Pigskin Preview 2013

PIGSKIN PREVIEW 2013

A special production of

PHYSICAL THERAPY PHARMACY FISCAL SERVICES DIETARY RADIOLOGY LABORATORY NURSING HOME HEALTH RESPIRATORY HEALTH HEALTH INFORMATION MATERIALS MANAGEMENT ENVIRONMENT SERVICE

FIND YOUR CAREER IN HEALTH CARE

2 — Sunday, August 18, 2013

The Advocate & Democrat

SEQUOYAH CHIEFS

A LOOK AHEAD

Tommy Millsaps Editor

And Gabriel Garcia 2012 results (6-5, 2-2) Sequoyah 41, Rockwood 14 Sequoyah 58, Tellico Plains 26 Sequoyah 40, Meigs County 2 Lenoir City 38, Sequoyah 13 Sequoyah 48, Cumberland County 0 Sequoyah 42, McMinn Central 21 Sequoyah 35, Scott 20 Polk County 47, Sequoyah 21 Loudon 41, Sequoyah 27 Sweetwater 14, Sequoyah 6 Playoffs DeKalb County 39, Sequoyah 21

Last 5 years’ records 2012: 6-5 (2-2) 2011: 6-6 (2-2) 2010: 4-7 (3-1) 2009: 0-10 (0-4) 2008: 4-6 (4-4)

Where 2013 Turns Week Six: Polk County has been the class of District 5-AA ever since it was formed, and Sequoyah has yet to defeat the Wildcats in district play. The results have not even been close. The Chiefs get Polk County for Homecoming, and a more competitive game — and especially a win — would go a long way toward Sequoyah stating its arrival as a team and a program to be reckoned with in East Tennessee.

Aug. 23 Aug. 30 Sep. 6 Sep. 13 Sep. 20 Oct. 4 Oct. 11 Oct. 18 Oct. 25 Nov. 1

Sports Editor

Don’t blame Sequoyah fans and Chiefs head coach Bill Satterfield and his team for being excited about the upcoming season.

The Chiefs will field a very experienced team that is not only big and physical in the trenches, but also talented at the skilled positions and solid on defense and special teams.

The Chiefs seniors have enjoyed three winning seasons and three state playoff trips in a row, and now they have dreams of making a deeper run in the TSAAA playoffs come this November.

“I’m excited about the possibilities.

I think this team can do great things,” Satterfield said.

“We want to get a winning season and we want to get back into the playoffs for this group that has worked so hard, but we don’t want to stop there. We need to move on to the next two or three rounds. And this team is capable of it if they can stay healthy.”

The excitement around the Chiefs has only grown during the preseason as a Sequoyah team with 18 seniors on the roster has looked good against tough competition in spring and fall scrimmages. It’s only scrimmage “loss” was a competitive 21-14 score against the Division II-A defending state champions from Knoxville Webb.

Adding to the excitement for the upcoming Chiefs season is a 2013 schedule that not only includes some old foes, but some new faces as well with all the district reshuffling by the TSSAA. Always-tough Loudon will now be a district game. The Chiefs play the Redskins each year but have found

Tellico Plains at Walker Valley at McMinn Central-D at Lenoir City Loudon-D Polk County-D-H White County Kingston at Clinton at Sweetwater-D

D-denotes Ditrict games. H-denotes Homecoming.

2013

beating Loudon tough to do.

Walker Valley, Kingston, Clinton and White County make up a schedule without any marshmallows particularly when it comes to district games, Satterfield said.

Satterfield believes the road to a district crown still has to go through Polk County.

“They are king of the hill until somebody knocks them off,” he said.

A home opener with Tellico Plains and the annual season ending game and district tussle with Sweetwater round out a schedule that should keep the stands full with Chiefs fans all season.

Though the Chiefs boast lots of seniors on their 56-man roster, Satterfield and the chiefs assistant coaches are looking to the future as well. They have a full junior varsity schedule to make sure there is at least some experience for 2014 when this year’s seniors graduate.

OFFENSE

The offense that has looked so strong in preseason is expected to be a driving force for the Chiefs when the regular season comes.

“There has not been anybody who we have scrimmaged who has kept us out of the end zone,” Satterfield said.

Offensive coordinator Greg Ryan, in his first year for the Chiefs, brings the ability to adapt his game plan to many situations, Satterfield said. Ryan played for Satterfield at Greenback before going on to play for East Tennessee State University.

“Greg does an outstanding job,’’ the Chiefs head coach said. “He does an exceptionally good job of reading what the defense is doing.”

Satterfield said Ryan and the posi-

See Sequoyah, Page 3

Brett King — QB Sequoyah’s quarterback — who also kicks and punts — is the unquestioned key to the offense and is looking to follow up his recordbreaking 2012 season with an improved record and a deep playoff run in 2013.

The Chiefs Colors: Red, Gold and White Classification: Class 4A (District 5-AA) Principal: Gary Cole Athletic Director: Terry Harris Coach: Bill Satterfield Seasons: Starting sixth Record at Sequoyah: 20-34 Assistant Coaches: Jeff Bell, Mike Black, Jason Hammontree, Terry Harris, Greg Ryan, Robert White, John Wiggins

