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A SPecial Section of
The Lebanon Democrat
MT juliet news
the hartsville vidette
Ricky Harrison (52), Chase Dallas (40), Matt Thomas (18), Trousdale County Coach David Barker. Photo: Chris Gregory

Page 2

GRIDIRON GUIDE 2015

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GRIDIRON GUIDE 2015

Page 3

Page 4

GRIDIRON GUIDE 2015

Friendship Christian School

Commanders carry more depth into 2015 campaign

Friendship Christian
Commanders
Div. II Class A East & Middle Region
Head Coach: John McNeal
2014 record: 10-2
Last playoff season: 2014, lost in state
quarterfinal to St. Georges

2015 SCHEDULE

By Andy Reed, Lebanon Democrat

Friendship Christians lineup was

somewhat in a state of flux during
the early days of fall practice.
But that wasnt a bad thing. Longtime coach John McNeal and his staff
had a lot of good players to choose
from.
There are a lot of positions we
havent settled yet, McNeal said earlier this month. Were running two
different groups.
Linewise, weve got more depth
than weve had in a while. We have
jobs open and were going to see who
fills them at pretty much all of the
positions. Offensive line, weve got
some young guys, but we have more
depth than weve had in a while. At
wide receiver, we have a good core
there. Were not locked in to a couple. Running back, we have four guys
whove run well this fall.
One position which is settled is
quarterback, where 6-foot-2, 210pound sophomore Mike Jones Jr. will
shoulder more of the load after workhorse running backs/receivers Austin
Taylor and Steven Hollis graduated.
Jones name pops up regularly on
the recruiting websites on the top100 lists. He passed for more than
400 yards and five touchdowns while
rushing for 750 yards and 10 scores
as a freshman.
Sophomore JaJuan (Speedy) Foutch
(5-8, 165) brings speed to the backfield where he will join junior Spencer Burge (5-7, 150) and rotate with

Aug. 21
at Davidson Academy
7 p.m.
Aug. 28
Battle Ground Academy 7:30 p.m.
Sept. 4
*at Knoxville Webb 6:30 p.m. CDT
Sept 18
Franklin Road Academy 7:30 p.m.
Oct. 2
*at Mt. Juliet Christian
7 p.m.
Oct. 9
at Northwest
7 p.m.
Oct. 16
*Donelson Christian
7 p.m.
Oct. 23
at Portland
7 p.m.
Oct. 30
Lancaster Christian
7 p.m.

*East-Middle District 1-A game

Photos: Andy Reed, Lebanon Democrat

Freshman Luke Smith (left in top photo)

battles sophomore Matthew Skeen (62)
in a line drill.
Quarterback Mike Jones Jr. (1) will also be
on the lookout from the defensive secondary.
Running back/receiver Parker Hodges
(far right photo) makes a leaping catch
against Dalton Karstens (13).

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Castle Heights

214 North Castle Heights Ave. Ste. A Lebanon

453-9702

Wes Dugan
Agency Manager

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Auto Home Life

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senior Chris Mickle (511, 180) and sophomore

Ben Jamison (5-10,
200).
Seniors Will Burruss
(6-0, 165), Hayden
White (6-2, 180) and
Marshall Taylor (6-0,
220) return at wide
receiver and will be
joined by senior Parker
Hodges (6-2, 170). Taylor will also line up at
tight end where senior
Gene Carman (5-10,
215) and sophomore
Jackson Cherry (5-11,
170) also work.
Up front where the
Commanders lost three
seniors from last years
10-2 season, senior
Joshua Eatherly (5-10,
210) and freshman Luke
Smith (6-0, 220) are
vying for the center position. Juniors Hunter
Williams (6-4, 280) and
Brady Stovall (6-3, 230)
and junior Nick Norton
(6-1, 240) are working
at tackle while senior
Luke Shoulders (5-8,
220), junior transfer
Chris Draper (6-3, 280)
and sophomore Matthew Skeen (6-3, 270)
are laboring at guard.
On defense, sophomore Cade Powers (6-0,
250) will join Norton,
Shoulders and Skeen at
tackle. Stovall, Eatherly
and Smith will join junior Gregory Elliott (6-4,
220) at end.
Carman, Taylor and
senior Gage Bentley are
the veteran linebackers.
Carman racked up 121
tackles, including 17
for loss and three sacks
with three fumble recoveries in 2014.
In the secondary,
Jones, White and
Mickle are back at
safety while Foutch,
Hodges and Jamison
rotate at cornerback
with Burruss and sophomore Chad Holcombe
also in the mix.
Friendship has been
blessed with reliable
extra-point kickers in
recent seasons. But
McNeal is having to go
deeper to find kickers
and punters this time
around. Burruss won
the PAT contest by a
wide margin, McNeal
said. Jones was the
punter at the end of last
season and will be in
the mix with Carman
and sophomore Zach
Greene.
As for kickoffs?
We dont have a true
kicker, McNeal said.
Well just have to get
an athlete and go with
the best we have on
kickoffs.

GRIDIRON GUIDE 2015

Page 5

lebanon high school

Playoff-bound Blue Devils seek first win since 13

2015 SCHEDULE

By Andy Reed, Lebanon Democrat

After failing to break into the win

column in 2014, the Lebanon Blue
Devils wont have to worry about
making the 15 playoffs.
Due to the TSSAAs latest classification change, Lebanon is among
the 32 largest schools in the state
and placed in the new Class 6A in
which every team will qualify for the
playoffs.
But Lebanon coach Sam Harp is
more focused on the Week 2 opener
against Warren County than the
Week 12 postseason.
Right now our goal is winning the
first game, said Harp, whose Blue
Devils will reach the playoffs for the
first time since 2007. We cant look
too far ahead, obviously.
After going through the Blue Devils first winless season since 1979
and joining a new region, Harp
tried to fill his non-region schedule
with more winnable games. Warren
County has struggled in recent seasons, Portlands lone win was a close
contest at Lebanons Clifton Tribble
Field/Danny Watkins Stadium last
season and Summit is a new school
which also went 0-10 in 2014. But
beating those teams alone wont be
enough to say the rebuilding process
is well on its way.
If we get that first win, thatll get
us some momentum and keep us
going throughout the season, said
Lebanon senior athlete Jarren Stewart (5-foot-9, 190 pounds), whos
likely to line up at all of the skill positions except tight end.
Harp is looking for more than the
first victory.
Weve got to get some signature

Aug. 28
Sept. 4
Sept. 11
Sept. 18
Sept. 25
Oct. 2
Oct. 9
Oct. 16
Oct. 23
Oct. 30

Senior Jarren Stewart will get the ball

from any one of six different positions.
Photo: Andy Reed, Lebanon Democrat

wins, beat someone were not

supposed to beat, Harp said.
If we can get some signature
wins, then I think we can get
over the hump.
Entering his third season at
Lebanon, the seven-time Kentucky-champion coach said the
foundation of the program is
more firmly in place, particularly in the area of the coaching staff.
I have a full (12) coaching
staff this season, Harp said.
Last season, we ended the
season with three assistant
coaches. You cant do that at
this level, or at any level. I feel

very confident and very good

about the staff I have now and
the kids have bought in.
The key Blue Devil will be
Stewart, who started the quarterback until tearing his ACL
at midseason. Jackson Gray
(5-11, 220) finished the season
at QB and will be the regular
there while Stewart moves all
over to take advantage of his
athleticism.
I understand the offense
so if he puts me anywhere on
the field, its not a problem,
Stewart said. I understand
where to go and what to do.
Its not a problem learning ev-

Castle Heights
453-9702

Wes Dugan
Agency Manager

Go Team!
Auto Home Life

When I say good,

you say neighbor.
Now that's teamwork.

