IT’S ABOUT THAT TIME Go ahead, bring it!
FOOTBALL Preview 2026
WHAT’S INSIDE
• High School Previews • Team Photos • Rosters, Schedules and More High School Football Kicks Off Aug. 21
2D | 2026 FOOTBALL PREVIEW
t her oger s v iller e v iew.com
Hard-hitting Chiefs ready to roll
CARMEN MUSICK | Sports Editor
ROGERSVILLE — Cherokee will have some holes to fill as the 2026 season gets underway in Big Red Valley. Fortunately, their seven returning starters — four on offense and three on defense — pack a pretty hefty punch. Those returning starters also have a host of teammates who’ve been working while they waited for their chance to play under the Friday night lights. “I hope we’ve got enough concrete poured to sustain what we’ve been working for over the past few years. I’m super proud of what we’ve accomplished, but we can’t look back at all those things. We’ve got to make sure we’re doing the things that got us there,” said head coach Josh Hensley. That recipe includes a healthy dose of senior running back Jayden Weston. In his breakout junior year, Weston became the first Cherokee football player to earn all-state honors since 2019. He set the single-game rushing record with 331 yards against East and the singleseason rushing record with 1,570 yards, eclipsing the mark of 1,134 set by Brian Manning in 1985. He also scored 18 touchdowns and was named the Region 1-4A back of the year. “He’s going to run the football the way God intended it to be ran. He’s going to be entertaining to watch. We’re excited to have him back for another year,” said Hensley. “We always get the very best out of him when he’s got the ball in his hands.” Expect him to have it a lot. “I think he’s closing in on breaking the all-time record here. That’s a goal he has and a goal that we as a team want to get him to very, very early as soon as we can,” Hensley said. The current record holder is Travis Carpenter, whose all-time mark stands at 2,752 yards. “I want to go out and get it, but I also want to win football games,” Weston said at the school’s fall sports media day. “I can’t be selfish out here. … I want to help my team out, and I want to have them help me to get it.” Hensley said Weston has become a more vocal leader for the young Chiefs and worked hard during the summer to get even stronger. “I got better at seeing the holes, being able to read the defense a little better than I did last year,” said Weston, who said he’d focused on “watching film, seeing it develop, being more patient and not trying to rush everything, and waiting for the holes to open up.” Having Weston in the backfield should lessen the pressure on quarterback Cade Putnal, who steps in as a sophomore to replace four-year starter Landon Jeffers. “We’re a younger team again, but we’re fine,” Weston said. “We work hard, we play good, and effort beats everything. We can come out here and compete with anybody.” Hensley said the team’s blue-collar work ethic has been evident in spring and summer practice. “We’ve got some holes to fill, but we are talking about some guys that have been with the program for a long time. They’ve stood in line respectfully and waited their turn, and I’m very proud of them for that,” Hensley said. “We’re really excited about this football team. It’s a hard-working group. I’m blessed to have them and looking forward to getting the season started.” Hensley is especially eager to see what Putnal brings to the table in Big Red Valley, where he played his middle school ball at Rogersville City. “Cade’s a competitor. He’s a perfectionist. He wants to beat you in rock, paper, scissors as bad as he wants to score a touchdown on every play. That’s just who he is. That’s his nature. We never want to coach that out of him,” Hensley said.
BOBBY VAUGHN | CORRESPONDENT
Cherokee opens the season at home on Aug. 21 against Pigeon Forge.
JOSH HENSLEY
ELI BOYD
JAYDEN WESTON
But the Chiefs do need Putnal to mature quickly — and he knows it. “I see myself as my own worst enemy. I have to be patient, and I can’t dwell on mistakes. I have to focus on moving on to the next play,” Putnal said. He has two starters back on the offensive line in center Hayden Good and left guard Kenner Jarnigan, both seniors. They’ll be joined by junior Aaron Cooke, who Hensley described as one of the most improved guys on the roster. There’s competition at the other spots, with Mason McAnally, Tucker Turnmire and Peyton Garland vying for time. In addition to Weston, Putnal will also have senior Eli Boyd in his arsenal. The quarterback turned all-conference linebacker will add H-back to his resume this fall, while also serving as Putnal’s backup at QB. “We really need Eli’s role to be in another position, other than quarterback. Because of how physical he is and the teammate that he is, we’re asking him to fill a big role for us in the H-back position. He’s going to willingly do that,” Hensley said. Boyd has already proven he can learn new positions. He came to high school as a quarterback and quickly transitioned into one of Cherokee’s best defensive players and now quarterbacks the defense at middle linebacker. “Since I transitioned to playing linebacker, I pretty much just fell in love with it. The better I got at it, the more fun it became,” Boyd said. “I pretty much get to handle the coverages and the defensive fronts.” That job is right up Boyd’s alley. The star student, whose long-range goals include getting into Georgia Tech and becoming an aerospace engineer, is a quick study who doesn’t mind doing his homework. “I’m going to be honest, watching film gets a little boring at times. It feels repetitive. But you’ve got to do what it takes to make yourself better and make your team better,” Boyd said.
