Wk 3 of the Playoffs: Rhea County at Oak Ridge

[tarp]

Bookie says Rhea 23 OR 17…line 4 1/2 though

Edited November 21, 2014 by tarp

[WillieTheWildcat]

Here is some game day reading. Enjoy

 

From Chattanooga Times-Free Press

<<Class 5A

RHEA COUNTY GOLDEN EAGLES (12-0) at OAK RIDGE WILDCATS (12-0)

Stars: Rhea County RBs Zack Daoust and Cody Bice have topped the 1,000-yard rushing mark. Jacob York is at 834 yards on the ground but leads in rushing TDs with 14 to their 12. QB Daniel Dotson directs things and eight of his 63 passes have gone for TDs. LB Tyler Pendleton leads in tackles. Oak Ridge features sophomore WR Tee Higgins, a possible SEC prospect, but he hyperextended a knee in last week’s win over Cleveland and his playing status is expected to be decided at game time. Logan Fadnek is the QB and RB T.J. Allison is the rushing leader. Brandon Bonds is an active DB and LB Adam Manookian is the tackles leader.

Storyline: Rhea County is one of the storied football programs in the Chattanooga area, but the one thing missing from its checklist is a state championship. Oak Ridge has four. If the Eagles are to win one in 2014, they could potentially have to beat four consecutive undefeated teams in the playoffs with the Wildcats being the second among them.

Key matchup: Few teams statewide in any classification rely on the running game as much as Rhea County. The Wildcats’ front seven is as stout as any the Eagles have faced all year. Rhea has totaled 509 points on the season and has scored at least 21 in every game. The only time Oak Ridge has surrendered more than 21 points was in a 53-28 playoff win over Soddy-Daisy.

Coach’s quote: “They haven’t given up many points. That’s going to be a big challenge for us. We have to be able to run the football. That’s what we do the best. And if you play great defense you’ve always got a chance.†— Rhea County coach Mark Pemberton.>>

 

Also, from the Times-Free Press

<<Dotson Quietly Guiding Rhea Offense

by Kelley Smiddie

EVENSVILLE, Tenn. — Junior Daniel Dotson has been doing about as low-profile of a job possible for Rhea County’s football team this year at the sport’s most high-profile position.

His duties at quarterback for the undefeated Eagles, who travel to fellow unbeaten Oak Ridge for tonight’s TSSAA Class 5A playoff game starting at 7, don’t appear to be difficult given their thriving running game. Or is it just that Dotson makes it look that way?

As far back as the spring, Dotson was in a battle with Austin Thurman for the quarterback job. Coach Mark Pemberton said the competition remained close throughout fall practice, then shortly before the first game decided to go with the senior.

Although he has since been reinstated, Thurman ended up leaving the program after the first month of the season and Dotson was inserted as the starter Sept. 26 at Red Bank.

“That was probably the most nervous I’ve been,†said Dotson, who had previously played some at quarterback, but that was his first start.

The jitters may have gone away after that first good hit — if there was one — considering Rhea defeated the Lions 54-7 that night.

It’s no secret that the Eagles want to establish their running game early, then showcase it throughout the game. The other starters in the backfield in their wing-T offense — Zack Daoust, Cody Bice and Jacob York — have teamed for 377 carries for 3,276 yards and 40 rushing touchdowns.

“With our quarterbacks, we don’t put pressure on them to make all the plays,†Pemberton said. “What we want them to do is manage the offense — don’t turn the ball over with an interception or don’t fumble, don’t get a delay of game. Just manage the team and get the ball in the playmakers hands.â€

And Dotson is content with that, although he should be acknowledged for his selling of fakes and slight-of-hand work that often leaves defenses wondering who has the ball. He doesn’t concern himself with his statistics but rather concerns himself with leadership aspect that comes with the position.

