Region 2-4A // Hixson Community Stadium, 5705 Middle Valley Road, Hixson, TN 37343
At the helm
Gary Murray
(first year here and overall)
Heroes assemble!
The Wildcats return 4 off., 7 def. starters.
Super powers
The Wildcats have quality and numbers at the skill positions, including RB Tay McDaniel (5-9, 175) and WRs LaTrell Sandefer (6-1, 195), Landon Wallace (5-9, 180) and Tre Warthan (5-11, 170).
Possible kryptonite
There is no experienced returnee in the OL. The Wildcats graduated half a dozen, including three-time all-state selection Brody Gregory.
Spidey sense tingling
Since former coach Jason Fitzgerald resurrected the program in 2012, the Wildcats have missed the playoffs just once (2015) and went on a six-game winning streak a year ago to make the postseason again. Murray is excited about the commitment his players have shown since he led them through spring practice.
Here I come to save the day!
QB Jack Jullian (6-2, 190) has decided to give football another try, and Murray believes the junior could be a college prospect in football and baseball. The Wildcats like WR LaTrell Sandefer (6-1, 195) because he wants the ball in his hands, but especially in clutch situations.
Up, up and away!
While there isn't a whole lot of experience, the OL will have two tackles with decent size in junior Christian Turner and sophomore Tanny Moore.
"They're both about 6-3, 270. The biggest thing holding them back is lack of experience," Murray said.
He and his staff were busy last spring recruiting the halls, and they found at least one jewel in projected starting C Spencer Clack (6-0, 230).
"He hasn't played since middle school, but right now we have him penciled in to start. He starts for the tennis team, so I guess that ought to tell you he has pretty good feet," Murray said. "One good thing about the O-line, though, is that we have people competing at each position."
The Wildcats have a blend of experience, youth and enthusiasm on the coaching staff, including former Bledsoe County head coach Josh Owensby, the offensive coordinator, and former Central player Nikolay Timoshchuk, who finished up his college career at Charleston Southern.
2016 Results
Aug. 19 Marion County lost, 39-3
Aug. 26 Walker Valley lost, 59-7
Sep. 2 Stone Memorial lost, 22-10
Sep. 16 East Hamilton won, 21-18
Sep. 23 East Ridge won, 7-0
Sep. 30 Cumberland County won, 20-13
Oct. 7 Central won, 38-9
Oct. 14 Sequoyah won, 40-20
Oct. 21 Livingston Academy won, 28-27
Oct. 28 Soddy-Daisy lost, 69-35
Nov. 4 Giles County lost, 42-14
(playoffs)
6-5, 5-1 Region 3-4A
2017 Schedule
(All times 7:30 Eastern)
Aug. 18 at Marion County, 8
Aug. 25 Meigs County
Sep. 1 at Anderson County
Sep. 8 Soddy-Daisy
Sep. 15 Sequoyah
Sep. 22 at Red Bank
Sep. 29 Open date
Oct. 6 at East Hamilton
Oct. 13 Howard
Oct. 20 Central
Oct. 27 East Ridge
Region 2-4A games in bold