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CHIEFS
It is never cliche to say “New year, new team!”, especially in the world of high school football. This new 2024 season is no different for Sequoyah High School and the Chiefs, who are looking for third time’s a charm under Derrick Vestal and his third season as head coach. The anticipation behind this season for the Sequoyah community is palpable, as each fan wants to see the Chiefs build on the wins from last year.
DERRICK VESTAL
The Chiefs will certainly be working through the loss of senior leadership from last year, but there are plenty of upperclassmen athletes pushing the Chiefs toward victory this coming season. Coach Vestal has seen that there are some changes that need to be made, and many of them are going to start with the leadership within the team. He is working diligently to build this year’s team to a higher level
Head Coach 3rd Season
of personal responsibility: “This year, we want our players to have week-to-week earned captains’ spots. We want this to keep the guys motivated throughout the season, developing leaders. I want the team to see what a leader is on a consistent basis, working on the teaching process instead of an entitled position.”
Coach Vestal added, “I’ve never been more excited to see a group of athletes work and grow together.”
SEQUOYAH CHIEFS REGION 3 AAAA
OFFENSE: SPREAD DEFENSE: 4-3
Certainly, the Chiefs’ leadership will be seen amongst the senior class, one that has seen their first victories as Chiefs during last season. One of the most important returning players is senior Aaron Hunt, repeating his role as quarterback. “Aaron brings a mature quality to the leadership on this team,” Vestal gushes. “ Hunt has no problem reading the field as the play develops and can motivate the boys through the next play and towards the win. Hunt can visualize what comes next.”
Article by: Brittany Lynn | Sequoyah Photos: Posed by Merriam Fields and Jalen Sharp , Action by Jerry Denham
2024 SEQUOYAH HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS
Aaron Hunt
Dallas Tallent
Landon Slack
Aiden Givens
Keith Gentry
Logan Sosnowski
Ben Ridge
Kody Parker
Luke Brackett
Maddox Jones
Theo Spurling
Trevon Brown
Hunt will be sitting behind “the largest O-Line I’ve ever had playing for me,” Coach Vestal said, and Vestal’s father, his offensive line Coach Billy Vestal, agrees wholeheartedly. This line includes seniors Landon Slack and Ben Ridge, who will be blocking for Hunt; Slack has been a solid and constant representation of the Chiefs’ ability on the line. Ridge has displayed a work effort that has set him apart in his second year on the team. Running back senior Theo Spurling will be coached this year by newcomer Jalen Sharp. Spurling is versatile and able to read the gaps well, especially noting when to cut to the outside and follow the block. Wide receivers’ coach Avery Jones also has some older boys returning – Maddox Jones and Keith Gentry are both bringing plenty of experience to the throwing game. “We’re hoping to expand our abilities in the deep game,” Vestal elaborates. “There will be plenty of opportunities created for Hunt to find his receivers while sitting behind this line.” Defensively, there are plenty of new leaders coming into the forefront. The D-Line will have returning seniors Trevon Brown and Dallas Tallent with junior Levi Jones serving as anchor. “When you combine Brown’s freak athleticism with the solid hard-to-handle strength of Jones and Tallent, you can see the possibilities.” Coach Josh Alexander will be working with the defensive line and Coach Drew Carson will continue working with the younger backs, building off of the excellent defensive foundation from Coach Vestal’s first two years. “With every year comes improvement, and as they improve, the kids become more confident in their abilities to step up,” Coach Vestal explains.
2023 SEASON RESULTS
There is also plenty of newer blood in the Chief mix. Coach Vestal sees this as a great advantage: “Every team expects their underclassmen to come up and fill in the losses from the year before, but this group has the potential to be a true team.” Specifically, sophomores Eli Ellis and Evan Hunt will be working to earn points on Friday nights as will freshmen Caden West and Carter Tallent. Coach Brandon Looney will be rotating players in on Special Teams as will new Coach Andrew Tyus with the linebackers. However, Vestal wants the team to see every game as big: “Each game needs to be executed with specifics in mind, and each game needs to be approached with a 0-0 season record mentality.” The Chiefs will be looking toward each week as if there is nothing behind them and only reaching for the next win. Vestal wants each game to also be an opportunity for growth and improvement.
