Region 4-5A // Robert Talaska Field, 618 Sequoyah Road, Soddy-Daisy, TN 37379
At the helm
Justin Barnes
(17-25 in four years here and overall)
Heroes assemble!
The Trojans return 7 off., 7 def. starters.
Super powers
The injuries of 2016 that led to a 3-7 season could be a boon for 2017 because numerous Trojans started at least five games.
Possible kryptonite
Although the number of returning starters is relatively high, first backups at a number of positions will be sophomores or freshmen. The Trojans also will be breaking in a new QB for Barnes' spread offense.
Spidey sense tingling
There are a pair of perennial playoff teams in the new region - Knoxville Catholic and Rhea County - but it's a five-team league, and an upset could allow the Trojans to host a postseason game.
Here I come to save the day!
Senior Ty Boeck, who played four offensive skill spots a year ago - including QB - plus some LB and P, will focus on RB and LB this time around.
"The problem we had last year with the injuries and putting him at quarterback was that we had to limit his time at linebacker," Barnes said. "He's a run-stopper, but he's also a good enough athlete to play the pass. As a running back, he has good size, and we're going to need him to carry the offense, especially with young quarterbacks."
Up, up and away!
Boeck (6-1, 210) is one of four senior Trojans whom NCAA Division I recruiters are watching. The others are DE Jake Seeger (6-3, 210), WR Hunter Burke (6-4, 180) and WR/DB Brandon Davis (5-10, 165). A junior drawing some attention is L Shane Brazier (6-4, 275).
"Brandon's our starting safety now. He's the fastest guy on the team and the best tackler in the secondary, plus being in the middle and no longer at corner people can't run away from him," Barnes said. "Jake came along and teams began to run away from him. He's the anchor and definitely the most powerful. Hunter went through a learning process last year, his first, and he is way ahead of where he was last year."
It's a good footing for QB candidates Gavin Chambers (5-10, 170) and Isaac Barnes (5-10, 150).
"They're doing well. Each had a good summer," Barnes said. "Gavin is ahead of Isaac. He has more experience under his belt as he enters his third year in the system. Isaac has come in and worked hard trying to push Gavin. The competition at that spot has helped us get better."
2016 Results
Aug. 19 Red Bank lost, 22-14
Aug. 26 Central won, 29-6
Sep. 2 Cleveland lost, 56-14
Sep. 16 White County won, 41-20
Sep. 23 East Hamilton lost, 24-14
Sep. 30 Ooltewah lost, 61-7
Oct. 6 Walker Valley lost, 61-28
Oct. 14 Rhea County lost, 37-7
Oct. 21 McMinn County lost, 33-24
Oct. 28 Hixson won, 69-35
3-7, 1-5 Region 4-5A
2017 Schedule
(All times 7:30 Eastern)
Aug. 18 Red Bank
Aug. 25 At East Hamilton
Sep. 1 at Lenoir City
Sep. 8 at Hixson
Sep. 15 Knoxville Catholic
Sep. 22 Ooltewah
Oct. 5 Bradley Central
Oct. 13 at Rhea County
Oct. 20 at Signal Mountain
Oct. 27 Walker Valley