Football the weakley county press special sections 2016

2016 High School Football Preview

Tuesday, August 16, 2016

A New Era

Weakley County Press

Page 2

Meet the Cover

(From left) Chandler Brawner, Dresser Winn, Will Northcutt and Cameron Jones Dresser Winn Dresden 1. What is your most memorable football moment? Throwing six touchdown passes against

Trenton Peabody last year and beating them 39-0.

2. Which pro football player inspires you the most? Peyton Manning.

3. Who is your favorite non-

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4. What is your favorite college team? Tennessee. Favorite NFL team? Titans.

5. Which super hero would you like to be? Superman.

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6. What is the worst thing about football practice? Individual offense.

7. What is your favorite meal on gameday? BBQ bologna from Donnie Davidson.

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You have seen the cover of this 2016 high school football preview and it is time to meet those four young gentlemen.

They were are all asked a series of questions after the photo shoot at UT Martin’s Hardy Graham Stadium for the cover, so people could get to know a little more about them.

We found out what their most memorable moment on the football field is, with most being recent and one having his most memorable moment back in junior high. One’s favorite football memory may not be what you expect.

They all like to enjoy a good meal before each game, rich in protein and carbohydrates. These guys need a good meal to bring out their super hero powers.

Their favorite college and NFL teams are quite different and maybe not what you expect.

Three of the four dislike the same thing about football practice.

Now let us meet these four young men that grace the cover of the 2016 football preview and will lead their teams throughout the season. _____ Will Northcutt Greenfield 1. What is your most memorable football moment? It was last year when I threw two touchdown passes to John David Ricketts against Tipton-Rosemark. He runs and goes straight down the sideline.

2. Which pro football player inspires you the most? Probably Peyton Manning because he is the best.

3. Who is your favorite nonfootball athlete? I like Bryce Harper. He is a heck of a baseball player.

4. What is your favorite college team? I like Ole Miss. Favorite NFL team? Broncos.

5. Which super hero would you like to be? Superman.

6. What is the worst thing about football practice? It is hot.

7. What is your favorite meal on gameday? We always bake chicken and have mashed potatoes. _____ Cameron Jones Westview 1. What is your most memorable football moment? It was last year. I don’t remember what game it was, but I had two interceptions.

2. Which pro football player inspires you the most? Odell Beckham Jr. 3. Who is your favorite nonfootball athlete? Albert Pujols.

4. What is your favorite college team? Oregon. Favorite NFL team? I like the Falcons.

5. Which super hero would you like to be? Batman.

6. What is the worst thing about football practice? The humidity.

7. What is your favorite meal on gameday? Pasta. ____ Chandler Brawner Gleason 1. What is your most memorable football moment? It was in my sixth grade year. Tracy Perry was throwing up and came out of the game. I was second string quarterback, ran out onto the field, tripped and fell. It got the crowd going.

2. Which pro football player inspires you the most? Rob Gronkowski.

3. Who is your favorite nonfootball athlete? James Harden.

4. What is your favorite college team? Tennessee. Favorite NFL team? The 49ers.

5. Which super hero would you like to be? Thor.

6. What is the worst thing about football practice? It is really hot.

7. What is your favorite meal on gameday? Spaghetti. ____

The Weakley County Press, Tuesday, August 16, 2016

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The Weakley County Press, Tuesday, August 16, 2016

For Dresser, ‘Winn’ing runs in the family Randy Cavin Press Sports

Young athletes are often compared to some veteran athletes or former athletes. There is a young man in Dresden that is no exception.

Senior quarterback Dresser Winn is an exceptional young man. He can be compared with one person – his father, Albert “Peanut” Winn. It is not just by name alone; it is by athletic skills. Winn is a three-sport athlete just like his father was back in his playing days at Dresden.

Peanut played football, basketball and baseball, just like his son is doing now, and his graduating class was one that rarely comes around. Peanut was part of that 1988 Class that had Ronald “Popeye” Jones.

The younger Winn is one member of this year’s incoming senior class loaded with talented young men such as Dylan Yates, Quincy McDonald, Jordan Mitchell, Austin Thomas, Brice Williams and Blasé Cashion.

There are 17 incoming seniors on this year’s football squad and that makes the Lions an early season favorite to go to Cookeville.

“Our Class of ’88 is comparable to this rising senior class,” the elder Winn said. “Our senior year was loaded in every sport.

You take away this 2017 class at Dresden and you can field a football team, but you do not field a basketball team or baseball team.

“There is that many of them that participate in all three sports. Obviously they will get

letes in it. Peanut was without a doubt a very skilled athlete and his wife Shelley showed off her skills as a cheerleader at Dresden.

Now the couple has not only one, but three offspring that are talented in their own way. Their oldest daughter Loral is a sophomore and is one of the leaders on both the cross country team and track team. She was recently named to the Tennessee Sports Writers Association Class A-AA All-State Track and Field Team.

Tinley is the youngest of the three and she excels in basketball. She is entering her freshman year at Dresden. She capped her final year in middle school by being named to an allstar team.

There is much more to it than being gifted in sports as Winn has told Dresser.

“He works at it,” Winn said.

“I have tried to explain to him that he is gifted, but what separates the good athletes from the great athletes are the ones that ‘WINN’ING TOUCH — (From left) Sisters see Titans Class A Mr. Football Back Award along work hard. You might have a Tinley Winn and Loral Winn, take a picture with with their parents Albert “Peanut” Winn and Shel- kid that is gifted, but if he or she Submitted photo does not work hard then they do their big brother Dresser Winn with his Tennes- ley Winn. not become great. replaced once they graduate, but ship or bust this year,” Winn made to the quarterfinals, which “The professional athletes are it will be a tough task. There are said. “It is probably the largest was also in his junior season. the ones that are the most talsome fine young men and ath- senior class that ever participat- He did not get to play his se- ented and they work the hardest. letes in that class.” ed in football at Dresden.” nior year due to tearing an ACL That is the reason they are proThis senior class, led by Winn, The Lions have only made it against Westview the first game fessional athletes.” should have only one thing on as far as the quarterfinals with of the 1988 campaign.

There is a bit of a sibling riits mind and that is claiming the the younger Winn as quarterThat is one footstep Winn valry going on in the Winn TSSAA Class A state champion- back and that was last year. does not want his son to follow household and a touch of jealship. It could be another 20 years Dresden went to the second in. ousy. Dresser gets the majority or more before another class of round of the Class A playoffs his “Let’s not even think that,” of the headlines and that pushes this magnitude comes around, freshman year and he spent his Peanut said with a chuckle. “I his sisters to work harder. The much as it has been nearly 20 sophomore year at Briarcrest. do not want that to happen.” fact is none of them wants to be years since the last one did.

Peanut also played quarterThis Winn family is blessed outdone by the other.

“I think it is state champion- back for the Lions and he only with having several gifted ath-

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The Weakley County Press, Tuesday, August 16, 2016 “It is a highly competitive family,” Winn said.

“It is especially with Dresser and Loral. They really do not want to be outdone. My girls get tired hearing about Dresser.

They could care less about what Dresser does.

“They want him to do well, but they get tired hearing about him, and they get tired of hearing about Dresser from Dresser.

They are highly competitive at whatever they do.”

Now Winn is trying to stir the pot with Tinley and get her more involved in that sibling rivalry.

He wants her to jump in and join the competitiveness between Dresser and Loral.

“I told her Dresser and Loral have always competed,” he said.

“If they are going to do something, then they are going to compete. That is all I ask out of them. I will drive them anywhere in the country, but if you are not going to compete then we are not going to do it.”

Winn and his wife do not make their three kids do anything. They encourage them to do it on their own and the three younger Winns are doing it. All three will attend each other’s events to show their support.

The elder Winn knows what it is like to be a champion. The

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1987 baseball team won the Class A championship and he went to the state basketball tournament twice.

Dresser has not won a state title yet, but his drive to be the best at what he does paid off by winning the Tennessee Titans Mr. Football Class A Back last year, which was a first for Dresden.

Winn says being named Mr. Football again is not what Dresser wants. He only wants one thing and that is to win the Class A football state champion this year.

“His main goal right now is somehow for Dresden to win a state football championship,” Winn said. “We were having a conversation last year coming home from the Mr. Football awards and he told me, ‘Daddy, this is fun. I am happy and I am honored. Next, I hope another person can win it from our team.’

He could care less about winning Mr. Football again.

“He wants another kid to experience that. He wants somebody from our team to experience it.

That was a red carpet event and an unbelievable experience for him. He does not want to win it again. It is not that important to him.”

Winn said if his son won it again that it would be great and he would be happy. However,

the thing Dresser wants is to see that state football championship trophy in the trophy case at Dresden. His priorities are set on that and nothing else matters.

“As an athlete that is the mountain top,” Winn said. “That is what you play for as a team.

That is what makes Union City so good. They play as a team.

They do not have that Mr. Football candidate so they have to play so well as a team.

“Trenton Peabody lost Kendrick Malone and it is going to feel the effects. Union City did not lose a Malone and it is just going to reload and be good again. Now Dresden has to figure out how to accumulate all of that talent and put it together as a team. One kid is not beating Union City.”

Winn is right about that. This senior laden team is going to have to play as a well-oiled machine to get over that hump if they want to win a state championship. It is going to have to take everyone on the team to do it, not just the seniors.

“Every kid, whether it is that kid on the bench cheering, you are going to have to have everybody if you want to win a state championship,” Winn said.

“Whether it is Quincy McDonald having a big game, or Dylan Yates having a big game, Brice

MR. FOOTBALL — Dresser Winn can be Dresden’s first-ever back-to-back Mr. Football award recipient with a good showing this season.

Photo by Randy Cavin Williams making a big interception, or Jordan Mitchell making a big tackle, you have to have the entire team hungry for it.

“Coach (Derek) Rang is going to put in the time to have them prepared. A lot of stuff falls on a

coach, but the coach cannot get out there and execute for them.

They have to do it themselves and being senior-loaded, if they cannot get it done this year, then I do not know when they will ever get it done.”

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The Weakley County Press, Tuesday, August 16, 2016

Liberty looks to repeat in Region 7-3A The Top Team…

Liberty CRUSADERS Liberty won the region a year ago under first-year head coach Tyler Turner and he has the team that can repeat as region champs. The Crusaders are deep in talent and that fits right in with that fast-attack, spread offense Turner implemented in his first season. Corey Newble, the region’s offensive player of the year in 2015, returns at quarterback for his senior season. His top target, Rodney Castille, is also back. He earned all-state status as a junior last season. Carrying most of the load at runningback will be Kendarius Holliman. The junior is more frightening on defense and is expected to have another great year.

The Crusaders recorded five shutouts and held opponents to just over 11 points per game in 2015. The heart of that defense is back with seniors Alex Long, Johntazzie Montague, Trae Dunlap and Elijah Harris returning on the starting unit.

The Rest…

Milan BULLDOGS If any team can unseat Liberty it is the Bulldogs. Head coach Jeff Morris has a scary team with more than two dozen seniors. There will be a battle for the starting quarterback job as that is the only true question mark heading into the season. Senior Blake Miller, junior Logan Neilson and sophomore Taylor Lockhart are the three candidates for the signal caller. The Bulldogs have a wealth of talent at runningback with senior Spencer Walker, junior Anthony Ballard and sophomore Jacquez Norman. The Bulldogs have plenty of beef up front to run-block and protect the quarterback. Jacob Rimmer garnered plenty of attention from Division-1 schools and the two-year starter verbally committed to Duke University.

Dyersburg TROJANS Experience and depth could lead head coach Bart Stowe and the Trojans to the playoffs for the seventh time in his eight-year tenure at Dyersburg. The Trojans will have their interior line intact with five seniors and eight total returning offensive players. Jon Ross Baker is the leader in the trenches as he is a versatile player, having played every position on the line. Jamal King is a threeyear starter and Rayce Northam started on the line as a junior. All three of these players will also be starting on the defensive line. The Trojans have close to 20 seniors to make it one of the largest senior classes in recent years.

Dyersburg is sure to be a lock for the playoffs and be a strong contender for the region crown.

South Gibson HORNETS The Hornets got off to a fast start last season, winning the first six games of the season before losing their last four and missing the playoffs for the second consecutive year. That trend may continue if head coach Scott Stidman cannot find some replacements for last season’s graduating class. There is some returning talent with the starters back on offense. Senior runningback Tyler Dysart was an all-region selection a year ago and was the second leading tackler on the other side of the ball. The wide receiver spot has senior Aalyc Walker and junior Will Corbin returning as starters. There are also three returning starters on the offensive line, which will need to win some tough battles in the trenches in this rugged region.

Westview CHARGERS It will be a new look for the Chargers in 2016 with Trey Cantrell taking over for the now-retired Don Coady.

Westview saw a huge chunk of talent graduate and it will be a tough challenge for Cantrell to fill in those gaps.

There is an in-depth look at the Chargers in this 2016 High School Preview.