The Advocate & Democrat

Sunday, August 18, 2013 — 3

SEQUOYAH CHIEFS ROSTER 1....................Jacob Shubert.......................TE/LB...........................So. 2....................Isiah Black................................TE/LB...........................So. 3....................Lucas McCall..........................QB/DB........................So. 6....................JJ Harmon...............................RB/DB.........................Sr. 7....................KC Deherrera.........................QB/DB........................Sr. 8....................Chris Johnson.......................RB/DB.........................Fr. 10.................Bradley Hall............................WR/LB.........................So. 11.................Beau Grimes..........................WR/DB........................Sr. 12.................Brett King................................QB/DB........................Sr. 13.................Thomas Donaghy...............TE/DE..........................So. 14.................Kayne Roberts......................RB/DB.........................Fr. 15.................Logan Lienart........................WR/DB........................So. 17.................Matt Gletty..............................WR/DB........................Sr. 18.................Evan Torbett...........................WR/DB........................Sr. 20.................Garrett Dalton.......................WR/DB........................Sr. 21.................Drew Carson..........................RB/LB..........................Sr. 23.................Seth Kirkland.........................RB/DE..........................So. 24.................Chad Yonge............................RB/DE..........................Sr. 27.................Eli Davis....................................WR/DB........................Jr. 30.................Alex Stakely............................RB/LB..........................Sr. 31.................Justin Thacker.......................WR/DB........................Fr. 33.................Luke Knott..............................RB/LB..........................Sr. 34.................Tyler Woods............................RB/DB.........................Fr. 37.................Devin Carlton........................FB/DE..........................So. 39.................Austin Miller...........................WR/DB........................Fr. 40.................Caleb Miner............................FB/LB...........................Jr. 43.................Mickey Youngblood..........TE/DE..........................So. 44.................Hunter Price...........................RB/LB..........................So.

Key Losses

45.................D’Marcus Brewster.............TE/LB...........................So. 50.................Ben Hall....................................OL/LB..........................Sr. 51.................Austin Peak.............................OL/DE.........................Jr. 52.................Grant Watson........................OL/DT.........................So. 53.................Bobby Kile...............................OL/DE.........................Jr. 54.................Eli Beard...................................OL/DT.........................Fr. 55.................Zack Davis...............................OL/DT.........................So. 56.................Hunter Moore.......................OL/DT.........................Fr. 57.................Jacob McElmore..................OL/DL.........................So. 58.................Cordell Grimes......................OL/LB..........................So. 59.................Shane Moore.........................OL/DE.........................Jr. 61.................Curtis Bradshaw...................OL/DT.........................Fr. 62.................Jordan Bell..............................OL/DT.........................So. 63.................Christian Stewart.................OL/DT.........................Sr. 64.................Hunter Blevins......................OL/LB..........................So. 65.................Taylor Casagrande..............OL/DT.........................Fr. 66.................BJ Kile........................................OL/DT.........................Sr. 67.................Kevin Workman...................OL/DT.........................Fr. 68.................Jacob Hill.................................OL/DT.........................Jr. 70.................Angel Augustine.................OL/DT.........................Fr. 72.................Shayne WIlburn...................OL/DT.........................Sr. 74.................Hunter Taylor.........................OL/DT.........................So. 75.................Aaron Davis............................OL/DE.........................So. 76.................Nick Pettitt..............................OL/DT.........................Jr. 79.................Thomas Spradlin.................OL/DT.........................Sr. 80.................Sean Boothroyd...................TE/DE..........................So. 85.................Rueben Abernathy.............TE/DE..........................Sr. 90.................Jonathan Leon......................OT/DT.........................Sr.

While defensive line should still be a strength for the Chiefs, Forrest McKane (left) and Dustin Webb at defensive end will be missed. Austin Lunsford is another impact player on both offense and defense whose graduation will be felt. The reliable Blake Huffman, who led the state in receptions from the fullback position and was also a threat to score on offense, is also gone.

Rising Stars Matt Gletty has made large strides at his wide receiver and linebacker positions for his senior season and could make an impact especially on defense. Running back Drew Carson has FBS or FCS potential, and his backfield mates JJ Harmon and Alex Stakely have also come on strong for their senior seasons. Juniors Bradley Hall and Eli Davis could see some playing time even with a glut of seniot talent at the wide receiver position. Devin Carlton is a sophomore expected to be a productive part of the defensive end rotation.

The Pressure is on Pretty much the entire senior class at Sequoyah — all 18 members.

This class has been the backbone behind coach Bill Satterfield’s building project and one of the big reasons why Satterfield reversed his initial decision to retire. Anything less than getting to the third round of the playoffs is likely going to be considered a disappointment by this group.

Sequoyah Continued from 2 tion coaches have all done a good job teaching the offense to their players while keeping things simple.

Ryan has plenty of weapons, starting with strong-armed senior quarterback Brett King. The Chiefs QB rifled 17 touchdown passes and piled up more than 2,200 yards in total offense last year.

King has a host of skilled players around him.

Running backs Alex Stakely, Luke Knott, JJ Harmon and Drew Carson are all seniors who can be counted on to tote the football for the

Chiefs along with solid blocking from junior fullback Caleb Miner.

King may very well improve on that 17-touchdown pass total from last year with the likes of seniors Evan Torbett, Garrett Dalton and Beau Grimes running pass routes. Juniors Bradley Hall and Eli Davis will also see time at wide receiver and provide depth for the senior-laden Chiefs.

But as with most good teams, it all starts up front with the Chiefs.

Sequoyah has the size and experience most high school teams can only

dream of on the offensive line.

Shayne Wilburn has overcome injuries to now have college scouts viewing him as a top offensive line prospect. Fellow senior linemen Ben Hall, Christian Stewart, BJ Kile, Thomas Spradlin and tight end Rueben Abernathy may tilt the field the Chiefs’ direction with their size when they run onto gridiron on Friday nights this fall.

DEFENSE

The Chiefs expect to

field a solid and athletic defense in 2013. Some of the same stars on offense will go both ways and make the going tough for oppossing offenses this season.

“We are good through the first 11,” Satterfield said.

As with many teams, depth on defense could be a concern for Sequoyah if any starters go down. Satterfield said if a starter leaves the field, the Chiefs have to have some players switch posiitons to get the best 11 players on the field.