Now, he’s taking on the H-back/tight end role for the Chiefs. “We had a senior there who did a very good job last year. I’m going to do my best to fill his shoes,” Boyd said. “I feel like being able to read the defense as a quarterback helps me find my blocking assignments. I know plays from previous years. It’s just helped me to understand (my new position) a little bit more.” When Putnal takes to the air, he’ll have a wide range of targets. Eli Gonzalez, like his brother and former Chief Jaydan Gonzalez, is a Swiss Army-type player who’ll see time at running back and wide receiver as well as cornerback, outside linebacker and safety. Ezra Garrett is another returning starter at wide receiver, who has a lot of big-play potential. Branson Mowell, a junior basketball standout at Cherokee, returns to the football field for the first time since his days at Bulls Gap. “I’ve been begging him to get out here for years. I finally got him on the line and got him in the boat,” Hensley said. Mowell is an incredible jumper with really good hands, and should be an impact player at wide receiver and in the Chiefs’ secondary at safety. Senior Braydon Haun also returns at safety and wide receiver. The defense also features returning starter Dawson Fobber, a junior. “I think he’s one of the best football players in all of East Tennessee. He plays football the way God intended it, with heavy hands and a physicality unknown to mankind. He’s going to be anchoring us on the inside there as our threetech,” Hensley said. The Chiefs will likely roll with a committee, including senior Ethan Haun, senior Riley Johnson, sophomore Gaige Brock, sophomore Jacob Browning and Garland, at the other spots. Senior Grayson Fields also returns after seeing time at defensive end.
SEE CHIEFS ON PAGE 7
Schedule
Quick Facts
AUG. 21 Pigeon Forge
Head coach: Josh Hensley
Kickoff Time: 7:30 p.m.
AUG. 28 at Campbell County
Assistants: Shawn Bond, Mylan Brewer, Jerry Fletcher, Zayden Hayes, Tyler Hensley, Justin Holcomb, Matthew Myers, Jonathan Palmer, Matthew Seals, Adam Sizemore, Gareath Weston
Ticket Information: $10, cash or card
Classification: Region 1-4A
Parking Options: Parking passes can be purchased from the football booster club.
SEPT. 4 at Sullivan East SEPT. 11 Grainger* SEPT. 18 at Elizabethton SEPT 25 at Seymour
Last Year’s Record: 7-4, 4-3 Home Field: Mike Sivert Field, 2927 Hwy. 66, Rogersville
OCT. 2
Greeneville
OCT. 9
Open Date
OCT. 16
David Crockett
at the gate. Single-game tickets may be purchased online through Hudl Fan. Season tickets ($75 each, reserved; $65, general) are available through Aug. 20.
Athletic Director: Andrew Morgan Trainer: Marissa McKie
OCT. 23 at Volunteer OCT. 30 Northview Academy** * Homecoming ** Senior Night
TYLER HENSLEY
Cherokee plays its home games at Mike Sivert Field in Big Red Valley.
Cherokee Chiefs Roster 2 - Jayden Weston; SR 3 - Luke Elkins; SO 4 - Eli Gonzalez; SO 6 - Desmond Potter; JR 7 - Cade Putnal; SO 8 - Branson Mowell; JR 9 - Landree Helton; SR 10 - Ezra Garrett; SR 11 - Braydon Haun; SR 12 - Eli Boyd; SR 13 - Grayson Fields; SR 14 - Leighton Williams; FR 15 - Eric Qualls; FR 16 - Sarah Snell; FR 17 - Owen Ferrell; FR 18 - Brady Light; SO 21 - Colton Williams; SO 23 - Tye Roberts; SR 24 - Hawkins Emery; FR 25 - KJ Jefferson; FR 27 - Noah Elmore; FR 30 - Jaxon Chapman; FR 32 - Justice Johnson; FR 33 - Rome Bryant; JR 34 - Colton Ingle; JR 37 - Alex Barnett; SO 39 - Noah Lane; FR 41 - Keaton Rimer; SR 42 - Ethan Cochran; JR 44 - Levi Hurd; FR 45 - Griffin Penny; JR 47 - Anthony Diaz; SR 50 - Dawson Fobber; SR 51 - Jacob Browning; SO 52 - Porter Drinnon; FR 53 - Gaige Brock; SO 54 - Aaron Cooke; JR 55 - Ethan Haun; SR 56 - Tanner Johnson; FR 57 - Riley Johnson; SR 58 - Tucker Turnmire; SR 59 - Xavier Ferrell; SR 60 - Tyler White; JR 61 - Kenner Jarnigan; SR 62 - Justin Edwards; FR 63 - Ramey Wilt; FR 64 - Donnie Brice; FR 65 - Gauge Kelliher; SO 66 - Hunter Brown; FR 67 - Bryson Steele; FR 68 - Hayden Good; SR 70 - William Jesse; FR 71 - Kenlee Morrison; SO 72 - Dalton Ringley; FR 73 - Samuel Ely; FR 74 - Rylan Mayes; FR 75 - Tristan Justice; FR 77 - Mason McAnally; SO 79 - Peyton Garland; SR 81 - Blake Wolfe, SO 82 - Eli Herron, SO 83 - Chance Pearson, FR 87 - Tucker Turnmire, SR 88 - Corbin Ashdown - FR
2026 FOOTBALL PREVIEW | 3D
t her oger s v iller e v iew.com
Chiefs’ Media Day 2026 BOBBY VAUGHN | CORRESPONDENT
The 2026 senior football players are Jayden Weston, Landree Helton, Ezra Garrett, Braydon Haun, Eli Boyd, Grayson Fields, Tye Roberts, Keaton Rimer, Anthony Diaz, Dawson Fobber, Ethan Haun, Riley Johnson, Tucker Turnmire, Xavier Ferrell, Kenner Jarnigan, Hayden Good and Peyton Garland. The senior cheerleaders are Ailin DeJesus, Grace McGuire, Anika Sexton, Kylie Rines and Lily Williams.
The 2026 senior football players take a break after team photos.