“You’ve always got to be a leader,†Dotson said. “That’s one of the most important things about the job. Our offensive line can block. Our running backs are great with the ball. I just have to get the ball to them. All the credit goes to them. They’re the best in the state.â€

Although Dotson isn’t asked to throw often, he has completed 60 percent of his passes for 641 yards. He also led a comeback victory over Cookeville in midseason.

One of Dotson’s eight TD passes came in last week’s big playoff victory over previously unbeaten Ooltewah. He also threw an interception against the Owls, but it was his first on the season in 63 passes.

“He’s got to be able to make throws down the field when we ask him to,†Pemberton said. “He made one the other night against Ooltewah down the middle of the field, 35 yards for a touchdown.â€

From the time Dotson started playing football, the reason he wanted to play quarterback was because that’s the position his older brother, Austin, played. Daniel watched his brother as a senior last year help the Eagles win 10 games and advance to the second round of the playoffs where they lost to Cleveland.

This year’s Eagles advanced past the second round last week, not that Daniel is taking the bows for that. His only goal is a team one.

“We want to go 15-0,†he said. “We’re going to do it.â€>>

[WillieTheWildcat]

From the Knoxville News-Sentinel

<<

Class 5A

West (11-1) at South-Doyle (12-0): West's pursuit of its first state championship gets tougher this week against a South-Doyle team that seems to make its biggest plays in pressure situations. Still, stopping Rebels running back Nathan Cottrell will be a challenge for the Cherokees. Cottrell needed just eight touches to rack up more than 200 yards in a blowout win over Tennessee High a week ago. South-Doyle has its own set of playmakers, particularly quarterback Brody Rollins and Tennessee commit Jocquez Bruce. But forcing turnovers, and more importantly scoring points off them, will be critical for South-Doyle to knock off the reigning runner-up in Class 5A.

PrepXtra pick: West 35, South-Doyle 24

 

Rhea County (12-0) at Oak Ridge (12-0): Oak Ridge's defense came up with a red-zone stand last week to put away a gritty Cleveland team. The Wildcats, who are chasing their first trip to the Class 5A semifinals since 2010, likely will have their hands full again. Rhea County hasn't lost often under second-year coach Mark Pemberton, who uses a trio of running backs in his wing-T system. Rhea County trounced a very good Ooltewah team a week ago by racking up 475 rushing yards. Oak Ridge has survived this season by being stellar on defense and good enough on offense. Rhea County might require the latter to be better than that.

PrepXtra pick: Rhea County 21, Oak Ridge 17  >>

[IrishFB1]

Here is some game day reading. Enjoy

 

From Chattanooga Times-Free Press

<<Class 5A

RHEA COUNTY GOLDEN EAGLES (12-0) at OAK RIDGE WILDCATS (12-0)

Stars: Rhea County RBs Zack Daoust and Cody Bice have topped the 1,000-yard rushing mark. Jacob York is at 834 yards on the ground but leads in rushing TDs with 14 to their 12. QB Daniel Dotson directs things and eight of his 63 passes have gone for TDs. LB Tyler Pendleton leads in tackles. Oak Ridge features sophomore WR Tee Higgins, a possible SEC prospect, but he hyperextended a knee in last week’s win over Cleveland and his playing status is expected to be decided at game time. Logan Fadnek is the QB and RB T.J. Allison is the rushing leader. Brandon Bonds is an active DB and LB Adam Manookian is the tackles leader.

Storyline: Rhea County is one of the storied football programs in the Chattanooga area, but the one thing missing from its checklist is a state championship. Oak Ridge has four. If the Eagles are to win one in 2014, they could potentially have to beat four consecutive undefeated teams in the playoffs with the Wildcats being the second among them.

Key matchup: Few teams statewide in any classification rely on the running game as much as Rhea County. The Wildcats’ front seven is as stout as any the Eagles have faced all year. Rhea has totaled 509 points on the season and has scored at least 21 in every game. The only time Oak Ridge has surrendered more than 21 points was in a 53-28 playoff win over Soddy-Daisy.