Abernathy, Devin Carlton and Chad Young will serve as defensive ends, and Wilburn, Spradlin and juniors Nick Pettit and Jake Hill at the inside positions will be stout for the Chiefs, Satterfield believes.

Minor, Knott, Carson and Gletty gives Sequoyah four athletic linebackers with Harmon, Dalton and Torbett leading the way in the secondary.

SPECIAL TEAMS

Quarterback King will kick and punt for the

Chiefs, who have opted for smaller, faster players to make up their special teams, Satterfield said.

Dalton, Stakely, Gletty, Harmon, and Torbett are all expected to handle the ball on kick and punt returns.

“Specal teams, I think they’re going to help us out a little bit,” Satterifeld said.

•

editor@advocateanddemocrat.com | 337-7101 sportseditor@advocateanddemocrat.com | 337-7101

Physical Therapy

Have A Great 2013 Football Season!

520 Cook Street, Suite D Madisonville 423-442-1440 665 New Hwy 68, Suite F Sweetwater 423-536-7036

Good Luck To All Our Football Teams in the 2013 Season!

Hwy. 411 • Madisonville • 442-2128

4 — Sunday, August 18, 2013

The Advocate & Democrat

SWEETWATER WILDCATS

A LOOK AHEAD

Gabriel Garcia Sports Editor

2012 results (8-4, 2-2) SWEETWATER 42, Tellico Plains 16 SWEETWATER 21, Stone Memorial 8 SWEETWATER 49, Grace Baptist 20 SWEETWATER 29, Oliver Springs 6 Polk County 26, Sweetwater 19 Loudon 8, Sweetwater 7 SWEETWATER 20, Meigs County 7 McMinn Central 30, Sweetwater 13 SWEETWATER 28, Bledsoe County 0 SWEETWATER 14, Sequoyah 6 Playoffs SWEETWATER 21, Tyner 20 Alcoa 49, Sweetwater 14 Last 5 years’ records 2012: 8-4 (2-2) 2011: 5-6 (2-2) 2010: 5-6 (2-2) 2009: 2-8 (2-2) 2008: 4-6 (2-4) Where 2013 Turns Week Zero: Sweetwater will find out very quickly where it stands when it travels to Greenback. The Cherokees are coming off a berth in the Class 1A quarterfinals, but like Sweetwater must replace some key players from 2012. Greenback also had to deal with a coaching change. Despite that, the Cherokees are still expected to be a force. A win in the season opener against a team facing similar challenges would be a statement for the young Wildcats.

Aug. 23 Aug. 30 Sep. 6 Sep. 13 Sep. 27 Oct. 4 Oct. 11 Oct. 18 Oct. 25 Nov. 1

Interim head coach Mike Martin does not want the word “rebuilding” used around his program, and he’s pretty sure the fans don’t want to hear it used, either.

Despite losing all but two starters each on offense and defense from the 2012 squad that knocked off rival Sequoyah for the Monroe County championship, secured seven regularseason wins and advanced to the second round of the TSSAA Class 3A playoffs, the Wildcats do not plan to use the mass roster turnover as an excuse.

“Kids have enough excuses these days, and the last thing they need to hear is that it’s a rebuilding year, because they’re going to coast and say, ‘It’s a rebuilding year,’” Martin said.

“I’m going to be very disappointed if we’re not competing, and we’re not in every ball game and if our kids don’t get after it.

“I’m not going to approach it like that, and I hope our kids don’t — and I hope our fans don’t. Fans don’t settle for a rebuilding year. I have not been out here for the past two months, and none of us have busting our humps thinking that we’re going to lose every game. We’re going to win every game.

We don’t talk about rebuilding.”

It won’t be an easy task to match 2012’s accomplishments, however.

Perennial power Loudon joins District 5-AA, replacing Meigs County. Polk County, the kings of 5-AA for so long, looks as strong as ever. Sequoyah is deep with experience and talent and looking to make a statement. McMinn Central is riding momentum.

And on top of that, the Wildcats face a stern test right from the start, traveling to Greenback’s Cooper Field

at Greenback Meigs County at Loudon-D Austin-East-H at Silverdale Academy at McMinn Central-D Cumberland County Polk County-D at Kingston Sequoyah-D

D-denotes Ditrict games. H-denotes Homecoming.

2013

with its fair share of new faces looking for something to prove.

One thing that should not derail the team, however, is the legal issues surrounding head coach Craig Moser, who stepped down in July after being arrested in Loudon County on driving under the influence charges. That case will still be ongoing into September.

“There are no off the field distractions,” Martin said about the Moser situation. “We’ve moved on from that a long time ago.”

Offense

Sweetwater’s most pressing concern is at wide receiver, where several players without much experience must grow up in a hurry to be viable targets for quarterback Andrew Barr.

Trent Wattenbarger, Matt Stiles and Andrew Campbell are expected to get the most playing time at wideout.

The offensive line is also a work in progress, although there is plenty of promise — starting with 6-feet-6, 305 pounds of promise in sophomore Bailey Byrum, who is getting attention from Southeastern Conference programs including Tennessee. Jalen Smith, Peyton Jones, Terry Reagan, Justin Shubert and Kody Woodall are all being counted on to anchor the offense, protect the quarterback and open up holes for the running backs.

“We’ve got to have our front to get with it,” Martin said.

FInding running backs to replace last year’s hero against Sequoyah, Eli Arwood, is a tall task. However, sophomore Ashaunde Thaxton has shown gamebreaking speed and athleticism during fall scrimmages, but he also has a way to go as far as being the every-down back who can get the

See Sweetwater, Page 5

Andrew Barr — QB As one of only two returning starters on offense for the Wildcats, the junior quarterback shoulders even more responsibility than usual. The development of Sweetwater’s young receiving corps will go a lot more smoothly with the veteran on target in 2013.