Jeff Gannon, Agent

401 S Mt Juliet Rd
Mt Juliet, TN 37122
Bus: 615-773-9000
jeff.gannon.pwmx@statefarm.com

Now that's teamwork.

Now
Jeff Gannon, Agent
CALL FOR A QUOTE
24/7

Have A Great Season!

thats teamwork.

When I say good,

you say neighbor.

Mt Juliet, TN 37122
CALL FOR A QUOTE 24/7
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Warren County
*at McGavock
Summit
*Mt. Juliet
at Portland
*at Wilson Central
*Ravenwood
*at Antioch
*at John Overton
*Franklin

All games kick off at 7 p.m.

*Region 3-6A game

214 North Castle Heights Ave. Ste. A Lebanon

Jeff Gannon, Agent

401 S Mt Juliet Rd
Mt Juliet, TN 37122
Bus: 615-773-9000
401 S Mt Juliet Rd
jeff.gannon.pwmx@statefarm.com

Lebanon High School

Blue Devils
Region 3-6A
Head Coach: Sam Harp
2014 record: 0-10
Last playoff season: 2007,
lost to Lincoln County

www.ligonbobo.com

erything about it.

(Gray) has come a
long way. Hes finally
gotten some experience
and that helped a lot
after I got hurt.
Hes going to play on
the defensive side of the
ball as well, Harp said,
noting Stewart will see
time at cornerback and
safety.
Joining Gray and
Stewart in the backfield
will be senior running
back Raheem Reynolds
(5-10, 160), who played
there last season. Also
in the mix will be junior
Brett Hutto (5-10, 165),
freshman Xavier Mills
(6-0, 175) and junior
DAnthony Harris.
On the outside will be
senior returning receivers Damerius (Truck)
Weir (5-11, 160) and
Tyler Hamilton (5-8,
155) and sophomore
Rashaad Cooper (6-2,
165). The tight ends
will come from a mix
of senior Justin Brown
(6-1, 200, a nose guard
last year), senior Koty
Lackey (6-1, 225) and
junior Cameron Young
(6-3, 230). Sophomore
Kemon Neuble (5-11,
210) will probably be
the H-back when Stewarts not there.
If that seems like a lot
of players, its because
with an extra week of
preseason, theres not
as big a rush to put the
depth chart in ink.
We got three weeks
before we play so I still
want to keep things
open competition,
Harp said a week after
practice in pads began.
Certain positions are
nailed down, but I like
to have a lot of compe-

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more inform ation
and video

tition.
We have two more
scrimmages coming up
before we have a game.
Were a week further
out than everybody else
since we dont play the
first week.
The front line is more
settled with junior Nick
Anderson (6-1, 215) at
center, senior T.R. Kirby
(6-1, 200, a linebacker
last year) and junior
Isaac Brewington (5-10,
190) at the guards and
returning senior Isaiah
Moore (6-1, 270) at one
tackle. Also returning at
tackle is junior Hayden
Hittle (6-1, 255). But junior Jaden Moore (6-2,
255) and sophomore
Nathan Counts (6-3,
305) are also vying for
time at guard.
The defense, under
new coordinator Sean
Corbitt (who held that
position under Herschel
Moore at Cumberland at
the turn of the century
before serving on the
Friendship Christian
staff), is even more unsettled.
Since the first scrimmage, weve done a lot
of regrouping, so nothing is settled, Harp
said of the defense.
Offensively, were a lot
more settled. Were still
trying to find the right
fit.
Moore, Brown and
junior J.W. Baird (6-2,
250) are vying for the
interior defensive line
between ends Young
and Neuble.
Mills is expected to
play linebacker along
with inside backers
Lackey and senior David
Davis (5-10, 200). Hutto
will play a rover position, a hybrid outside
LB/safety position.
Junior Corbin Pickard
will return at cornerback with classmate
DAndre Harris on
the other side. Cooper
and DAnthony Harris
(DAndres twin) will be
the safeties with Stewart in the mix at all four
spots.
Junior Logan White
will return at kicker and
punter.
Harp said the Blue
Devils are still young.
But theyre fast.
We got more speed
than last year for sure,
he said. Track speed
and football speed are
two different things.
The Harris twins, Raheem Reynolds run
track and they can stick
their foot in the ground
and go in different directions (as required in
football).

Page 6

GRIDIRON GUIDE 2015

Mt. juliet high school

young, but experienced bears look to challenge in new class
By Andy Reed, Lebanon Democrat

Mt. Juliet isnt loaded with seniors, but the

Golden Bears do have experience in their sophomore and junior classes as they embark on their
journey into Region 3-6A and the Super 32.
We do have some experience, but were still
young, said third-year head coach Trey Perry,
whose Golden Bears went 5-6 last fall. A lot of
these juniors who have been in the fireyoure still
talking about 16-year-old kids. Were trying to talk
about a sense of patience with them, making sure
we progress practice by practice, week by week.
A new quarterback will take over for the departed Nolan Chowbay, but junior Joey Hayes (510, 190) did see playing time last year. He and/
or junior Trey Pruitte (6-4, 190) will operate the
spread of new coordinator Levi Brown.
Senior Jahuar Jackson (5-9, 200) will be the feature back after rushing for 257 yards and a touchdown on 44 carries last year. Spelling him will be
freshman Marcello Walton (5-8, 165)
Hes really wowed us in this camp, Perry said
of Walton.
Senior H-back Josh Williams (6-0, 210) is another
returning starter who ran for 159 yards and a pair
of scores on 30 carries in 2014. Alternating with
him will be sophomore Gabe Magalei (6-0, 205).
Senior Austin Simpson (6-1, 170) and sophomore
Aidan Raines (6-0, 180) will return at receiver.
They will be joined by Pruitte, junior Mason Earls
(6-1, 175 transfer from Morristown West) and seniors Addison Simmons (5-11, 185) Darius Lowery
(6-0, 190) and Jay Murphy (5-9, 165).
If the skill players need a little time to get their
feet a little more wet, an experienced line should
give them plenty of time to do that as four starters return and the fifth played a lot last year.
Senior Kelani Smith (6-1, 270) will be in the
middle at center with junior right guard Drew
Tompkins (6-0, 275) and junior left guard Jacob
Parker (6-2, 260, played off the bench in 14)
flanking them. Junior Justin Satterfield (6-7, 310)
will be at right tackle and classmate D.J. Deffendall (6-5, 280) on the left side.
Im excited about this group, Perry said of the
O-line. Theyre very close.
The defense will be run by new coordinator
Greg Abner, a former head coach at Glencliff and
Cane Ridge who was on the Beech staff last year.
Hell have lots of depth to work with, especially
up front.
We literally start seven people four positions, Perry said of the D-line.
Senior Dominick Jamison (6-1, 215), junior
Jacob Shanks (6-1, 225) and senior Lucas Long
(6-0, 230) will be the ends along with junior
Aaron Weist (6-2, 240), who may also see action
at defensive tackle and tight end. Returnee Colt
Jones (6-2, 250) and fellow junior Jaylon Jones
(6-2, 250) will be the tackles and senior Adam
Williams (6-0, 270) the nose guard.
Senior middle linebacker Justyce White (6-2,
210) is the heart of the defense after posting 33
tackles, four for loss, three forced fumbles and
a recovery last year. He has offers from Eastern

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more inform ation
and video

Have A Great Season!

