Brainerd Panthers
Coach: Brian Gwyn (first year here as a head coach)
Last year: 1-9, one year after beating East Hamilton 21-14 and losing 20-14 at Giles County in the state playoffs
'13 dreams: The thinking around Brainerd is that the Panthers will be underestimated following last year's disappointing showing, but intangible factors to consider are the fresh-face, fresh philosophy of Gwyn, a roster that currently numbers more than 40 and some returning standouts bolstered by the influx of close to 20 freshmen. There's a new offense - no more throwing it deep and hoping somebody can run it down - but more discipline with an option approach. Brainerd has rarely had problems scoring, but team members are excited about an improved defense.
13-for-13 contenders: Sam Caffey is the most recognizable name among the Panthers and he'll be on the field a lot, possibly spending time at three offensive positions plus playing in the defensive backfield and returning kicks. If sophomore LaTony Word progresses, Caffey might spend more time at running back or receiver than quarterback. The Panthers have some experience in the lines led by Sedric Jordan and Cedric Douglas.
Number of interest: It has taken the Panthers more than four years to win 13 games, dating back to an 18-6 victory over Central in 2009.
13 years ago: Brainerd had a nine-win season, its best in the last decade. The Panthers were 5-0 before losing 20-16 to Cleveland and then reeled off four more wins before losing to White House 17-6 in the second round of the playoffs.
1-through-3: Athlete Sam Caffey
Q. What's the difference in practice from last year to this year?
A. The conditioning, the work ethic, the motivation. We're spending a lot more time on conditioning - a whole lot of sprints and then a 12-minute run, and that's every day.
Q. How would you rate Brainerd's chances of success?
A. We're working and getting better and stronger. I definitely think our defense is going to be better.
Q. What has been Coach Gwyn's major point of emphasis?
A. Everybody pushing himself and working hard, going 100 percent every time all the time. It must be working. Nobody has left [the team] yet.
2013 Schedule
Aug. 23 Ooltewah
Aug. 30 at Ensworth
Sep. 6 at Red Bank *
Sep. 13 at Baylor
Sep. 20 East Ridge *
Sep. 27 Austin-East
Oct. 4 Howard *
Oct. 11 at Central *
Oct. 18 Tyner *
Nov. 1 Hixson *
- District 6-AA game
2012 Stats
2012 statistics unavailable
Roster
No. Name Class
1 Sam Caffey Senior
2 Travell Reynolds Senior
4 Tarik Williams Senior
5 Kaylen Stewart Junior
6 Cordaro Cummings Junior
7 LaTony Word Sophomore
8 Marcus Hudson Sophomore
9 Gerald Patrick Senior
10 Orlando Moore Senior
11 Kamern Sales Senior
12 Ladaquis Word Freshman
14 Chris Cooper Freshman
18 Tevin Walker Freshman
20 Kenneth Sawyer Sophomore
21 Mustapha Muhammad Senior
22 Jarvis Sawyer Sophomore
24 Edward Taylor Freshman
26 Jordan Williams Freshman
30 William Freeman Junior
32 Dominece Ball Sophomore
33 Jacorie Montgomery Freshman
34 Marcus McMillan Junior
40 Deontay Taylor Junior
41 Terrance Noble Freshman
43 Rasheid Barnes Freshman
44 Kevin Bush Freshman
45 Brandon Hampton Freshman
47 Devonte Blackmon Freshman
48 Darron Readus Freshman
50 Brian Montgomery Junior
52 Lyonel Gladden Sophomore
54 Denzell Robinson Senior
55 Jesse Carter Sophomore
56 Eddie Pittman Freshman
60 Sedric Jordan Senior
62 Justin Turner Junior
64 Courvoisier Bell Freshman
70 Cedric Douglas Senior
72 Gequan Gladmon Sophomore
74 Fontea Wiley Senior
80 Trey Holland Freshman
88 Jarrius Williams Freshman