Rhea County opponents in 2013 had to deal with a Jacob York who suffered through injuries and still fought his way to a standout season.
If he stays healthy this time around, Rhea should expect even more production from him.
The 6-foot, 215-pounder is the lone returner in the backfield for the Eagles, who last year topped their victory total of the three previous seasons combined with 10 wins and the District 6-AAA championship.
York said the Eagles' belief in themselves began during the 2013 jamboree, when they defeated Ooltewah.
"After that, we just kept going and kept winning," he said. "It was nice to get into the playoffs. It was the first time we'd been back in a while."
York has the role of fullback in coach Mark Pemberton's wing-T offense, and he bulled his way to 695 yards and 12 touchdowns, tying graduated Dimitrius Patterson's touchdown total and ranking second in yards. It didn't take long upon Pemberton's arrival to pinpoint York as a player the coach wanted to get some touches.
"I knew pretty quickly that I could do something with him," Pemberton said. "He's a good athlete and a strong kid. He worked hard despite all the knicks and bangs that he had.
"Hopefully he can play healthy the whole year. He plays offensively and defensively, and he's our long snapper, so he's a huge part of what we're trying to do."
Having the title of reigning 6-AAA champs - while nice - only has made the team yearning to accomplish more, according to York.
"We want to repeat and be the champs again," he said. "We're hoping to do something that's never been done here before and play until December, because that means we'd be competing for a state championship.
"We're expecting big things this year."
- Gene Henley
RHEA COUNTY EAGLES
Head coach: Mark Pemberton (10-2 here; 173-71 overall)
Last year: 10-2; lost 31-7 to Cleveland in the 5A playoffs' second round
Returning starters (O/D/K): 7/9/1
2014 Schedule
(all games at 7:30 unless noted)
Aug. 29 - at Coffee County, 8
Sept. 5 - at White County, 8*
Sept. 12 - Walker Valley
Sept. 19 - at Cumberland County, 8*
Sept. 26 - at Red Bank
Oct. 3 - Cookeville*
Oct. 10 - Soddy-Daisy
Oct. 17 - Warren County*
Oct. 24 - at East Hamilton
Oct. 31 - Stone Memorial*
- District 6-AAA game
Control panel: RB/LB Jacob York (6-0, 215, Sr.) ran for 695 yards and 12 touchdowns a season ago, while WR/DB Noel Patterson (5-9, 155, Jr.) averaged 22.9 yards on 25 catches with seven touchdowns and is a threat in the return game as well. LB Zack Daoust (5-10, 190, Sr.) had 111 tackles and an interception last season and was the district's defensive MVP.
New producers: With so many players returning, the biggest question mark for the Eagles will be the quarterback position. Austin Thurman (5-11, 175, Sr.) had the lead going into the summer but after some sickness now is in a competition with Daniel Dotson (5-10, 175, Jr.). Mason Stevenson (6-0, 190, So.) will be one of the guys asked to play a larger role in the run game this season.
Blurbs
10 - Last season was the first since 2008 in which the Eagles won at least 10 games. They were the 6-AAA champions in their first season in their new district.
1 - Exchange students on the team, as Aleksander Hatlem will take over kicking duties this season.
9 - Defensive starters the Golden Eagles return.