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Mt. Juliet High School

Golden Bears
Region 3-6A
Head Coach: Trey Perry
2014 record: 5-6
Last playoff season: 2014
(lost in first round to Oakland)

2015 SCHEDULE
Aug. 21
Aug. 28
Sept. 4
Sept. 11
Sept. 18
Sept. 25
Oct. 2
Oct. 9
Oct. 23
Oct. 30

at Gallatin
at Cane Ridge
*at Ravenwood
Franklin County
*at Lebanon
*Wilson Central
*John Overton
*Antioch
*at Franklin
*McGavock

All games kick off at 7 p.m

*Region 3-6A game
Photos: George Page, Lebanon Democrat

Coach Trey Perry (top photo) watches a

lineman closely while standing on the sled
during a blocking drill.
Quarterback Joey Hayes gets set to throw
as H-back Josh Williams (4) looks to
protect his blind side.
Offensive line coach Curtis Grah (botton
photo) watches two of his linemen work on
blocking drills.

Kentucky and Lindsey

Wilson. Williams or
senior Noah Brandon
(5-8, 195) will be the
other linebacker.
Juniors Bryce Comacho and Jaden White
(both 6-2, 190) will be
the cornerbacks and
Murphy the nickelback.
Junior Zach McConnell
(6-2, 190) returns at
free safety and sophomore Tony Thompson
(6-3, 215) is already the
incumbent at strong
safety, though hell e
pushed by classmate
Evan Angle (6-2, 190).
Senior weak safety
Jonathan Jenkins (511, 195) is another returning starter. Senior
Dylan Mathis (5-11,
170) will come in as the
dime back.
Junior Jacob Bailey
kicked some late in his
freshman year before
being injured last season. Junior Josh Mitchell will be the punter.
Like Lebanon and
Wilson Central, Mt. Juliet is assured a playoff
berth in the new Region 3-6A.
Weve already got
our jackets ordered
that say 2015 playoffs
on the back, Perry
quipped. That part
was easy.
The Wilson County
three will be joined by
last years 5A runner
up Ravenwood, Franklin, John Overton, Antioch and McGavock.
Its going to be a
feeling-out process,
Perry said of the new
region. You got schools
from three different
counties (Williamson
and Davidson in addition to Wilson), that
makes it interesting.

GRIDIRON GUIDE 2015

Page 7

mt. juliet christian academy

S a i n t s bu i ld i n g w i t h s t r o n g u n de r cl a ss

2015 SCHEDULE

By Andy Reed, Lebanon Democrat

By his estimation, Mt. Juliet

Christian is younger this season
than last. But coach Dan Davis
said the Saints are further along
in his second season as head
coach.
Theres been 365 days worth
of difference, Davis quipped.
The biggest difference over
the course of the year weve
installed things, gotten them to
buy in. Youre seeing kids take
things more serious. Theyre a
lot more excited. Youre starting to see the culture change.
Davis inherited seven seniors
last year and the Saints went
2-8. There are four this season.
The strength may be a
sophomore class which went
undefeated as eighth-grade
middle-schoolers. They were
followed by a 5-3 team which is
now the freshman class.
Theyre going to be the ones
who turn this thing around,
Davis said of the younger classmen. They dont like losing
and theyre willing to work.
Thats whats changing the culture. Guys have seen success.
One of those sophomores will
take over for the graduated Rik
Vanmali at quarterback. Alex
Pitman (6-foot-0, 170 pounds)
will take the snaps in the
Saints pro-style offense.
Pitman will hand off to junior running back Austin Collier (6-1, 270) and/or freshman
Darius Hylick (5-7, 180). Hell
throw to senior wide receivers
Nate Green (6-1, 165) and Will
Samuels (6-4, 200), sophomore
wideout Preston Sloan (5-7,
170) and junior tight end Sam
Easton (6-0, 180), who will be
spelled by sophomore Tristan
Mathis (6-1, 165).
The line will be led by senior
right tackle Josiah Scott (6-4,
270), joined on his immediate left by freshman guard Will
Dedman (5-9, 270). A trio of
10th-graders will line up on the
left side from center to tackle
Dawson Perry (5-10, 200),
Jacob Sherrod (5-11, 205) and
Cameron Burgess (6-1, 185).
They all played to varying
degrees, Davis said of the line,
excepting freshman Dedman.
We wont be able to run the
ball down peoples throats, but
well be able to run inside and
outside zone like everybody else
in the country, make them defend the 53 (yards), Davis continued. Well be able to throw
the ball effectively. We probably
wont be able to chuck the ball
all night long, but well be able
to throw the ball effectively.
The defensive front four will
rotate between the tackles and
ends with Scott leading the
way and joined by Dedman,
Hylick and junior Mike Rogers

Mt. Juliet Christian

Saints
Divi. II Class A East/Middle Region
Head Coach: Dan Davis
2014 record: 2-8
Last playoff season: Never made the
playoffs

Aug. 21
Aug. 28
Sept. 4

Sept. 11
Sept. 18
Sept. 25
Oct. 2
Oct. 16
Oct. 23
Oct. 30

Cornersville
at Richland
*at Knoxville Webb,
6 p.m. CDT
Houston County
at Franklin Road Academy
at Ezell-Harding
*Friendship Christian
*Kings Academy
Zion Christian
*at Donelson Christian

*East-Middle District 1-A game

All kickoffs at 7 p.m. unless otherwise
noted.

Photos: George Page, Lebanon Democrat

Nate Green (top photo) catches a punt as Tristan Mathis (7) waits to block. The Saints four seniors are Race McLean (27), Nate Green (4), Josiah
Scott (75) and Will Samuels (21).

(5-11, 290).
Mathis will return at outside linebacker with Collier manning the opposite side. Sophomore Brayden Cox
(5-10, 180) will shift between the inside and outside. Perry and freshman
Andrew Kittrell (5-9, 160) will be on
the inside.
In the secondary, Green will move
from free safety to cornerback with
freshman Logan Collier (5-7, 140)
lining up on the other side. Easton
is a veteran at strong safety while
Samuels takes over at free.
Green will be the kicker and Samuels the punter, Davis said.