BOBBY VAUGHN | CORRESPONDENT
BOBBY VAUGHN | CORRESPONDENT
The 2026 Cherokee cheerleaders are (front row) Ailin DeJesus, Grace McGuire, Anika Sexton, Kylie Rines, Lily Williams, (middle row, from left) Natalie Gilman, Gabbi Johnson, Ainsley Price, Caroline Hicks, Avery Carmack, Kambrie Hilton, (back row, from left) Melanie McClanahan, Eliza Posey, Maggie Webb, Hailey Yancey, Scarlett Young, Aria Dishner and Rhealyn Steele.
BOBBY VAUGHN | CORRESPONDENT BOBBY VAUGHN | CORRESPONDENT
The 2026 senior football players and cheerleaders have made it a tradition to lighten up media day with at least one fun photo.
The 2026 senior soccer players are Keyly Kersey, Sarah Silcox and Yno Lebario.
Guiding you through one of life’s most difficult experiences since 2001
Locally owned by Chris Christian and James Sells 1520 East Main Street • Rogersville, TN 37857
423-272-0555
24-Hour Obituary Line: 423-272-2244 www.christiansells.com
4D | 2026 FOOTBALL PREVIEW
t her oger s v iller e v iew.com
Falcons looking to build on success
CARMEN MUSICK | Sports Editor
CHURCH HILL — The Volunteer football team burst back onto the scene and soared to new heights in 2025, surprising a lot of people with a record seven wins and their first playoff appearance since 2021. Head coach Jeremy Wagner wasn’t surprised. He knew the team’s discipline, grit and sacrifice would pay off if everyone — players, coaches and the community members — would just all “fly together.” “I think hard work and consistency and discipline is what carries over,” Wagner said during the Falcons’ media day. “The kids have done a really good job with that.” It didn’t take much to convince players who’d spent their entire careers winning at Church Hill Middle School, only to see a downward spiral once they reached the high school. Those kids, players like Owen Fleenor, Bryson Christian, Carson Griffith and Connor Begley, were primed to perform. “Seeing Volunteer struggle when we were in middle school was tough. But coming in and seeing that we were going to get a new head coach, it was kind of an enlightenment of wanting to play,” Begley said “Kids want to play now. … We compete now. When you can compete, everybody loves football.” The Falcons didn’t waste any time getting started either. They opened the 2025 season with a 30-0 win over Daniel Boone, a game in which Christian rushed for more than 200 yards. “It changed the perception of Volunteer. We were ready to prove ourselves and show how hard we’ve been working. That started a turnaround for our program,” Christian said. “It solidified how much we all play a part in the team. We all have our own responsibilities. It’s all of us who play a part in it.” When Wagner arrived on campus before last season, Volunteer’s program was at an all-time low. The Falcons had experienced back-to-back winless seasons and lost 25 games in a row dating back to 2022. In his first year at the helm, the Falcons set a program record for wins in a single season with seven and reached the playoffs for the first time since 2021. Now that opponents can’t overlook them anymore, Wagner and the team have to prove they can build on that success. “It does make it a little harder. They’re going to be watching film. They’re going to know what we can do and prepare for us more,” said Christian, who expects to make an impact in the backfield and at strong safety. “They’re going to be coming for us, and we have to step up and make sure it does happen.” Volunteer will benefit from experience with seven returners on offense and eight on defense, including some big-time playmakers. But they’re also missing a few of those. The Falcons, who benefited from the state’s transfer rule changes last season, found themselves on the other side of the portal this year when all-conference quarterback Lincoln Wilson and playmaker Amarion Graves left Church Hill for Knoxville. Wilson landed at Knox Halls and Graves at Knox Catholic. One of the unknowns headed into the season is who’ll be taking the snaps at quarterback. Senior Jameson Mowell, who started two years ago, and newcomer Jordan Reed, a transfer from DobynsBennett, are locked in a battle for the starting job. Each of them brings different tools to the table, Wagner said. The key will be figuring out which one can lead the Falcons to victory. “Jordan is just a bright kid and a great kid in the locker room, a very smart and tactical kid. Jameson has really been working his tail off. He’s made some great throws,” Wagner said. “I don’t mind playing two quarterbacks, but I’m trying to figure out who’s going to lead the team the proper
Schedule AUG. 21 at Daniel Boone AUG. 28 Claiborne SEPT. 4 at Grainger SEPT. 11 at Elizabethton SEPT. 18 Seymour* SEPT. 25 Open Date
OH MG PHOTOGRAPHY
Volunteer opens the season at Daniel Boone on Friday, Aug. 21. Kickoff is at 7:30 p.m.