Jackson South Side HAWKS Second-year head coach Brian Moore got his Hawks off to a flying start last season, winning their first five games. Then the bottom dropped off on the season with the Hawks going 0-5 and missing the playoffs. The offensive and defensive lines will be the focal point for the Hawks when the season begins. Both sides of the line will definitely be the strengths of the team. Senior Thomas McGowan is the leader on both sides of the line playing tackle on each side. Senior Jaylon Jarmon is switching positions from guard to center for this season, while two other seniors, Da’Jawn Polk and Jalan Sharpe, are returning starters on both lines. There is some young, but inexperienced talent on this team. It will get that experience as the season progresses and give opponents a good look at what will be coming at them in the near future.

CHASING TECH — The Liberty Tech Crusaders were undefeated in the region and in the regular season, advancing further than ever in the playoffs before C.P.A. McNairy Central BOBCATS It could be another tough year for the Bobcats after finishing last season with only three wins. This region is unkind to teams like the Bobcats with a new head coach.

Brian Franks takes over the program after Chad Hodge left at the end of a rebuilding year. The rebuilding will be continuing with Franks at the helm. Junior runningback Kylin Wynn was one McNairy’s top rushers last year and should get the bulk of the carries this season. Mykeal Harris and Chad Edwards are two senior running backs that will see some action. Senior quarterbacks Dylan Crab and Chase Wallace will be vying for their share of playing time.

Who To Watch…

•

Corey Newble (Liberty, QB, 6-0, 190, Sr.)

Newble was the Region 7-3A Offensive Player of the Year in 2015 with 2,100 passing-yards and 20 touchdowns. He also ran for more than 700 yards and added 12 more scores to his worksheet. Watch for him to put up more big numbers this fall.

•

Anthony Ballard (Milan, RB, 6-1, 180, Jr.)

Ballard’s sophomore year saw him rush for over 1,400 yards and 18 touchdowns. He has the skills and talent to lead the Milan rushing attack. Opposing teams will dread seeing him with the ball behind Milan’s big offensive line.

• Sr.)

Cameron Jones (Westview, DB/LB, 5-10, 160,

Jones is the big hitter for the Chargers with 77 total tackles a year ago. He will play mostly as defensive back, but the plans are to use him as linebacker this fall as well.

First-year head coach Trey Cantrell also has plans to put him in at running back to make use of his speed with the football.

• Tyler Dysart (South Gibson, RB/DB, 5-11, 180, Sr.) He is without a doubt the leader on the team. Dysart was all-region as a junior with over 1,100 rushing yards and 17 touchdowns. He had 77 total stops on defense, ranking second on the team. How he goes is how the Hornets will go.

• Sr.)

Deashun Fields (Dyersburg, FB/LB, 6-1, 220,

Fields is the kind of ball carrier any coach would love to have. He is a yardage-eater, having led the Trojans in rushing and scoring last season to earn all-region honors.

He plays mostly as a linebacker on the other side of the ball, but expect to see him line up at defensive end at any point of the game.

•

Jacob Rimmer (Milan, T, 6-7, 260, Sr.)

A Division-I commitment, having chosen Duke after having more than a dozen other Division-I schools showing a lot of interest in him, he will give the Bulldogs plenty of room to run the ball and provide the untested quarterbacks lots of protection.

•

Rodney Castille (Liberty, WR, 6-0, 170, Sr.)

ended their season, shutting out Liberty 21-0 in Nashville. Westview hopes their speed will help them keep pace with the Crusaders when they meet on Sept. 30.

Do not let this guy get his hands on the ball. It will be a mistake if you do. He has blazing speed and very good hands. The senior wide-out caught 80 passes for more than 1,000 yards and 13 touchdowns last season.

•

D.J. Coffman (Westview, LB, 5-9, 175, Jr.)

Coffman was a workhorse at linebacker last year as a sophomore. He has a tremendous instinct for the ball as shown by his 109 total tackles a season ago. Expect to see him get in on most every play and see him on offense at times as a running back.

• Thomas McGowan (South Side, OT/DT, 510, 230, Sr.) McGowan is built more like a linebacker instead of a lineman. Do not let his size fool you. He is the captain of both lines and plays the trenches very well.

The Places To Be… •

Aug. 18: Westview at Dresden (@UTM)

There is no better way to see what you are made of than opening the season against a state champion contender.

This is the first in a long line of highly touted games for the Chargers and they would like nothing better than to knock off their county rival.

•

Sept. 2: Liberty vs. Milan

It is possible the region could be decided this early in the season. The Crusaders and Bulldogs are the top two teams heading into the season. Liberty got a convincing win at Milan last year and the Bulldogs will be looking for redemption with the stakes extremely high in this early contest.

•

Sept. 2: Westview vs. Dyersburg

Two big games on the same night. This is why Region 7-3A is so tough. The winner of this game will have the upper-hand along with the winner between Milan and Liberty. Westview surprised Dyersburg at its place last year after coming off back-to-back losses to start the season. The Trojans will be looking to avoid another major letdown.

•

Sept. 16: Westview vs. Milan

This is the game the Chargers live for and they will be looking to send the powerful Bulldogs home with a loss.

The season may not come down to this for the Chargers, but a win would go a long way for a chance to earn a spot in the playoffs.

• Sept. 16: Liberty vs. Dyersburg It will be the second time in two weeks the region will have two marquee matchups. Liberty will have a chance to gain control in the region with a win and if it beats Milan in Week 3. The Trojans nearly pulled off an upset last year with a two-point loss in this game.

•

Oct. 7: Westview vs. South Gibson

This game was the turning point of the season for both teams a year ago, and it could be again. The Chargers used this game to go on a four-game winning streak to make the playoffs, while the Hornets ended up losing four straight and missed the postseason.

The Weakley County Press, Tuesday, August 16, 2016

Page 7

Lions, Tornadoes top contenders for Region 7-1A The Top Team…

Union City GOLDEN TORNADOES The Tornadoes have been the top team in the region the last three years and they bring back a lot of talent in 2016.

Head coach Darren Bowling does not have the wealth of returning starters that he had the last few years, but he always gets the most out of every player. He teaches physical football and the Twisters learn that lesson well.

Union City was just four points from advancing in the playoffs last year and Bowling will have his team ready for another run at a state championship this year. Bowling only has five returning starters back, but do not be fooled by that small number. These five returners can play. Lazzarus Scribner returns at quarterback to run that potent option offense. Jeremy Bumpus will be lining up at slot receiver, while Andrew Easley makes his return.

Senior Thomas Barnes is back to shore up the offensive line, while Tucker Kennedy has been moved to the fullback position.

senior class. There are 20 on this year’s team, led by returning quarterback Izaya Brown and running back Jaylon Stewart. Brown can run the ball as well as anyone and has a good touch with his passes. Stewart is short and stocky, and his low center of gravity makes it tough on defenses. Randy Pirtle brings more size to the run game with his 200-pound frame, while Marricus Duncan gives the Vikings some quickness.

Lake County FALCONS Head coach Josh Puckett begins his fourth year at Lake County without one of the best running backs in the state as Stavonski Wilkes has since graduated. Actually, the Falcons were hit especially hard with graduation as they only have five seniors on this year’s squad. Even worse for Puckett is only one of those seniors will be starting at a skill position. Ishmael Young finished second on the team in rushing yards last season and is Lake County’s only proven offensive threat. There are going to be a lot of holes that will have to be filled by the underclassmen this year.

West Carroll WAR EAGLES

The Rest…

Dresden LIONS If any team can take the top spot away from the Twisters this season it will be the Lions. Head coach Derek Rang has 17 seniors on the team, which includes last year’s Mr. Football winner Dresser Winn at quarterback.

He had 38 touchdown passes a year ago and he will be joined in the backfield with Dylan Yates, who scored 25 times running the ball. Quincy McDonald had 1,157 total yards of offensive catching, running and passing the ball to go with 10 combined touchdowns. Austin Thomas is the deep threat with 43 receptions for 850 yards and 15 TDs last year. Brice Williams hauled in 27 catches and nine scores on offense and had seven interceptions on defense.

Trenton Peabody GOLDEN TIDE The Tide lost a lot of firepower to graduation and will have some rebuilding to do. However, that does not mean they won’t be in contention once again. Trenton only brings four offensive starters back and two on defense, but there are plenty of seniors to put on the field this year.

Head coach Shane Jacobs brings back two all-region players on the front line with Preston Fesmire and Hunter Edmonds. Also back for his senior year is Colin White.

He was out last year with a shoulder injury and played every game his sophomore season. Jacob Taylor takes over as the fulltime starter at quarterback after getting some spot starts last year.

South Fulton RED DEVILS There is some excitement in South Fulton this year as head coach Eric Knott saw his team make the playoffs the last two years. The Red Devils should have a strong ground game this year with senior running back Kody Davidson getting most of the carries. Junior tailback Jalen Scott provides a change of pace with his size (6-1, 220), while freshman running back Greg Davis will get ample opportunities to showcase his talent. Senior Gevin Courtney is back to begin his second season as the starting quarterback. He is good with the option and makes good throws to his receivers.

Humboldt VIKINGS The Viking missed out on the playoffs with a 4-6 mark last season after making it to the postseason six straight years. Getting back in the playoffs will be up to a large

Second-year head coach Josh Wolfe has a lot more experienced players than he did a year ago. Wolf has 14 seniors on the team out of 34 players, so the experience is there. Now he has to transfer that experience into more wins than he had last year as the War Eagles were a dismal 2-8. It is going to be impossible to miss senior offensive lineman Chance Townes when he steps onto the field. He stands at 6-5 and weighs 325 pounds. Expect to see senior running back Tristen Fuller following Townes with his blocking. Senior Gavin Rossen is expected to get the starting job at quarterback for the War Eagles.

Greenfield YELLOWJACKETS It is a numbers game once again for head coach Don Pitt as he goes into his fourth season at Greenfield. Pitt has good players, just not enough of them to compete with the larger schools in this region. There is a more complete look at Greenfield and what the prospects are for the Yellowjackets in this 2016 High School Football Preview.

Gleason BULLDOGS Head coach Noah Lampkins is facing the same numbers game as Greenfield is, and maybe more so as the numbers continue to dwindle at Gleason. That is not good for the smallest football-playing school in the state.

A more in-depth look is taken at the Bulldogs in this year’s High School Football Preview.

Who To Watch…

• Lazzarus Scribner (Union City, QB, 5-7, 155, Sr.) Always a threat to run the ball as he had nearly 800 yards last year and 17 touchdowns on 54 carries. He runs the option with the best of them and can throw the ball, too. He had over 200 yards and four touchdowns as the Tornadoes will use the pass from time to time.

•

Dresser Winn (Dresden, QB, 6-3, 196, Sr.)

He is the reigning Mr. Football and he is back for one more season. He passed for over 2,600 yards, 38 touchdowns and was only picked off eight times in 191 attempts as a junior. He is a duel threat quarterback as he also had over 700 rushing yards and six touchdowns.

•

Dylan Yates (Dresden, RB, 5-9, 197, Sr.)

Had over 1,500 yards running the ball last year to put

him over 2,800 the last two years. He had over 12 yards per carry in 2015 and 25 touchdowns to give him 37 TDs in two years. He is also a threat to catch the ball with 17 receptions for over 360 yards and five additional scores.

• Preston Fesmire (Trenton Peabody, OL/DL, 6-3, 260, Sr.) The leader on an experienced front line. Started 29 consecutive games and earned All-Region 7A honors in 2015. Regarded as the strongest player on the team and regularly gets doubled-teamed and still manages to get the job done.

• Kody Davidson (South Fulton, RB/DB, 5-9, 165, Sr.) The leader of the team and knows what to do with the football. He has good ball skills with undeniable quickness. He has good vision down the field and is able to cut into the gaps. He has good hands, which makes him a threat to catch the ball and is solid on defensive coverage.

• Sr.)

Chance Townes (West Carroll, OL, 6-5, 325,

A massive force teams are going to have to deal with.

He can dominate the front line and was named to the allregion team last year. Colleges are taking a look at him as he should continue to develop into one of the most dominating offensive tackles in the region.

Places To Be… •

Aug. 18: Dresden vs. Westview @ UTM

Dresden brings its potent offense up against the Chargers and their new head coach Trey Cantrell. This will be the first time in 26 years without Don Coady on the Westview sideline. Expect Cantrell to continue to show some of Coady’s way of coaching and with a few new things added. The Lions will want to make a statement as the team to beat this year with a win against their county rival.

•

Sept. 2: Union City vs. Trenton

The Tornadoes will be looking to avenge last year’s season-ending loss to the Tide in the playoffs. The Tide will want to show it is still capable of beating the Twisters. There will be a packed house for this game as it could set the tone in the region.

•

Sept. 30: Dresden vs Trenton

The Lions beat the Tide in last year’s regular season game and lost to the Tide in the playoffs. That loss is still stinging and the Lions will be looking for revenge against the team that kept them from a chance at going to the state championship game. This game has playoff and region championship implications all over it. There should be a lot of fireworks in it.

•

Oct. 14: Dresden vs Union City

It does not get much bigger than this. The Tornadoes have had Dresden’s number the past two years.

The Lions thought they had the team to beat the Twisters last year, only to have a disappointing second half.

This will be a battle between two of the top Class A teams in the state so get there early as it is sure to be a packed house.

•

Oct. 28: South Fulton at West Carroll

This could be the game for the fourth and final playoff spot in the region. The Red Devils are not in the elite three of the region, but they have shown the last two years to be a strong fourth place team. The War Eagles should be a much improved team this season and this game could make their season.