1444 Baddour Pkwy

615-444-7560
www.wilsonbank.com

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Page 8

GRIDIRON GUIDE 2015

wilson central high school

Wildcats to put best line forward in 2015

Wilson Central High School

Wild Cats
Region 3-6A
Head Coach: Brad Dedman
2014 record: 4-6
Last playoff season: 2013
(lost in first round to Oakland)

2015 SCHEDULE

By Andy Reed, Lebanon Democrat

Aug. 21
Aug. 28
Sept. 4
Sept. 11
Sept. 18
Sept. 25
Oct. 2
Oct. 9
Oct. 23
Oct. 30

If the old football adage it all starts with

the line is true, Wilson Central should be
off to a good start for the 2015 season.
Four starters return on the offensive
line, led by 6-foot-5, 280-pound senior
right tackle Alex Comer, a three-year
starter. Junior right guard Coleman Ladd
(5-11, 230), senior left guard Cody MacLennon (5-10, 205) and senior left tackle
Brandon Bennett (6-4, 250), another threeyear starter, are also back from 2014s 4-6
team. Junior center Gannon Starnes (6-3,
270) is the newcomer to the unit.
Thats the strong part of our team,
sixth-year Central coach Brad Dedman said
of the O-line. We count on them heavily.
We counted on them a lot last year and
were going to count on them this year.
We feel we can open some holes for our
backs, do something special, Comer said.
Were very confident in the offensive line.
The beneficiaries of the lines blocking
will be an offense with a new quarterback,
junior Blake Meadors (6-0, 205). Junior
Tyler Bowes (5-10, 195) returns at fullback
where he rushed for more than 400 yards
on 20 carries per game after breaking into
the lineup late in the season.
Seniors Jordan Hooper (6-0, 180), Jordan Wilson (6-0, 190) and Connor Walls
(6-0, 175) return at wingback where they
will be joined by juniors Slater Rountree
(6-0, 175), Ray Coggins (5-11, 175) and
Watertown transfer Devon High (6-1,
180). Juniors Colton Dowell (603, 200)
and Spence Welch (6-1, 175) will rotate
at wide receiver while sophomore Dalton
King (6-1, 190) will replace Cumberland
freshman Zack Dover at tight end.
Our skill guys have come along nicely
this fall, Dedman said. We got the speed
to get outside when we need to. We just
got to get better each week.
On the defensive side, senior Zach Buford (6-1, 250) and junior Noah Stafford
(6-2, 220) return at tackle to flank junior
nose guard Cole McCorkle (6-3, 260).
Walls, junior T.J. Minfee (6-2, 215) and
senior Jonathan Binkley (6-1, 190) will
rotate at outside linebacker. Junior Nic
Schrenoch (6-0, 220) will return at one
inside linebacker while Wilson and senior
Chris Lackey (5-10, 205) will rotate at
the other spot.
High and sophomore DeMarius McBroom (5-10, 160) will be the cornerbacks.
Coggins is back at strong safety while
Rountree is the free safety.
Junior Adam Williams will handle the
punting and kicking.
Like Lebanon and Mt. Juliet, Wilson Central is guaranteed a playoff spot in the new

Beech
at Station Camp
*Antioch
at Siegel
*at McGavock
*at Mt. Juliet
*Lebanon
*Franklin
*Ravenwood
*at John Overton

All kickoffs at 7 p.m.

*Region 3-6A game

Photos: Andy Reed, Lebanon Democrat

Coach Brad Dedman (lower right)

watches running back Tyler Bowes (4)
stiff arm a defender and wide receiver
Dalton King (10) catch a pass.

Super 32 Class 6-A.

With a new Region 3
forming with McGavock,
Antioch, John Overton,
Ravenwood (which lost
to Maryville 35-34 in
last years 5A state final)
and Franklin joining the
Wilson trio, it means
a fresh opportunity for
someone to step up to
become the leagues
first power.
We want to be the
first champions of the
new district, Comer
said. We dont want to
go one-and-out like we
have the last couple of
years. We want to go
further in the playoffs
than we have.
We just got to learn
what our new region
does, Dedman said.
Were having to figure out what they do.
The good news is they
have to figure out
what we do.

scan code for

more inform ation
and video

When I say good,

you say neighbor.
Jeff Gannon, Agent
401 S Mt Juliet Rd
Mt Juliet, TN 37122
Bus: 615-773-9000
401 S Mt Juliet Rd
jeff.gannon.pwmx@statefarm.com

Have A Great Season!

Castle Heights

214 North Castle Heights Ave. Ste. A Lebanon

453-9702

Now that's teamwork.

Now
Jeff Gannon, Agent
CALL FOR A QUOTE
24/7

thats teamwork.

When I say good,

you say neighbor.

Mt Juliet, TN 37122
CALL FOR A QUOTE 24/7
Bus: 615-773-9000
P097314.1
jeff.gannon.pwmx@statefarm.com

Wes Dugan
Agency Manager

Jeff Gannon, Agent

401 S Mt Juliet Rd
Mt Juliet, TN 37122
Bus: 615-773-9000
jeff.gannon.pwmx@statefarm.com

P097314.1

Go Team!

Now that's teamwork.

CALL FOR A QUOTE 24/7

State Farm Home Office, Bloomington, IL

www.ligonbobo.com

Auto Home Life

GRIDIRON GUIDE 2015

Page 9

watertown high school

Purple Tigers look to challenge in new region

2015 SCHEDULE

By Andy Reed, Lebanon Democrat

A year after beginning the

season 0-4 and in offensive disarray, Watertown enters 2015
with returnees at quarterback,
running back and receiver.
The light went on at midseason when quarterback Seth
Price returned to the team. The
Purple Tigers won their final
four games to just miss the
Class 2A playoffs at 5-5.
Now, Watertown is in a new
Region 4-2A in which only two
of the teams had winning records last year.
Going into a new region, got
a lot of kids returning, veteran
coach Gavin Webster said. Its
a positive.
Offensively, weve got a
veteran quarterback coming
back. He can run, he can throw.
(With senior running back) Luke
Turner (6-foot-2, 225 pounds),
we got a pretty good combination back there. We have a good
group to throw to.
The junior Price (5-11) will
throw to four returning receivers juniors Vonte Bates (5-10,
180) and Brady Swann (6-1,
175) and seniors Zack Grisham
(6-1, 180 who will also line up
at H-back) and Skylor Scales (511, 175). Price picked up almost
1,000 all-purpose yards and
eight touchdowns in roughly
half a season.
I dont know if were as fast
as we have been, but were not
slow, Webster said. Weve got
some kids who can move pretty
good, (but) Ive had faster
teams.
Returning up front will be

Watertown High School

Purple Tigers
Region 4-2A
Head Coach: Gavin Webster
2014 record: 5-5
Last playoff season: 2012
(lost in first round to Cascade)

Aug. 21
Aug. 28
Sept. 4
Sept. 11
Sept. 18
Sept. 25
Oct. 2
Oct. 16
Oct. 23
Oct. 30

Gordonsville
at Davidson Academy
*Cascade
at Grundy County
*Jackson County
*at Eagleville
*Forrest
*at East Robertson
*at Community
*Westmoreland

All kickoffs at 7 p.m.

