Pigskin Preview 2019

THE GREENEVILLE SUN’S 2019 PIGSKIN PREVIEW

NEW ERA, SAME CULTURE Greene Devils, New Coach Aiming For Third Straight State Championship

PIGSKIN PREVIEW

Page 2 • Saturday, August 17, 2019

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GREENEVILLE GREENE DEVILS

CULTURE CLUB

Inexperienced Devils, New Coach Leaning On Championship Tradition

BY SAM BUNDY SPORTS EDITOR The Greeneville Greene Devils haven’t lost in 30 games, including back-toback state championships in 2017 and 2018.

And while Greeneville changed coaches in the offseason and graduated 27 seniors in the spring, the Devils who remain say the goal for 2019 remains the same: Win another state title.

“That’s the goal, absolutely,” said senior linebacker/running back Ty Youngblood, who is committed to Furman. “Really, ever since the last state championship game ended, we started thinking about what all we had to accomplish and what all would be necessary for us to win another state championship this year.”

Fellow seniors Will Albright, who is committed to Tennessee, and Chris Everhart, who is committed to Marshall, echoed Youngblood.

“A lot of us have grown up here. And when we were 2019 Greeneville Greene Devils growing up and thinking about playing football, we been a goal for the longest Lack of motivation will not weren’t thinking about time, so that’s not somebe a problem.”

Tennessee, Furman or thing we’re going to forget Said Everhart, “The culMarshall, we thought about about on our way to the ture that has been created playing for Greeneville,” next level. here really does keep evsaid Albright, a snapper, “We lost a lot of friends erything moving forward. receiver and linebacker. from last year, but there Day-in, day-out, you’re “Winning a state champiare a lot of guys on this going to grind and work for onship our senior year has team who are very talented. the goal of winning another

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championship. That’s what’s expected.”

Greeneville will open the 2019 season at Powell at 7 p.m. Thursday. The Devils’ home opener will be against Union County at 7:30 p.m. on Sept. 6.

NEW COACH Dan Hammonds replaces Caine Ballard as Greeneville’s coach. Hammonds previously served as a position coach and defensive coordinator for 14 seasons at Greeneville, the past 10 under Ballard.

During Hammonds’ time at Greeneville, the Devils have won four state championships and 12 conference championships.

“Since day one that I’ve been head coach, it’s run SEE DEVILS ON PAGE 3

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They want their revenge,” Hammonds said. “I think the bullseye is bigger than it has ever been here. I think people are waiting for their shot at us for sure.

That motivates us be on our A-game every day as players and coaches. We know we can’t let up for a minute.”

DEVILS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2

just like it had been running as far as players working and coaches coaching,” Hammonds said. “That part had been set up and established a long, long time ago, and it has paid dividends. I think the kids have bought into it a hundred percent.

They’ve proven to themselves that it works, so they’re willing to do all the extra things that are asked of them.

“There’s a respect factor there for the program and the staff. We’ve been doing it as a team for a long time.

It’s just me filling a different role, serving in a different way. The boys have been great with it.”

Minus Ballard, the Devils pretty much have the same coaching staff they’ve had for a decade or longer.

“We have a good team effort as a coaching staff,” Hammonds said. “We’ve done it for years. It’s not something new. … You have coaches all working together to get to one common goal. It’s not one guy by any means trying to do it all themselves.

“There’s a lot of trust in each other to do their job professionally. It’s a staff that wants what’s best for kids. If something needs to be done, people do it. They don’t gripe and argue. They don’t complain. There’s not any laziness. They just get stuff done.”

NEW QUARTERBACK With the graduation of two-time Class 2A Mr. Football Cade Ballard, senior Blayne Ferguson and junior Drew Gregg have

Saturday, August 17, 2019 • Page 3

OFFENSE

SUN PHOTO BY TATE RUSSELL

Greeneville senior Ty Youngblood (47) runs with the football during a preseason practice at Burley Stadium in Greeneville.

been vying for the starting quarterback job.

As Ballard’s backup in 2018, Ferguson completed 16 of 23 passes for 168 yards and two touchdowns with no interceptions. He also ran for 106 yards and a score in 16 attempts.

Gregg is a transfer from Knox Catholic. As a backup for the Fighting Irish in 2018, he completed 32 of 57 passes for 561 yards and four TDs with two interceptions.

“Cade was a great quarterback. But more than that, he was a great leader,” Hammonds said. “He was a guy who had been around the program since he was 2 or 3 years old. His desire to win and hold everybody accountable was greater than anybody else who has come through here since I’ve been here.

“Drew and Blayne have been sharing reps all summer. Drew started the scrimmage at Fulton and played well. As long as he continues to play well, it

looks like he will be there.

But nothing is set in stone and those guys will always be competing for the spot.”

At 6-foot-1, 180 pounds, Gregg has shown a strong arm and has run the ball well when he’s been asked.

“He’s slippery enough to make somebody miss,” Hammonds said. “He got a first down on a third-and-7 with about an 8-yard run on the first drive in the scrimmage against Fulton and then we marched it on down the field. And he had about a 20-yard touchdown run as well, which was nice to see.

“We’ve seen his arm all summer. He throws the ball well. He has a good deep ball. We’re working on short-game stuff with him, just accuracy, timing with receivers and all those things that make the offense run. He’s done everything well so far.”

After returning almost all of its starters last season, Greeneville returns just four starters on offense and four

on defense this season.

“I think people are wanting to see what we have.

Losing that many seniors … I think people for sure have put a bullseye on us.

Junior Nick Iezzi and Albright return at receiver, Youngblood returns at running back and Everhart returns at right guard.

Last season, Youngblood ran the ball 61 times for 435 yards and 10 TDs. Sophomore Mason Gudger will also get a lot of carries out of the backfield after rushing for 248 yards and four scores on 46 carries in 2018.

“Ty is going to get his carries, but he’s a guy we have to have healthy and

ready to go Week 11 to make a run in the playoffs,” Hammonds said. “He’s our leader and the face of the defense. He plays a lot of snaps on defense, so if we limit his carries, it’s to keep him fresh on defense so he can help keep people out of the end zone.”

The extent Youngblood will be used on offense will likely depend on the development of Gudger. Gudger will try to fill the role of graduated back Jaevon Gillespie, Greeneville’s top rusher last season with 1,067 yards and 17 TDs on 97 carries.

“We would like to do with Gudger what we did with Jaevon,” Hammonds said.

“Gudger can certainly fill that role. He’s going to be a special back. He’s still young, but he has a few SEE DEVILS ON PAGE 4

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DEVILS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3

things that other people don’t have.

“Gudger is just slippery and runs the zone very well. He sees the field well and can sneak through things that other people don’t see. That’s his gift and he seems like he’s only getting better at it. His weight is up. He’s really focused on nutrition, the weight room and doing the right things for his body. He trains really, really hard. He’s a good kid who works at it and it’s paying off for him.”

At receiver in 2018, Iezzi caught 10 passes for 169 yards and three TDs, while Albright caught eight passes for 174 yards and two TDs. Senior Jaden Pruitt (8 catches, 76 yards in 2018), Jaden Stevenson, senior Keyontae Harrison and senior Raymond Knuckles (3 catches, 75 yards, 2 TDs in 2018) will also be at receiver.

AJ Stewart, a transfer from Science Hill, has also been working at receiver.

“AJ was a quarterback at Science Hill, but he’s been playing receiver for us,” Hammonds said.

“He’s at the No. 3 spot right now.

He just keeps growing into the position and has been looking better and better every week.”

Everhart will anchor an offensive line that will include sophomore Terry Grove at left tackle, junior Clay Odom and sophomore Michael Pillar at left guard, senior Flint Carter at center, and junior Sam Allen at right guard.

