REDSKINS

After an 8-0 start last year, Loudon High School’s football team looked to be a legit threat to win a Division 1-3A state championship. The Redskins fell to Giles Co. in the quarterfinals of the playoffs and finished 11-2.

Head coach Jeff Harig, entering the sixth year of his second stint at the helm of the Redskins (19th overall), is confident his team will again contend for a state title.

“It’s gonna be a year of transition,” the coach said. “We lost an All-State quarterback and wide receiver. That’s gonna be big shoes to fill. But I think we got guys who will step up for us.”

Offense

Junior Will Ervin and sophomore Bronson Scrivner currently are battling to start at quarterback. Scrivener, said Harig, is more mobile; Ervin more experienced.

Leading the rushing attack for the Redskins will be junior Gavin Divine (6-2, 195). “We’re gonna feature him a lot,” Harig said. Senior Keifer Tatum (5-9, 175), a Farragut transfer, also will get time in the backfield

“They’ll be a good complement to each other,” the coach said.

Last season the Redskins looked to pass first. This year Harig is aiming to throw perhaps 40 percent of the time. The primary target will be senior Semy Turner, who has started the last three years.

“This guy brings experience,” Harig said of Turner. “… He knows what it takes to win. He’s a leader and playmaker for us.”

“I’ve been training every Saturday (in the off-season),” Turner said. “I’ve been working on catching, route-running, working on my speed. Really ready to get going.”

The offensive line, according to Harig, should be a team strength. Junior Nathan Greene (6-0, 245), All-Region last year, will play center. “He’ll be the strength of our offensive line,” Harig said of Greene. “Very consistent with his shotgun snaps … hard worker … a kid you can count on.”

Both guards also are returning starters: juniors Ayden Gibson and Demarcus Williams (5-10, 275).

Williams’s status is uncertain, however, because of personal reasons.

Senior Zack Arthur (6-0, 240) will fill one tackle position. The other is still open.

Defense

Harig runs a 3-4-4 defense, and is confident about his

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