Page 8

The Weakley County Press, Tuesday, August 16, 2016

Taking A Glance At Non-Region Opponents…

Fulton County PILOTS

The Pilots are one of those teams that just seem to have a lot of hard luck each season.

The school brought back David Gallagher in 2015 with the hope he could resurrect the stale football program. He coached the Pilots from 1990-2002 with five winning seasons during his first tenure and they had their first playoff win under Gallagher.

The resurrection did not happen his first year back as the Pilots finished 0-11. Fulton County opens the season with Gleason, just as it did last year, except this time it is a home game for the Bulldogs. Gleason spoiled Gallagher’s return with a 68-28 win a year ago. Both teams have the same issue – small numbers.

The Class A, District 1 team will look for junior Skylar Johnson to take over at quarterback after Aaron King graduated. Tanner Ford, a 5-7, 180-pound senior fullback should be getting most of the load carrying the football.

Senior wide receiver Cameron Matheny (6-1; 192) gives Johnson a sizeable target to pass the ball to. Junior wide-out Andreous Smith (6-0; 150) is another good option for Johnson.

Joyrian Bradley (6-2; 270, Sr.) anchors the front line and teams will have to contend with him as a defensive tackle.

Fulton City BULLDOGS Head coach Michael Thomas has the Bulldogs thinking positive thoughts about the new season as they have had a busy summer getting ready for the season opener at Greenfield.

The Bulldogs are the smallest school in Kentucky and finished the 2015 season 2-9. Both wins came against Fulton County.

Greenfield got a 35-20 win over the Bulldogs the previous meeting in a marathon game that lasted nearly four hours. Fulton is another team that is battling a numbers problem and it will have to replace its starting quarterback for the second straight year. Chan Malray started in 2015 and this year it is looking like Thomas may have to let Cameron Madding, a freshman, take over the reins at quarterback. Madding can rest a little easy knowing he has a pair of big linemen protecting him.

Senior Kory Carr comes in at around 260 pounds and junior Tyler Bishop tips the scales at close to 300 pounds. Carr may also see some time in the backfield as a blocking fullback. Malray may not have to pass the ball very much with senior running back Areon Ferrell moving the football.

Tipton-Rosemark Academy REBELS Greenfield will host a nonregion game for the second consecutive week to start the season and it is once again conceivable for the Yellowjackets to be 2-0 just as they were last year after this game.

The Yellowjackets trounced the Rebels 62-35 a year ago as the Rebels finished the season 4-7 with a 55-0 loss to Northpoint Christian in the Division II-A playoffs. The Rebels had two seniors playing at quarterback last year and it looks like they will be turning to a sophomore this season. Kevin Sigler has the size (6-3; 210) to succeed at the position. He just needs to gain some experience and confidence. Junior receivers Jake Massey (6-1; 160)

and Mason Reeves (5-8; 150) will be his top targets. Junior runningback Dawson Feathers (6-1; 175) will be someone to watch in the backfield. He will also line up at outside linebacker on defense. Zach McCraine (59; 165, Jr.) will be in the middle of the field at middle linebacker and the Yellowjackets will need to keep an eye out for him.

Ezell-Harding Academy EAGLES

Gleason travels to Nashville in Week 3 to take on the Eagles (4-7) and they too are fighting with the numbers, as they are comparable with the Bulldogs.

The Eagles bring back eight starters and they are all seniors. That gives the Division II school an edge and being at home gives them a bigger edge.

The quarterback position is still up for grabs, but that may not be much of problem as the Eagles have Malik Ruffin (6-0; 205, Sr.) returning. He was an all-region selection last season with over 1,000 rushing yards.

He can use his size as a power back and has good speed to get around the edge. Whoever takes over at quarterback will have three senior wide-outs returning as starters to throw to. Jason Puckett (6-0; 210) led the team in receptions in 2015 and made the all-region second team.

Aaron Brooks (5-10; 170) was second on the team in catches and Ethan Shutes (5-9; 170) is another go-to receiver.

Ballard Memorial BOMBERS Dresden will have the Bombers at home on Sept. 9, as the two schools hook up for the second straight year. The Lions went up to Ballad Memorial last year and came out with a 48-6 win. The Eagles are accustomed to playing top-tier teams as they are in that tough Class AA, District 1 with Mayfield and Murray. They did finish the season with a 5-6 mark with three of their biggest losses coming against the Lions, Mayfield and Murray. They got a good look at what Dresden’s offense could do last year, and that same scary offense is back intact this year.

It could be a carbon copy from the last meeting, or worse for the Eagles. Ballard is not without some talent. Senior running

backs Devin Bledsoe and Tyrell Byas will be the top guys in the backfield, while junior quarterback Khalil Griffin will get a chance to guide the offense. If he cannot do it then the Eagles may have to let sophomore QB Eric Marinelli see what he can do with the offense.

Battle Ground Academy WILDCATS This will be the first meeting between the two schools when they hook up on Sept.

9 at Hardy Graham Stadium.

Both squads were playoff teams a year ago, with the Chargers falling in the first round of the Class 3A playoffs and the Wildcats had the same fate in the DII-A playoffs. BGA started the season 5-0 before dropping four of its last five to end the season.

Two are expected to compete

for the quarterback role, senior Jake Holloway and junior Drew Martin. With four starters returning on offense, and just a total of eight seniors on the roster, the Wildcats, like the Chargers, will be working with little fieldtime experience.

Camden LIONS The Lions are no strangers to the Chargers, having played them last year and several times in previous years. The Chargers were in need of a big win after losing to Milan last season, and they got it when they beat the Lions, 48-28. The Chargers will play the Lions once again following the Milan game on Sept. 23, at Camden. The Lions will be the sixth straight tough test for the Chargers as they are picked to finish second behind Fairview in Region 6-3A. Camden finished 7-5 in 2015 with

a 28-13 loss to White House Heritage in the second round of the playoffs. The good thing for Westview is it will not have to contend with Deshawn Brown running the football. He has taken his talents to Henderson State in Arkansas. Camden is none-the-less scary with senior quarterback Haden Abernathy (6-4; 225) and senior runningback Kleaun Tharpe (5-10; 185) returning. Abernathy has gotten bigger, a lot faster and picked up some strength since last season.

The Camden backfield is potent enough, but factor in the offensive line with five seniors on it and the Lions could appear to be unstoppable. The front line averages in at 260 pounds.

This is an experienced team on both sides of the ball it could be looking at a Region 6-3A title if Fairview slips during the season.

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Page 9

Lake County, Union City have history of success in Region 7-1A Region 7-1A is accustomed to having contenders for state championships.

It has won a few, too.

The region had three legitimate contenders a year ago and two which are in the region won state titles in different classes in 2014.

Union City and Trenton were both champions two years ago, the Golden Tornadoes in 1A and the Golden Tide in 2A. The Twisters also won the 1A crown in 2013.

Dresden has been consistently in the playoffs for several years and went to the 2A title game in 2011. West Carroll was also in the hunt for the state title in 1A that year as it went to the semifinals.

Humboldt is no stranger either, having won the AA crown in 1979, while Lake County has put together two state title runs with championships in 1A in 1980 and 1985. South Fulton has even been to the 1A quarterfinals three times.

The only two teams that have not been traditional contenders are Gleason and Greenfield.

However, the two teams have put marks in the win column in the state playoffs. ___ DRESDEN All-time record: 14-19 Best season(s): 2011 – Class 2A finals.

2011 – beat McKenzie 35-7, beat Humbolt 22-21, beat Memphis Westwood 32-12, beat Adamsville 35-19, lost to Fellowship Christian 34-0. ___ GLEASON All-time record: 2-11 Best season(s): 1982, 2008 and 2011.

1982 – lost to Middleton 13-6 2008 – beat Trinity Christian 36-30, lost to Lake County 4240 2011 – beat South Fulton 1912, lost to West Carroll 35-14 ___ GREENFIELD All-time record: 3-8 Best season(s): 1986, 1997 and 2001 – Class A second round.

1986 – beat Denmark West 34-2, lost to Sky View Academy 21-6.

1997 – beat Jackson Christian 28-21, lost to South Fulton 13-7.

2001 – beat Fayette Academy 13-6, lost to USJ 47-8. ___ HUMBOLDT All-time: 30-25 Best season(s): 1979 – Class AA state champions 1979 – beat Memphis Prep 520, beat Memphis East 21-13, beat Lexington 7-0, beat Maryville 13-10. ___ LAKE COUNTY All-time record: 40-31 Best season(s): 1980 and 1985 – Class A state champions.

1980 – beat Sky View Academy 28-0, beat McKenzie 207, beat Goodpasture 7-3, bear Meigs County 20-6.

1985 – beat Bruceton 54-7, beat Memphis Westside 24-0, beat Spring Hill 20-0, beat Adamsville 29-28, beat South Pittsburg 20-12. ___ SOUTH FULTON All-time record: 7-18 Best season(s): 1972, 1979 and 1997 – Class A quarterfinals 1972 – lost to Lake County 35-0 1979 – beat Old Hickory Academy 29-28, lost to Lake County 30-20 1997 – beat West Carroll 14-0, beat Greenfield 13-7, lost to USJ 28-14

BACK TO STATE — Look for Union City and Dresden’s Oct. 14 matchup to decide which has the top seed going into the Region 7-1A playoffs.

The Lions host the Golden Tornadoes this season in Dresden.

Photo by Randy Cavin

TRENTON PEABODY All-time record: 23-19 Best season(s); 2014, 2015 – Class 2A state champions 2014 – beat Huntingdon 49-27, beat TCA 42-37, beat McKenzie 42-0, beat Adamsville 42-31, beat Marion County 34-7. ___ UNION CITY All-time record: 42-21 Best season(s): 2009, 2013 and 2014 – Class 1A state champions 2009 – beat South Fulton 487, beat Huntingdon 30-7, beat Wayne County 31-2, beat South Pittsburg 31-29 2013 – beat Bruceton 62-28, beat Humboldt 10-6, beat Nashville Christian 42-34, beat South Pittsburg 23-14.

2014 – beat Dresden 49-14, beat Lake County 56-6, beat Nashville Christian 35-0, beat Coalfield 56-14. ___ WEST CARROLL All-time record: 6-13 Best season(s): 2011 – Class 1A semifinals 2011 – beat Gleason 35-14, beat Union City 21-20, lost to Wayne County 33-0

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Sports Competition fierce for Westview roster spots Josh Lemons Sports Editor If there is one thing that can be taken away from the past few scrimmages at Westview is that first-year head coach Trey Cantrell’s two-deep chart must be written in pencil. Because there’s no way he’s ready to put anybody’s name in ink just yet, especially when it comes to the quarterback position.

“We’ve got a good competition going. Each quarterback brings something different to the table,” Cantrell said. “I just don’t want any of them to feel comfortable. I don’t want one quarterback to feel like it’s his job. I want them to feel like it’s a team game. If I need them this week, I need them this week. If I don’t need them this week, they need to help us out in other ways. A great quarterback always wants to be the leader of the team but at the same time they also need to be a leader of the team by doing whatever is asked of you.”

And he said he puts no timetable on naming a Week 1 starter when the team takes the field against county rival Dresden at Hardy Graham Stadium.

“I would love for one to come out and steal the show and just take it over but right now, off the verge of training camp going into the more traditional practices and then the jamborees, I want to see progression,” Cantrell said. “I want to see somebody take the lead. If they don’t, we’ll keep competing for a spot. We’ll keep plugging them in and out.”

Cantrell said if they decide to go with a multiple quarterback system throughout the season, next week’s opponent will be the main indicator of who will get the majority of reps under center.

“I think film is always a great indicator of what’s best for the team. You don’t want to try to do something that’s not going to be feasible,” he said. “If a mobile quarterback sounds better one week, then maybe that’s what your game plan needs to be. If throwing the football 50 times a game is the way to go, then maybe you don’t want to go with that mobile quarterback. You’ve just got to look at the situation and look at your personnel.”

Cantrell said it really is hard to get a gauge of where his team is after a couple of scrimmages but there are a few promising signs that he takes away from the first couple of days with pads and helmets.

“What I do know is I like the way we’ve competed. I like the way we ran to the football. I like the way we bounced back when things went wrong,” he said. “We didn’t go in the tank. We kept trucking along and made plays.”

Only returning two starters on offense and four on defense, Cantrell knows they will be relying on the underclassman more than they would like. But, so far, the freshmen and sophomores have stepped up in the scrimmages.

“I really like what our young kids did. The future looks bright, “ Cantrell said. “All of our kids are young or inexperienced but at the end of the day when you put youth out there and you see them go and you hear plastic pop, that’s a good thing.”

NOT IN MY HOUSE — A Charger defender knocks the ball away from a West Carroll receiver Tuesday afternoon during a scrimmage at Westview. First-

year head coach Trey Cantrell said he is pleased with the effort he has seen from this year’s team.

Photo by Josh Lemons

Fall Schedule dresden dominates dyer Co. in final scrimmage Randy Cavin Press Sports

Score a lot and get good stops was the plan for Dresden in its final scrimmage of the summer against Dyer County on Monday.