Of course, the whole team is also focused on encouraging fellow Chief Kayla Couch, one of the sophomore cheerleaders, through her cancer treatment. Kayla and her family have been part of this community forever and Kayla’s fight is well-known. And of course, Kayla was able to beat brain cancer before, but it has come back. The entire Chief Nation is supporting Kayla 100%. “Kayla is a priority for us. We want her whole family to know – and our whole school to know – that we are rallying behind her this season.” Coach Vestal added, “This isn’t about paying some money to give to some cause. This is about knowing Kayla and how hard she is fighting. We have to be there for her, and her fight affects us all personally.”
We are all looking forward to the Chiefs’ 2024 season and the expectations for success – both on and off the field. This is a big sport, but some things just matter more, and the Chiefs will be #kaylastrong this fall.
2024 SEQUOYAH CHIEFS FOOTBALL ROSTER
“I’ve never been more excited to see a group of athletes work and grow together.”
— Derrick Vestal, Head Coach
2024 Sequoyah Chiefs Football SCHEDULE
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2024 SEQUOYAH HIGH SCHOOL COACHING STAFF
Front Row
(left to right)
Andrew Tyus
Drew Carson
Derrick Vestal
Billy Vestal
Avery Jones
Back row
(left to right)
Brandon Looney
Jalen Sharp
Josh Alexander
2024 SEQUOYAH HIGH SCHOOL CHEERLEADERS
2024
SEQUOYAH HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS
Front row (left to right) Macy Raper, Kaysen Butler, Taylor Atkins, Lydia McDaniel, Chloe Saffles
Back row (left to right) Rhianna Garren, Caroline Britton, Grace Grieger, Lily Witt, Mackenzie Lyons, Callie Garren, Kayson Sloan, Abby Belcher, Kayla Couch, Lilly Cochran
Kaysen Butler
Lydia McDaniel Mackenzie Lyons
Taylor Atkins
Left: Theo Spurling carries the ball in a scrimmage against Ooltewah.
Above: Coach Vestal gets cooled off after a BIG WIN against Tellico Plains last season.
SWEETWATER HIGH SCHOOL
WILDCATS
TOMMY BUNCH, JR. Head Coach 1st Season
When Sweetwater started last season with a new coach, everyone expected 2024 to be a year to build off what had been started. However, a bunch of things have changed around the Wildcat program. Most notably is the addition of Tommy Bunch, Jr as the head coach. After a season of complications, the Wildcats are once again starting over. Bunch is not an unfamiliar name to Sweetwater fans. He played and coached for several years at Meigs County. Last year, Bunch led the Tigers to a perfect 10-0 regular season before eventually losing to Giles County in the third round of the playoffs. So, why make a change? “Personally, I felt like I needed a change,” Bunch said. “My wife and I felt that the time was right to branch out so that I could grow personally and professionally. When this job came open, I was attracted here first of
all because of the community. In addition to that, I saw an opportunity to win here at a very high level. I see this as an opportunity to rebuild a program to its glory days.”
SWEETWATER WILDCATS REGION 3 AAA
OFFENSE: SPREAD DEFENSE: 3-4
Bunch immediately went to work establishing the type of culture he feels is needed to achieve success. Much to his liking, the team is “buying in” to what he is asking them to do. He has also initiated things such as locker room and facility improvements so that the team can see he is willing to invest in them therefore they need to invest as well.
When asked if there was anything about Sweetwater that pleasantly surprised him, it came back to one word again….. bunch. This time, he was talking about how many players he had. As of the time of this writing, the Wildcats have 72 young men practicing, including 30 freshmen.
