Region 3-1A // Joe Bean Field, 350 Lookout High St., Chattanooga, TN 37419
At the helm
Lance Rorex
(first year here and overall)
Heroes assemble!
The Yellow Jackets return 8 off., 8 def. starters.
Super powers
Last season, 18 of the 26 players on the roster were freshmen or sophomores, and it quickly became apparent they weren't ready for the speed of the varsity game. But last year's struggles should pay off because so many young players had to learn on the job and now have a year's experience.
Possible kryptonite
The program faces the same tough issue every year - battling small numbers. The biggest shortage this season is along the OL and DL, where the Jackets have a lack of size as well as overall bodies.
Spidey sense tingling
Rorex hopes to bring renewed excitement as he takes over at his alma mater. Overall numbers are up to nearly 30, and although the team still lacks depth up front, the Jackets do have several legitimate options to carry the ball, which will allow them to rotate runners in and keep fresh legs.
Here I come to save the day!
Among the players who will get plenty of carries are senior RB Josh Ibach (6-0, 170), junior FB Tanner Hoge (5-10, 200), senior RB T.J. Fuller (5-10, 160), sophomore RB Blake Buchanan (5-11, 175), and transfer RB Allen Ray (5-9, 150), along with QBs Zane Howard (5-9, 150) and Riley Phillips (6-2, 170). Each of those players will also see action in the secondary. While there is a lack of depth up front, the starters should be solid, led by OT/DE Ethan Sandlin (6-1, 210) and OG/DT Daniel Abbott (5-11, 245), a pair of seniors, as well as DT Denzell Daniel (6-3, 315). Junior MLB Gavin Slaven (5-10, 190) should be a leader on defense.
Up, up and away!
Technically, the Jackets got a forfeit win last year when Tennessee Christian canceled its season, but they failed to win a game on the field, although they had chances against region foes Sale Creek and Copper Basin.
This year's schedule is much more manageable, with only one opponent having had a winning season last year. Earning a couple of nonregion wins early in the season could help deliver the confidence needed for the Jackets to compete not only for a playoff spot but potentially even claim a couple of region wins.
Having such a large number of returning starters back also puts the team ahead of where it was entering last season.
"We've got a real good group of guys who don't like the way losing felt last year," Rorex said. "We've got good enough size and talent to compete, and I really like the number of guys we have who can carry the ball for us - but, like always, we have to stay healthy along the way."
2016 Results
Aug. 19 Silverdale Baptist lost, 47-0
Aug. 26 Chatt. Christian lost, 35-0
Sep. 2 Grace Academy lost, 48-13
Sep. 9 Midway lost, 63-6
Sep. 16 Whitwell lost, 58-14
Sep. 23 Huntland lost, 40-14
Sep. 30 Copper Basin lost, 21-6
Oct. 14 South Pittsburg lost, 54-0
Oct. 20 Tennessee Christian won by forfeit
Oct. 28 Sale Creek lost, 26-21
1-9, 0-5 Region 3-1A
2017 Schedule
(All times 7:30 Eastern Unless noted)
Aug. 25 Concord Christian
Sep. 1 at Jellico
Sep. 8 at Chattanooga Christian, 7
Sep. 15 at Whitwell, 8
Sep. 22 Huntland
Sep. 29 Sale Creek
Oct. 6 Oakdale
Oct. 13 at Copper Basin
Oct. 20 at Sunbright
Oct. 27 at South Pittsburg, 8
Region 3-1A games in bold