View the rest of our Best of Preps pre-season coverage here
EAST RIDGE PIONEERS
Head coach: Chad Barger (first year here; 43-53 overall)
Returning starters: 7 offensive; 7 defensive
Last year's record: 1-9 overall, did not qualify for Class 4A playoffs
Key players: Jalen Ellis (5-9, 175) Sr. RB/LB, Cadion Harris (6-0, 160) Jr. WR/DB, Cayden McCrary (6-1, 260) Jr. OL, Hasani Jackson (6-2, 170) So. QB, Jermaine Blackstock (5-10, 170) Jr. RB/LB, Javonte Pullom (5-11, 185) Jr. LB, Marquell Sails (5-10, 160) Jr. RB, Peyton Livingston (5-11, 200) Sr. TE, TJ Holmes (6-0, 150) Sr. WR/CB
Season outlook: Major gains were made during the offseason for a program just two years removed from back-to-back winning records.
"Our team returns a wealth of experience," Barger said. "We had a core group of young men work hard in the offseason, and that has shown in their physical development. We have a ton of underclassmen who have experience, along with a good group of seniors. For us to have success, we have to be fundamentally sound, disciplined and physical."
With Barger as offensive coordinator in 2019 and 2020, East Ridge scored 30 or more points in seven games. Jackson has breakout potential in his second season, while Ellis and Harris are playmakers all over the field and Holmes is the team's fastest player.
The Pioneers are excited about the potential of senior Tyree Smith (6-0, 160) who has been a standout for the basketball team the past two seasons. Barger believes Smith can be an excellent wide receiver and safety.
East Ridge has nearly 50 players on the roster, a major improvement after finishing last season with 36. However, in a tough Region 3-4A that includes Red Bank, East Hamilton and Central - the three combined for 22 wins last season - the Pioneers must avoid injuries.
Blackstock can be a factor on both sides of the ball, and the Pioneers have a talented linebacker corps led by Pullom. Sails will try to help boost an offense that hopes to improve on its average of 13.6 points per game last season.