2013 - Whitwell Tigers

Whitwell Tigers

Coach: Billy Barnhart (2-18 in two years here and overall)

Last year: 1-9, beating Midway in the second game of the season before losing eight straight by 15 points or more

'13 dreams: For the first time in a while, the Tigers have enough experience returning and the coaching continuity to be a playoff threat in the district. Whitwell has six offensive and five defensive starters back, and senior Dusty McHone (5-foot-9, 180) can cause problems for opponents as both a running back and a defensive back. The Tigers have a new defensive coordinator in Jake Cabell, a 30-year coaching veteran who made the change to a 4-4 scheme that should make it tougher for opponents to run the ball.

13-for-13 contenders: McHone will be the offensive workhorse for Whitwell. His leadership and athletic ability is a big key to the team's success, so as a two-way starter at physical positions, he needs to stay healthy. Junior quarterback Tyler Tate (5-10, 165) has been under the radar but needs to step up and become another weapon on offense. The defensive line, led by seniors Dustin Holloway (6-0, 210) and Marvin Watson (6-1, 195) and junior Andrew Kilgore (5-10, 225) is experienced and should be another team strength.

Number of interest: 10 - seasons it's been since Whitwell last had a winning record. The Tigers finished 7-4 in 2003, their third straight winning season at the time. But they have finished with a losing record each year since, including four one-win seasons.

13 years ago: The Tigers were coming off a winless season and managed just one win in 2000, a forfeit over South Pittsburg, which had used an ineligible player. The closest Whitwell came to an on-the-field win was in the season opener when St. Andrew's-Sewanee prevailed 3-0.

Program superstition: While it's not a superstition, the Tigers do gather in the locker room before each game to pray, and they meet at midfield for a postgame prayer.

1-through-3: Senior Dusty McHone, the team's returning rushing and receiving leader

Q. What will make this year different than previous seasons for your team?

A. We have better numbers - more guys coming back who played last year - and there's a much better attitude on the whole team. Everybody is a lot more motivated and determined to have a winning season.

Q. What are you doing differently this year as a senior to make it a memorable season?

A. I'm trying to be more of a leader. I'm speaking up more, encouraging my teammates more than I did in the past, because I want them to know how much I want us to have a good year.

Q. What are your team and personal goals this year?

A. For me, I want to rush for more than 1,000 yards, and for the team I want us to make the playoffs finally. That would be incredible for us. It would make a legacy for people to remember our team for.

2013 Schedule

Aug. 23 Mt. Juliet Christian, 8

Aug. 30 at Midway

Sep. 6 Marion County*, 8

Sep. 13 at Harriman

Sep. 20 at South Pittsburg*, 8

Sep. 27 at Middle Tennessee Christian, 8

Oct. 4 Lookout Valley*, 8

Oct. 11 Clay County, 8

Oct. 18 at Sale Creek*

Oct. 25 Richland, 8

  • District 6-A game

2012 Stats

Passing

None submitted

Rushing

Att. Yards TDs

Dusty McHone 117 619 5

Clay McHone 62 294 1

Cody Ingrassia 18 121 1

Receiving

No. Yards TDs

Dusty McHone 9 106 1

Tackles

Total

Jake Sartin 45

Tyler Tate 36

Clay McHone 34

Roster

No. Name Class

1 Zach Chambers Freshman

3 Jordan Spradlin Sophomore

5 Caleb Anderson Junior

6 Daniel Mikel Freshman

7 Cody Ingrassia Sophomore

10 Tyler Tate Junior

12 Tyler Totherow Senior

14 Avery Shrum Sophomore

15 Blake Davenport Freshman

17 Teddy Tanafranca Sophomore

18 Bailey Blaylock Junior

20 Dusty McHone Senior

21 Clay McHone Sophomore

22 Christian Dugger Junior

28 Trey Davis Freshman

32 Kody Kritlow Junior

33 Greg Layne Sophomore

34 Michael Harris Freshman

44 Ethan Lough Sophomore

49 Ethan Skelton Freshman

50 Dustin Holloway Senior

51 Devin Holloway Junior

52 Jake Sartin Sophomore

53 Will Baker Sophomore

55 Blake Almond Freshman

56 Alex Hale Junior

58 Eric Fipps Senior

59 Marvin Watson Senior

60 Austin Layne Sophomore

61 Andrew Kilgore Junior

62 Alex Morrison Freshman

63 Seth Cumby Freshman

64 Chase Cantrell Freshman

65 Bryan Taylor Sophomore

70 Dalton Tripp Sophomore

75 Josh Leonard Freshman

77 Blake Muir Sophomore

79 Cody Pickett Junior

80 Chase Aaron Freshman

85 Dakota Bowman Freshman

Head coach: Billy Barnhart

Assistants: Jake Cabel, Derrin Easterly, Troy Mosier, Junior Atterton

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