That plan was a success as the Lions scored five times before the Choctaws were able to reach the end zone. The Lions of course scored through the air, but most of the damage was done on the ground with the first team offense getting four rushing touchdowns.

Dyer County scored against Dresden’s first-team defense after it had worn down some. Those defensive players were being used on both sides of the ball, while the Choctaws used fresh players with one unit for offense and one for defense.

“That is always big when you can come out, score a lot, stop them a lot and really take the pressure off of yourself,” head coach Derek Rang said. “Our firstteam offense looked really good and our defense wore down a little bit. They were platooning guys in and out.

“That is what you expect this time of the year. We are going to keep working to get in shape. We are going to keep working to build some depth and every day we have just got to get better.”

Dresden amassed a ton of penalties last year and it picked up a few on Monday. Some were just mental mistakes like jumping offside, but one unsportsman penalty caused a 75-yard touchdown pass from Dresser Winn to Brice Williams to get called back.

DOMINATION — Dresden senior runningback Dylan Yates knows the Dyer County defensive line is there and was able to elude him for a 20-yard touchdown run. Yates had a big day with three rushing touchdowns and two receiving as the Lions were no match for the Choctaws.

Photo by Randy Cavin

rhythm. We are going to have to work on some things after a big play. Get a big play and get a stop. We need to see if we can keep working on that.”

Dyer County was going after Winn and sacked him twice. Winn tried to counter the pressure by using a hard count. It worked as the Choctaw defensive line jumped offside three times.

“They were pinning their ears back and attacking,” Rang said. “They were wanting to get after us a little bit and were aggressive. We had trouble running the ball in the middle, so we ran it to the outside and threw it that way. The inside run is just something to work on.”

Dresden’s defense looked solid as it kept Dyer County from moving the chains its first five possessions.

The Lions had three sacks in those five possessions and Williams blocked one punt.

The second and third offensive units were able to move ball, but did not score until late in the scrimmage with Tyrone Jones connecting with Drake Yates for an 18-yard touchdown play. The younger Yates also had a 35-yard run.

It is crunch time now for the Lions with Week 1 just seven days away and they have Milan on Friday at the Henry County Jamboree. Rang is not too concerned about Milan. His thoughts are on Week 1’s opponent, Westview.

“There are no more days off,” he said.

“It is here and we are here to get ready for the season. We are going to start working on prepping for Westview. We think we have an idea what they may do.

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Page 11

Milan traditionally strong in Region 7-3A

Tradition, power and confidence – that about sums up Milan as it has ruled Region 7-3A. The Bulldogs have staked the claim on the all-time playoff record with an impressive 81-34 mark. The rest of the league is 96-109.

Milan also has bragging rights with four state championships.

The other six region teams: None.

The Bulldogs are winners of the state title in 1971, 1977, 1998 and 1999. They beat powerful teams in those games, which includes Brentwood Academy, Maryville, David Lipscomb and MUS. Now the other teams in the league do have a history of making long runs in the playoffs.

Westview went the deepest with an appearance in the Class 2A title game in 2001, while Dyersburg, Liberty and Jackson South Side have made it to the semifinals. ___ DYERSBURG All-time record: 16-21 Best season (s): 2006 – Class

Chargers non region games just as difficult Josh Lemons Sports Editor Westview head coach Trey Cantrell gives respect to all of the regions in TSSAA football.

But he also knows how difficult it is to compete in Region 73A. The powerhouses like Milan, Liberty, Dyersburg always seem to replenish without having much of what many would call an “off year” or a “rebuilding season.”

But just as tough as it is winning the district, the Chargers’ playoff hopes very well could depend on how their record fares in the nonregional matchups.

And it all starts on Thursday night.This is probably the least difficult game for Charger fans to understand the importance.

After all, it’s Dresden. And even though it’s considered an away game, it’s being played at UT Martin’s Hardy Graham Stadium, Westview’s home turf.

Oh, and yeah, Dresser Winn.

It doesn’t get much easier in Week 2 as they head on the road to Crockett County (Get Well Soon Coach Ward!).

After a battle with Dyersburg, Battle Ground Academy comes to town. The two teams are similar on paper. They’re both young. But BGA has a history of deep runs in the playoffs.

This game is really a tossup.

With Milan sandwiched inbetween, Westview will end the non regional part of the schedule on the road at Camden.

Camden is returning their senior starting quarterback, five offensive linemen and senior running back Klaun Tharpe. It goes without saying this is a team that can put points on the board.

Cantrell said one of the three keys to having a successful year is making the playoffs. The other is to having a winning record. One really could be a factor in determining the other and it might just likely come down to how the Chargers handle this portion of the schedule.

3A semifinals 2006 – beat Memphis Mitchell 14-13, beat Haywood County 15-9, beat Covington 14-0, lost to David Lipscomb 42-10. ___ JACKSON SOUTH SIDE All-time record: 10-17 Best season(s): 2000 – Class 3A semifinals 2000 – beat Page 21-14, beat Milan 29-22, beat Marshall County 7-6, lost to Covington 28-8. ___ SQUARING OFF — Westview heads down to Jackson to take on South Side in Week 9 with possible LIBERTY playoff implications on the line in Region 7-3A. All-time record: 9-7 Best season(s): 2009 and 2012 – Class 4A semifinals All-time record: 0-3 2009 – beat Memphis Trezevant ons; 1998 – Class 2A state cham- tral 59-8, beat Crockett County Best season (s): SGC has lost 19-6, beat Memphis Fairley 35- pions; 1999 – Class 3A state 45-7, beat Jackson South Side 29-8, beat Covington 28-6, beat in the first round of the playoffs 12, beat Crockett County 41-28, champions 1971 – beat Marshall County Portland 21-14 in its three playoff appearances lost to Giles County 28-14. ___ ___ 2012 – beat Sycamore 48- 27-0, beat Kingston 10-7 1977 – beat Jackson North MCNAIRY CENTRAL WESTVIEW 13, beat Lexington 42-18, beat All-time record: 8-17 All-time record: 28-23 White House 27-23, lost to Cov- Side 14-0, beat Brentwood Academy 27-0, beat MUS 14-6, beat Best season(s): 1998 – Class Best season(s): 2001 – Class ington 35-14 Maryville 18-6 3A quarterfinals 2A finals ___ 1998 – beat Richland 56-21, 1998 – beat Giles County 362001 – beat Memphis Booker MILAN beat Huntingdon 17-13, beat 22, beat Spring Hill 25-6, lost to T. Washington 42-0, beat MiAll-time record: 81-34 lan 40-21, beat Union City 41Best season(s): 1971 and Union City 10-6, beat David Page 35-34 ___ 7, beat McKenzie 35-0, lost to 1977– Class AA state champi- Lipscomb 16-6 1999 – beat Montgomery CenSOUTH GIBSON COUNTY Goodpasture 14-0.

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Page 12

Westview Chargers

The Weakley County Press, Tuesday, August 16, 2016

Chargers look to future, focus on now Josh Lemons Sports Editor

2016 Schedule

For the first time in a quarter of a century, the Westview Charger football team has a new man at the helm. After 25 years, head coach Don Coady stepped down, making way for Trey Cantrell, a 12-year assistant on the team to take over.

Cantrell said he learned a lot from his former boss and longtime mentor. He admits there are plenty of things that he implements due to Coady’s style of coaching but he also said Charger fans will see some differences when the team takes the field Thursday against longtime county rival Dresden.

“There are a lot of things I learned from coach Coady,” he said. “I have to do it the way I feel is best. I can’t try to be anybody else but, at the end of the day, he has shaped the way I approach the game.”

When the team does take the field for the first time, there will be one thing for sure, there will be quite a few unfamiliar faces.

The Chargers lost 12 starters to graduation last spring, so many that are vying for a starting role have little to no experience other that what they have received during the spring and summer practices. That leaves many to see this as a rebuilding year, especially with so much young talent coming up from the middle school, but not Cantrell. He said he understands the situation but is not content to sit back and wait for next season.

“We’ve got to look at this thing two ways right now. We do have to understand that we’re a young team but we cannot fall into that trap of if the future’s bright, it’s going to be OK,” he said. “Losing is never OK. Mediocrity is never OK. We want to be the best football team we can be this year. We want to win this year.”

He said he and his staff owe it to the seniors that are on the roster to go out and put them in the best position to win now.

“I want to see this senior class go out as winners. I owe that to them and I’m going to work hard to do that for them,” Cantrell said. “We’re not going to sit around and make excuses. The facts are we are young and the facts are that we are undersized but the fact is there are other teams with deficiencies as well.

There are other great teams out there that have deficiencies as

HARD TO REPLACE — Jason Hicks turned this little quick out route into a 38-yard touchdown. It was his first of four touchdowns in the third period. He scored on three Dallas Callins passes and ran for a seven-yard touchdown. Hicks had five catches in the game for 225 yards and three touchdowns in the air last season against South Side. well that may keep them from winning a state championship.”

That being said, the future is bright for the Charger football team.

“With the 10th-graders we have now, we have some talent.

With the ninth-graders we have now, we have size,” Cantrell said. “And that’s important. With the seventh- and eighth-graders we have coming up, we’ve got a lot of talent. That’s something to be very excited about if you’re a fan or if you’re a young player on this team, it’s something to be excited about.”

Offense The Chargers only return two starters on offense in senior Chris Webb and junior Malik Jones, both fielding positions on the

Aug. 18 Dresden

offensive line. Webb will more than likely pull double-duty lining up on the defensive side of the ball, as well as handling the snaps on offense. Jones will also need to pull double-duty, adding defensive end to his guard position he held last year. Many are saying he may slide over to the tackle position this season. The loss of so many seniors could limit the Chargers scoring, especially early in the season. The biggest question mark is who will step in to replace Dallas Callins at the quarterback position. Last season, Callins threw for 1,449 yards and 12 touchdowns. He also rushed for 307 yards with six rushing touchdowns. Graduating with Callins were his two biggest receivers in Jason Hicks and Parker Beal.

Hicks accounted for 719 yards

A LITTLE HELP — Heath Hester (#27) and Carmeron Jones (#24) got in together to break up South Side quarterback Ricky Beard’s pass to C.J. Huntt. last season in Martin. Both Hester and Jones are returning and are expected to be big contributors in the secondary. Both are seniors this season. and seven touchdowns on 38 receptions. He also ran the ball 47 times for 610 yards and six touchdowns. Beal had four touchdowns off of 26 receptions for 380 yards. Like Hicks, Beal also ran the ball. He had 108 carries for 651 yards and 10 rushing touchdowns. Cantrell has yet to name a starter, or for that matter, who is really in the running to replace Callins. The main two that saw the most snaps during the summer scrimmages were McKinney Baker and Cameron Jones. Baker seems to have the better arm, while Jones seems to execute the Wildcat formation more effectively.

Cantrell said during the summer scrimmages that he won’t name a starter until he sees one of his players step forward and own the position.

“I would love for one to come

out and steal the show and just take it over but right now, off the verge of training camp going into the more traditional practices and then the jamborees, I want to see progression,” Cantrell said. “I want to see somebody take the lead. If they don’t, we’ll keep competing for a spot. We’ll keep plugging them in and out.”

Defense Seniors Cameron Jones, Heath Hester and River Paschall return for the Chargers, as well as junior DJ Coffman. Jones and Hester will both line up in the secondary, while Coffman and Paschall will line up in the line-

See Chargers Page 13

@Camden

Nov. 4

TSSAA Round 1

Aug. 26 @Crockett County Sept. 30

Liberty

Nov. 11

TSSAA Round 2

Sept. 2

Dyersburg

Oct. 7

South Gibson

Nov. 18

TSSAA Round 3

Sept. 9

BGA

Oct. 14

@Jackson South Side

Nov. 25

TSSAA Round 4

Oct. 28

@McNairy Central

Dec. 2

State Title @ Cookeville

Sept. 16 @Milan

Sept. 23

The Weakley County Press, Tuesday, August 16, 2016

Chargers From 12 Paschall will line up in the linebacker positions. In addition to competing for the quarterback position, Jones may also line up as a running back. Just like on offense, the Chargers will need someone to step in to fill the role that Beal contributed on defense. Beal had 50 tackles, 17 unassisted with four for loss and two interceptions. Coffman led the team in tackles last season as a sophomore with 109 total, 35 of those unassisted and seven for loss. Look for seniors like Austin Scates and Blake Kail possibly getting the start at defensive end, marking the first time either have made the starting roster.

Special Teams Former Westview and UT Martin kicker Brent Harris was brought on to Cantrell’s staff this season and will coach the special teams. Riley Cormia handled the kicking duties last season, finishing with 43 PATs and four field goals for 55 points. He also averaged 34.8 yards per punt. Paschall also was seen working with Harris on the kicking game, so expect either player to be brought in for those responsibilities.

“Brent, he can solidify the special teams part of it,” Cantrell said. “Schematically, we are all on the same page but this guy’s a Division-I kicker. This guy can still go out and punt one and make it go 50 yards. If he can get our kids to do that, then that’s just great for us.”

Page 13

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Keith Alexander

Page 14

The Weakley County Press, Tuesday, August 16, 2016

Dresden Lions

Cookeville at all costs Randy Cavin Press Sports

2016 Schedule

The table is set and the plate is full for Dresden head coach Derek Rang as he heads into his third year.

