morgan FR 42 Shane Lethcoe SO No Name Class 43 Logan Hamilton FR 44 Chance Shapiro JR 51 Camden Davidson FR 52 Landen Hamby JR 53 Eden Byers JR 54 Dalton Thomas SO 55 Hunter Ogle JR 56 Luke Harris SR 57 Malachi Roberts JR 58 Ezra Lance SR 60 Hayden Phillips SO 64 Lynkon Hamilton FR 66 Jonathan Gourley JR 68 Caleb Self JR 70 Jaden Driver SO 72 Gage Sherwood JR 77 Jamarcus Franzten Melton SO 78 Jessie Wilson SR 80 Jacob Armour SO 88 Zack Bellew JR
DATE OPPONENT LOCATION 8/18 EAGLETON ACADEMY HOME 8/25 SEQUOYAH AWAY 9/1 SWEETWATER HOME 9/8 POLK COUNTY* HOME 9/15 YORK INSTITUTE* AWAY 9/22 BLEDSOE COUNTY* HOME 9/29 HARRIMAN AWAY 10/6 ONEIDA* AWAY 10/13 OPEN WEEK10/20 MCMINN CENTRAL AWAY 10/27 WARTBURG* AWAY * Region Game
Stadium
TELLICO PLAIN HIGH SCHOOL 9180 TN-68 TELLICO PLAINS, TN 37385
Schedule
Address:
WGSM 104.7 FM KICKOFF: 2023 FOOTBALL PREVIEW 35
Junior QB, Omar Miller, shrugs off a Midway defender in their 2022 matchup. Junior RB, Chance Shapiro, sores a TD last season against Midway. Senior Lineman, Luke Harris, comes out of the pile with fumble recovery.
WGSM 104.7 FM KICKOFF: 2023 FOOTBALL PREVIEW 36 36 Oldies 98.3 FM
Front row (Left to right): Madison McJunkin, Maliya McJunkin, Amiya Lemarr, Kameryn Keys and Monique lucero. Back row:
2023 TELLICO PLAINS HIGH
CHEERLEADERS WREN ROCK MERCANTILE 700 Veterans Memorial Drive Historic Downtown Square Tellico Plains 423-829-6575 Hours: Sun 1-4 Mon, Fri & Sat 10-5 Tue &Thurs 12-5 Wednesday By Appointment SUPPORTS LOCAL STUDENT ATHLETES AUTO, HOME, PERSONAL,AND COMMERCIAL INSURANCE 905 Veterans Memorial Dr, Tellico Plains, TN 37385 Office: 423-253-3524 | dickeymccay.com
Paisley Gudger, Mahayla McJunkin, Gracie Duncan, Marissa Kirkland, KaraBeth West and Zuri Smith.
SCHOOL

2022 Tellico Plains High School Seniors

WGSM 104.7 FM KICKOFF: 2023 FOOTBALL PREVIEW 37
Gracie Duncan Marissa Kirkland Maliya McJunkin KaraBeth West
“Next time someone tells you cheerleading is easy, tell them to do your routine and then get back to you.”
— Every Cheerleading Coach Ever

THE BROADCAST TEAMS

This year, the Spirit FM Sports Team is celebrating 10 years of covering Sequoyah Chiefs Sports. They are excited about this season and look forward to many years ahead. They do live broadcasts for all home and away games. WGSM also produces a live video stream on their website and Facebook page for most home games, so SQHS Sports can be watched from anywhere.

SWEETWATER HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS

on WMTY 98.3 FM is a tradition that has spanned a half century. Fans are able to tune in and hear exciting play after exciting play and cheer on the Wildcats wherever they may be listening. WMTY has a dedicated broadcast crew that strives to bring you a quality broadcast each and every time.

MEET OUR TEAM:

ARTIE GROSS joined the WMTY football broadcast crew in 2012 as the statistician. He served in that role until 2016 when he became the color analyst, the capacity he currently fills. Artie is also WMTY’s play-by-play voice for Lady Wildcats Basketball. He is an 8th grade social studies teacher at the Sweetwater Junior High. He also serves as an assistant coach for the school’s football team. Artie has been married to his wife DANIELLE for 25 years. They have two sons, LUKE (23) and DALE (21).

BRYAN BURCHFIELD started working at WMTY out of high school in 2002. He was promoted to sales manager in 2006, then to station manager in 2008. Bryan began doing play-by-play of Sweetwater Basketball in 2003. He joined the football crew in 2005 as color analyst and became the play-by-play voice of Sweetwater Football in 2006. Bryan has been married to his wife ALEX for 11 years. They have two daughters, MALYDIE (6 years) and MURPHY (2 years).

Join WMTY for another exciting season of Sweetwater High School Football.

Beginning in 2022, they expanded their coverage by broadcasting Tellico Bears Football on their New Station 91.1 FM. Spirit FM was proud to be the first station to cover the Tellico Bears. Tellico Fans can now listen to the games on 91.1 FM or worldwide at tellicobearsradio.com. The Spirit FM Sports Team is dedicated to bringing you quality broadcasts of the Chiefs and Bears throughout the season.

JEFF ANDERSON started with WGSM in 2014 and worked till 2019. This year will be his second season doing the play-byplay for the Tellico Bears on 91.1 FM. Jeff is a retired teacher and coach from Sweetwater High School. Jeff does the play-by-play for the Bears Basketball season as well. He brings many years of knowledge and love for the game to the broadcasts each week.

JARROD JOHNSON is a local Tellico guy and former Tellico coach who joined the team last season. He brings so much to the broadcast with his understanding of the game and his personal relationships with the players and coaches. Jarrod is the color guy during the Bears Football and Basketball games.

PJ MCKEE started with WGSM in 2020. He grew up in Vonore playing sports and later coached several teams in our area. PJ is the color guy during the football and baseball games. He also enjoys doing the play-by-play for the Lady Chiefs games during the basketball season. PJ has been an excellent addition to our Spirit FM Sports Team.

RICK MCCRARY is celebrating 10 years with WGSM this season. He grew up in Loudon, but now lives in Madisonville. He is a retired teacher and coach from Lenoir City High School and brings his experience and passion to the broadcast each and every week. Rick is the play-by-play guy for the Chiefs Football, and he calls Chiefs Basketball and the Baseball games as well. Thank you Rick for 10 YEARS of service to the team.

WGSM 104.7 FM KICKOFF: 2023 FOOTBALL PREVIEW 38 38 Oldies 98.3 FM
From left: Jeff Anderson, Jarrod Johnson, PJ Mckee, Rick McCrary
WGSM 104.7 FM KICKOFF: 2023 FOOTBALL PREVIEW 39
WGSM 104.7 FM KICKOFF: 2023 FOOTBALL PREVIEW 40 40 Oldies 98.3 FM

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