Senior Leyton Mitchel is also in the mix up front.

DEFENSE Mitchel, Grove and Allen have been splitting time at defensive tackle and defensive end. Senior AJ Greenway and Everhart return at tackle, while Odom, junior Misael Arellanes and sophomore Rashard Claridy will

SUN PHOTO BY TATE RUSSELL

Greeneville junior quarterback Drew Gregg throws a pass during a preseason practice at Burley Stadium in Greeneville.

also see time at tackle.

Youngblood and Albright will be the linebackers.

Youngblood was Greeneville’s top defender in 2018 with 57 tackles, 47 assists, nine tackles for loss and three sacks.

Albright is transitioning from safety back to linebacker, a spot he played as a freshman and sophomore. He had 35 tackles, 27 assists and five tackles for loss in 2018.

“It was more of a change for me going to safety last year. It was just a spot that needed to be filled,” Albright said. “Now I get to roll down and play back where I was.”

The biggest question marks on the field for Greeneville lies in the secondary. Knuckles, who is

being heavily recruited by Davidson, Iezzi, Stewart, Stevenson, Harrison, Pruitt and Gudger have all gotten time in the secondary in the preseason.

“Some of those guys have played there in the past, but their experience was later on in games,” Hammonds said. “The scrimmages are important to get those guys firstteam reps and get them ready so they can be successful.

“Overall, there are seven or eight seniors who have been waiting their turn. If we can get five or six of them to hit, we’re going to be all right. Those guys have really come along with their work ethic. Not that it was bad before, but you can tell they’re really working for a spot now.

They’re competing with each

2019 Greeneville Football Schedule Aug. 22 at Powell Aug. 30 at Daniel Boone Sept. 6 UNION COUNTY Sept. 13 at Science Hill Sept. 20 AUSTIN-EAST Oct. 4 at Sullivan Central Oct. 11 SULLIVAN SOUTH Oct. 18 at Elizabethton Oct. 25 GRAINGER Nov. 1 at Sullivan East 2018 Greeneville Football Results at Dobyns-Bennett W 43-3 MORRISTOWN WEST W 42-0 at Union County W 62-0 SCIENCE HILL W 42-0 at Pisgah (NC) W 41-7 SULLIVAN CENTRAL W 63-7 at Sullivan South W 62-7 ELIZABETHTON W 35-20 at Grainger W 63-0 SULLIVAN EAST W 61-3 Playoffs EAST HAMILTON W 54-21 SULLIVAN SOUTH W 49-7 at Anderson County W 42-21 at Maplewood W 43-8 vs. Haywood W 56-21 • BOLD — HOME GAMES

other for playing time. I think they’re ready to prove they’re able to do it.”

SPECIAL TEAMS Senior CeJ Jones is back to handle kicking and punting duties. Albright, who is going to Tennessee as a snapper, will do the snapping, while Ferguson will hold on field goals and PATs. In 2018, Jones was 0-for-2 on field goal attempts, 100-for-103 on PAT attempts and 63 of his 114 kickoffs sailed into the end zone for touchbacks.

“CeJ has been booming the ball. He’s added even more distance to his kickoffs and his field goals are more accurate, and he’s punting the ball well, too,” Hammonds said. “CeJ is a weapon. For our defense, he’s our best friend. He puts kickoffs

2019 GREENEVILLE GREENE DEVILS 1 Nick Iezzi WR/DB Jr. 2 Keyontae Harrison DB/WR Sr. 3. Jaden Stevenson WR/DB So. 4 Blayne Ferguson QB/DB Sr. 7 AJ Stewart WR/DB Sr. 8 Jackson Tillery WR/DB So. 10 Bradley Wells WR/LB So. 13 Raymond Knuckles WR/DB Sr. 16 Drew Gregg QB/DB Jr. 17 Steven Myers WR/DB Jr. 20 Keelan Lester LB/RB So. 21 Grayson Hite WR/LB So. 23 Isaac Brown LB/RB So. 24 Jaden Pruitt WR/DB Sr. 25 Mason Gudger RB So. 26 Will Albright WR/LB Sr. 29 Brock Moore WR/DE So. 32 Colton Smith RB/LB So. 41 Parker Burns TE/DL Sr. 42 Bryce Ferguson RB/LB So. 44 Ashton Greenier LB Sr. 45 Dylan Brooks LB So. 46 Dawson McGill OL/RB So. 47 Ty Youngblood LB/RB Sr. 48 Trey Mayes OL/DL Jr. 50 Sam Allen OL/DL Jr. 51 John Bowman OL/DL So. 52 Tyler Officer OL/DL So. 53 Angus Wirt OL/DL So. 54 Chris Everhart OL/DL Sr. 55 Leyton Mitchel DE/TE Sr. 56 Matt Wallin OL/DL Sr. 57 Clay Odom OL/DL Jr. 60 Spencer Roths OL/DL So. 61 Isaiah Morong OL/DL Sr. 62 AJ Greenway OL/DL Sr. 63 Tristian McDonald OL/DL Jr. 64 Misael Arellanes OL/DL Jr. 65 Terry Grove OL/DL So. 66 Dawson Peake OL/DL So. 67 Stevie Willis OL/DL Jr. 70 Flint Carter OL/DL Sr. 73 Caedyn Millar OL/DL So. 74 Kameron Hensley OL/DL Sr. 75 Grant Busler OL/DL Sr. 77 Michael Pillar OL/DL So. 78 Jake Hartman OL/DL Jr. 80 CeJ Jones K/P Sr. 87 Todd Wallin WR/DB Jr. 88 Jason Wexler WR/DB Jr. 99 Rashard Claridy OL/DL So.

in the end zone most of the time, which means the other team starts on the 20 most of the time.

And the percentage of people scoring when they start on the 20 is a whole lot less than when they start on the 35 or 40.”

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CHUCKEY-DOAK BLACK KNIGHTS

SUN PHOTO BY TATE RUSSELL

2019 Chuckey-Doak Black Knights

Knights Seek Blocking Up Front For Skill Players Chris Cutshaw and leading receiver Hayden Rush.

Those difference makers A year ago, Chuckey-Doak are joined by speedy backs broke in several new players Evan Murvin and Colin at key positions on its way West, and receiver Cayden to a 4-6 regular season and Phillips, guys that saw first round playoff loss to plenty of playing time last Austin-East. season.

Now the Black Knights “Right now we have some bring back a bevy of talent- really good skill kids,” Mured and experienced players phy said. “This is probably at every skill position, and the best group of skill kids, the hope is that those now as a whole, we have had veterans can accomplish in a really long time. We bigger things in 2019. have a bunch of juniors “We have always said that and a couple of seniors that every time you are starting a come back with starting sophomore it’s one loss. We experience. Hopefully we started five or six at times have some guys that we can last year and we went 4-6,” count on this year.”

Murphy said. “This year we The big question mark feel like this region is pretty for the Knight’s will be how wide open, with Unicoi as they can block for the guys the favorite. Last year we with the ball, as depth along made the playoffs, but had the offensive line has been to go down to Knoxville. an issue leading up to the This year we would like one season. of those Knoxville teams to “Where we are weak right come up to us.” now is along the line. We’re Those top returners inshort on numbers up front,” clude quarterback Matthew Murphy said. “We feel good Palazzo, leading rusher about our first five or six

BY TATE RUSSELL

ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR

guys, but after that we are looking at freshmen. We’re going to have to spread teams out and get the ball in space. We’re still going to run the buck sweep and the trap, but we’re also going to have to stretch defenses and use the full 53 1/3 yards.”

OFFENSE Going into week one at Knoxville Catholic, Cooper Dunbar will start at center, Corwin Ramsey and Carlos Dimas will be the guards, and Hayden Brown and Jacob Bible will play tackle.