Dresden has all the pieces in place with one goal in mind – a Class A state championship. The Lions are loaded with 17 seniors with highly talented skill position players, including the reigning Class A Mr. Football Back, Dresser Winn (6-3; 196).

The Lions have not been to the state championship game since 2011 when they were the Class 2A runner-up. They made it as far as the Class A quarterfinals last year and this could be the year the Lions put the championship trophy in the trophy case.

Dresden has the talent to be unstoppable.

Dylan Yates is a proven running back with the ability to explode out of the backfield for long touchdown runs. Senior wide receivers Brice Williams (5-11; 175), Austin Thomas (61: 180) and Quincy McDonald (6-0; 184) are all deep threats for Winn.

Even a team with this much talent can falter if it does not come together as a team. Rang knows that and he expects the Lions to play as one unit. If not, then a trip to Cookeville will not take place in December.

“We have the pieces to do it and we have the depth to do it,” Rang said. “We have the skill. We have the line. The thing we have to do is understand the urgency of the moment. I am not saying it is missing. What I am saying is there has to be an expectation level to where every day we come to practice or workouts, we have to really sense this is it.

“You are not going to wake up and win a state championship.

You have to catch a little bit of luck and take care of business every week. I think that is the one thing that is not necessarily missing, but we have to work on is not being so complacent at times.”

These 17 seniors should know this by now. They have all been together since middle school and they know this is the last time for them as a team. That championship trophy is waiting for them.

They just have to play as the Dresden Lions before they can hoist it up in the air. It will be up to the coaching staff to put that into the players’ mindset.

“I think it starts every day,” Rang said. “I think we have to push them every day to under-

stand that it is now or never.

There is a fine line from being a good team versus a great team.

We can be a good team and win a lot of games. We can win a lot of games and not be a great team based on that area of complacency.”

One thing is for certain about the Lions – they can put a lot of points on the scoreboard in a short amount of time, which they did last year as they went 11-2 and scored slightly more than 44 points per game. The majority of those 11 wins were decided by halftime.

The Lions scored under 20 points just two times last season with both times resulting in losses.

Having a Mr. Football winner coming back gives Dresden a lot of confidence that it is going to put up big numbers on the scoreboard. Winn completed 71.73 percent of his passes for 2,630 yards and 38 touchdowns a year ago. He has all of the tools and skill players around him to exceed those numbers.

It takes more than one player to win games and Rang has several options with this scary offense.

“One person is not going to win games for us,” Rang said. “That comes from a team effort.”

Eight of the returning seniors were selected to the All-Region 7A team last year and all played on the offense.

Yates can take over any game with his running ability as he had over 1,500 yards and 15 touchdowns. McDonald ran the ball 34 times for an average of 17 yards per carry and scored five times.

Winn is also a threat to run the ball as he had 739 yards on 82 attempts and six touchdowns.

OFFENSE How do you stop a team with so many ways to get the ball into the end zone? There is no surefire formula. This team is too balanced with too many weapons.

“If teams want to game plan us, what are they going to take away?” Rang said. “Well, if you want to take away the pass, then you have to be sound in the run game. If you want to take away the run, then we are going to throw the football.

“Our goal is to make the defense choose one or the other. We are going to have a balanced attack. Last year we were balanced.

We were able to run the football for about 3,000 team yards and were able to throw the football for about 3,000.”

The one thing Rang wants out

Dylan Yates

Dresser Winn of this year’s Dresden team is to finish drives in the games against teams like Union City and Trenton. That is something the Lions were not able to do in the losses to the Golden Tornadoes and against the Golden Tide in the playoffs.

Those two games were the worst for the Lions offensively with their execution.

“The only concern, and it really is not much of a concern, is to be able to finish drives in big games,” Rang said. “We have games where we can put up yards and points and not be challenged.

When we have a big football game, it is how you are going to respond when they score and drive the ball down the football field.”

Of course the offensive line will have to do its job in those big games. It will have to protect Winn in the pocket and punch open some holes for the running backs. It is an experienced line with the capability to get the job done.

Senior lineman Jordan Mitchell (6-1; 230) is not all that big for an offensive lineman, but he is quick on his feet and really strong, while senior Dalton Meadows (6-0, 255) is one of the bigger horses on the line. Senior left guard Josh Grant (6-1; 245) had a lot of playing time a year

ago and will bring that experience onto the field.

Braden Cooper (5-10; 215) is just a junior, but played a lot as a guard last year and will be getting some time as a center this season. Devin Mansfield, a 5-8, 235 pound senior had playing time as a tackle in 2015.

Those are the players that are going to have to win the battle up front and that means they are going to have to play more physical in the big games.

“The offensive line has to continue to work,’ Rang said. “They have to be more physical than they were last year. We were behind the 8-ball in physicality at times last year. We have to work on physicality. We have to work on toughness and we have to work on being mean.”

The Lions have some other players that are going to play vital roles this season. Junior running back Ricco Taylor (5-5; 150) was a bit of a secret weapon last year as he had 41 carries for 474 yards and four touchdowns.

Tyrone Jones (So. 5-10; 175) showed how valuable he is with 15 receptions for 125 yard and one touchdown. He also had some playing time at quarterback as he will continue to be groomed as Winn’s replacement for 2017.

Junior tight end Wade Moran (6-3; 200) gives Winn a big

target and senior receiver Kyle Hutcherson (5-11; 165) runs great routes across the middle and down the field.

DEFENSE Last year the defense had a pretty easy time in most games.

The Lions built up such huge leads in a short amount of time that opposing teams were forced to pass the ball as they tried to play catch-up.

That worked in the defense’s favor as it only had to worry about pass coverage most of the time. The Lions had 19 interceptions last year. It was early in the game when they had to play rundefense.

“You have to get your kids prepared each week for what the offenses are going to do,” Rang said. “You have to play the whistle, play hard and break on the ball to go get it. We played well statistically on defense as a whole.

“Obviously we want to play sound defense every week. Once we get to those big football games we need to turn it up and have our defense keep us in those football games.”

See Lions Page 15

Aug. 18 Westview

Sept. 23

@South Fulton

Nov. 4

TSSAA Round 1

Aug. 26 @Gleason

Sept. 30

Trenton Peabody (Homecoming)

Nov. 11

TSSAA Round 2

Sept. 2

@West Carroll

Oct. 14

Union City

Nov. 18

TSSAA Round 3

Sept. 9

Ballard Memorial

Oct. 21

@Humboldt

Nov. 25

TSSAA Round 4

Oct. 28

Greenfield

Dec. 2

State Title @ Cookeville

Sept. 16 Lake County

The Weakley County Press, Tuesday, August 16, 2016

Page 15

Roles reversed in home opener versus Westview Chargers Dresden starts the 2016 campaign against its usual openingday opponent Westview.

This season’s opening game has some similarities to Dresden head coach Derek Rang’s first season in 2014. The Lions were inexperienced and no one knew what to expect from Rang in his first year.

Westview, on the other hand, had loads of experience and had a head coach with 23 years at the helm.

Now the situation is reversed with the Lions having the experienced players and head coach, while the Chargers come in with Trey Cantrell as a first-year head coach and not a lot of experienced players.

Dresden lost that game in Rang’s first year and the plan is to not let Cantrell return the favor in his first year.

“I think it is going to be a good football game,” Rang said.

“I think everybody is going to underestimate Westview. Everybody thinks it is going to be down year for them. Westview does play a very tough schedule.”

Both teams are comparable in size with the number of players on the roster. The Lions are a Class A team and the Chargers play in Class 3A. So the quality and size of the teams does play a huge roll in both programs.

That has not stopped the Lions from playing teams in a different class and they did get a convincing win against the Chargers last year.

“A 3A program compared to a 1A program is obviously different,” Rang said. “There is a reality when a 3A program plays a 1A. Last year we were very fortunate to beat them. I think this year is going to be a heck of game.”

Rang did make a good point

2016 DRESDEN FOOTBALL TEAM as to when the Westview players were in middle school. They played against big teams to prepare them for the tough grind that Class 3A schools bring to the table.

“Their kids have been in middle school and conditioned to play great teams in that association,” rang said. “They get to play in those tournaments and stuff. Their varsity kids are used to playing against the Milans, the Libertys and the Dyersburgs in 3A football.

SPECIAL TEAMS Winn is a proven punter and he is a threat to take off with the ball or throw for a first down.

Field goals may not be in Dresden’s game plan this year. There should not be any need for field goals with that offense. There may still come a time when a field goal could be the difference between a win and a loss.

“The only thing we are going to be looking for is some guys that can kick,” Rang said. “But if we cannot get a kicker developed, why would you even take your offense off the field? We are going to have some kids that kick, but they have to show some consistency at it.”

The return teams could be very dangerous. Rang has any number of options for kick returners with Yates, McDonald, Thomas, Jones and Taylor. There is also an influx of freshmen which could see some time in the return game such as Quea Taylor and Divers Lockhart. They will probably see more playing time in the latter parts of the game with the outcome well in hand.

“I think special teams will be alright,” Rang said. “There are a lot of kids that knows what to do.

We will be okay once we find us a kicker.”

as they will be getting the first glimpse of a championship contender. The Westview fans will want to get a first-look at the Chargers in the post-Don Coady era.

A powerhouse in Class A – There was a time when the Lions were just your average or even below average team. That is no more as they have become one of the strongest Class A programs in the state.

The only thing missing is a state championship.

KicKoff

Lions From Page 14 What the defense will be like this season is still a mystery, although it may still have the same scheme. The Lions now have Levi Estes as the defensive coordinator after Justin Cruse went back to his alma mater.

“We got Estes and he is excited about it,” Rang said. “He wanted to be here. We are going to basically have the same package.”

It was a pretty good package last year with 25 takeaways and 21 sacks. Williams led the team with nine takeaways. He had seven interceptions and two fumble recoveries.

Mitchell is the top returning starter with 80 total tackles, while junior outside linebacker Hudson Nanney (6-0; 165) had 72 tackles. Senior safety Blasé Cashion (5-10; 165) comes in as the third leading tackler with 71 total stops.

“That game is not going to be a walk in the park at all. It is going to be a tough, physical football game. I just hope we can come out on top.”

Last year’s game had over 5,000 fans and this year’s game could surpass that number by a wide margin. Hardy Graham Stadium is nearing the finishing touches of a major renovation so people will want to experience the first game in it.

The Dresden faithful will no doubt pack their side of field

Photo by Tim Matlock

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The Weakley County Press, Tuesday, August 16, 2016

Page 16

Greenfield YellowJackets

Yellowjackets will rely on speed on both sides of the ball Randy Cavin Press Sports

2016 Schedule

A smaller and speedier Greenfield team has head coach Don Pitt a little more optimistic for the 2016 season.

The Yellowjackets will be emphasizing more team speed as they gets set to do battle in the tough Region 7A. The ‘Jackets may not be able to go head-tohead with the heavyweights in the region, but Pitt believes his guys can match up with the rest of the league.

“We are not the biggest team,” Pitt said. “I think people will look at us and see a more, scrappier team and our teamspeed is up a lot.”

That team speed will be a lot more noticeable on defense this season, especially in the secondary where it will be needed against some of the passing teams in the region and to help support the front seven in run defense.

“We have got some guys on defense that are playing sideline to sideline,” Pitt said. “They are getting to the ball. I think that is going to be one of our strengths.”

Opponents had a 50 percent completion rate against the ‘Jackets for 721 yards and 11 touchdowns in 2015. The total of passing yards is a little deceiving since teams did not pass that much against Greenfield. Having more speed in the secondary will help take away the deep threat any team may have.

Run support is where it is most needed. Greenfield has had a rough time stopping the run in recent years and 2015 was no exception. Opposing teams had some staggering rushing numbers against the defense.

The Yellowjackets gave up over 247 yards per game, eight yards per carry and over 2,200 yards for the season. Teams scored 40 times running the football against that defense. Getting to the ball carrier quicker by the secondary will help cut those numbers down.

“I think we have some guys in the backfield on the defensive side of the ball that have the speed to do that,” Pitt said. “We are going to be a little better on that end.”

Speed is the not only asset the secondary has – it also has experience with three seniors.

It will be led by Will Northcutt (6-3; 180), Jacob Lewis (5-9; 160) and Dusty Irby (5-9; 170).

Grant Huffstetler (5-9; 135), a sophomore, is the youngest of

with us for a few weeks now and he’s learning.”

Northcutt has a good number of receivers he can throw the football too, if the run game falters any. Grueb is the tallest target for Northcutt and will be a valuable asset once his shoulder is 100 percent. Irby sees the ball well and runs good routes.

Sophomore Phillip Burtley has been a pleasant surprise during the summer drills and people can expect to see him getting some rushing attempts.

Lewis turned out to be leading receiver in yards last year with 240 and two touchdowns. He may be the go-to guy on thirdand-long situations as he had 16 yards per catch in 2015. Leon Lewis (5-9; 175, Sr.) could be the fourth receiver in the spread offense.