Coach’s quote: “They haven’t given up many points. That’s going to be a big challenge for us. We have to be able to run the football. That’s what we do the best. And if you play great defense you’ve always got a chance.†— Rhea County coach Mark Pemberton.>>

 

Also, from the Times-Free Press

<<Dotson Quietly Guiding Rhea Offense

by Kelley Smiddie

EVENSVILLE, Tenn. — Junior Daniel Dotson has been doing about as low-profile of a job possible for Rhea County’s football team this year at the sport’s most high-profile position.

His duties at quarterback for the undefeated Eagles, who travel to fellow unbeaten Oak Ridge for tonight’s TSSAA Class 5A playoff game starting at 7, don’t appear to be difficult given their thriving running game. Or is it just that Dotson makes it look that way?

As far back as the spring, Dotson was in a battle with Austin Thurman for the quarterback job. Coach Mark Pemberton said the competition remained close throughout fall practice, then shortly before the first game decided to go with the senior.

Although he has since been reinstated, Thurman ended up leaving the program after the first month of the season and Dotson was inserted as the starter Sept. 26 at Red Bank.

“That was probably the most nervous I’ve been,†said Dotson, who had previously played some at quarterback, but that was his first start.

The jitters may have gone away after that first good hit — if there was one — considering Rhea defeated the Lions 54-7 that night.

It’s no secret that the Eagles want to establish their running game early, then showcase it throughout the game. The other starters in the backfield in their wing-T offense — Zack Daoust, Cody Bice and Jacob York — have teamed for 377 carries for 3,276 yards and 40 rushing touchdowns.

“With our quarterbacks, we don’t put pressure on them to make all the plays,†Pemberton said. “What we want them to do is manage the offense — don’t turn the ball over with an interception or don’t fumble, don’t get a delay of game. Just manage the team and get the ball in the playmakers hands.â€

And Dotson is content with that, although he should be acknowledged for his selling of fakes and slight-of-hand work that often leaves defenses wondering who has the ball. He doesn’t concern himself with his statistics but rather concerns himself with leadership aspect that comes with the position.

“You’ve always got to be a leader,†Dotson said. “That’s one of the most important things about the job. Our offensive line can block. Our running backs are great with the ball. I just have to get the ball to them. All the credit goes to them. They’re the best in the state.â€

Although Dotson isn’t asked to throw often, he has completed 60 percent of his passes for 641 yards. He also led a comeback victory over Cookeville in midseason.

One of Dotson’s eight TD passes came in last week’s big playoff victory over previously unbeaten Ooltewah. He also threw an interception against the Owls, but it was his first on the season in 63 passes.

“He’s got to be able to make throws down the field when we ask him to,†Pemberton said. “He made one the other night against Ooltewah down the middle of the field, 35 yards for a touchdown.â€

From the time Dotson started playing football, the reason he wanted to play quarterback was because that’s the position his older brother, Austin, played. Daniel watched his brother as a senior last year help the Eagles win 10 games and advance to the second round of the playoffs where they lost to Cleveland.

This year’s Eagles advanced past the second round last week, not that Daniel is taking the bows for that. His only goal is a team one.

“We want to go 15-0,†he said. “We’re going to do it.â€>>

is there any way to put the entire USA today sports section on here?

[boyfromsi]

Game day!  RWR!!  Go Cats!

[DCTIGERFAN]

Will be pulling for OR in this one.

[catswild]

It's GAME DAY BABY!!!!!!!

[dragnfan]

Let's go Wildcats....show em how you do things up here in O'Ridge!!

[NuWildcat]

ROLL WILDCATS ROLL !!!!

[85Wildcat]

TAKE THE FIGHT TO RHEA CO. TONITE RWR!!!

[Space3]

Good luck Oak Ridge!

[Knoxvul]

I got the Wildcats!

 

OR by a trickle....