Seth Shelton adds some veteran depth, but after him freshmen Caden Masters and Seth Tipton will likely be the next guys called upon.

Under center, Palazzo re-

turns for his junior season.

With a lot of options to distribute the ball, he might be poised to have a big season.

He has gotten stronger over the offseason and improved as a running threat.

In Murphy’s mind, the key for Palazzo is to not try to do too much, and to trust the weapons around him.

“Matthew Palazzo has gained about 15 pounds of good weight and has become a better runner,” Murphy said. “It’s huge to have a guy back as quarterback. He went into last year as a sophomore and absolutely terrified. He had some rough spots, but finished the season strong.

The biggest thing we need from him is to be steady.

We have guys who can do things on the edges as long

as we get them the ball.”

Palazzo’s favorite target last year was Rush and he comes back after a big offseason. Rush has shown the ability to get open in space and make plays with the ball in his hands. Now as a senior he will be called on to do even bigger things.

Joining Rush out wide are seniors Phillips and Chris Bradley who Murphy sees a lot of promise in. Sophomore Hayden Anderson and senior Nolan Little will also be in the mix for snaps at receiver.

Eli Beddingfield and Matt Buch will handle the tight end duties for Chuckey-Doak.

The biggest question for the Black Knights’ backfield this season will be how they split carries among four talented running backs.

Cutshaw led the group last year by rushing for over 1,000 yards, and he will be counted on again to grind out tough yards for Chuckey-Doak.

“It took Chris until the beginning of last year to figure things out. He doesn’t have the moves, but he relishes contact and runs hard,” Murphy said. “Sometimes we have to pull him back from that, because he will at times seek out safeties instead of trying to put a move on them. We like a punishing runner and I think he is real good complement to what the other guys can do.”

Murvin and West are both speedy juniors who can be dangerous on the edges and in the passing game.

The new face among the group is Adrian Groberg, a transfer from Knoxville, who Murphy feels brings a mix of speed and power to the group.

DEFENSE Chuckey-Doak will transition to a three-man front, in part because of depth along the line and in part SEE KNIGHTS ON PAGE 7

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KNIGHTS

they think they have the athletes in place to do that. Along CONTINUED FROM PAGE 6 with Shelton, the Knights will because of the way offenses are use Murvin, West, Groberg and spreading the field more and Buch. more.

Rush will lead the secondary At the center of that defensive from his corner spot where he front will be Hayden Brown started last season. Bradley and who has dropped weight and Gavin Haire will also play corgotten more athletic over the ner and Phillips will play safety. offseason.

Ramsey is the top returner SPECIAL TEAMS Angelo Sobrero has come of the group and Murphy will over from the soccer team in count on him to continue to terrorize quarterbacks from his recent weeks and will handle the kicking duties for Chuckdefensive end spot. Beddingey-Doak. Palazzo or Bradley field, Dimas and Jones will be will punt for the Black Knights. in the mix for the other end After sitting out the postseaspot. son for three years, ChuckSeth Shelton will hold down ey-Doak was back in the the middle linebacker spot for playoffs last season but fell in the Knights, and Murphy is very excited about the offseason the first round to Austin-East 61-23. the leader of his defense has The Black Knights open the had. season Aug. 23 at Knoxville As a whole, Chuckey-Doak Catholic and will play their will count on their linebackers to fly all over the field and make first home game on Sept. 6 against Johnson County. plays in the new scheme, and

2019 Chuckey-Doak Schedule Aug. 23 at Knoxville Catholic Aug. 29 at Happy Valley Sept. 6 JOHNSON COUNTY Sept. 13 at Sullivan North Sept. 20 at North Greene Sept. 27 SOUTH GREENE Oct. 4 UNICOI COUNTY Oct. 11 GRAINGER Oct. 18 at Claiborne Nov. 1 at West Greene 2018 Chuckey-Doak Results at Pigeon Forge W 24-16 at Sullivan Central W 28-26 at Johnson County L 43-23 SULLIVAN NORTH L 27-21 NORTH GREENE W 62-0 at South Greene L 41-21 at Unicoi County L 49-17 at Grainger L 46-14 CLAIBORNE W 23-12 WEST GREENE L 24-21 at Austin-East L 61-23 • BOLD — HOME GAMES

Saturday, August 17, 2019 • Page 7

2019 CHUCKEYDOAK BLACK KNIGHTS

40 Wesley Bowers FR 6’2 175 DB/QB 42 Richard Sasala FR 5’10 180 LB/RB 45 Josh Guy FR 5’7 160 LB/QB 51 Couper Dunbar JR 5’10 220 DL/OL 52 Nathaniel Love JR 6’0 195 LB/OL 3 Cayden Phillips SR 5’9 155 DB/WR 53 Dylan Shelton FR 6’0 225 DL/OL 4 Brandon Frank JR 5’10 165 DB/RB 54 Nathan Norton FR 6’2 280 DL/OL 6 Kameron Yost JR 5’8 150 DB/WR 55 Kellen Capps Soph. 5’10 230 DL/OL 7 Hayden Rush SR 5’7 160 DB/WR 56 Seth Shelton SR 5’9 200 LB/RB 8 Matthew Palazzo JR 6’2 200 DB/QB 57 Andrew Monk Soph. 5’10 170 LB/ 10 Ben Mathis SR 6’0 170 DB/WR OL 11 Nolan Little SR 5’10 160 DB/WR 58 Corwin Ramsey SR 6’1 255 DL/OL 13 Evan Murvin JR 5’9 190 OLB/RB 60 Elijah Cutshaw Soph. 5’9 185 DL/OL 14 Matt Buch JR 5’10 180 DB/WR 61 Cayden Masters FR 6’1 210 DL/OL 15 Matt Foshie Soph. 5’4 125 DB/WR 62 Seth Tipton FR 6’2 220 DL/OL 17 Chris Bradley SR 5’11 150 DB/WR 63 Bryson Thompson FR DL/OL 18 Kendall Barner Soph. 5’9 145 DB/ 64 Dakota Guy Soph. 6’0 225 DL/OL WR 65 Carlos Dimas Soph. 6’0 240 DL/OL 19 Adrian Groberg JR 5’11 170 LB/RB 70 Dakota Goins Soph. 6’2 260 DL/OL 20 Colin West JR 5’8 175 DB/RB 72 Rance Tipton FR 6’0 225 DL/OL 22 Jaylen Willett Soph. 5’9 145 DB/RB 73 Hayden Brown JR 6’2 315 DL/OL 23 Cayden Tullock FR 5’10 130 DB/QB 75 Colton Gaskins Soph. 5’5 175 DL/OL 26 Conner Lamons Soph. 5’10 150 76 Jacob Jones JR 6’3 275 DL/OL DB/RB 80 Austin Morris FR WR/DB 27 Cade Lamons Soph. 5’10 160 LB/TE 82 Hayden Anderson Soph. 6’1 185 31 Chris Cutshaw SR 5’9 190 LB/RB WR/DB 32 Logan Campbell JR 5’10 170 DB/RB 84 Ethan Wagers FR 5’10 150 WR/DB 34 Gavin Haire JR 5’10 150 DB/RB 85 Braedan Tolliver FR 5’10 160 WR/ 35 Rio Little FR 5’8 140 DB/WR DB 36 Miguel Bobadilla JR 5’7 175 LB/RB 88 Eli Beddingfield JR 6’1 225 DE/TE 37 Austin Haire FR 5’9 150 DB/WR 38 Cayden Wilhoit FR

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NORTH GREENE HUSKIES

www.greenevillesun.com

HELPING HANDS

Huskies Hope To Get Boost From Basketball, Baseball Players

BY TATE RUSSELL ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR North Greene coach Andrew Murray thinks that he is bringing a talented team into this season. But after losing 19 consecutive games, the first the thing the Huskies have to do is learn how to win.