*Region 4-2A game

Photos: Andy Reed, Lebanon Democrat

Quarterback Seth Price (11) throws

a pass while running back Elijah
McClary (28) runs the ball.

junior left tackle Rusty Staats

(6-4, 250) and junior right guard
Bryson Watts (5-9, 205). They
will be joined by junior left guard
Josh Deel (5-9, 180), sophomore
center Ryan Means (5-10, 245)
and senior right tackle James
Vaden (6-2, 245).
Six starters return on defense,
including Staats at end. Vaden
and Deel will rotate at the other
end. Watts will be joined at
tackle by senior Christian Peppers (6-3, 360) and/or junior
Jesse Cooper (5-11, 245).
Turner, last years District 8-A
co-most valuable player after

Castle Heights

214 North Castle Heights Ave. Ste. A Lebanon

453-9702

Wes Dugan
Agency Manager

Go Team!

rushing for almost 1,000 yards,

returns at inside linebacker
where he posted 115 tackles
while Grisham is back on the
outside. Juniors Jay Tubbs (6-0,
215) and Dalton Tarpley (5-10,
175) will share time on the inside while Bates, a cornerback
last year, moves down to outside
backer.
Scales, who had 74 tackles,
returns at one corner while Price
will be the other with Swann
roaming the middle between
them at safety.
We have some guys back,
but still kind of green in some

areas, Webster said of the defense. We lost a

real good linebacker last year (Cameron Jennings)
and were still looking for someone to fill that
void.
Were young on defense, but we have some
guys who can be as good as they want to be.
Price is expected to handle the punting duties
while Nathaniel Gutierrez will be the kicker.
Watertown is seeking its first district/region
championship in 30 years with East Robertson,
Westmoreland, Jackson County, Cascade, Forrest, Community and Eagleville. Absent from the
schedule are longtime nemeses Trousdale County
and Friendship Christian are absent and Gordonsville is now a non-league game.
The regions weve been in in the past have
been tough, Webster said. These teams (now)
are no tougher than those guys we played year in
and year out. Were looking forward to the challenge of being competitive every week.
Its going to be a challenge for everybody.
Our goal is to win region and make a run in the
playoffs, Turner said.

scan code for

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and video

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Page 10

GRIDIRON GUIDE 2015

cumberland university
Bulldogs to rebuild around veteran line

*Mid-South Conference West Division game

All times Central
Donnie Suber enters his third season
as Cumberland head coach.
Photo: Andy Reed, Lebanon Democrat

front, where all five starters return sophomore center Chandler

Peeples (5-11, 290), sophomore
guards Nick Bodden (6-3, 269)
and Smith Countys Zac Carter
(5-8, 311) and junior tackle Will
Boler (6-6, 320) and fourth-year
junior Chris Escamilla (6-1, 282)
of Macon County.
Our offensive line is our strong
part on our team, Suber said.
We found some pretty good skill
players at receiver.
The quarterbacks weve signed
can run pretty well. We run the ball
a good deal with the quarterback.
Were going to have more speed on
offense than we had last year.
On defense, fourth-year junior
Justus Dauscha (6-2, 204, teamleading 16 tackles for loss and
nine sacks) and sophomore Donovan Norfleet (6-3, 230) return at
ends. Fifth-year senior Cayman
Russell (6-0, 250) of Henderson-

tennessee titans

ville returns at a tackle where he

posted 10 tackles for loss. Freshman Damian Starks is expected
to eventually land at the other
tackle.
Junior Nathan Jernigan (6-0,
191) of Eagleville is a returning
All-Mid-South performer after
posing a team-high 99 tackles at
outside linebacker last year. Hell
move inside this season. Junior
Christopher Golden (5-9, 205) is
the middle linebacker. Daniel Wilson will play a linebacker/strong
safety hybrid nickel back.
Fifth-year senior Anthony
Knight (5-10, 184, three interceptions) of McGavock returns at one
cornerback. Junior Nytrellis Ross
was expected to play the other
corner but was injured in a car
wreck and could miss the season.
Fourth-year junior Fredrel Cross
(5-6, 154), who missed last year
after he was shot in the calf after

Head Coach: Ken Whisenhunt

2014-2015 record: 2-14
AFC South record: 1-5

I t s a n e w d a y f o r t he Te n n essee T i t a n s
By Terry McCormick
247Sports.com

All you have to do is see all the

marketing, promotional and ticket
sales campaigns around town to see
that things are vastly different in Titans land.
For one, the team is now having to
work to sell tickets that used to be
tough to get. Thats what happens,
though, when you sink to 2-14 and the
fan base goes from angry to apathetic
in the process.
The other thing that has changed for
the Titans is what is being marketed.
And the what is actually a who new
quarterback Marcus Mariota, the 2014
Heisman Trophy winner. Mariota is
being pegged not only as the Titans
new franchise quarterback, but the
very face, or should we say, facelift of
the franchise.
By all accounts, Mariota is ahead of
where the Titans had thought he might
be heading into his rookie season and
making the adjustment from being a
zone-read quarterback at Oregon to
being a pro quarterback. To make that
transition a little easier, the Titans
have incorporated a few things in the
playbook that Mariota had in college.
The Titans are hoping to set up
Mariota for as much success as possible, even though they know there
will be growing pains at times, despite his early acumen for picking up
the offense.
Whether its calling the play in the
huddle, taking the snap under center,
some of the different checks, concepts
that hes had to do. Hes handled himself well, hes been good in the pocket.
His footworks been really good, quick
release, hes seeing things down the
field, Titans coach Ken Whisenhunt
said of Mariota. A lot of the things
that you see from a quarterback whos
maybe had more experience in the
conventional type offense than one in
the spread, he looks good.
Still, the Titans will have to exercise
patience and they are also young at

2015 SCHEDULE
Sept. 5 Georgetown College 1:30 p.m.
Sept. 10 at West Alabama
6 p.m.
Sept. 19 at University of the

Cumberlands
6 p.m.
Sept 26 at Valdosta State
3 p.m.
Oct. 3 at Pikeville
12:30 p.m.
Oct. 10 Kentucky Christian 1:30 p.m.
Oct. 17 *Reinhardt
noon
Oct. 24 *at Campbellsville 6 p.m.
Oct. 31 *Bethel
noon
Nov. 7 *Faulkner
noon
Nov. 14 *at Lindsey Wilson 1:30 p.m.

