Soddy-Daisy's Austin Goins is one of 18 seniors who will try to rebuild the Trojans program this season.Coach: Justin Barnes (first year)
Last year: 2-8
13 dreams: With only six wins over the past two seasons and now a new coach, the Trojans are looking for a step in the right direction. The wheels fell off over their last six games. With 18 seniors on this year's team, there is a sense of pride and confidence among the players, and with a favorable nondistrict schedule, the playoffs aren't as far-fetched as one might think.
3 years ago: While the Trojans were suffering through a 4-6 season, Barnes was completing his sophomore season as a backup quarterback at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga and its "Aid Raid" attack. In his final two seasons, he threw for more than 1,300 yards as a part-time starter.
3-for-13 contenders: Hunter Maynor has emerged as the starting quarterback and with a former QB as his head coach will have opportunities to succeed. He'll be aided by C.J. Blue in the backfield, while senior lineman Gavin Moody will be tough to stop on the defensive side of the football.
2013 Schedule
Aug. 23 at Hixson
Aug. 29 Red Bank
Sept. 6 Ooltewah*
Sept. 20 at Cleveland*
Sept. 27 at Tyner
Oct. 4 at McMinn County*
Oct. 11 Rhea County
Oct. 18 East Hamilton*
Oct. 25 at Bradley Central*
Nov. 1 Walker Valley*
- District 5-AAA game; Game time 7:30 Eastern
1-through-3 with SODDY-DASIY senior receiver/defensive back Alex Roberts
Q. You were at media day and heard your coach say he picked the Trojans to finish last. Were you surprised?
A. Not really. He showed us the polls and said he was going to do it. I like it, though; I think we're going to turn heads.
Q. How has Coach Barnes been different so far?
A. He's stricter. Coach Orr was more of a players' coach, but I think we'll benefit more from more discipline.
Q. It's been a few years since you've made the playoffs. What would it mean to break through this season?
A. It would mean a lot, but I think we can do it if we come together. The good thing is that we're one unit - there are no 'me' guys, so we feel good about our chances.
Roster
No. Name Grade
2 Tyler Hixson Senior
3 Grant Cordell Sophomore
4 Jake Flinn Senior
5 Austin Goins Senior
6 Jared Eidson Senior
7 Taylor Carlyle Senior
8 Charles Russell Junior
9 Tre Carter Sophomore
10 Christian Dean Senior
11 Shelton Roberson Senior
13 Tanner Cochran Junior
14 Hunter Maynor Junior
15 Blake Smith Junior
16 Alex Roberts Senior
19 Jacob Jordan Sophomore
21 Caleb Jordan Senior
22 Caleb Watson Senior
23 C.J. Blue Senior
24 Levi Thornton Junior
25 Taylor Fox Senior
26 Christian Bell Sophomore
27 Logan Sutherland Junior
28 Trevor Crisp Junior
29 Harley Sutherland Junior
30 Chase Payne Sophomore
32 Conner Stiles Sophomore
35 Elias Hansen Junior
36 Richie Chaney Sophomore
37 Jordan Cross Sophomore
42 Tyler Sullivan Junior
43 Harrison Huskey Sophomore
44 Cale Morgan Sophomore
45 Tyler Smith Sophomore
50 Philip Breneman Senior
51 Gavin Moody Senior
52 Will Petty Sophomore
53 Hunter Hall Junior
54 Aaron Knight Junior
55 Caleb Ooten Senior
61 Trace McNew Sophomore
64 Sam Rowland Sophomore
66 McKenzie Potter Sophomore
67 Zach Ireland Senior
68 Zach Griffith Junior
74 Zack Dempsey Junior
75 Kyle Pifer Junior
76 Ben Sims Senior
77 Tyler Gamble Senior
78 Nick Richie Sophomore
79 Casey Lewis Sophomore
81 Jacob Lemons Sophomore