“We have the pieces at every position to be successful, but we need to learn how to win,” Murray said. “I think we only have two players that have ever experienced a high-school football win. We have to do a good good job as coaches to teach that.

“Having that mindset to expect to be successful is our biggest hurdle. That goes from the locker room, to the weight room, to the meeting room and to the

classroom. We’ve tried to do some things as a school to improve facilities, and when these kids see people investing in them I think it goes a long way in them believing in themselves.”

While North Greene has not experienced much recent success on the football field, it has seen plenty on the basketball court and on the baseball diamond.

One thing that might speed up the learning curve on figuring out what it takes to win is that the Huskies have added several players from the basketball and baseball teams to enhance

their roster.

“The best season we ever had here at North Greene, in 2011, if we didn’t have the basketball and baseball players we did, we would not have had the same success,” Murray said.

“We can’t coach guys to be 6-foot-3 and to jump out of the gym. It also helps that our basketball and baseball teams have been so successful because those guys come out here with that winning mindset.”

OFFENSE The biggest of those additions will come at quarterback where Brayden Garber has taken over the

starting role. The long and strong-armed senior has shown that he can throw the ball as a pitcher on the baseball diamond, but has never played high school football. He has quickly taken to the position, and Murray is excited to see what he can do leading the Huskies’ offense.

“Brayden Garber has been a huge pickup,” Murray said. “He has been a pitcher on the baseball team who can sling it. He has a very high football IQ, especially for someone who has not played the game.

He sees the field quick and he makes quick decisions.

He’s a great student of the game who loves watching film.”

One thing that the Huskies hope will help Garber get acclimated to game

action quickly is a strong group of veteran receivers led by seniors Sky Arwood, Hunter Hill and Ethan

Atnip. Over the offseason, Murray has been impressed SEE HUSKIES ON PAGE 9

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Huskies will be expecting big things from Sanches, CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8 who was the Region 1-3A freshman of the year a year with the work the group ago. He started getting has put in in the weight playing time midway room. through the season and The Huskies have also seemed to get better every brought in Zeke McDonald week. That has only carried from the basketball team over through the offseason who Murray feels can be and he will be the leader of an immediate athletic North Greene’s defense this mismatch for opposing season. defenses. Zach Johnson is “Adding about 20 pounds DEFENSE The Huskies’ defensive a sophomore receiver who of bulk and dropping two line is unsettled as well, but tenths in his forty yard Murray feels has taken a Murray sees that as a good time has really helped big step in the offseason thing and not a problem. and will be in the mix for him,” Murray said. “He He feels like he has a true playing time as well. came to us with a ton of two deep for his five-man J.C. Staton is a senior natural ability and has front and the competition who can play multiple taken a big step. He could for playing time has been roles in the Huskies’ ofhave started for us week fierce in fall camp. fense from H-back to slot one last year, but we waited “Every single one of those until the Chuckey-Doak receiver to even quarterguys can just about play back. Murray does plan to game and he went out and every single one of those use packages with Staton had 12 tackles. He only got spots up front,” Murray behind center as a big, better from there. He’s had said. “We’ll see how it physical runner. a huge offseason and he is shakes out, but practice Along with Garber and excited about this season, Staton in the backfield, the sure is fun when you have and we are excited about Huskies have four running that many guys competing. him.”

Defensive line takes the backs that they feel like Alongside Sanches at they can count on. Brandon most abuse throughout a linebacker will be Mercer game, so no matter how Mercer and Michah Jones and Micah Jones. good of shape they are in, are a pair of bruisers who In the secondary, the you have to have depth. will be tough for opposing Huskies will be looking at Even a guy that can give defenses to take down.

Arwood, McDonald and Sophomore Tyler Sanch- you three or four plays is Zach Johnson at corner huge. I feel like we have a es is the speedster of the while Atnip and Hill will group and Josh Huerto is a big group with no real drop play safety. one-cut back that will fight off between the first and second group.” to churn out yards.

SPECIAL TEAMS Austin Johnson will hanShane Cooter, a basketUp front, North Greene ball player, and Vereecke, a dle North Greene’s kicking will lack size along the baseball player, have joined duties as he did last year, offensive line, but Murray while Garber will punt for the program and Murray feels like the entire group the Huskies. has made big strides in the likes them both at defenLast year, North Greene sive end. Huerto and Garweight room. The exact went 0-10 and 0-5 in rett Johnson are guys that composition of the unit can move between end and region play. It will open the is still an unknown to the year against Unaka at home linebacker. Joe Antonelli Huskies’ coaching staff and will play four of its first will be a force at defensive and might be up until the five games of the year on first snap against Unaka on tackle, while Cody Reeves, the Tundra.

Eli Reeves, Harrison, Alex Aug. 23.

The Huskies’ last win Jones and Austin Johnson Cody Reeves looks to be came against Unaka, 26-14 will also be in the mix. holding down the center on Aug. 18, 2017.

At linebacker, the spot. Josiah Church and

HUSKIES

John Harrison return from last season where that started at guard. Austin Johnson has put on weight over the offseason and moved from receiver to tackle. Murray feels that Eli Reeves is a guy that can play any spot across the line while Alex Jones and Braeden Vereecke could also be in the mix.

Saturday, August 17, 2019 • Page 9

2019 NORTH GREENE HUSKIES 2019 North Greene Huskies Schedule Aug. 23 UNAKA Aug. 30 at Hancock County Sept. 6 UNICOI COUNTY Sept. 13 TWIN SPRINGS (Va.) Sept. 20 CHUCKEY-DOAK Sept. 27 at Jellico Oct. 4 at West Greene Oct. 11 at South Greene Oct. 18 JOHNSON COUNTY Nov. 1 at Claiborne 2018 North Greene Huskies Results UNAKA L 20-12 CLOUDLAND L 50-6 at Unicoi County L 53-8 COSBY L 28-8 at Chuckey-Doak L 62-0 WEST GREENE L 49-8 SOUTH GREENE L 49-0 at Johnson County L 57-0 at Twin Springs (Va.) L 48-18 CLAIBORNE L 34-6 • BOLD — HOME GAMES

1 Ethan Atnip SR WR/DB 2 Zeke McDonald SR WR/DB 4 Dakota Creel SO WR/DB 5 Chase Massey SO WR/DB 6 Zach Johnson SO WR/DB 8 Micah Jones JR RB/LB 9 Casey Cox SO WR/DB 10 Brayden Garber SR QB/DE 11 Sky Arwood SR WR/DB 12 Zameol Smith SO WR/DB 14 Hunter Hill SR WR/DB 15 Ben Atnip SO WR/DB 16 Zach Atnip SO WR/DB 18 Tanner Sexton FR QB/LB 19 J.C. Staton SR QB/RB/DE/LB 21 Ian Sauceman SO WR/DB 22 Josh Huerto JR RB/DE 40 Isaiah Norton SO WR/DB 43 Tyler Sanches SO RB/LB 48 Brandon Mercer JR RB/LB 50 Braeden Vereecke SR OL/DE 52 Austin Johnson SR OL/DL 53 Josiah Church JR OL/DL 54 Shane Cooter JR OL/DL 55 Joe Harrison JR OL/DL/LB 60 Hunter Haynes JR OL/DL 62 Lewis Murray Pietsch SO OL/DL 64 Joe Antonelli JR OL/DL 69 Dominic Thornburg FR OL/DL 70 Eli Reaves SO OL/DL 73 Cody Reaves SO OL/DL 74 Mason Burdine FR OL/DL 76 Alex Jones JR OL/DL 77 Garrett Johnson SR OL/DE/LB 79 Jeremiah Church FR OL/DL

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2018 SEASON REWIND

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED

2018 CLASS 4A STATE CHAMPIONSHIP GAME | THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2018 | TUCKER STADIUM | COOKEVILLE, TENN. | GREENEVILLE 56, HAYWOOD 21

Greene Devils Top Haywood To Repeat As State Champions

SUN PHOTO BY TATE RUSSELL

Greeneville running back Ty Youngblood finds a hole cleared by his offensive line on Nov. 29 against Haywood in the Class 4A football state championship game.

