Region 2-6A // Benny Monroe Stadium, 850 Raider Dr., Cleveland, TN 37312
At the helm
Scott Cummings
(11-11 in two years here; 111-57 overall)
Heroes assemble!
The Blue Raiders return 6 off., 7 def. starters.
Super powers
The Blue Raiders may be one of the fastest teams in their new region, which includes Maryville, Bradley Central and Ooltewah. At least five Cleveland players have been clocked at 4.55 seconds or faster in the 40-yard dash: Micaleous Elder (4.39), Keegan Jones (4.5), Treasure Johnson (4.51), Jordan Hickey (4.53) and Romeo Wykle (4.55).
Possible kryptonite
There are enough players to provide starters, but the Blue Raiders are thin in the OL and woefully thin in the DL. They suffered numerous injuries at QB last year, using no fewer than five players there - a dilemma Cummings, also the offensive coordinator, doesn't wish to repeat.
Spidey sense tingling
If they can overcome the depth concerns and capitalize on their speed, the Blue Raiders have designs on the postseason with hopes of hosting at least one game.
Here I come to save the day!
Hickey has shown value as a WR/DB but has had his spring and early summer work concentrated at RB. Wykle (6-1, 195) likely will be a two-way starter (WR/DB).
Up, up and away!
Cleveland's triple-option spread offense has to have a capable trigger man, and Cummings entered late-summer drills with Kellye Cawood (who transferred to South Pittsburg and then moved back) and Jackson Moore as the likely candidates. If Cawood settles at QB, then Moore (6-1, 185) will be close by at H-back.
Several facets of the game will depend on Elder (5-7, 165).
"He's small, but as an athlete, returner or slot receiver he can play," Cummings said. "He has incredible ball skills, great feet and strength."
The coach also is high on Hickey (5-11, 210).
"He has great skills and size to go with his speed, but he could have a breakout season because of a positive change in his attitude," Cummings said.
The belief he can rely on Hickey has given Cleveland more offensive options, including the ability to split out RBs Elder and Jones (5-10, 170).
The defense will be built around seniors: SS Wykle, LB Ashton Dunn (6-1, 220) and DBs Johnson (5-6, 160) and Logan Stutzman (5-10, 175).
2016 Results
Aug. 19 Sevier County won, 51-20
Aug. 26 East Hamilton won, 34-6
Sep. 2 Soddy-Daisy won, 56-14
Sep. 9 Bradley Central lost, 34-5
Sep. 16 McMinn County lost, 28-0
Sep. 23 Signal Mountain won, 38-0
Sep. 30 Walker Valley lost, 68-36
Oct. 7 Rhea County lost, 35-28
Oct. 21 Ooltewah lost, 37-24
Oct. 28 White County won, 51-0
5-5, 2-4 Region 4-5A
2017 Schedule
(All times 7:30 Eastern)
Aug. 18 at Rhea County
Aug. 25 at Bearden
Sep. 1 at William Blount
Sep. 8 Knox Catholic
Sep. 15 at Bradley Central
Sep. 22 Walker Valley
Sep. 29 Heritage
Oct. 6 Maryville
Oct. 20 Ooltewah
Oct. 27 McMinn County
Region 2-6A games in bold