The Wildcats Colors: Royal Blue and Old Gold Classification: Class 3A (District 5-AA) Principal: David Watts Athletic Director: Rex Rhodes Coach: Mike Martin Seasons: Starting first (interim) Record at Sweetwater: 0-0 Assistant Coaches: William Greg Allen, Larry Arwood, Tyler Richesin, David Staff, Eric Weaver

The Advocate & Democrat

Sunday, August 18, 2013 — 5

SWEETWATER WILDCATS ROSTER 2.........................Ashaunde Thaxton........RB/DB.........................So. 3.........................Hunter Humphreys.......RB/DB.........................Sr. 4.........................Andrew Campbell..........WR/DB........................Jr. 5.........................Gabe Cooper....................RB/OLB.......................Sr. 6.........................Malik Robinson................RB/OLB.......................So. 7.........................Mike Cooper.....................RB/DB.........................So. 8.........................Caleb Starnes....................WR/DB........................So. 9.........................Matt Stiles...........................WR/DB........................Jr. 10......................MacKenzie Hansen........RB/DB.........................Jr. 11......................Terrell Johnson................WR/DB........................Sr. 12......................Andrew Barr......................QB/DB........................Jr. 13......................Chase Allison....................WR/DB........................Jr. 14......................Broedy Duggan...............QB/DB........................Fr. 15......................D.J. Vanderwerf................QB/OLB......................So. 20......................Kelvin Franco....................WR/DB........................So. 21......................Payton Robinette...........TE/LB...........................Sr. 22......................Ben Shope..........................WR/LB.........................So. 23......................Trent Wattenbarger.......WR/DB........................Jr. 24......................Jordan Whitfield..............WR/DB........................Fr. 30......................Jonathan Taylor...............RB/LB..........................Jr. 31......................Ty Campbell......................WR/DB........................Fr. 32......................Sammy Baker...................K....................................Sr. 34......................Trey Dawson.....................WR/DB........................Fr.

Key Losses

42......................Jonathan Whited............WR/LB.........................So. 43......................Noah Kile............................RB/LB..........................So. 44......................Hunter Raby......................WR/DB........................Jr. 48......................Ethan Standridge...........OL/OLB......................Fr. 52......................Terry Reagan.....................OL/DL.........................Jr. 55......................Brady Anderson..............OL/OLB......................Sr. 56......................Kody Woodall...................OL/DL.........................Jr. 57......................Peyton Jones....................OL/DL.........................Sr. 60......................Justin Shubert..................OL/DL.........................Jr. 62......................Dustin Montooth...........OL/OLB......................Jr. 64......................Cody Givens......................OL/DL.........................So. 66......................Alex Williams.....................OL/DL.........................Fr. 68......................Shelby Dawson...............OL/DL.........................So. 70......................Morgan Moser.................OL/OLB......................So. 72......................Jalen Smith........................OL/DL.........................Jr. 73......................Seth Boyd...........................OL/DL.........................Fr. 75......................Tyler McDaniel.................OL/DL.........................Sr. 78......................Bailey Byrum.....................OL/DL.........................So. 79......................Wade Garrison.................OL/DL.........................So. 87......................Laint Moser........................TE/OLB.......................Sr. 88......................Isaac Pina............................TE/LB...........................Sr. ...........................Justin Hall...........................OL/DL.........................Fr.

Take your pick. Sweetwater lost all but two starters on offense and defense each to graduation, and many were impact players.

Zach Neil (left) was a force on the defensive line with at least 20 tackles for loss and 14 sacks. And the Wildcats will definitely miss Eli Arwood and his toughness and courage at running back. Other losses that will be sharply felt include receiver Jordan McGaughey, defensive tackle Jarren Turpeinen, linebacker Trevor Richesin, safety Nick Wicker and defensive end Elijah Blomstrom.

Rising Stars Sophomore running back Ashaunde Thaxton has displayed gamebreaking speed and athleticism in fall scrimmages and could be a real weapon if he makes himself an every-down back. 6-foot-6, 305-pound Bailey Byrum has gotten SEC attention — including from Tennessee — as a sophomore on the offensive line.

The Pressure is on Wide receivers and defensive secondary are both positions with young players who must grow up quickly. Trent Wattenbarger, Matt Stiles and Andrew Campbell will play both at receiver and at defensive back. MacKenzie Hansen and Ashaunde Thaxton, the two main running backs, also must be able to play in the secondary.

Sweetwater Continued from 4 tough yards between the hashmarks.

“Ashaunde is a gamer.

He’s a big-play guy,” Martin said. “I think that’s what Ashaunde wants is to be a big-play guy, and we do, too, but we’ve got to get Ashaunde wanting to get the three- and fouryard plays, too. Stick it in there and get those.”

Listed along with Thaxton in the first-string running back position is MacKenzie Hansen, who has shown more inclination to earn the yards inside. Noah Kile and Jonathan Taylor provide some depth at the position, and transfers Mike Cooper and Gabe Cooper will also get a look at the position.

Andrew Barr will return as the starting quarterback after a promising sophomore campaign in 2012, but he has also been fighting a nagging shoulder injury through preseason practices. D.J. Vanderwerf has been getting plenty of reps as the signal caller.

“They’re both getting reps and both doing a good job right now,” Martin said of the quarterback position. “Andrew will come in and be the starter, but I think we’re in pretty good shape at backup, too.”

Defense

Secondary is a glaring worry right now for the defensive side of the ball.

Sweetwater’s young defensive backfield has given up many a big play, and Martin took its struggles through the spring and the fall personally.

“We’ve got some inexperience back there,

but we can’t use that as an excuse,” Martin said.

“I’ve got to do a better job coaching secondary. I’m going to put that on me.

We’re having some missed communications and missed assignments that you can put on me.”

