EVANGEL
TEAM INFORMATION
LIGHTING Championships continue to be the normal for the Evangel Lightning. Coming off a third state championship in a row under fourth-year head coach Tim Smith as well as back-to-back eight-man national championships, the expectation is for that to continue in 2020. Under Smith, the Lightning have never lost an eight-man game, while the dynasty has won nine of the last 10 ACSC State Championships. Despite the departure of 16 seniors, including their top playmakers, the expectation remains the same. This year’s team may look a little different from an offensive standpoint with three-year starting quarterback Tyler Henderson gone and a challenging schedule, but the Lightning still remain loaded with talent and will be the favorites in eight-man football this fall until somebody knocks them off.
MEET THE TEAM QUARTERBACK With the departure of three-year starter Tyler Henderson, it’s now time for a new face, and that will likely be sophomore quarterback Eli Whitfield. Standing at 5-foot-10, 165 pounds, Whitfield has been the backup to Henderson the last two years. Due to his speed and ability to run the ball, the Evangel offense may shift from more of a pass-heavy style to one that takes advantage of his legs.
RUNNING BACK While quarterback will be a key position to replace, running back might be the more alarming. Evangel will lose both Noah Shears and athlete Will Ferrell at the position, who combined for 1,600 yards. Attempting to replace them will be former nose guard Daniel Viles, who brings a 5-foot-9, 205-pound frame to the table.
RECEIVERS This is the position Ferrell will be missed the most at, but luckily for the Lightning, Jett Lodge will be back to spend the majority of his time at receiver after totaling 1,214 yards last year with 23 touchdowns. In addition to that, Harris Black and Tyler Wilson will both help, while former linebacker Timothy Howard will play at the position due to his good hands.
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2020 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL
Harris Black
CLASSIFICATION ACSC 2019 RECORD 8-2 (2-0) ACSC State Champions HEAD COACH Tim Smith RECORD 25-7 (Fourth year) ASSISTANT COACHES Hagan Joiner, Brian Wolf, Jon Parker, Jack Donovan LAST REGION TITLE 2019 LAST PLAYOFF GAME 2019
