Pancakes

Maryville and a Rutherford County or Nashville team as final two. Mt Juliet and White Station gave Whitehaven fits last year and we were fortunante to get by a Siegal team that was special and led by Sr.'s and that doesnt come arounfd often. Why UT didnt try harder on the Siegal QB is beyond me. It seems it is cyclical for most teams to get to state and we usually face a once in a decade type team when we get there ie White Station and White Haven hadn.t won one before and were pretty loaded when we saw them as was Smyrna. It's about time for a middle TN team to make it to the final game and I believe a chippy Maryville team will be waiting for them. Oakland looks like a good candidate.

Red Rebels, ask a band parent. Ron, qb would be more valuable to this team than corner imo. With our two backs and oline we only need someone to manage the game taking what is available on each play and not turn it over. QB doesnt have to have a strong arm, speed etc but make sound decisions and lead in a way that others have confidence to follow, pretty much like last year with a Sr qb emerging after Garrett got sick. Vaught will have some huge runs when they go to him. Our schedule is front loaded with three very good teams it'd be good for things to shake out and have a team identity early (I believe they already know who they are and have the swagger) and play to our strengths with confidence. Getting through those 3 games without being overly banged up will be a challange. If we do, there wont be a stiff challange until deep into the playoffs. Probably facing a tough Murfresboro team or Nashville area team at state. Last preseason I predicted we'd see Whitehaven again and loose. Unfortunantly, I was right. (barring "the call" I would have been wrong) I think we win this year but it will be tough like when we faced Smyrna and it will come down to our qb having a cool head under pressure and Prevo will be a determined Sr much like Dodson that makes the difference.

This team is taking on it's own personality of being cohesive, humble, physical, eager to compete and will be very good. A mixture of upperclassmen and underclassmen, size and speed and they will wear opponents out with excellent conditioning, physicality and maybe more importantly mental toughness. A strong work ethic, athleticism and humility look to be the personality of this group. A long way to go to be where they need to be but nothing has indicated they will not adapt to excellent coaching, new plays and players in new positions and be a formidable group. If they improve week by week they will be a machine come playoffs. This can be seen already as they are teachable and catch on quickly. The two backs will be as good or better than any duo in the state excluding Hurd of Beech who is on a different level. The backfield was very good last year but this year will have a smash and dash tandem that any coach would want. The o line, if healthy, will be a team strength. LT Kitts is a strong and relentless blocker who does his job and blocks anyone in front of him consistently, LG Koons is 275 and will face few his size this season, C Curtis is stronger and tough as nails and experienced, Kelso is 275 and very physical, idk on rt maybe Strawn who is undersized but deceptively strong with a wrestler's mindset. Several other underclassmen getting quality reps and look capable. At QB Garret is as cool under pressure as any i've seen on the court or grid iron. He doesnt look the part physically as his coaches said but he is a winner and I'd want the ball in his hands with the game on the line at State. He, like others in this Sr. class who have only won everything since the midget level have played together forever and lead by example and can make a play when needed. Vaught is quick, real quick running the ball. I'd expect his speed to be used behind that line some and often but Garret to seperate as the leader when the start of the season nears. Receiver Carroll is a standout and gamer idk who else will step up. Miller will contribute at end. Defense will have a new look at LB that fans will love! Plays will be made that weren't made last year. DT has a host of players revolving in and out who are capable and sharing some reps on offense. idk who will end up where but it looks to be ok. .DE Jackson will be a stand out and Miller could make an impact when used. Expect balls to be batted down a lot from our two tall DE's. Secondary is a wait and see and hopefully improved from last year. Kicking and punting idk. Coaches haven't rested on their laurels in the off season either. LOTS of changes that will improve this team. The strength and conditioning coach has certainly done his job. Hoping for an injury free rest of spring practice and a healthy team that takes the field to face a disciplined and athletic and well coached state champion Webb for the season opener.