Article by: Artie Gross | Sweetwater Photos by Doodle Bivens
2024 SWEETWATER HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS
Silas Brown
Landen Gentry
Trent Mizer
Quentin Croft
Andrew Hadorn
Lucas Rockholt
Jacob Dyer
Gray Hicks
Lucas Stamey
Wildcats Preview
From page 17
The big question with a new coach always revolves around what style of game does he like to play. Bunch stated that he has a philosophy, but when he got to Sweetwater, he realized he may have to tweak it. “Six months ago I would have said we are going to run the ball 90% of the time. Seeing what type of players we have, we’re going to have to be a little different. We have a very talented quarterback in Nolan Dacus. He can throw the deep ball, the short ball, whatever.” With the quarterback position secured, Bunch was able to use spring practice to search for a backup. The front runner for that is Isaiah Stiles, although his primary responsibility will be as a receiver. Freshman Bryson Bonnough has also been working hard to adjust to the high school game this summer. Jeremiah Parris gives Sweetwater the ability to run the “Wildcat” formation if they desire. Having a quarterback that can throw is great, but someone has to catch it “We have a deep receiver corps to go along with Nolan’s strong arm”, Bunch said. Some of the names you can expect to hear catching those passes are Parris, Stiles, Lucas Rockholt, Tyler Beasley, Zayvien Gary, and Koby McCosh A big addition to the team this year is Hunter Daffron who just happened to be the favorite target of Dacus in junior high. Although Bunch may be looking to throw the ball more than he normally would this season, the Wildcats still expect to have a strong run game. Ty Fitch will be leading the charge out of the backfield. Look for Codi James to provide the punch in short yardage situations. Parris could also see some time in the offensive backfield along with Landon Murphy. “I don’t know what percentage we are going to be pass/run yet,” said Bunch, “but I do know that we are going to be exciting to watch. I believe you have to run the football to win in November, and we plan to play in November.”
Coming from a run first background, Bunch knows how important the offensive line is. Now that he is anticipating having to protect a throwing quarterback, the o-line becomes doubly important. Names that are expected to start up front include Lucas Stamey, Silas Brown, Landen Gentry, and Hayden Osbourne. Some of those that are fighting hard for that final spot include Andrew Hadorn, Luke Dalton, and Corbin Nile. Another player that could be making the change from the back-
2023 SEASON RESULTS
field to the line is Trenten Mizer.
When it comes to the defensive side of the ball, Bunch said, “We’re going to blitz a lot, move people around on the defensive front, play multiple coverages, we’re going to be fun to watch on that side of the ball.” Preferably, Bunch would like for his starting offensive linemen to not have to start both ways although they would be available to provide breaks for the d-line. In addition to the names listed above that don’t start on the o-line, some of those that could be manning the defensive line include Ayden Steffa and Elijah Arden
As for linebackers, the two major concerns are finding the right combination and keeping people fresh as many of them will also be playing offense. Sweetwater will use a 3-4 look as their base defense. Those vying for playing time at linebacker include Zack O’Daniel and Ryder Powell, as well as James, Murphy, Fitch, Rockholt, and Brown. Bunch said, “All of those kids are probably going to see the field on Friday nights. We just have to figure out what the best package is.”
The defensive backfield will be a very young and inexperienced group. According to their coach, however, they are very talented and very coachable. In addition to Parris, Stiles, Daffron, Beasley, Gary and McCosh, those fighting for playing time include Jacob Dyer and Dominic Yoemans
The kicking duties, including punting, will be handled by Bryce Teutimez. He is described by his coach as a “true kicker.’ Others that are looking to secure some time on special teams include Gray Hicks and Aiden McKenzie
Only time will tell what the coming season holds for the Wildcats. The one thing we know for certain is that Sweetwater is expecting a Bunch of good things.
2024 SWEETWATER WILDCATS FOOTBALL ROSTER
2024 Sweetwater Wildcats Football SCHEDULE
2024 SWEETWATER HIGH SCHOOL COACHING STAFF
Front row (left to right) Bryson Grabowski, Ben Norwood, Jamie Price, Dustin Latham
Second Row (left to right) Trey Phillips, Tommy Bunch Jr., Brett King, Jerel Smith
Back Row (left to right) Chad Grabowski, Tommy Bunch Sr., Anthony Duprey
Shining the Light of Jesus
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2024 SWEETWATER HIGH SCHOOL CHEERLEADERS
Front
Not pictured: Mahala Tuttle , Aubrey Kate Davis, Haylea Miller, Olivia Bowers, Jack Henry Davis, Nancy Alford, Kenzie Walker
2024 SWEETWATER HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS
Back Row (left to right) Sarah Hutchinson, Emily Campbell, Katie Bowman, Daisy Hawkins, Kamyah McBee, Madison Nichols, Adriana Morales
Second Row (left to right) Lexan Cannon, Andrea Jones, Laney Cofer, Kennady Westfield, Lyric Killabrew, Kennadi Johnson, Cloe Smith
Row (left to right) Lindsey Ottinger, Paisley Isbill, Ashlyn Presley, Allie Cofer
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Above: Sophomore Nolan Dacus is set to be the Wildcats’ starting signal caller this season.