Hansen, Stiles and Wattenbarger will play at the safety position, and Thaxton, Campbell, Kelvin Franco, Mike Cooper and Hunter Raby will all be in the cornerback and nickel back rotations.

Martin has high expectations for Raby in particular.

“He’s a go-getter,” Martin said. “We’re trying to find him a spot on the field. He’s an aggressive kid, which gets him hurt sometimes in the secondary, but he’s got to be on the field for us.”

The same crew that anchors the offensive line is also expected to harass the opposing team’s quarterback and push their counterparts backwards — Byrum, Smith, Jones, Reagan, Shubert and Woodall.

A new face on the team, Brady Anderson, joined this year as a defensive end/outside linebacker type to help.

At linebacker, seniors Payton Robinette and Isaac Pina have had strong fall scrimmages and are expected to anchor those positions.

Special teams

Martin is excepted at the prospect of a new face at kicker — one that is familiar to Sweetwater’s soccer fans.

Sammy Baker could, at some point, take over

the placekicking duties — field goals and kickoffs — and maybe even some punting chores if his development continues as is.

“He’s going to do a good job for us,” Martin said of the soccer standout. “He could turn into a weapon for us before it’s all said and done.

“I’m anxious to see him.”

Until Baker gets used to the experience of kicking an oblong ball with laces in game situations, Hansen and Woodall will handle the kicking chores.

Hansen will also punt.

Sweetwater’s fastest athletes will handle the returner duties — including Thaxton, Hansen, Mike Cooper and, when he heals up, Malik Robinson.

Watch Out ! s u o i g a t n o C s It’ Good Luck to all teams!

Sweetwater Nursing Center “Nurturing Body, Mind and Spirit” 978 Hwy 11 South • Sweetwater, TN 37874

423-337-6631

6 — Sunday, August 18, 2013

The Advocate & Democrat

TELLICO PLAINS BEARS

A LOOK AHEAD

Gabriel Garcia Sports Editor

2012 results (3-7, 1-4) Sweetwater 42, Tellico Plains 16 Sequoyah 58, Tellico Plains 26 Greenback 48, Tellico Plains 0 Coalfield 59, Tellico Plains 9 Tellico Plains 41, Harriman 24 Midway 28, Tellico Plains 14 Grace Christian 35, Tellico Plains 0 Rockwood 35, Tellico Plains 8 Tellico Plains 28, Meigs Co. 13 Tellico Plains 31, Whitwell 16

Last 5 years’ records 2012: 3-7 (1-4) 2011: 1-9 (1-4) 2010: 1-9 (1-4) 2009: 8-4 (3-2) 2008: 1-9 (1-7)

Where 2013 Turns Week FOUR: Tellico Plains’ first four weeks of play are easily the most brutal part of its schedule. The Bears will be heavy underdogs against Sequoyah, perenial District 3-A power Grace Christian and a playoff team from last year in Copper Basin.

The Bears should be battle-tested heading into the brunt of its district schedule, and they would love to avenge a fairly competitive loss to Midway last year and notch a key win in the district.

Aug. 23 Aug. 30 Sep. 6 Sep. 13 Sep. 20 Sep. 27 Oct. 11 Oct. 18 Oct. 25 Nov. 1

In the second season of coach John Mullinax’s building project at Tellico Plains, the core of his Bears is a year older, faster and stronger.

But despite that, the other coaches in District 3-A did not think much of Tellico’s chances this season, picking the Bears to finish last in the district.

Challenge accepted.

“That’s our motivation,” Mullinax said. “You always need something to motivate you.”

Tellico Plains hopes that the way it finished its 3-7 2012 campaign, with two wins, carries over into 2013. The first of those season-ending wins was against Meigs County, which is now a member of District 3-A along with the Bears.

“I’ve seen that carry over with our attitude in winter workouts and through spring and this summer,” Mullinax said of the momentum from the last two wins. “We’ve had great attendance.

“We’re miles ahead of where we were this time last year.”

The Bears have to make sure, however, that a meat-grinder of a start to the 2013 season doesn’t derail that momentum and progress. Tellico faces three strong opponents in its first four weeks — Sequoyah, which scored a school-record against the Bears last season, Grace Christian, which has been the class of District 3-A the last few years, and a playoff team from last season in Copper Basin.

After that gauntlet, however, Mullinax sees opportunity. Other 3-A powers Greenback and Rockwood still await, but the Bears will have plenty of chances besides to prove the other coaches in the district wrong about their predicted spot in the pecking order.

at Sequoyah at Andrews (NC) at Grace Christian-D Copper Basin Midway-D Sale Creek-H Rockwood-D at Harriman-D at Greenback-D Meigs County-D

D-denotes Ditrict games. H-denotes Homecoming.

2013

“If we can survive through our first three I think we’ll be in good shape,” Mullinax said. “Our goal is definitely try to make the playoffs. Have a winning season and make the playoffs is our goal every year. But our motivation this year is not getting any respect from anybody, and the only way you can get that is to go out on the field and prove that.”

Tellico’s overall roster size is good for a school in Class 2A at 48, but Mullinax still notes that injuries in key positions could be an issue if they happen. The Bears have 18 sophomores and 10 seniors, so they are still somewhat on the young side.

With the rest of the district as wide open as ever apart from Grace, Greenback and Rockwood, Mullinax looks forward to his 34th year coaching overall with anticipation.

“I’m just as excited about this as the rest of them,” he said. “We’ll see where it leads us.”

Offense

Tellico Plains’ strength on offense in 2013 is its deep lineup of running backs, and the Bears have switched to a wing-T for this season to emphasize that strength.

“I think we’ve got a chance to be a whole lot better on offense this year,” Mullinax said. “Especially since we had a lot of first-year starters last year, we got those guys back.”

Senior Devin Collier is expected to be the main workhorse, but he will have plenty of help. Fellow senior Casey Hamby has had an impressive fall of practice and scrimmaging.