SUN PHOTO BY TATE RUSSELL SUN PHOTO BY TATE RUSSELL SUN PHOTO BY TATE RUSSELL

Greeneville senior Cameron Hite holds up a special edition of The Greeneville Sun after winning the Class 4A football state championship on Nov. 29 at Tucker Stadium in Cookeville.

Greeneville quarterback Cade Ballard (2) runs across the goal line for one of his four touchdowns in a 56-21 win over Haywood in the Class 4A football state championship game on Nov. 29 at Tucker Stadium in Cookeville.

Greeneville running back Jaevon Gillespie (20) runs the ball as a Haywood defender dives to attempt to make a tackle during the Greene Devils’ 56-21 win over Haywood in the Class 4A football state championship game on Nov. 29 at Tucker Stadium in Cookeville.

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PHOTO SPECIAL TO THE SUN BY DARREN REESE

Greeneville football coach Caine Ballard, left, and senior quarterback and son Cade Ballard leave Tucker Stadium in Cookeville following the Greene Devils’ 56-21 win over Haywood in the Class 4A football state championship game.

SUN PHOTO BY TATE RUSSELL

Greeneville High students cheer on the Devils on Nov. 29 at Tucker Stadium during the Class 4A football state championship game.

SUN PHOTO BY TATE RUSSELL

Greneville’s Jaevon Gillespie (20), Cade Ballard (2) and Dorien Goddard (11) celebrate a touchdown on Thursday in the Class 4A football state championship game.

PHOTO SPECIAL TO THE SUN BY DARREN REESE

Greeneville’s Ty Youngblood, left, and Dalton McLain celebrate the Greene Devils’ 56-21 win over the Haywood Tomcats in the Class 4A football state championship game on Nov. 29.

Page 12 • Saturday, August 17, 2019

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SOUTH GREENE REBELS

REBELS WANT ANOTHER ‘SPECIAL’ SEASON South Greene Coming Off Deep Playoff Run

BY WAYNE PHILLIPS SPORTS EDITOR EMERITUS Coming off the heels of a season which saw the South Greene football team advance farther in the post-season than any school in the history of Greene County football, the Rebels won’t be able to sneak up on anybody as they make a run for the Region 1-2A championship in 2019.

The Rebs went 8-5 in a 2018 season that Coach Scotty Verran called “special,” especially considering South Greene lost their first three games of the year before going on a six-game winning streak, and many of those victories were comefrom-behind thrillers which left the Reb faithful clinging to the edge of their seats.

While graduation losses were hurtful, especially in the ranks of the skill positions, South Greene returns enough talent in 2019 to make many prognosticators think the Rebs can be in the thick of the fight for the regional championship.

“We lost some really good kids,” Coach Verran said after his maiden coaching season with South Greene saw his team go all the way to the quarterfinals of the TSSAA Class 2A playoffs before they fell at Meigs County. “It was a special year, especially in the way we came from behind so many times. Those kids just wouldn’t quit. But that was

SUN PHOTO BY TATE RUSSELL

2019 South Greene Rebels

last year. It’s a new season.

We will have to work really, really hard to do it again.”

OFFENSE There’s no doubt the strength of this year’s team is in the big boys up front as South Greene returns five starters on the offensive line, plus they’ve added a transfer student from Greeneville High that will add to the bulk and experience of the squad.

While the losses in the skill positions goes deep, with the likes of Tristan Biddy and Nick Hopson among those who picked up their diplomas, the Rebs do return a veteran quarterback in Levi Myers who will

be starting for this fourth straight campaign, and that in itself is a big asset to the lack of experience in those surrounding him behind the veteran line.

“We like to spread the field, from boundary to boundary,” Coach Verran said. “We’ve got some guys who can do that, and when you have a four-year starter at quarterback like we do In Levi, it certainly helps in knowing you have somebody on the field who can recognize things.”

Levi’s younger brother,

Luke, is only a sophomore but is the returning backfield player who has the most experience in toting the football.

“Luke can play anywhere on the field,” the coach smiled.

“We’ll probably start him at running back or receiver, but he can play just about anywhere.

And he’ll start on defense, too. So the Myers brothers will be on the field most of the time.”

The coach said junior Mark Crum has been impressive in a running back

slot during practice this fall.

He added that Kieran Hicks, a senior who didn’t play last year, has returned but can be explosive with his quickness and strength.

Luke Myers will likely be one of the most go-to wide receivers, but others had impressed during fall scrimmages.

“Justin Sutherland is a big kid, 6-3, and he ran track for West Greene in the spring and their relay team qualified for state, so he has some quickness,” Verran noted.

Sutherland is a senior, and so is Neal Parkins, who will also be used as a receiver.

The five returning linemen are seniors Christian Craddocki, Hunter Buss,

Ethan Heater, Chase Carter and Tanner Dyer. Devin Dye, a member of Greeneville’s state championship teams the past two seasons, is now on the Rebel roster and has been a welcome addition.

“Those linemen are all interchangeable,” the coach said. “Devin and Chase are both good centers, but they can move over and play the other line slots. Austin Bulyard, another senior, came in a couple of games last year on the line when we had people hurt and did a good job.”

Developing depth along the line will be a priority, SEE REBELS ON PAGE 13

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REBELS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 12

and the Rebels have a lot to work with as over 50 players are on the roster, the most players South Greene has dressed in many years.

“Obviously depth is a real concern…it always is at a school our size,” the coach said.

DEFENSE Chances are many of the same players that line up on offense will play on defense as well for the Rebels.

South Greene has always prided itself on defense, and this year will be no different.

The secondary will have some experience with the Myers brothers back there, and the wealth of linemen gives the team several op-

2019 South Greene Football Schedule Aug. 23 UNICOI COUNTY Aug. 30 at Cloudland Sept. 6 at Cocke County Sept. 13 WEST GREENE Sept. 20 at Sullivan North Sept. 27 at Chuckey-Doak Oct. 4 COSBY Oct. 11 NORTH GREENE Oct. 18 at Hampton Nov. 1 HAPPY VALLEY 2018 South Greene Football Results at Unicoi County L 42-32 tions to pick from.

“I know some teams probably overlooked us last year, but we’re not going to sneak up on anybody this season,” Verran said. “We had some playmakers last year. There are a lot of big shoes to fill.”

The schedule is demand-

at Elizabethton L 45-6 COCKE COUNTY L 46-7 at West Greene W 21-7 SULLIVAN NORTH W 34-27 CHUCKEY-DOAK W 41-21 at Cosby W 48-0 at North Greene W 49-0 HAMPTON W 36-30 at Happy Valley L 21-0 Playoffs WARTBURG W 44-26 ONEIDA W 23-21 at Meigs County L 42-13 • BOLD — HOME GAMES ing. Before the regional schedule starts, the Rebels play in their first three games a Class 3A team (Unicoi County) who is expected to compete for the Region 1-3A crown, a 1A squad (Cloudland) that is always one of the best single A teams in the

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area, and a Class 5A school (Cocke County) who appears to be very talented this year, especially since they got a transfer lineman from Knox Catholic that is one of the best in the area.

“We basically swapped Elizabethton from last year to Cloudland this year,” Verran laughed, “and I don’t think that makes things any easier at all for us.”