JEREMY WAGNER
BRYSON CHRISTIAN
way and then get the team in unison. It doesn’t matter your ability, it’s how you make somebody else better.” Whoever ends up taking the snaps will have a stable of running backs to lean on, with Christian, Fleenor, Bryton Landry, and John Hale all returning for Volunteer. Add to that playmakers like Jansen Arnold and Colton Huff and there are plenty of reasons to expect a high-octane offense. “We have four kids running 20 to 21 miles an hour right now on the outside that just get it and go,” Wagner said. “Jansen Arnold is lightning in a bottle. We’ve got some lightning-fast kids.” Then, there’s freshman XJ Shivers — a 6-1, 181-pound playmaker Wagner expects will do big things during his time at Volunteer. “Every time he touched the ball in middle school, did he not score? If the ball was in his area, he made a play,” Wagner said. “He’s just a different animal, and his technique is as natural as can be. He’s fluid in the hips, and it’s speed and strength. He’s savvy with good vision. I honestly think he’s a Power 5 kid. In three years, there might be a bunch of colleges that come around.” The Falcons have experienced linemen back to pave the way, including Wyatt Franklin returning at center and Jacoby Hyatt at right tackle. Carson Griffith and Sebastian Memis also factor in, along with Jaxson Frost, Ryder Hicks, Mathias Reeves and Jayson Harrell. “We’ve got eight or nine kids that can play and will play on Friday night,” Wagner said. On the defensive front, Wagner has a pair of a 700-pound squatters in experienced seniors Gavin Stout and Spencer Crigger. “They’re short, stocky, mini fridges that do a really good job playing their position,” Wagner said. Begley, a sophomore who made an immediate impact his freshman season, is taking on a new role by moving to the defensive line. “Connor is longer. He projects more of a defensive end or a three-technique in college. So,
we’re going to let him grow in that position as a sophomore,” Wagner said. The Falcons have two seniors and a sophomore on the defensive line early on, but Wagner said he has 11 kids he can rotate on the defensive line. “I believe in keeping them fresh and figuring it out,” Wagner said. “At the end of the day, I’m going to find a way to get six. I’m going to find a way to keep you from getting six.” Begley, who may also see some reps at tight end, is excited about the position change and Volunteer’s defense. “I feel like we have just as good, or even better, defense this year. We lost Christian Wilson (to graduation), but we have a lot of returning players and I feel like together we can equal what he was. We can still have the same disruptiveness on the defensive line, and our linebackers are all locked down,” Begley said. “It’s looking great.” Huff and Arnold will line up at the corners, with Landry at safety. Freshman Eli Garst, another versatile player from Church Hill Middle School, is expected to see time in the secondary, along with Zayden Ramirez and Connor Williams. The off-season wasn’t without its challenges. Volunteer was penalized for recruiting and practice violations for which the TSSAA levied penalties that reduced spring practice time and landed the Falcons on probation. “We’re not focusing on the off-the-field distractions. We’re an on-the-field team. It was a bummer we didn’t get to have spring practice, but we just looked past it,” Begley said. “We’ve had a great summer, and I feel like we’re ready.”
Northview Academy
OCT. 9
Chuckey-Doak**
OCT. 16
at Greeneville
LOOKING AHEAD Volunteer opens the season at Daniel Boone on Friday, Aug. 21. Kickoff is at 7:30 p.m. The Falcons defeated the Trailblazers 30-0 in their home opener last year. The Falcons’ home opener is Aug. 28 against Claiborne. Their first regional matchup of the season is Sept. 4 at Grainger.
Quick Facts Head coach: Jeremy Wagner
Kickoff Time: 7:30 p.m.
Assistants: Garrison Barrett, Michael
Ticket Information: $10, cash at the
Castle, Andy Franklin, Austin Linton, Joshua Lovett, Eric Morelock, Matt Smith and Jeremy Sommers
gate. Season tickets are $50 per seat. Singlegame tickets may be purchased online through Hudl Fan.
Classification: Region 1-4A
Parking Options (cash only): Premier,
Last Year’s Record: 7-4, 4-3
$10 (closest to the action); Standard, $5 (great access); Free (multiple lots available).
Home Field: The Nest, 1050 Volunteer
OCT. 2
CONNOR BEGLEY
Street, Church Hill
Athletic Director: Kevin Porter Trainer: Chase Johnson
OCT. 23 Cherokee OCT. 30 at Sullivan East * Homecoming ** Senior Night
CARMEN MUSICK
Volunteer plays its home games in its athletics stadium known as The Nest.
Volunteer Falcons Roster 0 - Bryton Landry; SR 1 - Bryson Christian; JR 2 - Colton Huff; JR 3 - Jansen Arnold; SO 4 - Kenyon Maxwell; SR 5 - Halen Mayes; SO 6 - Xavier Shivers; FR 7 - Jordan Reed; JR 8 - Jameson Mowell; S 9 - Brody Patterson; SR 10 - Hayden Grigsby; SO 11 - Miller Schmidt; FR 12 - Tyler Miller; SO 13 - Jaden Huffman; JR 14 - Cayden Checa; SO 15 - Dace Rodefer; SO 16 - Paxton Sword; FR 17 - Eli Garst; FR 18 - Owen Fleenor; SR 19 - John Hale; JR 20 - Conner Williams; JR 21 - Daniel Miller; SO 22 - Conner Begley; SO 23 - Blake Parlier; SO 24 - Conner Greenwell; SO 25 - Xander Martin; JR 26 - Kreid Cornett; FR 27 - Ashton Parks; SO 28 - Silas Jones; FR 29 - Tommy Sadler; JR 30 - Nikael Valdare; 32 - Zadan Ramirez; JR 33 - Jesse Peters; SO 36 - Jimmie Bam Timmons; FR 38 - Nicholas Holtsclaw; FR 42 - Eli Franklin; SO 44 - Tucker Martin; JR 48 - Trevor Jones; FR 50 - Jaxson Frost; SO 51 - Spencer Crigger; SR 54 - Xavier Smith; SO 55 - Sebastian Memis; SR 56 - Carson Griffith; SO 58 - Mathias Reeves; JR 60 - Jacoby Hyatt; SR 61 - Jacob McClain; FR 62 - Wyatt Franklin; JR 66 - AJ Puckett; SO 68 - Jon Mullins; SO 69 - Jason Harrell; JR 70 - Raymond Munoz; JR 72 - Ryder Hicks; JR 75 - Channing Cradic; SO 78 - Gavin Stout; SR 81 - Riley Sanders; FR 88 - Gunner Allen; FR
s
2026 FOOTBALL PREVIEW | 5D
t her oger s v iller e v iew.com
Falcons’ Media Day 2026 OH MG PHOTOGRAPHY
The 2026 Volunteer cheerleaders are Mali Ann Cunningham, Paiden Hotaling, Miah Walters, Paityn Arnold, Rylee Mailloux, Madilyn Templeton, Kaylee Harvey, Payton Justice, Kylee Peters, Madison Herring, Kailynn Swift, Kaylee McDavid and Katelynn Chadwell.