One wildcard in the backfield is sophomore Dakota Rinehart, who can do a little of everything. His default position will be wingback,

See Tellico Plains, Page 7

Garrett Reno — DE/FB Part of the 1-2 punch at defensive end along with Bryce Carter, Reno is getting attention from Division I colleges for his fierce play on the defensive line.

The Bears Colors: Maroon and White Classification: Class 2A (District 3-A) Principal: Russell Harris Athletic Director: Shawn Yates Coach: John Mullinax Seasons: Entering second Record at Tellico Plains: 3-7 Assistant Coaches: Gordon Kelley, Josh Mullinax, Jarrod Johnson, Tyler Humbert, Lance Hamilton

The Advocate & Democrat

Sunday, August 18, 2013 — 7

TELLICO PLAINS BEARS ROSTER 1..................Dylan Taylor.............................RB/OLB.......................So. 2..................Brett Nicely...............................WR/DB........................Jr. 3..................Jacob Long...............................FB/ILB.........................So. 4..................Bret Laney.................................WR/DB........................So. 5..................Jordan McGovern.................WR/FS.........................So. 7..................Dwayne Hollingshead.......QB/OLB......................Jr. 8..................Riley Mitchell...........................RB/DB.........................Jr. 9..................Josh Cain...................................QB/RB/DB.................Fr. 10...............Peyton Brown.........................WR/DB........................Sr. 11...............Caleb Long...............................RB/DB.........................So. 12...............Weston Hamilton.................QB/OLB......................Fr. 13...............Jacob Wiseman......................TE/FB/LB....................So. 15...............Matthew Brannon................WR/DB........................Jr. 17...............Dakota Rinehart....................QB/RB/OLB..............So. 20...............Zach Strickland......................FB/OLB.......................Sr. 22...............Ethan Freeman......................TE/LB...........................So. 23...............Garrett Reno............................FB/DE..........................Sr. 24...............Devin Collier............................RB/LB..........................Sr. 25...............Seth Gourley...........................TE/FS...........................Jr. 32...............Justice Stiles.............................TE/DE..........................Fr. 33...............Ryan Bookout.........................WR/DB........................So. 34...............Casey Hamby..........................RB/OLB.......................Sr. 41...............Austin Cheek...........................RB/LB..........................Fr. 44...............Blake Hunt................................WR/DB........................So. 46...............Scott Williams.........................RB/LB..........................So.

Key Losses

50...............John Jones...............................OL/DE.........................Jr. 51...............Deon Massingale..................T/DT.............................Sr. 52...............Brad Thomas...........................C/DT............................Jr. 53...............Stone Gray................................C/DL............................So. 55...............Bryce Carter.............................G/K/DE.......................Sr. 56...............Jonathan Brannon...............G/ILB...........................So. 57...............Hunter Burnett.......................G/DE............................Sr. 58...............Alex Richeson.........................T/DT.............................Jr. 60...............Austin Morgan.......................OL/DL.........................So. 61...............Logan Phillips.........................OL/DL.........................Fr. 62...............Kenyon Reece.........................G/DE............................Jr. 63...............Robert Moses..........................G/DL............................So. 64...............Gabe Kirkland.........................G/DL............................So. 65...............Matthew Millsaps.................C/DL............................Jr. 66...............Paul Satterfield.......................OL/DT.........................Fr. 68...............Alex Robertson......................G/LB.............................So. 70...............Tanner Thomas......................OL/DT.........................Fr. 71...............Hunter Frisby..........................OL/DT.........................So. 72...............Isaiah Denham.......................T/DT.............................So. 73...............Rusty Wright............................OL/DL.........................Fr. 78...............Nick Harrison...........................OL/DL.........................Fr. 80...............Geno Palazzola.......................RB/DB.........................Sr. 88...............Jacob Freeman......................WR/OLB.....................Fr. 90...............Bubba Laws.............................TE/DL..........................Sr.

T.J. Pike (left) was a stalwart on the offensive line for Tellico Plains, as was Lucas Shephard. And while the Bears are deep at running back this year, all-district honoree Adam Reece still leaves some large shoes to fill at the position.

Rising Stars Ryan Bookout made a huge impact on Tellico Plains’ vertical passing game when he came onto the field as a freshman and will be counted on again to make some big plays for the Bears’ offense.

Fellow sophomore Dakota Rinehart is a versatile athlete who has had a strong fall and will mostly line up at wingback in the Bears’ wing-T offense and at outside linebacker and could also spend time at quarterback.

The Pressure is on Dwayne Hollingshead, who came on as the starting quarterback midway through Tellico Plains’ season last year as a sophomore.

While the Bears will be run-oriented in its wing-T, against some of its more formidable competition they will want — or need — to put the ball in the air, and Hollingshead must be on target for Tellico to succeed.

Tellico Plains Continued from 6 and he has shown his own big-play ability from that position. Rinehart is also adept at catching passes and can even play quarterback himself, battling for the starting spot there.

However, junior Dwayne Hollingshead will be the starter at the signal caller spot again after a promising sophomore season. He is a capable runner out of the wing-T as well.

At fullback will be 6-foot-4, 268-pound Garrett Reno, with fellow senior Zach Strickland giving Reno a breather from time to time.

“Backfield is in pretty good shape,” Mullinax said. “We’ve got a lot of experience there.”

While Tellico plans to run the ball most of the time, the wide receivers are not to be ignored.

Ryan Bookout broke out in the position as a freshman in 2012, and the now-sophomore is looking to have similar or better results in 2013. Brett Nicely, whom Mullinax refers to as “the fastest guy on our team” will also line up at receiver, as will sophomore Blake Hunt.