SPECIAL TEAMS The coach said that Luke Myers and Corey Houser will do the punting chores for South Greene, while Dakota Seaton is working as the team’s kicker.

The Rebels open at home on Aug. 23 against Unicoi County, then travel to Cloudland and Cocke County the following two Fridays.

2019 SOUTH GREENE REBELS 1 Luke Myers SO RB/DB 2 Daniel Blevins SR WR/DB 3 Neal Parkins SR WR/DB 5 Devin Salisbury SR RB/LB 8 Cody Rambo FR QB/DB 9 Ronan Buss SO WR/DB 10 Levi Myers SR QB/DB 11 Brody Jones FR WR/DB 12 Presley Gilliam JR RB/LB 14 Bryson Casteel FR WR/DB 20 Mark Crum JR RB/LB 21 Jalen Ingram SO RB/DB 22 Preston Bailey JR WR/DB 24 Corey Houser JR WR/LB 29 Kieran Hicks SR RB/LB 31 Joseph Cole FR RB/LB 33 Brian Smith SO WR/DB 34 Derek Miller FR RB/LB 39 Justin Sutherland SR WR/DB 40 Dakota Seaton JR WR/LB 41 Grant Freeark SO WR/LB 42 Phillip Blair FR RB/LB 43 Hunter Burkey FR WR/LB 44 Will Garber FR RB/DB 47 Brandon Shelton SO WR/DB

50 Chase Carter SR OL/DL 51 Trevor Heater SO OL/DL 52 Colton Erkman SR OL/DL 53 Trenton Salisbury SO OL/DL 54 Christian Craddock SR OL/DL 55 Tanner Dyer SR OL/DL 56 Hunter Buss SR OL/DL 57 Alex May SO OL/DL 59 Matt Mancil SO OL/DL 60 John Summers SR OL/DL 61 Joshua Kirby FR OL/DL 63 Bryson Banks FR OL/DL 65 Austin Bolyard SR OL/DL 67 Logan Wagner SO OL/DL 69 Hunter Seaton FR OL/DL 70 Jake Wheel FR OL/DL 71 Devin Dye SR OL/DL 72 Aiden Bailey FR OL/DL 73 Ethan Heater SR OL/DL 74 Zander Thompson FR OL/DL 76 Matthew Collins FR OL/DL 77 Isaac Collins SO OL/DL 78 Grant Kilts JR OL/DL 79 Logan Angel FR OL/DL 80 Mario Sanders FR WR/DB 81 Chandler Fillers SO WR.DB 82 A.J. Bird FR WR/DB 86 Isaiah Ealey FR WR/DB

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WEST GREENE BUFFALOES

CAUTIOUSLY OPTIMISTIC Buffs Hope To Improve On Down Season

BY WAYNE PHILLIPS SPORTS EDITOR EMERITUS Last year was not the type of season that Coach Joe Case and his West Greene football team have been accustomed to over the past decade, as a 3-7 regular season mark meant the Buffaloes did not make the post-season playoffs.

Case moves into the 2019 season “cautiously optimistic” about his football team, as a dozen returning seniors, including several with plenty of game experience, is a positive. There is also some depth.

“I think it will be a tough region (Region 1-3A),” Coach Case said. “Unicoi County might be the team to beat. To make the playoffs this year we’ve got to have some good things happen, but we have some leadership and some kids who have played a lot of football for us, so we’ll see what happens.”

A strength will also be in the offensive and defensive lines where the Buffs return a host of linemen after losing only one starter to graduation.

OFFENSE Coach Case said preseason camp has seen the Buffs working their offense

SUN PHOTO BY TATE RUSSELL

2019 West Greene Buffaloes

some out of the shotgun formation, “which is something a little bit different for us.”

“But we won’t stray too far away from what we’ve been doing in the past,” he added. “We will use the shotgun some because we want to try to use our speed and get to the edge, and we have some receivers who I think will be able to catch the ball.”

The Buffs will have the ability to throw the ball as they return two quality quarterbacks in Alick SEE BUFFS ON PAGE 15

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BUFFS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 14

Daugherty, a senior, and Allen Vaughn, a junior. Both were used at various times last year as signal-callers, and it won’t come as a surprise to see both those youngsters at that position at some point.

“It will be a game plan type of situation,” the coach said. “We will go at quarterback with the kid who we think gives us the best chance to be successful. I think they understand we are going to play to win, and both will have an opportunity. One thing’s for sure … they both will be in the game somewhere.”

Chief among the graduation losses is Kyler Clowers, who was a threat with the long-ball reception last year as well as a catch of a short pass and his ability to get into open space. Case is looking for people to step up.

The veteran quarterbacks also have some experience to look to in the backfield with them, as senior Chase Jennings, senior Colton Foulk (who won the state championship for WG in the pole vault back in track season), along with sophomores Damien Budriss and Nathan Smith and junior Dakota Wood.

“A lot of these kids ran track for us in the spring, so we know they have some athletic ability,” Case said.

A bright spot in preseason drills has been freshman Ethan Turner, who will play in the secondary as well as at a receiver, and is described by his coach as “a prospect.”

Fullback prospects are

returnees senior Jacob Fry and junior Kenton Cobble.

Senior Hunter Combs will help anchor a solid offensive line as he is a three-year starter. Junior Eli Lawson, senior RJ (Tree) Ferguson, senior Jacob Ramsey and senior Kaleb Sciarra also are back.

Sciarra, a four-year starter on defense at linebacker, played a lot in the backfield early in the past season, but was moved to the offensive line later in the year. Junior Trevor Daniels is also expected to help.

DEFENSE West Greene’s defense looks strong, especially in the secondary with a host of returnees and at linebacker, where Sciarra will be roaming for the fourth straight campaign.

The linemen as noted above will all be used in some manner on the defensive front.

“We’ve looked pretty good in scrimmages on defense,” Case said. “We’ve got some experience there, but we are also pretty thin when it comes to replacements who have played much. That’s something that we’ve been working on.”

The linebackers (senior Holden Huff, senior Tyler Sauceman, junior Dakota Wood, and Sciarra) are athletic and will be counted on to be playmakers.

2019 WEST GREENE BUFFALOES

2019 West Greene Football Schedule Aug. 23 NORTHVIEW ACADEMY Sept. 6 at Claiborne Sept. 13 at South Greene Sept. 20 JOHNSON COUNTY Sept. 27 COSBY Oct. 4 NORTH GREENE Oct. 11 at Knox Catholic Oct. 18 at Unicoi County Oct. 25 at Hancock County Nov. 1 CHUCKEY-DOAK {h3}2018 West Greene Football Results{/h3} at Northview Academy L 42-20 at Thomas Walker (Va.) W 28-26 CLAIBORNE L 34-19 SOUTH GREENE L 21-7 at Johnson County L 35-7 at North Greene W 49-8 KNOX CATHOLIC L 49-6 UNICOI COUNTY L 41-20 at Happy Valley L 40-7 at Chuckey-Doak W 24-21 • BOLD — HOME GAMES

skin, and Case said he felt comfortable allowing the sophomore to attempt field goals from 45 yds. out.

“It should be an interesting regional race,” Case said. “I think Unicoi County

might be the best. But you can’t count out Johnson County and Chuckey-Doak will be better this year.

We’ve got a tough schedule again, so we have our work cut out for us.”