OH MG PHOTOGRAPHY
The 2026 senior football players are (front row, from left) Daniel Miller, Bryton Landry, Jameson Mowell, Sebastian Memis, (second row, from left) Jacoby Hyatt, Owen Fleenor, Kenyon Maxwell, Brody Patterson, Spencer Crigger and Gavin Stout.
OH MG PHOTOGRAPHY
The 2026 Falcons’ coaching staff includes head coach Jeremy Wagner (kneeling) and assistants Jeremy Sommers, Andy Franklin, Mike Castle, Garrison Barrett, Joshua Lovett, Austin Linton and Matt Smith. Not pictured: Eric Morelock.
OH MG PHOTOGRAPHY
The 2026 senior cheerleaders are Carlie Justice, Zeeva Darnell, Utana Derrick, Breanna Johnson, and Caydrian Harris.
OH MG PHOTOGRAPHY
The 2026 senior soccer players, pictured with Coach Mitchell Magill, are Dixie Keck, Raya Kochemba and (not pictured) Sierra Rhoten.
6D | 2026 FOOTBALL PREVIEW
BULLS GAP BULLDOGS
t her oger s v iller e v iew.com
Schedule AUG. 14
Jamboree (at CHS)
AUG. 17
Rogersville Middle
AUG. 20 South Greene AUG. 27 at West Greene SEPT. 10 Rogersville City SEPT. 17 Providence SEPT. 22 at North Greene SEPT. 24 Cosby Kickoff is at 6 p.m.
RANDY BALL | CORRESPONDENT
The 2026 Bulls Gap Bulldogs are: 1-Tee Richards, 2-Riley Heck, 3-Jackson Bullington, 4-Justin Cobb, 5-Braden Sexton, 6-Winston Harloff, 7-Spencer Cinnamon, 9-Eric Gray, 12-Liam Livesay, 13-Eli Clayton, 50-Mitchell Hall, 51-Jacob Arnold, 52-Colston Jarvis, 53-Kolbin Greene, 54-Colt Gilliam, 55-Cam Johnson, 59-William Bentley, 60-Benton Harvey, 61-Luke Lipe and 62-Zander Cormier.
Quick Facts Head coach: Will Price Assistant: Tatem Kennedy Home Field: Bulls Gap Field
Top Returners: Tee Richards, Spencer Cinnamon, Colt Gilliam
Top Newcomers: Zander Cormier, Liam Livesay
Conference: Northeast TN (1-A) HEAD COACH WILL PRICE
ASST. COACH TATEM KENNEDY
Rogersville Middle Warriors
Schedule AUG. 14 Jamboree (at CHS) AUG. 17 at Bulls Gap AUG. 20 West Greene AUG. 27 at Rogersville City (CHS) SEPT. 3
Cosby*
SEPT. 10 South Greene SEPT. 17 Church Hill** SEPT. 24 at Providence * Homecoming ** Eighth Grade Night Kickoff is at 6 p.m. RANDY BALL | CORRESPONDENT
The 2026 Rogersville Middle School Warriors are: 2-Maxin Curl, 3-Jaden Wade, 4-Nic Gonzalez, 5-Mikey Moseley, 10-Boston Kelley, 16-Landon Speed, 20-Ryker Jarvis, 24-Cayson Matthews, 30-Gavin Lawson, 32-Channing Morrison, 44-Riley Falin, 50-Konnor Johnson, 52-Bentlee Gilliam, 55-Denver Ely, 62-Joseph Webb, 63-Xavier Hart, 64-John Shepherd, 70-Seth Richards, 71-Oren Walters, 72-Brantley Bullard, 77-William Curry, 80-Bentley Smith, 83-Kanon Falin, 85-Johnny Perfecto-Smith, 95-Uriah Price and 99-Levi Hill.
Quick Facts Head coach: Matthew Kinkead Assistant coaches: Aaron Woods and
Curl and Channing Morrison
Adam Gilman
Strengths: We have a lot of young guys
Home field: Davis Field
out this year, which is amazing for the program’s future.
Conference: Northeast TN (1-A) Top returners: Brantley Bullard, Ryker Jarvis and Jaden Wade HEAD COACH MATTHEW KINKEAD
Top newcomers: Nicolas Gonzalez, Max
Weaknesses: Leadership will be a struggle this year, as we lost a lot of natural leaders after last season.
ASST. COACH AARON WOODS
CYNTHIA BUNDREN JACKSON Over 30 years of experience ... a tradition of trust and hard work!
2026 FOOTBALL PREVIEW | 7D
t her oger s v iller e v iew.com
ROGERSVILLE CITY WARRIORS Schedule AUG. 14 Jamboree at CHS
AUG. 20 Providence AUG. 27 Rogersville Middle** SEPT. 3
at West Greene
SEPT. 10 at Bulls Gap SEPT. 14 at Church Hill SEPT. 17 Cosby* SEPT. 24 at South Greene * Homecoming ** Eighth Grade Night Kickoff is at 6 p.m. RANDY BALL | CORRESPONDENT
The 2026 Rogersville City Warriors are: 1-Zachary Andies, 5-Kaden Sivert, 7-Hudson Hayes, 9-Dee Posey, 14-Tucker Ellis, 17-Aiden Hill, 28-Baylin Jackson, 32-Milan McAnally, 33-Camden Fender, 42-Logan Hopkins, 44-Benson Gonzalez, 50-Jeramiah Evans, 52-Andy Miller, 61-Sawyer Helton, 64-Ethan Reed, 67-Bradley Cooper, 68-Jensen O’Leary, 72-John Self, 73-Kyle Martin, 75-Emmett Cupp, 76-Levi Cheatham, 78-Knox Matthew, 80-Elliot Denny, 85-Charles Miller and 88-Gentry Thacker.