Huffstetler will also be used as a receiver and freshman Michael Isbell is a speedy guy that can make things happen. He will get a few shots on the field as THE NEED FOR SPEED — Greenfield head coach Don Pitt said his team might be smaller than some the season progresses. Seth Davidson (6-4; 155, So.) steps in in Region 7A but their speed will make up for it. as the tight end. His height gives You would think a team that him the advantage over any linethe group. the offensive line last year. His Northcutt may be moved to presence will be missed. He was had to play catch-up in a season backer that is assigned to cover linebacker once senior corner- a good run-blocker and his pass- that only had a 3-7 record would him.

The offensive line is the big back Truman Grueb (6-1; 150) protection was excellent. Nicho- have to pass the ball more than concern. How it plays is how the returns from a shoulder injury. las Mitchell, a junior, will be it ran it. moved over to Goodman’s spot That was not necessarily the offense goes. It is smaller than in That could happen by Week 3. case for the Yellowjackets. Pitt previous years so it will have to The offense took a big hit with on the line.

“Nicholas will be at left tackle was looking for a more balanced rely on its quickness getting off the graduation of quarterback John David Ricketts, running- on offense and defensive end on attack a year ago and Greenfield the line.

Senior lineman Camden Philback Matt Macyauski, and of- defense,” Pitt said. “He really came very close to achieving fensive linemen Dakota Good- has a motor. He had two tack- that. The ‘Jackets passed the ball lips is the beef on the line, standles for a loss and a sack in our 160 times and surprisingly ran it ing at only 5-10, but weighing man and C.J. Wilson.

It is the rush that is more im- Gibson County scrimmage. He more with 271 rushing attempts. in at close to 270 pounds. The Northcutt is a tall kid with a rest of the line will be smaller portant to Greenfield. Macy- really turned it on.

Greenfield lost six seniors strong arm ­— possibly stronger and younger. Andrew Capps, a auski and Ricketts accounted for 1,000 of Greenfield’s 1,300 from the 2015 team and has nine than Ricketts’ arm. Pitt does not sophomore, will be stepping into rushing yards. The ‘Jackets will on the 2016 roster. All but a cou- want to rely on the passing game a starting spot on the line, as will want to establish the run for ball ple know how tough it is to win to move the chains, even though Dalton Mills, another sophoin the region with the big three he uses the spread offense and more. control.

Mikey Bills is the only other Senior running back Brantley (Dresden, Union City, Trenton) the pass is a big part of it.

Pitt wants to move the chains senior offensive lineman. Brad Baxter (5-8; 165) will have some controlling it. South Fulton has big shoes to fill. He had a good improved the last two years and with the rush. Baxter will be a Rogers will get his share of playspring and has worked hard dur- is expected to put an even better big key to that. But he is not the ing time as a junior. only key. There are more keys ing the summer drills to prove he team on the field this season.

DEFENSE That puts Greenfield in tough on the chain. Huffstetler may is worthy of the task.

“Brantley has put in the work position with the top three spots only be a sophomore, but his Defense may be Greenfield’s this summer,” Pitt said. “He ran virtually locked in the playoffs talent makes up for his lack of strongest area for the 2016 seathe ball well for us in our first with only one spot open. Keep- experience. Huffstetler will get ing the Red Devils out of it will that experience this season as he son. The emphasis will be to use scrimmage.”

Northcutt is taking over as the be the key. Greenfield has a shot will be getting a lot more play- its speed to swarm to the ball.

Baxter is the leading returning starting quarterback. He was be- at getting wins over West Car- ing time in the backfield. tackler with 43 total stops, three Greg Davis is a senior transing weaned into the role late last roll, Gleason, and Lake County. season with 218 passing yards, The Falcons are down this year fer from Westview and has not sacks, two forced fumbles and two touchdowns and a pair of so that game is winnable for the played the game before. He is two fumble recoveries at outathletic and played basketball side linebacker. Northcutt is the interceptions. However, he is ‘Jackets.

“We think we can be very at Sharon. Pitt has plans to use second leading tackler to return not as mobile as Ricketts. He is competitive,” Pitt said. “If we Davis in a number of positions, with 34 combined tackles. more of a pocket passer.

“Brantley was our leading “Will is not the scrambler can take care of our business and including running back.

“He is a really fast kid and tackler last year and we are glad John David was,” Pitt said. “He be competitive then we can think will be moved around to differ- to have him back,” Pitt said. “He will stand in the pocket longer to about the playoffs.“ ent positions,” Pitt said. “We are find a receiver. He can move his OFFENSE just going to hand him the ball feet to avoid the rush.”

See Speed Page 17 and tell him to go. He has been Goodman was the big man on

Aug. 19 Fulton City

Sept. 23 @Gleason

Nov. 4

TSSAA Round 1

Aug. 26 @Tipton Rosemark

Sept. 30 Union City

Nov. 11

TSSAA Round 2

Sept. 2

Lake County (Homecoming) Oct. 7

@Humboldt

Nov. 18

TSSAA Round 3

Sept. 9

@South Fulton

Oct. 21

West Carroll

Nov. 25

TSSAA Round 4

Oct. 28

@Dresden

Dec. 2

State Title @ Cookeville

Sept. 16 Peabody

The Weakley County Press, Tuesday, August 16, 2016

Page 17

‘Jackets focused on first three starts

Something New – Anyone that went to a home game at Greenfield knows how the parking was last season.

Construction began on the new basketball gym behind the school, thus eliminating a huge chunk of parking in the grassy area on the east side of the football field. People attending Greenfield home games this fall will find a very pleasant surprise.

The new gym is nearing completion and parking is not going to be an issue this time. The new gym’s parking lot will be open for Week 1 against Fulton City.

“People can park there and on the other side of the school by the old gym,” Greenfield athletic director Willie Trevathan said.

“There is going to be 137 available parking spaces at the new gym.”

That will make it convenient for those attending the home games. There are several handicap parking spots located near the entrance of the gym and eas-

See Speed Page 16 was all over the field in every direction.”

Northcutt will be used mostly in the secondary and will see duties at middle linebacker. Capps will get a high percentage of the playing time at middle linebacker.

“Andrew Capps and Will Northcutt kind of rotated at linebacker last year,” Pitt said. “Andrew is one of our toughest kids.

He had several tackles for us last year.”

The other outside linebacker spot is up for grabs. Kelly Ricketts, a freshman, has left an impression on Pitt during the summer. Pitt is considering penciling him in as a starter.

“Kelly has been playing a lot of outside linebacker for us,” Pitt said. “He is athletic like his brother John David was for us.

He is going to be a good one.”

Those players on the offensive line will also be playing in the trenches on the defensive line.

Doing double-duty is the nature of small-town, Class A football.

SPECIAL TEAMS Do not expect to see Greenfield attempting many field goals or extra-points this season.

The kicking game will probably not be used very much in that capacity.

Northcutt will be used for some of the kicking duties. He can do the kickoffs, punt, kick field goals and extra points when Pitt decides to go that route.

“I do not know,” Pitt said. “We may have to go for it every time.

Brad Rogers does some punting and Grant Huffstetler has been working on punting.”

Pitt has several options for returning kicks. Baxter can take the hits. Huffstetler has good speed. Lewis can be tough to track down and Davis is a good option with his quickness.

ily accessible to the football field with handicap ramps.

School and game administrators did an excellent job last year with parking after that large grassy area was closed off. The overflow for the games was handled well.

This will be the first time for visiting football fans to see the new gym and the available parking.

“That is going to be a good backdrop,” Trevathan said. “It is something new for the fans to see.”

There will be some other new changes fans will gradually notice as the season progresses.

The old, rusted chain-link fencing around the football field will be replaced and the press box is going to be replaced.

The fence will be installed near the gym, run the length of the parking lot and encompassing the football field.

“Everything you see is going to be torn down and it is all going to be new,” Trevathan said about

the fence. “It will run along the side of the gym building, down the sidewalk all the way to the corner of the road.

“During football games this will all be an enclosed part of the facility. The press box is going to be redone. We have someone bidding on it right now. Whoever gets the bid will get to it within the next month.”

Ready for the Step - It has been a long time since the Yellowjackets have seen a 3-0 start to a season. The last time it happened was back in 2001 when the ‘Jackets started out 8-0 and

finished 9-3.

There were other good starts since then with Greenfield starting out 3-1 in 2002 and 2004, 2-1 in 2003, 2008 and 2010. Last fall the Yellowjackets opened up the season with back-to-back wins and were looking for that 3-0 start.

Unfortunately they lost at Lake County thanks to the Falcons having one of the best running backs in Class A. Greenfield opens the season against those same three opponents and this time it is a little different situation for the ‘Jack-

ets. Lake County no longer has that runningback.

The Yellowjackets are posed to get a win at home against Fulton City and picking up a win at Tipton-Rosemark is definitely in their favor.

Next up is a home game against the Falcons.

“We are focused on the first three games,” head coach Don Pitt said. “If we can take care of our business, get a good start, be competitive and be ready for those first three games that would put us in a position to think about the playoffs.”

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The Weakley County Press, Tuesday, August 16, 2016

Page 18

DRESDEN HIGH CHEER — Bottom from left to right: Allie Bryant, Lauren Lyles, Charley Woodward, Brooklyn Brackett, Mabry Lewellen, Sierrah Hill. Top row from left to right: Chloe Tackett, Georgia Novotny, Audrey McKinney, Kinsey Reagan, Alex Branscum, Kennedy Reese

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The Weakley County Press, Tuesday, August 16, 2016

Page 19

Martin Middle not content with ‘rebuilding year’ Randy Cavin Press Sports Many people would think a team that went 5-4 the previous season, lost its starting quarterback and key parts to both sides of the line would be in a rebuilding year.

That is not quite the case for Martin Middle School.

Sure, the Panthers have some work to do to get the right parts into place, but those parts are there. Martin had some major beef on both the offensive and defensive lines in 2015. There are still some returning players that can get the job done in the trenches.

However, both lines will be noticeably smaller this season.

This version of the Panthers could be similar to the team which won the West Tennessee Sectional two years ago.

“I hate to say it, but it is similar to the 2014 team where you have a lot of little guys with speed,” head coach John Lifsey said. “Last year we had a lot of big guys with no speed, which helped us the year before because they did a lot of the blocking for us. They are going to be successful at Westview.

I have a feeling a lot of those guys will be starting by their sophomore year.”

The players Lifsey will be re-

Martin Middle School 2016 Football Schedule Aug. 16 Milan Aug. 20 @Dresden Aug. 25 Union City Aug. 30 @Crocket Co. Sept. 8 @Obion Co. Sept. 15 Henry County Sept. 20 Humboldt Sept. 29 @Paris Inman Oct. 11 TSSAA (1st Rd) Oct. 18 TSSAA (2nd Rd) Oct. 22. TSSAA Final

lying heavily on to fill the gaps in the line do have experience.

Kizer Riley played exceptionally well last year when inserted in the game.

“Kizer played a little bit for us last year,” Lifsey said. “He is probably our biggest returning lineman. It was hard to crack that line as big as it was. He got to go to that Tennessee allstar game, so he is going to be pretty solid.”

Some other players Lifsey is taking a hard look at are Ethan Rose, Riley Ballard, Cameron Patrick and Will Tuck.

“Ethan Rose is another big kid and he is going to be our center,” Lifsey said. “Riley Ballard and Cameron Patrick are our guards and they both have a lot of speed. Cameron has actually been running with our running backs. Will Tuck will be one of our tackles. We are going to be solid, but inexperienced when it comes to our linemen.”

The quarterback situation is not bad with Ty Simpson and Bronson White competing for the spot. Both have different styles and the head coach is looking for one of them to step forward.

“It is probably the best battle going on with the team right now,” he said. “They are both rotating at first string. They

each bring a different skill set and I waiting for one of them to step up and blow us out of the water.”

The running game will be the most exciting part of the team to watch. There is a good combination of power and speed with Martin’s running backs. Tristen Villasica has tackle-breaking power and Marques Taylor will be filling up the highlight reels with his moves and break-away speed.

Lifsey also has Chance Bessent, who brings some size to the position, to run the ball. If Bessent’s name sounds familiar it’s because he played at Dresden last year and transferred to Martin. Then there is Jonathan Davidson, who played in several games last season.

“Chance has done a good job in the backfield,” Lifsey said.

“Tristen is a two-year starter for us and he is just good as a traditional fullback that you could have. He hits that hole hard. We will have Jonathan rotating inand-out.

“Marques has a good combination of speed and power. He can see that field. He just has to get that work ethic he needs to have. He is the real deal, if he will put in the work to go with it. He has not gotten to that point yet to where he wants to work as hard as the rest of them. If he

MARTIN MIDDLE — Bottom row from left to right: Kaylee Tims, Kristin Hunt, Haley Simmons, Heidi Chapman, Gabby McKnight and Aspen Thompson. Middle row from left to right: Brooklyn Young, Katie Butler, Taylor Davis, Hallie Gray, Addison Cary and Diamond Askins. Top row from left to right: Audrey Sliger, Grace Robey, Sydney Shanklin and Meagan Totty. Not pictured: Rebecca Powers. ever gets to that point then he tion in the backfield. will not come off of the field.”