Grow Your

1 Damien Budruss 10 2 Braedan Williams 10 3 Blair Shelton 10 4 Aydin Daugherty 10 5 Nathan Smith 10 6 Allen Vaughn 11 7 Casey Doughty 9 8 Roger Marshall 9 9 Luis Mendoza 10 10 Tristan Kelly 10 11 Daron Lee 11 12 Holden Huff 12 13 Dakota Wood 11 14 Alick Daugherty 12 15 Colton Foulk 12 16 Chris Bolton 11 17 Damon Gladson 11 18 Nick Brown 10 19 Keith Valentine 10 20 Trevor Daniels 11 21 Tyler Sauceman 12 23 Chase Jennings 12 25 Kenton Cobble 11 26 Jacob Fry 12 28 Janson Kesterson 10 The Buffs open on Friday, Aug. 23, at home to Northview Academy, then have

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SPECIAL TEAMS The kicking game will be a big part of the game plan for the Buffs. They have a preseason All-State selection returning as punter in Alick Daugherty.

As a freshman Blair Shelton showed he can kick the pig-

Saturday, August 17, 2019 • Page 15

Ǥ

29 Joseph Stanley 36 Darrien Rasnick 11 40 Mason Turner 12 42 Ethan Dall 11 44 Kaleb Sciarra 12 50 Domyniq Forbus 10 51 RJ Ferguson 10 52 Austin Daugherty 12 53 Cole Henry 9 55 Dalton Arwood 11 56 Kaleb Sciarra 12 57 Jacob Ramsey 12 60 Eli Ramsey 61 Tristan Fowler 65 Aaron Waddell 10 67 Eli Lawson 11 68 Alexc Jiminez 9 70 Johnathan Ramsey 10 73 Bradley Shirley 12 75 Silas Debord 9 76 Danner White 12 77 Casey Pitts 12 78 Todd Morris 10 79 Braden Daugherty 9 82 Bryson Church 10 86 Aydin Daugherty 10 98 Caleb Norris 10 99 Skyler Spears 11

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VOLS

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UNQUESTIONED STARTER

Guarantano’s Maturation Has Him Set To Lead Vols

BY COREY ROEPKEN THE MARYVILLE DAILY TIMES Jarrett Guarantano’s first meeting with Peyton Manning came shortly after Guarantano arrived on Tennessee’s campus as a freshman in 2016.

The encounter with the Vols’ legendary quarterback could not have been more surreal for their newest quarterback.

“He said he knew a lot about me,” Guarantano remembered, laughing. “And I said, ‘Yeah, me, too.’”

More than three years later and for the first time in his career Guarantano enters fall camp this week in the same standing Manning once held.

He is the Vols’ unquestioned starter.

The Lodi, New Jersey, native and fourth-year junior has a lot of people to thank for this opportunity, and Manning may be the most important.

Their relationship blossomed after the initial meeting and these days Guarantano said they talk once every 3-4 weeks.

Typically, Guarantano texts Manning to request a phone call, and then they chat for 1015 minutes. They talk about all aspects of playing the position, but the dominant topics are mental preparation and film study. Manning has stressed to Guarantano he should watch tape of all the bad plays to see what he could have done to avoid the negative outcome.

Guarantano may have reached his new level of work ethic anyway, but the influence of a two-time Super Bowl champion quarterback, he said, has been as impactful

as anything.

It all started when Guarantano was a freshman and got the most valuable numbers a Tennessee quarterback could get: Manning’s phone number.

“It was like a dream come true,” Guarantano said two weeks ago at SEC Media Days. “Every single time I talk to him I’m starstruck. Me and him have a very good relationship, and being able to text him whenever I need him is an excellent resource.”

‘Needed to enhance our relationship’ Guarantano has always been welcome to text second-year coach Jeremy Pruitt, too, but it wasn’t until this winter he felt comfortable doing that on a regular basis.

The two didn’t have a difficult relationship during their first season together, but Guarantano recently said it was clear Pruitt’s biggest focus in his first year was changing the culture.

One of the topics Pruitt discussed the most during his first season was getting the players on the same page with higher expectations and a bigger emphasis on discipline. As a result, Guarantano explained, it was difficult to build one-on-one relationships.

That all changed once the season ended, and Guarantano said he noticed Pruitt become more laid-back once all the pads were turned in. There

was more time to talk about things other than football.

That was especially the case on a February night when Pruitt invited Guarantano and his girlfriend to his house for dinner.

Guarantano said Pruitt’s wife, Casey, cooked “excellent” Southern fare he had never had.

He remembered the blueberry cobbler being delicious.

‘He’s our quarterback’ At SEC Media Days in 2018, Pruitt was complimentary of Guarantano but was understandably more reserved. Pruitt had only been in Knoxville for seven months and was still learning the lay of the land.

Guarantano hadn’t accomplished much in 2017 so Pruitt

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recruited Stanford graduate Keller Chryst to play one season at Tennessee. Throughout fall camp, Pruitt even said true freshman Will McBride was in the running to win the starting job.

Guarantano was far enough off the radar one sports betting website listed him as the underdog to win the job. Chryst was a significant favorite.

Guarantano won the job and acquitted himself well. Despite being pounded all season because of the Vols’ below average offensive line, he passed completed 153 of 246 passes (62%) for 1,907 yards and 12 touchdowns to go with three interceptions.

The fact he rarely put Tennessee in a bad position despite all the pressure boosted his potential. The fact he always got up after being hit gave him a strong reputation

2019 Tennessee Football Schedule Aug. 31 GEORGIA STATE, 3:30 p.m.

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(ESPN) Sept. 14 CHATTANOOGA, Noon (SEC Network) Sept. 21 at Florida, TBA Oct. 5 GEORGIA, TBA Oct. 12 MISSISSIPPI STATE, TBA Oct. 19 at Alabama, TBA Oct. 26 SOUTH CAROLINA, TBA Nov. 2 UAB, TBA Nov. 9 at Kentucky, TBA Nov. 23 at Missouri, TBA Nov. 30 VANDERBILT, TBA • BOLD — HOME GAMES

for toughness.

That’s why Pruitt had a drastically different message about Guarantano at this month’s annual meeting of conference coaches and players with the media.

“He’s our quarterback. I believe in Jarrett,” Pruitt said.

“Over the last 18 months I’ve gotten to know who he is. The guy has lots of experience. He’s a tough guy that has plenty of arm strength. He is really good athlete. He understands our expectations. I think he has been a tremendous leader motion, footwork and his over the last six months of this mentality. off-season.”

He has come a long way since arriving on campus as ‘That guy who can lead an unknown commodity.

Living up to the standard of a program’ previous Tennessee quarKnowing the starting job is terbacks is a difficult task, his has inspired Guarantano, but Guarantano said finally believes he is in a position to and he is running with it. He make a difference. has focused on his throwing

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Good Luck To All The Teams!

2019

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2018 SEASON REWIND

FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS

County Teams Filled With Hometown Heroes

Saturday, August 17, 2019 • Page 17

2019 WEEK-BY-WEEK PREP FB SCHEDULE 2019 PREP FOOTBALL WEEK-BY-WEEK SCHEDULE Thursday, Aug. 22 Greeneville at Powell Friday, Aug. 23 Chuckey-Doak at Knox Catholic Unaka at North Greene Unicoi County at South Greene Northview Academy at West Greene Thursday, Aug. 29 Chuckey-Doak at Happy Valley Friday, Aug. 30 Greeneville at Daniel Boone North Greene at Hancock County South Greene at Cloudland Friday, Sept. 6 Union County at Greeneville Johnson County at Chuckey-Doak Unicoi County at North Greene South Greene at Cocke County West Greene at Claiborne Friday, Sept. 13 Greeneville at Science Hill Chuckey-Doak at Sullivan North Twin Springs (Va.) at North Greene West Greene at South Greene Friday, Sept. 20

Austin-East at Greeneville Chuckey-Doak at North Greene South Greene at Sullivan North Johnson County at West Greene Friday, Sept. 27 South Greene at Chuckey-Doak North Greene at Jellico Cosby at West Greene Friday, Oct. 4 Greeneville at Sullivan Central Unicoi County at Chuckey-Doak North Greene at West Greene Cosby at South Greene Friday, Oct. 11 Sullivan South at Greeneville Grainger at Chuckey-Doak North Greene at South Greene West Greene at Knox Catholic Friday, Oct. 18 Greeneville at Elizabethton Chuckey-Doak at Claiborne Johnson County at North Greene South Greene at Hampton West Greene at Unicoi County Friday, Oct. 25 Grainger at Greeneville West Greene at Hancock County Friday, Nov. 1 Greeneville at Sullivan East Chuckey-Doak at West Greene North Greene at Claiborne Happy Valley at South Greene

SUN PHOTO BY SAM BUNDY

The South Greene Rebels football players and cheerleaders celebrate a 49-0 win over the North Greene Huskies that earned the Rebels the County Cup last season.