Left: Junior Jeremiah Parris is one of Sweetwater’s most versatile offensive weapons.
TELLICO PLAINS HIGH SCHOOL
BEARS
When I walked into the Tellico Bears Football facility, I could tell that something was different from the previous two seasons. There was a more business-like atmosphere, more excitement, and the players and coaches were definitely more anxious to get this 2024 football season underway. Why you may ask? It’s all because of everything that has transpired since the loss to Harriman last season. The team suffered a devastating loss to the Blue Devils and after that loss, the Bears played with more passion and determination. “I believe we are a battle tested team that is hungry and ready to win,” Coach White said as he described his team.
BOBBY WHITE Head Coach 3rd Season
This 2024 Bears football team has the tools, the desire, and the leadership to have a great 2024 season. This senior class is full of leaders. These seniors have taken it upon themselves
to be a positive influence on all the lower classmen. They are setting the bar high and the others are definitely following.
This is Coach Bobby White’s third season at the helm for the Bears. Usually when a new coach takes over a program, it’s generally in that third year that fans can really tell a huge difference. From what I’ve seen, I believe the fans are in for an exciting football season.
TELLICO PLAINS BEARS REGION 2 AA
OFFENSE: PRO SPREAD DEFENSE: 4-3
Let’s look at this year’s offense and what Coach White had to say about it. At receiver, look for Baby J. (Braden Reed) to have a spectacular season. Baby J. is taller, stronger, and has added some weight. He’s great at going and getting those 50/50 balls. Coach White is really excited about him because he was one of their top receivers last year and with his work ethic and his size, look for the passing game to be much better this season. Returning this season after spending one season at Heri-
Article by: Jeff Anderson | Tellico Photos: Posed by Doodle Bivens and Scott Shapiro , Action by Scott Shapiro
2024 TELLICO PLAINS HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS
Michael Baker
Bradyn Enterline
Omar Miller
Zack Bellew
Austin Hall
Braden Reed
Eden Byers
Adam Holley
Ryan Shaffer
Chance Shapiro
Easton Shaw
Gabe Sherwood
Jesse Winger
From page 29
tage is Braden Enterline. He will be another receiver that can go up and catch those 50/50 balls. Coach White said that Enterline was almost like having a running back at the receiver position because he’s 190 lbs and will lower that shoulder and run over you. But believe it or not, Enterline will probably help more on the defensive side of the ball.
The slot receiver will be Junior Ike Hollinghead. Ike had to play early and often as an underclassman. But, with that experience and his strength, Ike will most definitely be a playmaker this season. This season Ike is more mature and more focused. He’s bigger at about 180 lbs and is ready to make his mark. On defense, Ike is a hitter. He seeks contact and loves to deliver a blow.
Austin Hall will play the Hback/tight end position. Austin has gotten bigger and stronger this offseason as well. He has greatly improved his blocking from that H-back/tight end position but also has good hands. Look for Austin to play a key role in the Bears running game this season.
At the quarterback position will be returning starter, Omar Miller. Omar won the starting role outright in the spring as he had some excellent competition from Ryan Shaffer and Ike Hollinghead. Omar has bought in and has been working hard to improve his game. From what I saw in the spring game, Omar has definitely improved and will be someone that defenses will have a hard time stopping this season.