Paving the way for Tellico’s running backs is an offensive line with some size. Tight end Bubba Laws at 290 pounds, strong tackle Deon Massingale at 330 and strong guard Bryce Carter at 275 will provide the push for the wing-T attack on the right side.

Matthew Millsaps and Stone Gray are battling for the starting center position, while the left side will feature Alex Richeson at tackle and Kenyon Reece at guard.

Defense

The bookends of Tellico’s three-man front need no introduction.

Garrett Reno is drawing attention from Division I scouts and fellow senior Bryce Carter attacks from the other end with efficiency. Both defensive ends are battling injuries but should be ready to go by the season opener at Sequoyah.

“I think we’ve got two of the best defensive ends in our district,” Mullinax said.

Laws and Massingale will play in the nose tackle spot between Reno and Carter.

The Bears will play five linebackers. At the outside, or the “dogs”, the rotation will include Rinehart, Hamby, Strickland, sophomore Dylan Taylor and freshman Austin Cheek.

“We got some depth there and guys who can run pretty good,” Mullinax said.

The inside linebacker spots will feature returning starters in Collier, Ethan Freeman and Jonathan Brannon.

The secondary will include senior Peyton Brown, Bookout, Hunt and Nicely.

Mullinax expects the defense overall to be improved from last season, when it gave up a lot of big plays.

“I think the biggest thing our guys have to do is listen and learn and play their position and then react to the football,” Mullinax said. “You can’t just run all over the field, especially the way people spread you out all over the field. You’re going to get burnt if you do.

“One thing I think we’ve improved on, I hope, we’ll find out once the season starts: We didn’t do a good job of open-field tackling last year, and I’ve seen us do better than that in our scrimmage and fall practice.”

Special Teams

Carter will handle the placekicking chores, including field goals, points after touchdowns and kickoffs, while Hollingshead will do the punting.

The kick and punt returns will be left to the best athletes, namely Nicely, Rinehart, Strickland and Hamby.

•

sportseditor@advocateanddemocrat.com | 337-7101

Begin with a dream… … and achieve it.

4263 Highway 411 N. #2 • Madisonville, TN 37354

Email: norman@normanleerealestate.com Website: www.NormanLeeRealEstate.com

8 — Sunday, August 18, 2013

The Advocate & Democrat

AROUND THE AREA

A LOOK AHEAD

2013

Miller powering Polk County in 5-AA FROM STAFF REPORTS Until someone knocks off Polk County in District 5-AA, they can be considered the favorites.

Especially when fullback Zach Miller is still on the Wildcats’ roster.

The punishing 6-1, 235-pounder ran for 1,930 yards and 22 touchdowns last year, literally carrying the Polk County offense while the Wildcats faced injury problems with their quarterback.

Despite that, the

Wildcats went undefeated in 5-AA play and had a 7-4 season overall.

McMinn Central

The Chargers are coming off a 5-6 season capped by their first playoff appearance in three years, in which they gave mighty Alcoa a surprisingly stern test, playing the Tornadoes to within 10 points.

The Chargers are now trying to build on that momentum, but a loss of five starting linemen is an area of concern.

However, leaning

ground gainer Denzell Boyd, who rushed for more than 1,000 yards last year, returns for his senior campaign. Leading the way for Boyd is Gage Johnson at fullback, who also plays linebacker for Central.

Josh Scudder, a 6-foot-2 wide receiver/defensive back, has been cleared to play anf could also make an impact.

On defense, Central also faces question marks in the secondary.

Loudon

The Redskins lost a lot

of players up front from last years team and have a fairly young roster. The team is built around a three-player nucleus of juniors Travis Brewer, Tyler Ferguson and Josh Jackson.

Brewer looks more confident in his second year at quarterback and Jackson has potential for a very big season at running back. The team’s success will depend greatly on how well a young offensive line plays and whether key players stay healthy.

Gabriel Garcia | The Advocate & Democrat

Loudon’s Tyler Ferguson runs after a catch against Tellico in a scrimmage.

Grace Christian once again likely District 3-A favorites FROM STAFF REPORTS Will McKamey has graduated, but Grace Christian will be no less dangerous on offense in 2013.

The Rams return 13 starters in all — six on offense and seven on defense. Rockwood transfer Kyron Inman will provide electricity to the Grace backfield.

Quarterback Devin Smith, linebacker/tight end Andy Eddins and defensive end Rhett Elwood are expected to be the leaders of a team that once again should be the favorites in District 3-A.

Greenback

The Cherokees graduated plenty of talent from its 2012 team, including five All-State

players. On offense, Greenback loses running back Richard Seymour, who was an anchor for the offense for several season and quarterback Eric Anderson.

Together, the two accounted for nearly every one of the team’s touchdowns.

Defensively, the team loses linebacker Justin Kuhn, who finished with 115 tackles last season, and defensive lineman Landon Disney, leaving big holes up front. Despite the loses on both sides of the ball, first-year head coach Jason Hicks feels confident that his team returns more playmakers than they have in the past. The team should be competitive in class 1A. Senior Dillan Jones takes over at quarterback and has key weapons in Jordan Anderson, Hunter Cope and Brock Moore.

Midway

Joe Campbell’s Green Wave could be the sleeper team in District 3-A this season. Midway returns four offensive linemen and will be led by do-it-all QB Shandon Lyle, who ran and passed for more than 1,000 yards each last season. Lyle returns his three top receivers in Mason Woody, Jonathan Beason and the speedy Zach Qualls. Depth could be an issue for Midway with approximately 30 players on the roster.

Harriman

About the only good thing about last year’s 1-9 season at Harriman was the fact the Blue Devils suffered so many injuries that they were forced to play a lot of freshmen and now have

depth across the board. The position with the most depth is up front as coach Travis Tapp rotated two different offensive lines in preseason scrimmages.