Quick Facts Head coach: Forrest Gladson Assistant Coaches: Mike Sivert, Sandy Jackson
Home Field: Mike Sivert Field (at Cherokee HS)
Top Returners: Zachary Andies, Kaden Sivert, Hudson Hayes, Dee Posey, Milan McAnally, Logan Hopkins, Andy Miller, Kyle Martin, Levi Cheatham, Knox Matthews.
Strengths: The skill positions and three returning linemen
Conference: Northeast TN (1-A)
Weakness: Overall game experience
RANDY BALL | CORRESPONDENT
HEAD COACH FORREST GLADSON
Cherokee Chiefs JV Schedule AUG. 31 West Ridge SEPT. 7
Sullivan East
OCT. 19
Volunteer Falcons JV Schedule
at David Crockett
OCT. 26 Volunteer Kickoff is at 6 p.m.
SEPT. 14 at Grainger
OCT. 19
Eastside, Va.
AUG. 31 Cumberland Gap
OCT. 26 at Cherokee
SEPT. 14 Elizabethton
SEPT 28 at Seymour OCT. 12
AUG. 21 at Daniel Boone
SEPT. 28 Sullivan East
at Morristown East
OCT. 5
Grainger
OCT. 12
at Unicoi
‘Battle of Hawkins County’ set for Oct. 23
STAFF REPORT | sports@therogersvillereview.com in the series, which started when consolidation ROGERSVILLE — The 2026 edition of the Battle of Hawkins County, one of the region’s most intense rivalries, will take place Friday, Oct. 23 at Volunteer High School. It will be televised on WCYB’s Toyota Friday Night Rivals presented by Powell Valley Bank. Last year, the battle-tested Chiefs — led by senior quarterback Landon Jeffers and leading rusher Jayden Weston — got the better of their Hawkins County neighbors 55-33 to keep the trophy in Rogersville for the fourth straight year. It was a total team effort for Cherokee, which racked up 472 yards to add to its commanding 35-11 lead in the series. The Chiefs’ 55 points set a new series record for most points scored in a game, eclipsing the previous mark of 49 set by Cherokee in 2011 and 2019. Here’s a few facts about the series: The Chiefs now have 35 wins to Volunteer’s 11
CHIEFS FROM PAGE 2 Hard-hitting senior Keaton Rimer is back at linebacker. “Keaton is another guy who plays this game with a physicality that you’ve got to have,” Hensley said. “He causes a lot of havoc there in the backfield, especially when we stunt him.” Senior Landree Helton and freshman Leighton Williams are battling for time at outside linebacker. “Leighton showed up and bowed down to nobody. … He’s a guy that’s going to be known in this area as being a really good football player when he gets a little bit more meat on his bones,” Hensley said. On the back end, the Chiefs have Garrett at cornerback, with Tye Roberts, Luke Elkins and Gonzalez rolling in on the other side. Mowell and Haun will line up at safety. Fans might be surprised to learn that a local soccer player will handle the kicking duties. “The past few years I’ve just been praying we’d get a foreign exchange student in who can do that — and it’s worked out the
created the two high schools in 1980. The biggest point differential is 45, favoring Volunteer following a 48-3 win in 2021. The series has featured seven shutouts, three by Cherokee and four by Volunteer. Jeremy Wagner is Volunteer’s 13th head coach in the series. Cherokee has had six head coaches, including Josh Hensley who is now 4-1 against his alma mater. Both Wagner and Hensley played for the Falcons and graduated from Volunteer. The longest win streak is 12 by Cherokee (20082019). Volunteer has never won more than three in a row, and those were the first three games of the series (1980-1982). The last time Volunteer won the Battle of Hawkins County was in 2021 when Garrison Barrett — now on the Falcons’ coaching staff — completed 12 of 16 passes for 256 yards and two
touchdowns in a 48-3 win on the Chiefs’ senior night during the christening of Mike Sivert Field. Sivert, the veteran Cherokee coach, was 26-6 in his career against Volunteer.
BEFORE CONSOLIDATION SERIES RECORD Church Hill — 16 wins, 2 ties Rogersville — 12 wins, 2 ties
Most points scored: 33, Church Hill (1956) Biggest point differential: 30, Church Hill (Won 30-0 in 1974)
Shutouts: Church Hill 9, Rogersville 1 Longest streak: 4 (once by each team) Games decided by 7 points or less: 15 of 30
CHAD LASTER
The trophy has remained in Big Red Valley for four straight seasons.
past two years for us,” Hensley said with a chuckle. “This year, we finally got a soccer kid in Colton Engle, who showed up and has a natural ability to kick the ball straight.” Cherokee made its second consecutive playoff appearance last season, but the Chiefs drew the short straw with a firstround loss to eventual Class 4A state champion Alcoa. If they hope to make it three in row, the key word is growth. “Right now, I think it’s just execution and assignments. We’re going to sharpen that blade as much as we can,” Hensley said. “I’m excited about this season. I don’t know if we’re going to win a game or not. I’m never going to be a coach to predict any of that. But, I know whoever we play is going to feel us. They’re going to know they got into a fight with the Chiefs.”
