BY THE NUMBERS3 - In a "one that counts" category, the number of consecutive losses to top rival Baylor.6 - Wins Potter needs to reach 150 in his career. Of his 144 victories, 76 came from 1997 to 2006 during his first go-round as the Blue Tornado's coach.24 - Wins for McCallie since Potter left after the 2006 season. That's an average of 4.8 per year with only one winning season, 6-4 in 2008.SCHEDULEAug. 24 at McMinn CountyAug. 31 Ensworth*Sept. 7 TynerSept. 14 at Father Ryan*, 8Sept. 21 Baylor* at Finley StadiumSept. 28 Battle Ground Acad.*Oct. 12 Pope John Paul II*Oct. 19 at Montgomery Bell*, 8Oct. 26 Brentwood Academy** Division II-AA East/Middle gameGames start at 7:30 p.m. except where noted.
MCCALLIE BLUE TORNADO
Coach: Ralph Potter (11th year here, 144-65 in his 18 years)
Stadium: Spears Stadium
Address: 500 Dodds Avenue, Chattanooga, TN 37404
RECENT HISTORY
The Blue Tornado scored at least 40 points in three of their first four games for a 3-1 record but then went 1-4 with a victory only over Pope John Paul II. They surprised Battle Ground Academy in the first round of the playoffs but then lost 38-21 to Memphis University School to end the season. Here's a look at the regular-season win total for the last five years:
Season 1 5 10
2011 ----(4)
2010 ----(4)
2009 ----(4)
2008 ------(6)
2007 -----(5)
THREE STRENGTHS
1) Experience along the line of scrimmage. Potter's confidence in the offensive line is bolstered by seniors Jack Harris and Casey Cook. Like most coaches, he's always looking for more athletic ability on the defensive side but can more than make do with such players as linebackers Eric Wolf and Julian Nunally.
2) A melding of offensive philosophies. During his time at Brentwood Academy, Potter more deeply explored the different facets of the passing game, while those who remained at McCallie - Mike Newman, Chris Richardson and Andy Smith - advanced their knowledge of run-oriented blocking schemes. Potter is eager to put those two together. Of course, all of it is governed by what quarterback Nelson Johnston can do.
3) It might seem odd but it's something that is close to Potter's heart - typical McCallie kids. "They're the type kids who work really hard, who don't know what the word quit means."
THREE CONCERNS
1) A rookie quarterback in junior Nelson Johnston to go with young players in the other skill positions. Potter says Johnston is a "good-looking kid who just has to gain some confidence."
2) How quickly incoming coaches adapt. The newcomers include Eamon Thornton, who'll coach outside linebackers; Efrin Sewart, the longtime volunteer at Tyner who'll coach inside linebackers; and receivers coach Cory Simpson, an ex-Red Bank standout who spent close to a decade as an assistant with the Lions.
3) McCallie is long on experience in the lines and on defense but short on experienced skill guys offensively with the departure of quarterback Trent Lusk (1,145 yards, nine TD passes, 11 rushing scores) and running back Daniel McClure (11,513 yards, 13 TDs). The Tornado do have Samir Usman, who ran for 682 yards and caught 19 passes for another 162, along with some promising underclassmen.
THREE QUESTIONS WITH ERIC WOLF
(Senior linebacker)
Q: What are the expectations at McCallie?
A: To win the state. That's our goal. We have a lot of experience on the lines and some good backs coming up. We have the parts. We need to come together as a team.
Q: What is your take on Coach Potter?
A: "It's been great so far. He wants us to be physical. He's trying to get us back to that tradition of physical players that go the extra mile and love to hit. He has explained to us that it is not just about football but about building yourself as a man and building character.
Q: Do you want to play at the next level?
A: I'd like to play at the Naval Academy and I'm also considering West Point. I've had some interest from Wake Forest and Duke.
ROSTER
1 Samir Usman - Senior
3 Chad Toliver - Junior
6 C.J. Fritz - Junior
7 Matthew Brock - Sophomore
8 London Elrod - Freshman
10 Asa Peeples - Senior
11 Spencer Morgan - Junior
12 Nic Naijar - Freshman
13 Tyler Payne - Sophomore
14 Hunter Smith - Freshman
15 Jay Roberets - Freshman
16 Sam Viscomi - Sophomore
17 Eric Wolf - Senior
18 Ryan Edwards - Junior
19 Reed Jacobs - Sophomore
20 Carl McPahil - Sophomore
21 J.J. Lewis - Sophomore
22 Logan Friday - Junior
23 Zak Hobbs - Senior
24 Myles Patton - Sophomore
25 Jeremy Jackson - Senior
26 Ryan Sanders - Sophomore
27 Andrew Busby - Junior
29 Gage Peeples - Sophomore
30 Bryan Jones - Junior
31 JaVaugn Craig - Freshman
32 Alex Trotter - Sophomore
33 Tanner Green - Sophomore
35 Mitch Dolinger - Senior
36 James Farish - Sophomore
37 Paul Silverblatt - Sophomore
38 Nick Kirksey - Freshman
39 Garrett Yates - Sophomore
40 Taylor Stutz - Freshman
41 Tanner Winters - Sophomore
42 Logan McCallie - Sophomore
43 Lordan Elam - Freshman
44 Tate Boyce - Sophomore
45 James Hale - Freshman
46 Kerrington Wilson - Sophomore
47 Robert Jenkins - Sophomore
48 Russell Hart - Sophomore
49 Garrison Welch - Sophomore
50 Morton McLemore - Junior
51 J.J. Moncus - Sophomore
52 Charles Wallace - Junior
53 Billy Boardman - Sophomore
54 Charlie Lindeman - Junior
55 Jud Potter - Senior
56 Casey Cook - Senikor
58 Carson McKoon - Freshman
59 Sam Devaney - Senior
60 Holden Norton - Sophomore
61 Shea Longshore - Sophomore
62 Julian Nunally - Senior
63 Chase Newell - Freshman
64 Nicholas Langley - Freshman
65 Ward Klein - Sophomore
66 Aaron Kirksey - Junior
67 Hayden Brown - Sophomore
68 Kirish Duncombe - Junior
69 Jack Harris - Senior
70 Luke Bandy - Junior
71 Connor O'Brien - Junior
72 Will Patton - Freshman
73 Jack Green - Freshman
74 Patrick Davis - Freshman
75 Cameron Walker - Junior
76 Thomas Eddins - Junior
77 Will Adams - Sophomore
78 Hunter Chance - Freshman
79 Riley Stamper - Junior
80 Alex Elsea - Senior
81 Dustin Smith - Freshman
82 Adrian Thomas - Freshman
83 Tariq Barnes - Freshman
84 Jonathan Lipman - Freshman
85 Jeffrey Coleman - Freshman
86 Peter Phillips - Junior
87 Conner Eckert - Sophomore
88 Walker Fredrick - Freshman
89 John Hooper - Junior
90 Garrett Sherman - Freshman
91 Ryland Chapman - Freshman
92 Jake Marsden - Freshman
94 Jon Luke Jenkins - Freshman
95 Clay Long - Freshman
96 Andrew Sharpe - Freshman
97 Ethan Cady - Freshman
98 Michael Barranco - Freshman
99 Harrison Hogan - Freshman