If Harriman’s line can open some holes, RBs Kaleb Eleam, Garrett Greene and Mikey Roberts all have breakaway speed.

Rockwood

Veteran coach John Webb always seems to do his best coaching job when not much is expected from the Tigers.

That’s the case this season as Rockwood lost four starters in the offensive line, their starting QB, three leading rushers and an all-state TE. Rockwood, however, was a deep team in 2012 and still have a lot of tal-

ent returning, but how quickly they mature will determine Rockwood’s success this season.

RB Drake Long will play a key role in Rockwood’s offense this season.

Meigs County

Moving down in classification should help the Tigers improve on their 1-9 record from last year.

Now in Class 2A, Meigs has question marks up front after losing most of its offensive line from last season.

Skill players expected to lead the Tigers include Bryson Baker, who is back at signal caller, returning running backs Dakota Ricker and Quincy Parris and linebacker/fullback Taylor Pugate.

Back To School 9 M ONTHS SPECIAL School Year Don’t Miss All The Local High School Sports Action & Other School Events!

SUBSCRIBE NOW! I Want 9 Months For $39 I Want 3 Months For $13 Name_______________________________________________ Address_____________________________________________

____________________________________________________ Phone_______________________________________________ Email_______________________________________________ Sunday Delivery Address (if different from above): ____________________________________________________

3 MONTHS Football Season

(These rates are valid within The Advocate & Democrat’s primary delivery area. Out of county rates are higher. Please call for these rates.)

My Check or Money Order is Enclosed (it is not a good idea to send cash through the mail)

Please charge my (check one) _____VISA _____ MC _____ DISCOVER Account#___________________________ Exp. Date: _____ V#(3 digit on back)_______

Name_________________________________________________ Address_______________________________________________

______________________________________________________ Phone________________________________________________

Circulation PO Box 389 • Sweetwater, TN 37874

The Advocate & Democrat

Sunday, August 18, 2013 — 9

SOUTHEASTERN CONFERENCE

A LOOK AHEAD

2013

Four new coaches enter SEC waters SETH BUTLER

Newport Plain Talk

HOOVER, Ala.—Eight months ago, four men were out coaching football in another land. While some had coaching experience in BCS conferences such as the Big 10 and Big East, it’s the football equivalent to Mars, compared to what they witnessed on Wednesday.

In a league filled with high coaching salaries and constant visibility, Butch Jones, Bret Bielema, Mark Stoops and Gus Malzahn each stepped into the Wynfrey Hotel to preach their vision for their respective programs.Their turn in front of the media also meant that life in the Southeastern Conference became a reality for those four coaches on Wednesday. The most powerful conference in the sport of college football annually puts on the biggest media show in sports every July.

It’s something that was evident by Jones, who arguably made one of the smallest leaps into the SEC from their prior coaching stops last December.

“When the SEC does something, it’s truly something special, it’s a spectacle,” Jones said. “That’s what makes the SEC what it is today, the best college football conference in the country.”

Even Bielema, who helped lead Wisconsin to three straight Rose Bowls and coached in the Big Ten for years, knew that their is something special about the SEC. “I knew the SEC, no disappointment here today, would be at the highest level possible,” said Bielema, who noted that coaches in the Big Ten make a three-day circuit during that league’s media day.

“The thing that jumped out to me, I saw a stat yesterday that said there were more credentials passed out for this event than there were for the national championship game.

“For me to come here today, you share the stage with three to four coaches, you have three players coming with you, the

Seth Butler | Newport Plain Talk

Tennessee coach Butch Jones (right) interviews with ESPNU at SEC Media Days in Hoover, Ala. game that we play in right now, the game that I coach in is at an all new high,” Bielema said.

With the SEC continually reaching new highs every year, earning seven straight BCS National Championships, the pressure to win grows each season.

No one knows that better than new Auburn coach Gus Malzahn.

Despite having no prior head coaching experience in the SEC, he has his current job thanks in part to those elevated expectations.

In 2010, as offensive coordinator Malzahn helped lead Auburn to the BCS National Championship. Three years later, he’s the head coach of the Auburn program, because former coach Gene Chizik won only 11 games over the next two seasons.

“I think when you take on a head (coaching) job, you know exactly what you’re getting into,” Malzahn said on Wednesday. “You’ve got to be prepared, you have to have a plan - the bottom line is that you have to be successful.

“I think all coaches, especially in this league, understand that,” Malzahn said.

None may more understand the pressures to win in the SEC better than Jones.

Despite having no immediate ties to the league, he’s learning that it’s the most pressure packed league in the sport.

“Everyone asks what it’s like to be in the SEC and the best analogy I can give you is every day in the SEC is it’s like fourth-and-one for the national championship,” Jones said. “It doesn’t matter if it’s practice, recruiting, game time - the competitive structure of this football con-

ference, the difference between winning and losing is very slim.”

With such a small difference between winning and losing, the adulation or ire of fans, contract extensions or looking for a new job, coaches are constantly looking for every competitive edge they can get their hands on in the SEC. Whether its in recruiting or on the field, Jones knows that every possible foothold that can be used to gain an advantage on an opponent is vital.

“We always talk about in terms of inches make the champion,” Jones said.

“You’re looking or those inches. Everyone is looking for that competitive edge.

Everyone is making commitments to their football program.

“That’s what makes this the best football conference in America,” Jones said.

Good Luck in the 2013-2014 season to all of our football teams!

Madisonville, Tennessee

The Hub of Monroe County Mayor - Glenn Moser City Recorder - Alfred McClendon Board of Aldermen • Augustus Davis • Sherri McCrary • Bill Spradlin • Linda Hensley • Susan Saunders

10 — Sunday, August 18, 2013

The Advocate & Democrat

Getting prepared Monroe County squads get early tastes of competition before it starts to count Photos by Gabriel Garcia | The Advocate & Democrat