Despite losing top seniors, Campbell County football hopes to advance beyond first round

Quarterback Zach Rutherford and wide receiver Shawn Marcum leave Campbell County with a couple of major holes to fill.

Rutherford, a three-year starter, threw for 3,294 and 31 touchdowns last year. He topped 300 yards in six games. Marcum was one of the top receivers in East Tennessee with 1,320 yards and 15 touchdowns.

The Cougars' next-best receiver, Elijah Phillips, also graduated, but that doesn't leave Campbell County without experience. Preston Bowman had a decent role on the pass-heavy offense, with 51 catches for 432 yards and three touchdowns.

Campbell County coach Justin Price expects Landon Addington, a senior who didn't play last year, to start at quarterback.

"It's hard to replace those guys, but I think every year you have to find the strength of your new team," Price said. "(Addington) is a very talented kid with his ability to run and throw. He's had some good JV games, so we're excited about what he can do."

Campbell County finished 7-4 last season and lost to eventual state champion Catholic in the first round of the Class 5A playoffs. Bowman and senior linebacker Drew Jordan have high expectations for their team.

Bowman would like to see the Cougars, who open Aug. 17 at Cherokee, to win at least eight games, and shooting for 1,000 receiving yards. Jordan is aiming for that first-round playoff win. The Cougars have been knocked out early each of the past three years, last making it to the second round in 2014.

"I think our expectations are about the same every year," Price said. "We want to maximize the potential of every player on our team, and I feel like if every player does what they're supposed to do, the wins and these personal goals that the kids have, will take care of themselves."

Campbell County has to go on the road in key games against Oak Ridge and Fulton, who represent two of the Cougars' four losses last year.

"We've been blessed to change the culture of Campbell County over the last several years and we're excited to continue that, but also take the next steps," Price said.