LOOKING AHEAD Cherokee opens the 2026 season against Pigeon Forge on Friday, Aug. 21 in Big Red Valley. Kickoff is at 7:30 p.m. The Chiefs went on the road and defeated the Tigers 34-13 in last year’s season opener. Cherokee will travel to Campbell County on Aug. 28 and open regional play on Sept. 4 at Sullivan East.
BOBBY VAUGHN | CORRESPONDENT
All-state running back Jayden Weston returns to lead the Chiefs’ offense.
8D | 2026 FOOTBALL PREVIEW
CHURCH HILL PANTHERS
t her oger s v iller e v iew.com
Schedule AUG. 14 Jamboree (at CHS) AUG. 17
Rogersville Middle
AUG. 20 South Greene AUG. 27 at West Greene SEPT. 10 Rogersville City SEPT. 17 Providence SEPT. 22 at North Greene SEPT. 24 Cosby Kickoff is at 6 p.m. RANDY BALL | CORRESPONDENT
The 2026 Church Hill Panthers are: 0-Mason Martin, 1-Kaiden Overbey, 2-Blake Davidson, 3-Eli White, 4-James Bruner, 5-Hunter Davidson, 6-Adam Morris, 7-Brooks Wolfe, 8-AJ Fraley, 11-Ryder Amos, 12-Easton Davidson, 13-Brentley Easterling, 14-Shaun Evans, 15-JT Parsons, 16-Jase Patterson, 17-Henry Jones, 18-Brantley Ramsey, 19-Carson Adams, 20-Trevor Hyder, 24-Jack Pruner, 25-Ryder Leatherman, 27-Konor Brown, 33-Mason Peters, 40-Barrett Hammonds, 44-Colton White, 46-Jayden Sayler, 50-Brylie Roberson, 56-Jacob Breeding, 58-Miller Bennett, 61-Lathan Pishner, 63-Liam Duncan, 64-Jonah Stout, 65-Kaleb Famiano, 67-Jackson Bates, 68-Jackson Matthews, 70-Silas Mullins, 71-Weston Roberts, 72-Toby Jones, 75-Kaine Dishner, 76-Gavin Hensley, 78-Malaki Reeves, 79-Jaxson Lane, 88-Lily Baskett-Sturgill, 90-Boone Patterson, 99-Carter Hamilton.
Quick Facts Head coach: Jeremy Jones Assistants: Chase Combs, Kirby Walker, Glyn Cuthrell
Home Field: J.W. Salley Field at Mike
HEAD COACH JEREMY JONES
The 2026 Church Hill coaching staff includes head coach Jeremy Jones and assistants Kirby Walker, Chase Combs and Glyn Cuthrell.
Martin, Blake Davidson, Kaiden Overbay, Gavin Hensley, Toby Jones, Brylie Roberson, Kaleb Famiano, Colton White
Top Newcomers: Boone Patterson,
Johnson Memorial Stadium
Easton Davidson, Hunter Davidson, Shaun Evans, Jack Pruner
Conference: Area 1-AA
Strengths: Offensive line and running
Top Returners: Mason Peters, Mason
backs
SURGOINSVILLE EAGLES
Schedule AUG. 13
at Parrottsville
AUG. 18
White Pine (at VHS)
AUG. 25 Northview Academy AUG. 27 Unaka SEPT. 3
at Tri Cities Academy
SEPT. 10 at Rush Strong SEPT. 17 North Greene SEPT. 22 at Hancock County Kickoff is at 6:30 p.m.
OH MG PHOTOGRAPHY
The 2026 Surgoinsville Eagles are: 3-Chevie Barker, 5-Liam Santora, 7-Ruben Johnson, 11-Ethan Taylor, 13-Luciano Reinoso, 15-Hayden Manis, 17-Raylan Haun, 22-Elyjah Sizemore, 23-Marciano Ashford, 26-Maddox Miller, 29-Tristan Shively, 43-Daniel Wilmoth, 44-Anthony Temple, 45-Liam Davidson, 50-Jase Thacker, 52-Hunter Henard, 55-Malcom Matlock, 57-Avery LaFollette, 58-Nathan Armstrong, 64-Jaxson Hoffman, 80-Dwight Dyer, 97-JJ Goforth, 99-Channing Taylor and manager-Noah Sizemore.
Quick Facts Head coach: Anthony Santora
Top Returners: Daniel Wilmoth, William
Assistants: Sonnie Barker, Ethan Crook
Santora, Ruben Johnson, JJ Goforth, Malcom Matlock, Anthony Temple
Home Field: The Eagles Nest
HEAD COACH ANTHONY SANTORA
The 2026 Surgoinsville Eagles coaching staff includes head coach Anthony Santora (center) and assistants Sonnie Barker and Ethan Crook.
Conference: Appalachia Mountain East
Top Newcomers: Jace Thacker, Elijah Sizemore, Chevie Barker
Your Locally-Owned Independent Pharmacy
U-SAVE
100 Bearing Drive | Rogersville, TN 37857 423-235-5045 | dodgeindustrial.com We
• C C • A • V • U • A O
Drug Center We Offer: Pharmacy • 423-272-6408 • Custom Compounding Gift Center • 423-272-3882 • Allergy Shots Hwy. 66 Shopping Center Celebrating Rogersville, TN • Vaccines 50 years in Mon. - Sat.: 9am to 7pm October Sun.: 2pm to 5pm • UPS Shipping • A “Gift for Every Occasion” www.usavephcy.com A Medicare and Medicaid Provider
We are proud to live and work in the Rogersville community.