SUN PHOTO BY TATE RUSSELL SUN PHOTO BY TATE RUSSELL

South Greene quarterback Levi Myers (10) throws a pass during a 34-27 home win over Sullivan North in September.

Chuckey-Doak’s Evan Murvin (13) runs upfield while being pursued by a handful of North Greene defenders last season.

SUN PHOTO BY TATE RUSSELL

Chuckey-Doak running back Chris Cutshaw tries to get past a pair of Claiborne defenders last season.

Page 18 • Saturday, August 17, 2019

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SUN PHOTO BY TATE RUSSELL

West Greene’s Damien Budriss (1) turns upfield as Kenton Cobble (25) blocks North Greene’s Colton Story (16) last season.

SUN PHOTO BY TATE RUSSELL

North Greene’s Damitrius Kea (4) runs behind his blocker Colton Story (16) against West Greene last season.

SUN PHOTO BY TATE RUSSELL

A handful of West Greene defenders upend Claiborne quarterback Eli Stone last season.

SUN PHOTO BY TATE RUSSELL

North Greene’s Sky Arwood (11) avoids a tackle by West Greene’s Joseph Bobadillo (34) last season.

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Saturday, August 17, 2019 • Page 19

TUSCULUM FOOTBALL

Pioneers Picked Fourth In SAC Poll

The Tusculum University Pioneers are picked to finish fourth in the chase for the South Atlantic Conference football championship with the release of the Preseason Coaches’ Poll.

The Pioneers received 54 total points including one first place vote in a poll of the league’s nine football head coaches.

Defending champion Lenoir-Rhyne is the favorite to repeat as the Bears garnered 68 points including five first place votes. Wingate is second with 64 points and three first place nods, followed

by Carson-Newman (55), Tusculum, Newberry (45), Catawba (37) and Mars Hill (33).

Associate member Limestone, who will join the SAC as a full league member in all sports starting in the 2020-2021 academic year, received 21 points and is eighth, while conference newcomer Virginia-Wise is picked ninth with 19 points in the Cavaliers’ inaugural SAC season.

Tusculum is coming off back-to-back 5-5 seasons, including last year where TU went 4-3 in conference play to finish tied for third in the SAC standings.

The Pioneers will open the season on Sept. 5 when they travel to Cleveland, Mississippi, to face Delta State University.

PRESEASON All-SAC ROCK HILL, S.C. – Eight Tusculum University student-athletes have been named to the 2019 Pre-

season All-South Atlantic Conference football team announced league officials Thursday.

Five Pioneers earned spots on the All-SAC first team including linebacker Ivan Hogans, defensive lineman Colton Strickland, defensive back Malik Goodman, running back Jordon Shippy and offensive lineman Keveon Broadwater. Three TU standouts also garnered second team recognition including defensive back Dee Alford, wide receiver Ajay Belanger and tight end Carter Mangel.

The Preseason All-SAC Team is selected by a vote of the conference’s media relations directors.

Hogans led Tusculum with 92 total tackles last season (31 solos, 61 assists) and finished third in the league averaging 9.2 tackles per game. The 2018 All-SAC and All-Region standout finished second on the squad with 12 tackles for loss including four sacks, two interceptions, three pass break-ups and forced a fumble. The 6-2, 219-pound rising junior from Stockbridge, Georgia recorded 10 or more tackles five times including a season-high 14 at Lenoir-Rhyne last season. During his 20-game collegiate career, Hogans has accounted for 145 tackles and has posted at least two stops each game.

Goodman, a 5-11, 190-pound senior from Jacksonville, Florida, earned All-Region and All-SAC accolades last year as he finished fifth on the team with 48 tackles including five for

PHOTO SPECIAL TO THE SUN BY CHUCK WILLIAMS

Tusculum University’s Jordan Shippy (31) breaks through the line against North Greenville last season.

loss, one sack, one interception, forced a fumble and broke-up two bases. He enters his final TU campaign with 146 career tackles and 15 career passes defended including two interceptions.

Strickland, a 6-0, 290-pound senior from Naples, Florida, started in all 10 games last season and earned All-SAC second team honors. He finished with 36 total tackles including eight for loss, four sacks, blocked a kick and tallied seven quarterback hurries, which were second-most on the team.

Shippy led the TU rushing attack last year as he ran for 694 yards on 116 carries with five touchdowns. The 5-9, 160-pound senior from Gaffney, South Carolina, averaged 6.0 yards per

rush and 77.1 rushing yards per game which was the third-best average in the conference. He ran for a school single-game record 258 yards versus Limestone in last year’s SAC opener. He also scampered for 104 in a home win over arch-rival Carson-Newman. Shippy enters the season with 1,186 career rushing yards to his credit, the 11th most by a Pioneer.

Broadwater, a 6-4, 315-pound senior from Gaffney, South Carolina, has started in all 31 games as a Pioneer, including all 10 last season while earning All-Region and All-Conference recognition.

Alford is a two-time AllSAC selection earning league second team accolades in 2017 and 2018. Last year,

the 6-0, 170-pound senior from Griffin, Georgia led TU with 13 passes defended (43rd in NCAA II) including 11 pass break-ups (4th in SAC) and two interceptions (T14th in SAC). His 49 total tackles were fourth on the team including 31 solo stops.

In 2018, Alford also served as the team’s punt returner, where he averaged 7.4 yards on his 22 punt return attempts. His 20 career passes defended are ninth in school history while his three career fumble recoveries are tied for eighth-most in the TU record book.

Belanger, a 6-3, 190-pound sophomore from Green Cove Springs, Florida, led Tusculum with 33 receptions for 386 yards, playing as a true freshman in 2018.

He averaged 11.7 yards per

2019 Tusculum Football Schedule Sept. 5 at Delta State, 7 p.m.

Sept. 14 WEST ALABAMA, 6 p.m.

Sept. 21 at Limestone, 1 p.m.

Sept. 28 at Newberry, 1 p.m.

Oct. 5 WINGATE (homecoming), 2 p.m.

Oct. 12 LENOIR-RHYNE, 1:30 p.m.

Oct. 19 at Virginia-Wise, 1 p.m.

Oct. 26 UNC PEMBROKE, 1:30 p.m.

Nov. 2 CATAWBA, 1:30 p.m.

Nov. 9 MARS HILL, 1:30 p.m.

Nov. 16 at Carson-Newman, 1 p.m.

• BOLD — HOME GAMES

receptions including three touchdowns.

Mangel, a 6-4, 280-pound senior from Bogart, Georgia, posted four catches for 72 yards at tight end for the Pioneers. He played in all 10 games with three starts for Tusculum after transferring from Hocking College.

Lenoir-Rhyne led the league with 13 representatives on the All-SAC team while Carson-Newman and Wingate were tied for second with 10 honorees each.

Tusculum was fourth with eight selections, followed by Catawba (6), Newberry (6), Mars Hill (3), Limestone (2) and SAC newcomer Virginia-Wise (1).

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