CHEROKEES

Looking to use experience, more depth and improved physical strength to erase memories of a rare loosing season in 2021 (3-7), Greenback football is hoping 16 returning starters can restore the program’s normal state-championship contending ways.

“That’s big for us. We played a lot of sophomores last year, and they got good experience,” Cherokees head coach Ethan Edmiston said. “… That junior class is really talented.

“We were young last year. It was kind of a growing year. … We had a lot of injuries as well,” he added.

“But I’m really excited about this year. … I’m excited about this group we have. They’re working hard together.”

In his second season as Greenback skipper, the eighth as a high school head coach and 14th as a coach overall, Edmiston said he expects his Cherokees “to take a big step in the right direction this year.”

Top players

Isiah Flowers, senior defensive tackle/end and offensive tackle, “was having a really good year last year when he got injured and missed the second half of the season,” Edmiston said about one of his team captains. “It hurt not having him out there.

“He’s a big, athletic kid; he goes hard every play,” the coach added. “He’s got a good attitude, a good leader.”

Moreover, “He had a really good off-season in the weight room,” Edmiston said.

Caden Lawson, junior quarterback/defensive back who earned First Team All-Region honors in 2021, “is a big, tall, athletic, strong kid,” the coach said. “He’s a got a big arm and he runs the ball.”

Lawson filled in when the starting GHS quarterback was injured last season and led the Cherokees to a big win versus Oliver Springs.

“He was voted as a captain as a junior, so he’s got respect from his teammates,” Edmiston added. “I expect him to have a big year for us.”

Junior middle linebacker Landon Clifford, another First Team All-Region honoree in 2021, “had over 50 tackles last year,” his coach said

The Cherokees defensive backfield and starting receivers return intact.

Michael Payne, a junior cornerback who earned All-State honors in 2021, “had five interceptions at the corner,” Edmiston said.

Juniors Kooper Williams and Connor James, both First