By Andy Reed, Lebanon Democrat

Cumberland was picked to finish in a tie for last

place in the Mid-South Conference West Division in
a vote of the league coaches.
Third-year head coach Donnie Suber doesnt dispute the vote, saying its a by-product of losing not
one, but two, four-year co-starting quarterbacks in
Reed Gurchiek and Broc Loveless in what is increasingly becoming more of a QB game. The Bulldogs
lost a number of other skill-position players from a
6-5 team in 2014.
Id rather be ranked low than be ranked high and
get knocked off, Suber said.
A four-way battle for quarterback is underway
with fourth-year junior Justin Snyder (5-foot-9, 178
pounds) leading in experience with a half-games
worth of snaps last fall, completing 6 of 13 passes
for 58 yards and an interception. Hell be joined
by redshirt freshman Ryan Jordan (6-2, 190 from
Eagleville) and true freshmen Joseph Rushin (McDonough, Ga.) and Ian Spence (Creek Wood).
The H-back will be from Wilson Central, either
senior Brandon Mallory (6-0, 220), the Bulldogs top
returning rusher with 290 yards and four touchdowns on 81 carries, or freshman Zack Dover, a tight
end for the Wildcats. H-back is the closest thing to a
tight end or fullback (Mallorys high school position)
in Cumberlands spread offense.
Junior Austin Chaplin (6-0, 183) from Mt. Juliet,
listed as a defensive back on the old roster, was the
front runner for the running back position coming
out of spring practice. Redshirt freshman Moses
Cornelius (5-10, 225) of Antioch could move to
linebacker, Suber said. The Bulldogs are waiting for
Marshall transfer Brandon Byrd to get the okay from
the NAIA clearinghouse to practice and play. Byrd
rushed for 94 yards and a touchdown on 23 carries
in six games for the Thundering Herd last year.
At wide receiver, fourth-year junior Michael Green
(5-10, 160) is back on offense after moving to cornerback in the spring. He caught 19 passes for 296
yards and three touchdowns last season. Third-year
sophomore Trevon Jones (5-5, 147) is the top returning receiver with 24 grabs for 302 yards and a
score. Redshirt freshman Ladarius Rodgers (5-10,
158) will also line up on the outside.
Freshmen Damaris Macon, from Boyd-Buchanan,
and Blackmans Lorel Morton will join third-year
sophomore Mason Pavan (5-10, 169) of Wilson Central and several others for the fourth wideout spot.
On the flip side, there are no question marks up

Cumberland University
Bulldogs
Conference: Mid-South
Division: West
Head Coach: Donnie Suber

many other positions on the field as

well, meaning this team needs to grow
up together in order to build a contender.
The one thing you dont want to do
is overload him. Well see how we can
build off of that as we go. I mean look,
hes not the only young guy that were
going to need contributions from, so
its not really an exact science. Were
going to have to see what kind of load
these guys that are going to be competing for spots can handle and how
they do that. Thats going to be part of
this training camp, finding out about
that, Whisenhunt said.
There is plenty of youth at the running back position, where the Titans
need more from second-year pro
Bishop Sankey, who had 569 yards
rushing as a rookie. He will be paired
with rookie David Cobb and secondyear man Antonio Andrews as the
Titans are likely to use a committee in
the backfield. Veteran Dexter McCluster figures in some as a gadget player.
The Titans also spent a fourth-round
pick on fullback Jalston Fowler, who
figures to have a hand in a variety of
chores from blocking, pass catching,
getting an occasional carry and on special teams.
Wide receiver is one of the most interesting areas on the roster, as there
are young players the Titans are hopeful can step up and produce and get on
the same page with their young quarterback. Kendall Wright may be poised
for a big season, and the Titans hope
Justin Hunter finally begins to fulfill
his potential. If not, his snaps could
to go talented but raw rookie Dorial
Green-Beckham, the teams secondround pick. Tennessee added veterans
Hakeem Nicks and Harry Douglas
in the off-season to help steady this
group.
Delanie Walker had a record-setting
year at tight end with a franchise-best
890 yards receiving. Craig Stevens returns to provide help as both a blocker
and pass catcher, and the Titans added
solid vet Anthony Fasano to his group.

playing running back in 2013, is

next in line at corner.
Two-year starter Tyler Burr (6-0,
173) is back at safety where he
posted 92 tackles and picked off
three passes last year. Third-year
sophomore DeAnthony Patrick of
McGavock will be the other safety.
Were still young at nickel
back and safety and corner on one
side, Suber said. Weve always
been small on defense. We should
be a little bigger in the line. Our
linebackers are small, but they
run well.
On special teams, former
Friendship Christian standout
Mike Self has graduated after
handling kicking and punting.
Third-year sophomore Matthew
Alter could do both, either or neither this fall. Third-year junior
Tyler Way of Gallatin is in the mix
at kicker and Burr could be the
punter, Suber said.

2015 SCHEDULE
Sept. 13
Sept. 20
Sept. 27
Oct. 11
Oct. 18
Oct. 25
Nov. 1
Nov. 8
Nov. 15
Nov. 19
Nov. 29
Dec. 6
Dec. 13
Dec. 20
Dec. 27
Jan. 3

at Tampa Bay
3:25 p.m.
at Cleveland
noon
Indianapolis
noon
Buffalo
noon
Miami
noon
Atlanta
noon
at Houston
noon
at New Orleans
noon
Carolina
noon
at Jacksonville 7:25 p.m.
Oakland
noon
Jacksonville
noon
at New York Jets
noon
at New England
noon
Houston
noon
at Indianapolis
noon

Wide receiver Justin Hunter.

Photo: George Page

The offensive line is an area that

still has question marks. Left tackle
Taylor Lewan and right guard Chance
Warmack, both recent first-round
picks, are the anchors of the line. Beyond that, there are questions. Brian
Schwenke must stay healthy at center,
and the Titans need more from 2013
free agent Andy Levitre, who has
struggled in his first two years for the
Titans at left guard. At right tackle,
Michael Oher was cut, and the Titans
signed Byron Bell from Carolina and
drafted Jeremiah Poutasi to compete
for the spot.
On the defensive side of the ball, the
biggest acquisition was not a player,
but venerable defensive coach Dick LeBeau, who comes over from the Steelers. LeBeau, who turns 78 this year,
basically invented the 3-4 scheme the
Titans will run, and in the second year
of the system, Tennessee has added
more pieces it hopes will help.
The defensive line is solid with Jurrell Casey at end. DaQuan Jones will
supplant Ropati Pitoitua as a starter
in the youth movement, while Sam-

mie Hill, once healthy, will be the nose

tackle. Situational players like end
Karl Klug, Pitoitua and nose tackle Al
Woods all figure into the rotation.
The Titans knew they had to get
btter in the pass rush, and signed Brian
Orakpo to fill a spot at outside linebacker. If he can stay healthy, Orakpo
should team with Derrick Morgan to
help out on the outside. Inside, Zach
Brown is back after missing nearly all
of last year with a pectoral injury and
will team with Avery Williamson in the
middle.
The secondary also gets a shot in
the arm as cornerback Perrish Cox
joins Jason McCourty at cornerback
and DaNorris Searcy fills a safety spot
alongside veteran Michael Griffin.
Special teams is in good hands with
kicker Ryan Succop, punter Brett Kern
and long snapper Beau Brinkley all
signed to extensions in the off-season.
The Titans know, though they probably wont admit it, that making a
huge jump back into contention with
a rookie quarterback is a huge stretch
from 2-14. That said, the Titans are
likely looking for progress and strides
made in 2015 with an eye toward
turning the corner back in the right
direction.