The running back position is strong. The Bears return two time All State player Chance Shapiro and back this season
2023 SEASON RESULTS
Opponent
after two knee surgeries will be Ryan Shaffer. When Shaffer, Shapiro, and Miller are in the backfield at the same time, they could be unstoppable. Nathaniel Bivens will also play a key role at the running back position. Bivens is big, strong, and fast. Bivens has made some big plays his first two seasons for the Bears and will also fill in at the linebacker position on defense. Bivens is probably the strongest skilled position player that the Bears have.
On defense, this could be Coach White’s best defense ever. Austin Hall was moved to defensive end after the Harriman loss last season and has really stepped up and found a home there. At the other defensive end will be Adam Holley. Holley has grown tremendously since last season and has turned into an awesome leader for the Bears. Holley is bigger and stronger and with Hall and Holley at the defensive end positions, the Bears have above average book-ends.
At defensive tackle, the Bears will rotate some because they have three or four guys that can play. Junior Landon Hanby will probably start at one tackle. He has improved tremendously since last season and Landon had just an outstanding spring. He’s quick and strong and guys have a hard time blocking him.
QB Omar Miller drops back to pass in a scrimmage against Copper Basin.
Result
25-31
At linebacker, the Bears return starter and All State Chance Shapiro. Teams try to run away from him but Chance can and does run it down from the backside. He’s just a playmaker stated Coach White. And right beside Chance will be Ryan Shaffer. If Shaffer had not been hurt the last two seasons, the Bears would probably have had two All State players.
In the secondary will be cornerback Braden Enterline who was an All Region defensive back his sophomore year. Baby J. will also be at the corner. Those two should lock the corners down for the Bears in this 24 season. Omar Miller and Trevor Kibler will be playing safety. Kibler is tall and quick and has excellent range. Freshman Gio Carter could also see playing time in the secondary.
The Bears offensive line should be good. At center will be Eden Byers. Coach White said that Byers was probably one of the smartest centers he has ever coached. Very knowledgeable of the offense and the lightbulb really came on after last year’s Harriman game. Byers will be the leader of the offensive line. Returning at right guard will be All Region Jaden Driver. Driver graded out as their top lineman last year. The strongest player on the Bears roster will line up at right tackle, Gabe Sherwood. Sophomore Lynkon Hamilton will line up at the left guard position. He has grown a lot since his Freshman season. He is now around 6’1” and 250 lbs. At left tackle will be Junior Hayden Phillips. He’s bigger and thicker and looks to have a great 2024 season.
This 2024 football season is shaping up to be a good one for the Tellico Bears. This team wants to be talked about in years to come as one of the best to ever wear the maroon colors. After all, Maroon means something!
Senior Braden Reed is off to races during a scrimmage this summer.
Senior
2024 TELLICO PLAINS BEARS FOOTBALL ROSTER
“Success isn’t measured by money or power or social rank.
Tellico Plains Bears Football SCHEDULE
0822 Wren Rock quarter FB.indd 1
2024 TELLICO PLAINS HIGH SCHOOL CHEERLEADERS
2024 TELLICO PLAINS HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS
Back row (left to right) Kaylee Walker, Ava Dicandio, Rhealie Williams, Bailey Russell, Cheyenne Zimmerman-Leaf, Aleah McDaniel Middle row (left to right) Autumn Carter, Kameryn Keys Front row (left to right) Zuri Smith - Co-Captain, Mahayla McJunkin - Captain
Mahayla McJunkin
Zuri Smith
Bottom row (left to right) Trevor Hunt, Bobby White, Cody Yates
Top row (left to right) Nathan Lynn, Kevin Ervin, Stone Gray, Josh Mullinax
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CARDIOLOGY
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Malcom Foster, M.D. (865) 392-3400
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Robert Martyn, M.D. (865) 392-2400)
Ravi Mehta, M.D. (865) 392-3400
Benjamin Shepple , M.D. (865) 544-2800
FAMILY PRACTICE
Tracey Beverley, M.D. (865) 213-8200 Madisonville, TN
Lacie Gudger, F.N.P.
Caitlin Kile, DNP, F.N.P-C
Ben Coffey, D.O. (865) 213-8200
Olga Lutsyk, D.O. (865) 657-3755 Loudon, TN
GASTRO/ INTERNAL MEDICINE
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