2013 - McMinn County Cherokees

Friday, August 16, 2013

photo McMinn County quarterback Corbin Powers returns as the starter for the Cherokees, who were a 10-win team in 2012.

Coach: Bo Cagle (10-2 last year; 45-24 overall)

Last year: 10-2, lost 31-6 to Riverdale in the second round of the Class 6A playoffs

'13 dreams: Although they've won three of the previous four district championships outright, the Cherokees annually seem to be preseason underdogs. There will be an immediate need to replace six of their front seven on defense, as well as a couple in the secondary, but with a 1,000-yard rusher returning and other production on offense, the playoffs should be a reasonable goal.

3-for-13 contenders: The spotlight will be on running back Dre Sanders, who surpassed 1,000 yards and 15 rushing touchdowns while splitting carries with graduated back Kelvin Wells Jr. Quarterback Corbin Powers will be asked to contribute even more in his second year as a starter, while Trevor Crisp will spearhead the secondary as well as contribute wherever needed on offense - be it receiver or in the backfield.

2013 Schedule

Aug. 23 McMinn Central

Aug. 30 at McCallie

Sept. 6 Cleveland*

Sept. 13 Alcoa

Sept. 20 at Oak Ridge

Oct. 4 Soddy-Daisy*

Oct. 11 at East Hamilton*

Oct. 18 at Bradley Central*

Oct. 25 at Walker Valley*

Nov. 1 Ooltewah*

  • District 5-AAA game; game time 7:30 Eastern

1-through-3 - senior athlete Trevor Crisp

Q. You lost a lot of seniors last season. How weird has it been walking into the locker room these days?

A. It's been different, because I'm used to seeing the same faces. Now most of them are younger and I just know the seniors, so it has been different.

Q. How do you prepare to play so many different positions on the field - both offense and defense?

A. I run a lot harder during sprints. I know I'm going to be on the field a lot, so I have to work hard and keep my body in shape.

Q. The past couple of times you've been picked fifth, you've won the district. What is it that makes you guys respond so well?

A. Coach [Cagle] comes back from the media day and tells us we're fifth again, then asks us, "How are you going to respond?" We usually take it as motivation and respond well.

ROSTER

No. Name Class

1 Jalen Harper Sophomore

2 Dre Sanders Senior

3 Cody Hardin Freshman

4 Caleb Dain Sophomore

5 Datrus Bradley Sophomore

6 Logan Fowler Freshman

7 Clay Bennett Senior

8 Dre Hall Senior

9 Trevor Crisp Senior

10 Xavier Abernathy Freshman

11 Corbin Powers Junior

13 Chris Pritchett Junior

15 Colin Cornett Sophomore

17 Nick Peeler Junior

18 Damiese Bradley Sophomore

19 Day Currie Senior

20 Israel Brown Junior

21 Jamaya Bazel Sophomore

22 Raekwon Westin Senior

23 D.J. Kimpson Sophomore

24 David Buckner Sophomore

27 Dominick Isaza Sophomore

28 Nick Austin Sophomore

29 Dylan McCosh Sophomore

31 Justin Nile Sophomore

32 Cole Haggart Junior

33 Justin Harper Senior

34 Roman Lockmiller Freshman

37 Bubba Cooper Junior

38 Hunter Davis Senior

41 Luke Hampton Sophomore

43 Jordan Hockman Junior

44 Josh Banks Sophomore

45 Jake Allen Sophomore

47 Labrandus Goley Sophomore

50 Laith Maxwell Freshman

51 Brodie Wallace Sophomore

52 Cameron Patton Sophomore

53 Colden Dain Junior

54 Raheem Ellison Sophomore

55 Seth Martin Sophomore

56 Jacob Murphey Junior

57 Stone Trent Junior

58 Ethan Colloms Sophomore

59 Chase Layman Senior

60 Michael Guffey Sophomore

61 Curtis Scott Sophomore

62 Gavin Arnett Junior

63 Tom Applegate Sophomore

64 Hunter Priest Senior

65 Taylor Shultz Sophomore

66 Logan Sutton Junior

68 James Moore Freshman

72 Marcus Cansler Junior

73 Johnathan Lockhart Junior

75 Jordan Clark Sophomore

76 Cody McBroom Sophomore

77 Blake Peeler Sophomore

78 Sergio Hernandez Sophomore

79 Ryan Haney Junior

81 Matt Derrickson Senior

99 Sebastian Felicidario Senior