Lane Pierpont and Davidson There is another Taylor on the will be rotated at tight end. team that is pure speed when Most of the offensive players he gets the ball. Marquez, the will also be used on defense to twin brother of Marques, will give the Panthers a pretty solid be lined up most of the time at football team in 2016. wide receiver and see some ac-

The Weakley County Press, Tuesday, August 16, 2016

Page 20

Dresden Middle looking for 6th consecutive title Randy Cavin Press Sports It is five straight Reelfoot Conference championships for Dresden Middle School and the Lions are thinking about six straight in 2016.

The numbers are down for head coach Justin West and he does not know if all of the pieces are in place for another repeat.

“We are going to try,” West said. “We will see.

We are still trying to figure out some of the pieces we have to put together. We are young, so it will be a challenge. But we are going to try our best.”

The most important piece is in place for the Lions. Eighth-grade quarterback Zack Crawford is returning to call the signals. Two head coaches in the conference have said Crawford may be the best athlete in it.

Crawford fits right into the mold of a quarterback. He is tall and continuing to grow. Crawford has a cannon for an arm and has breakaway speed running the football.

“Obviously it is a huge plus to have him back,” West said. “He is a very talented young man. He can run it. He can throw it. He is the kind of package you want at quarterback, especially in the spread offense. We are set there and he is going to have a lot on his shoulders this year.”

Crawford will indeed have a lot on his shoulders this year. The player that took a lot of heat off of those shoulders is now in high school. Quea Taylor ate up a lot of yards at runningback for the Lions a year ago and now the quest is to find the right player to plug into the backfield.

West is not without options for that role and the one he has in mind is an eighth grader.

“Matthew Parker, who played as a receiver and

Dresden Middle School 2016 Football Schedule Aug. 11 @McKenzie Aug. 20 Martin Middle Aug 25. @Henry Co. Sept. 8 @Huntingdon Sept. 15 Greenfield Sept. 20 Gibson Co. Sept. 22 @Gleason Sept. 29 @South Fulton Oct. 11 TSSAA (1st Rd) Oct. 18 TSSAA (2nd Rd) Oct. 22 TSSAA Final

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safety for us last year, is a tough kid,” West said.

“He is not near as big as Quea. But he is a tough, hard-nosed and dependable player. So we will be okay at runningback. Matthew knows what to do back there.”

That are two pieces in place on team that went 6-2 in 2015 and could find life in the conference a little harder this fall. Both Greenfield and Gleason appear to be improved, and South Fulton, the team the Lions beat for the conference crown, will put another challenging squad on the field.

“I do not know if we are favored to win it or not,” West said. “I know South Fulton returns a lot of players. I know Greenfield returns a lot and Gleason has a really big kid on its team. Gleason has its quarterback back and other returning starters as well.”

One thing Dresden will have to overcome is the size of the overall team. It is smaller than it has been in recent years. West has concern about some of the matchups his team will face.

“Everybody we see is physically, size-wise, bigger than we are,” he said. “This is the smallest team and smallest numbers we have had the last six years.”

Some of the skill position players that could play a vital role for Dresden are Jadon Jones (WR/LB; 8th), Trevor Moore (WR/S; 8th) and seventh-grade wide receivers/corner backs Porter Finney, Garrett Johnson and Trey Adams. Seventh-grader Ryeson Greer should get time at wide receiver and linebacker.

West has a few options with the offensive and defensive lines with four eighth-graders – Logan Taylor, Cameron Murphy, Terry Burkett and Tyler Ferguson. He also has nine seventh-graders he can plug into both lines.

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Middle row from left to right: Aimee Hinojosa, Allison James, Rachel Blassingame, Autumn Brackett, LeeAnne Morefield, Erin Mallory. Top row from left to right: Christina Nobles, Jacey McClure,Theron Cogburn, Lauren Jones, Emily Matz. Not pictured: Kelsie Stoker.

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The Weakley County Press, Tuesday, August 16, 2016

Page 21

Plenty of experience returning for Greenfield Junior High squad Randy Cavin Press Sports The prospects are running high at Greenfield for a successful junior high football season.

Greenfield went into the 2015 season in what was expected to be a rebuilding year for head coach Hal Blackman. The junior high Yellowjackets surprised some people by starting the season 3-0 and finishing up 4-4.

Blackman does not think 2016 is a rebuilding year, with many pieces in place for what he hopes is a season with plenty of wins.

“As far as experience, we have quite a bit coming back,” Blackman said. “A lot of seventh-graders saw action last year. We are going to build off of that.”

There are eight eighth-graders on this year’s squad with all seeing extensive playing time a year ago. Finding a quarterback to replace last season’s starter is a high priority.

“Our biggest concern is at quarterback,” Blackman said. “Kelly Ricketts was a big part of our offense and he is gone.”

Blackman has two young men in mind to play quarterback for the ‘Jackets. Matt Scates is a sixth-grader and Will Harris is in the eighth grade. Both have been seeing equal time behind the center in practice.

“They are alternating in-and-out,” Blackman said.

“We are going to let them duel it out and see who does the best. We will go from there. Both of them will see plenty of action.”

The run-game is one area Blackman is not concerned with. He has some experienced kids running the ball.

Eighth-graders Keylon Thomas and Jacob Floyd will give Greenfield a potent one-two punch out of the backfield.

“Our bright spot is our running backs are returning,” Blackman said. “Keylon Thomas is our returning fullback and Jacob Floyd is our tailback. Both of those guys gained a lot of yards for us last year. So we are going to have experience in the backfield.”

The front line should be solid as well with several returning players. The center and both starting guards are back to provide Thomas and Floyd plenty of running lanes.

“Up front is another plus for us,” Blackman said.

“Our center is back, Payton Mills, and our two guards, Blaine Cooper and Kiah Reynolds, are both back. Our tackles are William Cantrell, Omarion Miles and Samuel Thum. They are all going to play.”

Eighth-grader Dillon Hensley played mostly as a defensive end last year and Blackman is going to play him on both sides of the ball as a tight end for the 2016 campaign.

Everyone on the offensive line will also be playing defense. The season is looking positive right now for the junior ‘Jackets as they will give it their all in a tough Reelfoot Conference. South Fulton joined the conference last year to make it even tougher. The Red Devils went undefeated until the final game of the season when they lost to Dresden for the conference crown.

Greenfield could get in on that mix if Blackman can sort out the quarterback situation.

“We have the experience,” he said. “The quarterback is going to be a concern. But both of those guys are

GREENFIELD JR — Front row from left to right: Bryanna Ricketts, Kaitlyn Fortner, Jaylynn Hundley, Kylie Dunlap. Back row from left to right: Addy Usery, Rilee Ricketts, Maura Shelton, Kaylee Simmons, Kayleigh Baxter. Not pictured: Katelyn Jones. looking pretty good. We have some kids in the sixth grade that will be learning and filling in some at the wide-outs.”

Eighth-grader Kobe Thomas will be started as a receiver and Jackson Cooper, a sixth-grader, will be getting some opportunities to see what he can do.

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Greenfield Junior High2016 Football Schedule

Aug. 11 @Bruceton Aug. 16 Obion Co.

Aug. 25 @Gibson Co. Sept. 1 Gleason

Sept. 8 South Fulton Sept. 15 @Dresden Sept. 22 Stewart Co.

Sept. 27 @West Carroll Oct. 11 TSSAA (1st Rd) Oct. 18 TSSAA (2nd Rd) Oct. 22 TSSAA Final

The Weakley County Press, Tuesday, August 16, 2016

Page 22

Much-improved Gleason junior high squad ready to show off skills Randy Cavin Press Sports Get ready to see an improvement with Gleason Junior High this season as the junior Bulldogs will be looking to showcase their run-game.

Head coach Noah Lampkins is excited about this version of Bulldogs, and he has every right to be with a good mixture of size and speed in the backfield. None stands out more than eighth-grade fullback Elijah Young.

“We have some good size in the backfield,” Lampkins said. “We are really a backfield-heavy team. We have Elijah Young, who is 5-11, 195 pounds. He is a great kid too and he is an athlete.”

Young will not be alone in the backfield as Lampkins pointed out. The head coach can really mix it and give opposing defenses headaches as to how to defend this variety of running backs.

“We have Olen Reed, who is big athletic kid that we like,” Lampkins said. “Jamison Lifsey, who is an eighthgrader, is an athlete. Jacob Arnold is another eighthgrader and an athlete. We feel good about our skill slots there.”

The Bulldogs should be able to push the ball up the middle with their big backs and take the football around the edge with their athleticism. The only problem is the offensive line does not have much size to it.

“We are going to do a little bit of everything,” the head coach said. “We are going to do some power running.

We are not real big up front all the way across, so we are going to do some spread this year.”

Reed is the quarterback for the Bulldogs. He is capable of tucking the ball in or spreading the ball around

to the receivers.

“Olen has a good skill-set at quarterback,” Lampkins said. “We have some kids that can run for us so we are going to put them out there is some places to see what happens.”

Arnold and eighth-grader Tyler Vaughn will be lining up as the receivers. Dalton Lovell, another eighth-grader gives Lampkins three quality players that can catch the ball. Seventh-graders Bryce Akers, Mason Fuzzell and Trevor Camacho will help spread out the offense.

Most, if not all of the offensive players, will be on defense to give Lampkins plenty of size, speed and athleticism.

“We have some aggression on defense,” Lampkins said. “We have had a really good offseason. It is the best offseason we have had. The kids have come up here and showed up. What you see on the field is what has been here most every day this summer. We have had a good commitment from that crew. We are real proud of them.”

Lampkins is just hopeful that commitment shows up when the season starts and turns into wins. He knows it will not be easy in the Reelfoot Conference as it is even more challenging with South Fulton entering it last year. Dresden will undoubtedly field another good team, while the Red Devils will once again be contenders, and Greenfield will be looking to get in on the mix with a much improved team.

“Dresden is going to be tough just because they are so much bigger than we are,” Lampkins said. “Then you do not have to worry about those two monsters playing for South Fulton any more. I do not know if it has anymore of them, but we will see.”

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GLEASON JR CHEER — Back Row left to right: Darcie Bell, Co-Captain, Gracie Long, Christina Allen, Kiley Corbin. Middle Row left to right: Cheyenne Lamb, April Watson, Candice Cason, Zanda Tipton. Bottom Row left to right: Belle Fowler Captain, Paige Smith, Amberlee Watson.

Photo by Christi Wallace

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The Weakley County Press, Tuesday, August 16, 2016

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The Weakley County Press, Tuesday, August 16, 2016

Cantrell adjusting to life as a head coach Randy Cavin Press Sports Westview’s first-year head coach Trey Cantrell is finding life is not quite the same as it was when he was an assistant coach for 12 years.

The new Charger head coach is beginning to settle in after being on the job since early summer. However, some things have not changed as Cantrell sat down with The Press to discuss life as a head coach for the first time.

“It is night and day on one hand,” Cantrell said. “There are things that are as usual. On one hand, it is business as usual. We are doing things we have always done. On the other, we are doing things that are new.

“It is totally new waters, but at the same time, I have gotten back to doing things the way I have always done. So it is a process.”

As an assistant he had to focus on just those duties. Now as a head coach those duties are multiplied by a large number. He is spending more time away from his family, as being a head coach has increased the amount of hours he has to put in with team preparations.

One thing Cantrell is not changing is his style of coaching football.

“I am burning it now at both ends instead of that one end,” he said. “As far as the football part of it…no. Football is football and I still coach the way I coach. I still have a lot of familiar faces around here. That is the easy part.

Juggling everything else is the hard part.”

Being away from home more often and finding the time to spend with his wife and two daughters is the hardest part.

They have to make adjustments, as well, with him not around as much as he used to be. They understand why he has to be away from home.

“I think I have seen my wife twice this week, and that was in the mornings before I leave,” Cantrell said. “My kids have been coming up here in the mornings, so they are a familiar face around this fieldhouse. The players know the kids and the kids know them.

“They have had to make the adjustment. This is their daycare.

They watch the workouts. They watch daddy preach and get mad.

They are no stranger to the game of football.”

One major adjustment Cantrell is attempting to make is getting things done with the team. The new Westview head coach wants the players to make adjustments by learning how to do things his way.

“The biggest adjustment so far is trying to have an up-tempo practice and try to become a more physical team” he said.

“We are trying to hold everybody accountable. When you do that, it puts the kids and coaches in a position to where they have to get things done. There is no in between. You are either in or you are out.”

The Westview practices are taking on a different way of life.

Cantrell wants everyone to buy into his way. These are teenagers and getting them to accept his way is a challenge. All but the freshmen were accustomed to Don Coady’s way of getting things done and he was very successful with it.

It is not that Cantrell is taking it to extreme levels; it is the players who have to put it in their minds that this is how things are going to be done.

“It is kind of a culture adjust-

ment right now,” Cantrell said.

“We want everybody on board and no loose ends. It is not about wins and losses right now. It is about being on the same page and being together. It is a process with young kids.”

Even his coaching staff has to do some adapting. Most have worked with Cantrell over the years on Coady’s staff but there are a couple of new faces. Both old and new assistant coaches are

Trey Cantrell taking on more and different duties.

“It has been a little bit of an adjustment for them because we have some new faces,” Cantrell said. “The new faces have new responsibilities and some older faces have new responsibilities.