Voted Hawkins County Best Of The Best Industry
2026 FOOTBALL PREVIEW | 9D
t her oger s v iller e v iew.com
FOOTBALL 2026 Region 1-4A Quick Facts
Cherokee Chiefs
Head coach: Josh Hensley Colors: Red, white, black Last year: 7-4 (4-3) Playoff appearances: 18 Last playoff appearance: 2025 Home field: Mike Sivert Field, 2927 Hwy. 66 South, Rogersville
Elizabethton Cyclones
Greeneville Greene Devils
Head coach: Eddie Spradlen Colors: Green, white Last year: 12-2 (7-0) Playoff appearances: 36 Last playoff appearance: 2025 State championships: 4 (2018, 2017, 2011, 2010) Home field: Burley Stadium, 210 Tusculum Blvd., Greeneville
Head coach: Shawn Witten Colors: Burnt orange, black Last year: 8-3 (6-1) Playoff appearances: 36 Last playoff appearance: 2025 State championships: 3 (2020, 2019, 1938) Home field: Citizens Bank Stadium, 907 Jason Witten Way, Elizabethton
Northview Academy Cougars
Grainger Grizzlies
Seymour Eagles
Head coach: Michael Manis Colors: Navy blue, orange Last year: 3-7 (1-6) Playoff appearances: 21 Last playoff appearance: 2022 Home field: 2201 Hwy. 11W South, Rutledge
Head coach: Justin Anderson Colors: Green, gold Last year: 4-6 (3-4) Playoff appearances: 4 Last playoff appearance: 2024 Home field: 2719 Northview Academy Lane, Kodak
Sullivan East Patriots
Head coach: J.C. Simmons Colors: Red, white, blue Last year: 0-10 (0-7) Playoff appearances: 8 Last playoff appearance: 2023 Home field: 4180 Weaver Pike, Bluff City
Volunteer Falcons
Head coach: Jeremy Wagner Colors: Royal blue, orange and white Last year: 7-4 (4-3) Playoff appearances: 7 Last playoff appearance: 2025 Home field: Falcons Stadium, 1050 Volunteer St., Church Hill
Head coach: Caleb Olive Colors: Navy, gold Last year: 5-5 (3-4) Playoff appearances: 27 Last playoff appearance: 2022 Home field: 732 Boyds Creek Hwy., Seymour
FOOTBALL 2026 Region 1-4A Weekly Schedule Here is the 2026 weekly schedule for Region 1-4A high school football:
FRIDAY, SEPT. 25
Johnson Co. at Sullivan East
Cherokee at Seymour* Grainger at Sullivan East* Elizabethton at Northview* Sevier County at Greeneville Volunteer - open date
FRIDAY, AUG. 21
FRIDAY, OCT. 2
THURSDAY, AUG. 20 Pigeon Forge at Cherokee Volunteer at Daniel Boone Grainger at Claiborne Science Hill at Elizabethton Morristown West at Greeneville Northview Academy at Knoxville Carter Gatlinburg-Pittman at Seymour
FRIDAY, AUG. 28
Cherokee at Campbell County Claiborne at Volunteer Grainger at Union County Greeneville at Upperman Northview at Unicoi County Seymour at Pigeon Forge Sullivan East at Chuckey-Doak Tennessee High at Elizabethton
THURSDAY, SEPT. 3 Cocke County at Seymour Greeneville at Northview*
FRIDAY, SEPT. 4
Greeneville at Cherokee* Grainger at Elizabethton* Northview at Volunteer* Sullivan East at Seymour*
FRIDAY, OCT. 9 Chuckey-Doak at Volunteer Seymour at Northview* Unicoi County at Grainger Cherokee - open date Elizabethton - open date Greeneville - open date Sullivan East - open date
FRIDAY, OCT. 16 David Crockett at Cherokee Volunteer at Greeneville* Elizabethton at Sullivan East* Grainger - open date Northview - open date Seymour - open date
FRIDAY, OCT. 23
Cherokee at Sullivan East* Volunteer at Grainger* Elizabethton at West Ridge
Cherokee at Volunteer* Elizabethton at Seymour* Greeneville at Grainger* Sullivan East at Northview*
FRIDAY, SEPT. 11
FRIDAY, OCT. 30
Grainger at Cherokee* Volunteer at Elizabethton* Sullivan East at Eagleton CCA Pigeon Forge at Northview Seymour at Greeneville*
FRIDAY, SEPT. 18 Cherokee at Elizabethton* Seymour at Volunteer* Northview at Grainger* Sullivan East at Greeneville*
JUSTICE STONEWORKS LLC GRANITE • QUAR TZ • MARB RBLE • SOAPSTONE COUNTER TOPS
Northview at Cherokee* Volunteer at Sullivan East* Greeneville at Elizabethton* Seymour at Grainger*
New colors in ock!
New Colorss in stock! Visit us online www.justicestoneworksllc.net
Low Prices Guaranteed! Call us today for a FREE Quote!
423-272-70266 248 Clifford Price Loop, Mooresburg, TN
10D | 2026 FOOTBALL PREVIEW
t her oger s v iller e v iew.com
Hard work and planning... Lots of proper training... Good Sportsmanship... Dedication to the team... Enjoying what you do....
One Goal ...Success! As in the game of football, so it is in livi living day by day. It is an honor and a privilege to serve the h citizens izen of Hawkins and Hancock Counties.
425 5th Avenue North, Suite 640 Cordell Hull Bldg. Nashville, TN 37243 Phone 615-741-7480
Paid for byy Rep. Garyy W. Hicks, Jr.
G Gary a y W. W. H Hicks, ic s, JJR. R. Wishing W ishing y you ou tthe he v very e yb best est sseason eason e ever! ver!