GRIDIRON GUIDE 2015

Page 11

University of Tennessee

Tennessee Volunteers
SEC EAST
Head Coach: Butch Jones
2014 record: 7-6

butch Jones, Vols looking for more in 2015 2015 SCHEDULE

utsports.com

Butch Jones isnt ready to say this is the

year Tennessee turns the corner.
But the third-year Vol coach knows the
vibe around Knoxville is different this
season.
The expectations are a little bit different than what we had it the past, but thats
what we want, Jones said at SEC Media
Days last month. Thats why these players came to the University of Tennessee
and wanted to be a part of a program that
has very high expectations. We still have a
number of unproven areas within our football team.
Were going to have to rely on a lot of
true freshmen to play important key roles
in this season, so a lot of that success will
be determined by how quickly they can develop into their roles.
Tennessee is coming off a 7-6 season that
was capped by a bowl victory over Iowa.
The Vols got to a bowl game by beating
South Carolina on the road, then knocking
off Kentucky and Vanderbilt to qualify for a
bowl and start erasing the memories of the
Lane Kiffin/Derek Dooley era.
Jones has an ace in the hole in quarterback Josh Dobbs, who will be back for his
junior season. Dobbs has shown ability to
both run and pass, and as an aerospace
major, has a lot of intelligence and savvy.
He provides you with great flexibility,
Jones said. The great thing with Josh even
more so than opening up the playbook is
in corrections. You only have tell him one
time. And for him to be able to have the retention of knowledge that it takes is vital.
Jones also likes the Vols supporting cast
especially defensive end Derek Barnett and
linemen Shy Tuttle and Kahlil McKenzie.
(Barnett needs to) continue to grow and
get quicker off the football, the coach said.
His growth and development may have
been set back a little bit in terms of spring
practice. (But) the one thing that separates
Derek Barnett is his workman like approach. If you tell him you need to do this
and this is going to make you successful,
Tennessee coach Butch Jones is in his third year of rebuilding the Vols program. utsports.com
hes going to do it.

vanderbilt university
Commodores hope Masons optimism something to build on
vucommodores.com

After a nightmarish 2014, Vanderbilt football

fans might need a reason to be optimistic about
this season.
Coach Derek Masons response? Its a new year.
Well, 2014s got nothing to do with 2015, first
of all, said Mason, the Commodores second-year
coach. I think this football team is a different
football team than we had a year ago. What you
build on is the understanding of last year it was
more about ideal self. Now its more about real
self. We understand who we are and what we
arent.
Last year wasnt a fun year for the Commodores. Vanderbilt finished 3-9, losing all eight of
its Southeastern Conference games. The Commodores even suffered a 37-7 loss to Temple in its
opener, which was a bitter pill for a fan base that
had enjoyed 18 wins the previous two seasons.
Vanderbilt opens up on a Thursday night again
this year, this time at home against Western Kentucky.
When its time to play Western Kentucky,
Mason said, well be ready to play. This football
team is primed to take one game at a time. Western Kentucky is a good football team, and we want
to make sure that we play well on opening day
It will be a Thursday night. So its exciting to get
back on the field on a Thursday night and open up
in our stadium. But who that opponent is, it matters.
This game matters to us. It matters in terms of making a statement and showing our fan base as well as
college football that weve moved forward.
A big key for the Commodores will be running
back Ralph Webb, who ran for almost 1,000 yards
as a freshman. At times, he was Vanderbilts only
potent offensive weapon.
Theres special players all across the country,
and I believe Ralph Webb is a special player for
our team, Mason said. But we all have things
to improve on. Ralphs told me in confidence that
at the end of the day, he wants to be a threedimensional back. He wants to be a guy that can
run between the tackles, he can set up in pass pro
and really be a factor out of the backfield. Well, in
order to do that, that takes work, and right now
this football team is about doing work.
The Commodores brought in a new offensive coordinator, Andy Ludwig.
In looking at our football team, I know Andy

Sept. 5
Sept. 12
Sept. 19
Sept. 26
Oct. 3
Oct. 10
Oct. 24
Oct. 31
Nov. 7
Nov. 14
Nov. 21
Nov. 28

#Bowling Green
Oklahoma
Western Carolina
*at Florida
*Arkansas
*Georgia
*at Alabama
*at Kentucky
*South Carolina
North Texas
*at Missouri
*Vanderbilt

3 p.m.
5 p.m.
6 p.m.
TBA
TBA
TBA
TBA
TBA
TBA
TBA
TBA
TBA

#at Nissan Stadium, Nashville

*Southeastern Conference game
All times Central

Tuttle and McKenzie will try and

solidify a defensive line that has potential, but needs depth and experience.
Theyre gonna need to fit immediately, Jones said. Defensive
tackle is one of those unproven
areas on our football team. Theyre
going to be critical again on the success of our defense. We know you
can never have enough defensive
tackles (in this conference).
The Vols are ready to get back on
top.
Youre not used to an SEC team
being down that long, said linebacker Curt Maggitt. My thoughts
during the recruiting process when
I was being recruited was being a
part of bringing it back.
Defensive back Cam Sutton was
more succinct.
Hungry thats the only way
you can really explain it, Sutton
said. We want more. Thats our
mentality. We had a great offseason, you know, spring ball. With the
addition of the guys coming in the
summer time, were eager to learn,
always in the film room.

Vanderbilt Commodores
SEC EAST
Head Coach: Derek Mason
2014 record: 3-9

2015 SCHEDULE
Sept. 3
Sept. 12
Sept. 19
Sept. 26
Oct. 3
Oct. 17
Oct. 24
Oct. 31
Nov. 7
Nov. 14
Nov. 21
Nov. 28

Western Kentucky
7 p.m.
*Georgia
2:30 p.m.
Austin Peay
3 p.m.
*at Ole Miss
TBA
at Middle Tenn State 6 p.m.
*at South Carolina
TBA
*Missouri
TBA
at Houston
TBA
*at Florida
TBA
*Kentucky
TBA
*Texas A&M
TBA
*at Tennessee
TBA

*Southeastern Conference game

Vanderbilt coach Derek

Mason has taken over as
defensive coordinator. Last
year, the first-year coach only
won three games.
vucommodores.com

Ludwig has done a tremendous job in being able

to assess our talents, Mason said. You have to
cater or build an offense around what you do best.
So spring for him was about assessing our talent,
our ability level, and what we do and how to help
our quarterbacks manage the game.

You have to cater

or build an offennse
Erek Maso
Around what -d
you do best.
So I think, when you put yourself in a position
where you can hold on to the football and you can
be better at not turning it over, better on third
down, better in the red zone, you find yourself

scoring points.
The Commodores will probably turn to either
junior Johnny McCrary or sophomore Wade Freebeck at quarterback.
Mason also has a new defensive coordinator:
himself.
I felt like defensively we werent the type of
football team that I foresaw coming into Vanderbilt, he said. I pictured us being aggressive, attacking style defense that looked to stop the run
and really apply pressure to quarterbacks. If you
look at our Tennessee game, I thought thats exactly what we did.
I think its important that, as you go through
the process where you try to figure out who you
are, and I couldnt make every implementation
during the season, but I think after the Mississippi State game I knew in my own mind that, at
some point in time, I was going to need to make a
change.