For example; Coach [Blake] Stigall is coaching the quarterbacks and Coach [Brian] Allen is doing the secondary.

“He is really focusing on coverages and getting it lined up.

Coach [Justin] Cruse is focusing on the front seven and getting them on the same page. So it is new responsibilities and new terminology. We are all on the same page. But getting there and feeling comfortable about it is a little

hard when the humidity is 100 percent.”

People will get a chance to see how well the players and coaches have bought into Cantrell’s philosophy when the Chargers take on Dresden in Week 1. The Lions will be coming after the newlook Chargers with everything they have.

Cantrell does not want his guys to worry about what the Lions are going to try to do.

“I think the one thing right now that I am trying to preach is for the kids to focus on Westview,” he said. “Dresden is going to be Dresden. We know they are going to have a good team. We cannot try to worry about being better than them. We cannot not worry if we are not as good as them.

“We just have to focus on getting better each day. Our focus right now is trying to get through camp and find more than 11 players to put on the field. Our motto this year is not to be better than that kid or that other kid. Be the best that you can be. If we do that, then win or lose, we are getting 100 percent.”

Focusing on being the best person at his position is what Cantrell wants out of every player on his team. He is preaching that every day, at every practice, and at every meeting. Now it is up to the players with crunch time here.

“Our job is to go out there and do the best job we can,” Cantrell said. “It is to be the most physical team on the football field, not turn the ball over, run to the football, and block. If we do all of those things to the best of our ability, then we should have a chance to stay in the game. Big games are no stranger to MartinWestview.”

MAKING ADJUSTMENTS — Westview Chargers first-year head coach Trey Cantrell has had to make some adjustments after being named longtime head coach Don Coady’s successor this summer. The changes have affected his home life as well as summer practices. But one thing that hasn’t changed is how he coaches the game.

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GLEASON HIGH CHEER — Front Row from left to right: Kennedy Taylor, Alyssa Parkins, Jae-Ann Washam, Hannah Lemonds, Co-Captain. Middle Row from left to right: Jessica Vermillion, Haley Harrison, Jayne-Shaye Bailey, Co-Captain. Back Row from left to right: Madison Fuzzell, Hannah Whitworth, Claire O’Connor, Savanna Scarbrough, Captain.

Page 25

GREENFIELD HIGH CHEER — Front row from left to right: Diana Little, Kassidy Harris, Sherri Tyson, Sara Williams, Lakin Ricketts, Angel Stout. Back row from left to right:. Maya Rash, Macy Garner, Bailey Gordon, Matti Sellers,Alex Roberts, Anna Grace Huggins, Taylor Totty.

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Page 26

The Weakley County Press, Tuesday, August 16, 2016

Gleason Bulldogs

Gleason has small squad but plenty of experience Josh Lemons Sports Editor Noah Lampkins is not a fan of the month of July. But then again, according to him, what coach does?

“You get things going in May and June,” Lampkins said. “You get a good flow going and then they throw that dead period right there in the middle of it all and it just throws a kink in everything. I really don’t know a football coach that’s happy about that.”

Lampkins was addressing that because it wasn’t until the end of July before he was able to see his complete squad for the 2016 season.

What started in the spring, according to Lampkins, was about 30 to 35 kids had dwindled down to a roster of 21, but he said that is typical, even on bigger squads.

“They’ve weeded themselves out as we’ve gone along,” Lampkins said. “We’ve got 21 that are here. That’s not ideal but we are going to go with what we’ve got and go from there.

Gleason opens the season with a chance at going 1-0 as it hosts Fulton County but the schedule doesn’t get much better for the smallest football playing school in Tennessee. Week 2 sees Dresden coming to town, followed by trip to Middle Tennessee to take on Ezell Harding, only to return home to host Region 7A powerhouse Union City.

And that’s only Week 4.

“We play in probably one of the toughest regions in the state in Single-A football with Single-A powerhouses like Union City, Trenton and Dresden,” Lampkins said.

“All those three teams are looking to play for a state title every year. That’s their hope, dreams and aspirations, rightfully so.”

As far as season expectations go, Lampkins shares the philosophy of many coaches across the country but especially those that are normally considered the underdog in their region.

“We’re looking to improve,” he said. “We want our effort to be at a lot higher level than it was last year. We had poor effort last year. We’re just looking to compete. We just want to see them give good effort. That’s something that we’ve been lacking the past year or two.”

Offense The good thing for the Bulldogs is due to a smaller roster players like Wade Kelley, Trey Martin, Devon Kerr, Terry McKinney and Chandler Brawner all saw plenty of playing time last season. And of the 21 on the roster, 13 are juniors and seniors, so experience is an advantage. Early in the spring, some thought that the quarterback job vacated by Tracy Perry was a toss-up between juniors Chandler Brawner and Trey Martin, but when Lampkins released his roster late in the summer it seems that he’s going with experience in his senior Timothy Russell. Brawner will stay in the tight end position on offense. Martin will probably be the top target for Russell at wide receiver. For a smaller roster, they do have some size up front with six of the payers listed in the offensive/defensive line positions over six feet tall with senior Frazier Wilson (6-5, 260) and sophomore Caleb Cary topping off the list.

Defense Heath Keeling has returned for his senior year and expect him to be a presence at the linebacker position. Brawner will join him, as well as Logan Stewart, at that position. Expect to see Kerr in that role as well. McKinney and Martin will handle

SENIOR LEADERSHIP — Dresden’s Cody Brackett has a firm grip on Gleason’s Devon Kerr and nearly stripped the ball out before Kerr went down. Kerr had 21 tough yards on seven carries last season against the Lions. Expect the senior running back to be a big part of the Bulldog’s offense. the backfield and their speed should help them out against the fast wide receivers on teams like Dresden and Trenton. Kelley is the only upperclassman listed at the corner position, so with the inexperience, some teams might look to exploit that.

Special Teams No one is listed nor was mentioned as a specialist so expect Russell to handle the punts and kickoffs. The only other quarterback is freshman Nick Oatsvall, so it wouldn’t be too much of a surprise if Lampkins tries him out in that capacity. When the Bulldogs do hit paydirt, it’s safe to say they’ll go for two.

New Weight room benefits all Bulldogs Christi Wallace

2016 Schedule

‘WEIGHT’ING IT OUT — Gleason’s new weight room facility will not be completed in time for the fall sports but should be ready in time for the spring sports, according to the Bulldogs athletic director.

Photo by Christi Wallace

Gleason athletes will soon be able to utilize a new weight room facility in order to ready themselves for the upcoming seasons. After years of using the current weight room, this new facility will allow the student athletes to utilize more square footage as well as better location of the weights. It is also more conveniently located just behind the current football field house. This new facility is on track to be finished within the next 4-6 weeks, unfortunately not soon enough for the football or basketball programs to utilize.

Other sports such as baseball and softball may very well benefit from this new addition.

In order to make way for the weight room, a

basketball court was removed. The school is not looking at replacing the ball court at this time but may need to look at ways to better use the playground for the younger students when the facility is up and running.

“This is a tremendous upgrade for all of our junior high and high school athletic teams,” Lee Lawrence, assistant principal & athletic director for Gleason High School, said. “ Our weight room has changed locations on campus many times over the years, and it will be nice to have a permanent and top quality home that we can thrive and expand in.

“All of our sports teams will receive an instant boost from having access to such a nice facility.”

Aug. 19 Fulton Co.

Sept. 23 Greenfield

Nov. 4

TSSAA Round 1

Aug. 26 Dresden

Sept. 30 @West Carroll

Nov. 11

TSSAA Round 2

Sept. 2

@Ezell Harding

Oct. 14

@Lake County

Nov. 18

TSSAA Round 3

Sept. 9

Union City (Homecoming) @Humboldt

Oct. 21

South Fulton

Nov. 25

TSSAA Round 4

Oct. 28

@Trenton Peabody

Dec. 2

State Title @ Cookeville

Sept. 16

The Weakley County Press, Tuesday, August 16, 2016

Page 27

County’s longest tenured coach glad to call Gleason home Josh Lemons Sports Editor With the announcement of long-time Westview head coach Don Coady’s retirement this spring, that meant the moniker of longest tenured coach in Weakley County traveled quite a ways down Highway 22 to the smallest school.

Gleason head coach Noah Lampkins grew up playing football on the same ďŹ eld he now coaches on. Graduating from his hometown high school in 1996, Lampkins went on to play football at Lambuth, earning a teaching degree in biology.

But he didn’t see teaching or coaching in his future.

But after a year of looking for the right job after gradua-

tion, it seems that the right job actually found him.

My old head coach, Sam Guthrie, was still teaching here and he called me and wanted me to come over to his house,� Lampkins said. “I went over there and he told me I neded to apply for the position here and he felt like I had a good shot of getting it.�

Guthrie put in a good word for Lampkins to the principal, Randy Frasier, and next thing you know, Lampkins was literally back on his old stomping grounds. The same place you can see him stomping up and down every Friday night, some 15 years later.

He said even with the small rosters and the ups and downs of winning in a small school, he wouldn’t change any aspect of his job because it’s what he loves. “I love competing,� he said. “I love sports in general.

I’m a sports junkie and always have been. We went to the playoffs there six out of eight seasons and we won some playoff games here and we felt like we had really made a difference in building something. Right now we are just going through a small 1A school cycle where we’re on the bottom part of the cycle right now.�

He said there is something special about Gleason, something that most who didn’t grow up with would never realize traveling down the highway. “It’s home. I’ve had opportunities to leave and go elsewhere but it’s just...there’s no place like home,�

Lampkins said. “It’s kind of cliche’, I guess, but I love it here. I grew up here. It’s a great place to live. “We’re kind of in a bubble in comparison to the rest of America and I hope it stays that way.�

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The Weakley County Press, Tuesday, August 16, 2016

Page 28

REGION 7-3A

REGION 7-1A

2016 Area High School Schedules

Local Sports Coming to you...

@wcp_sports @jswriterjosh www.nwtntoday.com

Westview Home

Gleason Away

West Carroll Away

Ballard Mem. Home

Lake Co. Home

South Fulton Away

Trenton Home

OPEN DATE

Union City Home

Humboldt Away

Greenfield Home

Fulton Co Home

Dresden Home

Ezell Harding Away

Union City Home

Humboldt Away

Greenfield Home

West Carroll Away

OPEN DATE

Lake Co. Away

South Fulton Home

Trenton Away

Fulton City Home

Tipton Rose.

Away

Lake Co. Home

South Fulton Away

Trenton Home

Gleason Away

Union City Home

Humboldt Away

OPEN DATE

West Carroll Home

Dresden Away

Fairley Away

Milan Away

South Fulton Home

Trenton Away

Gleason Home

Union City Away

OPEN DATE

Greenfield Home

Dresden Home

Lake Co. Away

Halls Home

Fulton Co. Away

Greenfield Away

West Carroll Home

Dresden Away

South Fulton Home

Trenton Away

Gleason Home

Union City Away

Humboldt Home

Union City Home

Bruceton Home

Humboldt Away

Greenfield Home

Fulton City Away

Dresden Home

Lake Co. Away

OPEN DATE

Trenton Home

Gleason Away

West Carroll Away

Milan Away

Middleton Home

Union City Away

Humboldt Home

Greenfield Away

West Carroll Home

Dresden Away

Lake Co. Home

South Fulton Away

OPEN DATE

Gleason Home

South Fulton Away

Mitchell Home

Trenton Home

Gleason Away

Humboldt Home

Greenfield Away

West Carroll Home

Dresden Away

Lake Co. Home

OPEN DATE

Bruceton Away

McKenzie Home

Dresden Home

Lake Co. Away

OPEN DATE

Trenton Away

Gleason Home

Union City Away

Humboldt Home

Greenfield Away

South Fulton Home

MLK Prep Home

Ripley Away

Westview Away

Crockett Co. Home

Liberty Away

South Side Home

Milan Home

Adamsville Away

McNairy C. Away

South Gibson Home

OPEN DATE

Obion Co. Away

Fayette Ware Home

McNairy C. Home

Bolivar Away

OPEN DATE

Dyersburg Away

South Gibson Away

Blackman Home

Westview Home

Milan Away

Liberty Home

Henry Co. Home

North Side Away

Milan Home

Wooddale Home

Dyersburg Home

OPEN DATE

Westview Away

OPEN DATE

South Gibson Away

McNairy C. Home

South Side Away

Scotts Hill Home

Chester Co. Home

South Side Away

Bruceton Home

South Gibson Home

Milan Away

Middle College Home

OPEN DATE

Dyersburg Home

Liberty Away

Westview Home

Trenton Home

Humboldt Home

Liberty Away

Huntingdon Away

Westview Home

Dyeersburg Away

USJ Home

OPEN DATE

South Side Home

South Gibson Away

Jackson Chr. Away

Obion Co. Home

Nolensville Away

TCA Home

McNairy C. Away

OPEN DATE

South Side Home

Westview Away

Liberty Home

Dyersburg Away

Milan Home

Dresden UTM

Crockett Co. Away

Dyersburg Home

BGA Home

Milan Away

Camden Away

Liberty Home

South Gibson Home

South Side Away

OPEN DATE

McNairy C. Away

N. Charleston, SC Away

OPEN DATE

McNairy C. Home

West Carroll AWAY