Region 3-1A // Jonathan Runion Stadium, 205 Cougar Dr., Copperhill, TN 37317
At the helm
Patrick Daley
(47-72 in 11 years here and overall)
Heroes assemble!
The Cougars return 7 off., 6 def. starters.
Super powers
With the infusion of some players from the basketball team into the football team, Copper Basin has more speed than in recent years. Look for the Cougars to run a few fast breaks this season.
Possible kryptonite
Daley likes the 11 he'll put on each side of the ball on game nights. But keeping them healthy, or finding quality reserves, is a big concern.
Spidey sense tingling
The Region 3-1A Cougars last year were a middle-of-the-pack team, which got them a first-round playoff game, but it was on the road and didn't go so well. Their first region game this year, Sept. 1 at Whitwell, could go a long way in determining whether they can improve their playoff status and host a first-round game this season.
Here I come to save the day!
Everything Copper Basin does offensively will hinge around the play of QB Keaton Mickens (6-2, 190). Some other seniors, C/DT Tim Leslie (6-0, 240) and OT/DT Brady Ledford (6-0, 260), will be among those in charge of leading the way for him or keeping him upright.
Up, up and away!
A lack of depth is always a concern for a football team at a small high school. But this year at Copper Basin, that issue isn't limited to the players.
Daley has one assistant coach this season as he tries to mold 31 players into a contending team in Region 3-1A.
Daley will coordinate the offense, but he'll also help defensive coordinator Rusty Boggs with the LBs and DL. Conversely, Boggs will help coach the offensive backfield players while Daley concentrates on the line.
"We scrimmaged Midway in the spring," Daley said. "They had 18 players and six coaches. They were better coached than we were. It's just a matter of numbers."
While being the only football coach on faculty, Daley had Boggs and two others helping last year. Funding is less this year.
Given the situation, senior leadership is magnified this season. Mickens is a four-year starter who has played TE, DE, ILB, OLB, RB and SE and now is transitioning to QB.
"We're definitely the leaders," Mickens said of the seniors. "We know we have to step up. It's a great feeling to know everybody is behind you and has your back, supporting you the whole way."
John Spargo agreed to be a volunteer assistant this season but currently lacks availability because he has two jobs. Boggs' son, Dylan, a former Cougars QB, will at least assist as the eyes from the press box on Friday nights.
"It's a struggle every year to teach the kids the right way," Daley said. "Volunteers are welcome, but they're not here enough to learn as much as they need to learn to be able to teach the kids.
"All that's beside the point. That's my struggle as the head coach. As far as the kids, we've got kids with a lot of potential who are willing, so we'll do what we can to help them."
2016 Results
Aug. 19 Coalfield lost, 49-14
Aug. 26 Hayesville, N.C. won, 36-7
Sep. 2 Sale Creek won, 45-6
Sep. 9 Tellico Plains lost, 35-28
Sep. 16 South Pittsburg lost, 55-6
Sep. 23 Grace Academy won, 35-21
Sep. 30 Lookout Valley won, 21-6
Oct. 7 Chatt. Christian lost, 55-0
Oct. 13 Tenn. Christian Prep won, 1-0
(forfeit)
Oct. 28 Whitwell lost, 21-3
Nov. 4 Fayetteville lost, 49-6
(first round)
5-6, 3-2 Region 3-1A
2017 Schedule
(All times 7:30 Eastern)
Aug. 18 Polk County
Aug. 25 At Hayesville, N.C.
Sep. 1 at Whitwell, 8
Sep. 8 at Tellico Plains
Sep. 15 Sale Creek
Sep. 22 Silverdale Baptist Academy
Sep. 29 South Pittsburg
Oct. 6 at North Georgia Falcons (Jasper)
Oct. 13 Lookout Valley
Oct. 27 at Cloudland
Region 3-1A games in bold