Page 12

GRIDIRON GUIDE 2015

Trousdale County high School

players and coaches replaced for yellow jackets 2015

Trousdale County High School

Yellow Jackets
Region 5-1A
Head Coach: David Barker
2014 record: 9-4
Last playoff season: 2013
(Class 2A State Champions)

2015 SCHEDULE

By Jerry Richmond,

Hartsville Vidette

Aug. 21
Aug. 28
Sept. 4
Sept. 11
Sept. 18
Sept. 25
Oct. 9
Oct. 16
Oct. 23
Oct. 30

Trousdale County will enter

the 2015 football season with a
number of questions.
The Yellow Jackets must
replace eight seniors lost to
graduation - a class that won
23 games and a Class 2A state
championship over its final two
seasons.
Also being replaced is a
coach who won 87 percent
of his games and three state
titles.
Not only did Kevin Creasy
step down as head coach in
March to accept the same position at Oakland High, but assistant Stephen Jackson opted
to follow Creasy to Murfreesboro. Defensive coordinator
Adam Keeton stepped down
from coaching altogether, leaving Brandon Eden as the only
remaining member of the previous coaching staff.
Enter Coach David Barker,
who was hired in April by
Director of Schools Clint Satterfield to take the reins of a
storied Trousdale County football program.
A Dresden native, Barker
had coaching stops at Union
City and Ripley before spending the last six years as the offensive coordinator at Crockett
County.
Barker brought in Tony Butler to serve as defensive coordinator. Butler, 32, spent the
last five seasons at Fort Campbell (Ky.) High School, serving
the last two seasons as head
coach there.
Rounding out the coaching
staff will be a pair of Trousdale

at Westmoreland
*at Clay County
Upperman
*Jo Byrns
*Gordonsville
*Monterey
*at Pickett County
*at Middle Tenn. Christian
*at Red Boiling Springs
*Nashville Christian

*Region 5-1A game. All kickoffs at 7 p.m.

New Trousdale County Coach David

Barker (left) offers direction to
quarterback Trace McGuire (10), who
will start his first career game Friday.
Barker (below) wants his Yellow Jackets
to always be the more physical team.
This attitude has shown on the practice
field as well. Photos: Chris Gregory

Tri-County

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GRIDIRON GUIDE 2015

County alumni in Kyle Gregory and Blake
Satterfield.
The Yellow Jackets will look to a small,
but quality, senior class for leadership.
Ricky Harrison (6-foot-2, 260 pounds)
filled a number of roles last season, starting at left tackle, kicking 30 of 34 extra
points and three field goals, and also
serving as the backup quarterback. Harrison has been chosen for the Star Physical Therapy Class 1A preseason All-State
team at offensive tackle.
Classmate Chase Dallas (5-10, 190) is
the top returning ball carrier and also one
of the top returning tacklers from last
season. In 2014, Dallas had 110 carries
for 611 yards and five touchdowns. On
defense, he was credited with 53 tackles
(four for loss), one sack, a forced fumble
and a recovered fumble.
Other members of the Class of 2016
who are expected to play key roles are
Hunter Chitwood (5-9, 230), Trenton
Ervin (5-7, 220), QLon Maynard (6-0,
245) and transfer Matt Thomas (5-11,
165).
I love this group of young men, Barker
said. They have been nothing but hard
workers starved for more coaching every
single day.
One of the concerns for Coach Barker is
that he has no experience at quarterback.
Sophomore Trace McGuire (6-2, 170) has
stepped up his game in practice, with
freshman Keyvont Baines (5-11, 145) and
junior Tanner Lannom (5-10, 175) also
seeing time under center.
By and large we are a young team,
Barker said. However, I nor our team will
ever use that as an excuse not to succeed.
Im very excited and anxious for the start
of this season and I know our team is too.
Trousdale County has dropped down to
Class 1A and has been placed in Region
5. Region coaches have picked the Yellow
Jackets to place second behind Nashville
Christian. Also comprising Region 5-1A
are Jo Byrns, Middle Tennessee Christian,
Gordonsville, Monterey, Clay County, Red
Boiling Springs and Pickett County.
The Jackets two non-region games will
come against Class 2A Westmoreland and
Class 3A Upperman. Trousdale County
will open the season on Aug. 21 at Westmoreland, an opponent the Jackets have
not faced since 2002.
Coaches across the state believe
Trousdale County will be its usual strong
self, voting the Yellow Jackets in a sixthplace tie with Columbia Academy in a
Class 1A poll conducted by Murphy Fairs
Tennessee High School Football magazine.
The top five teams in that poll were
Union City, Peabody, Nashville Christian,
Coalfield and Huntingdon.
You can expect two things from our
team this year, Barker said. We will always give great effort and be as physical
as we can be.

Page 13

A young group of linemen will need to develop quickly for Trousdale County. Photo: Chris Gregory

Colton Gammons (11) delivers a hit on Matt Thomas during a

practice session. Photo: Chris Gregory

Trace McGuire (10) will take over at quarterback for the Yellow
Jackets, who lost eight seniors from last years team.
Photo: Chris Gregory

DONOHO, TAYLOR
& TAYLOR
Attorneys at Law
General Practice

Eddie Taylor Betty Lou Taylor

204 Court St., P.O. Box 179

Hartsville, TN 37074
615-374-3004
615-633-4400
Fax: 615-374-2267

of
Proud Supporter

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Good Luck on
This Season!

Hartsville Printing, L.L.C.

Printing For Every Occasion

202 River Street Hartsville, TN 37074

hartsvilleprintingco@netscape.com
Since 1978

615-374-2691

Fax 615-374-2462

Letterheads Envelopes Forms

Banners Signs Wedding Accessories

Page 14

GRIDIRON GUIDE 2015

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GRIDIRON GUIDE 2015

Page 15

Page 16

GRIDIRON GUIDE 2015

CONVENIENT.
THESE PRIMARY CARE PROVIDERS
OFFER SAME-DAY APPOINTMENTS.

Whether its for a checkup, treatment of an illness, or the management of a chronic condition, you can count on the
primary care providers on staff at University Medical Center to provide personalized care for you and your family.
For your convenience, same-day appointments are often available. And at some locations youll find extended
hours, with walk-ins welcome. For information or an appointment, call the location nearest you.

Kylene Haskins, D.O.

University Medical Group
Family Practice
1616 W. Main St.
Suite 101

Gary Gallant, M.D. Callie Tuggle, NP

Gallant Family Medicine
1420 W. Baddour Pkwy., Suite 210

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115 Winwood Dr., Suite 201

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MEMBERS AND INDEPENDENT MEMBERS OF THE MEDICAL STAFF AT UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER.
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INCLUDES PHYSICIAN OWNERS, INCLUDING CERTAIN MEMBERS OF THE HOSPITALS MEDICAL STAFF.

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8/10/15 12:01 PM