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Friday, October 30, 2026Oct 30

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McMinn County Cherokees have to ‘create their own success’

McMinn County football coach Bo Cagle on the sidelines during their prep football game at Ooltewah High School on Thursday, Oct. 5, 2017, in Chattanooga, Tenn.
McMinn County football coach Bo Cagle on the sidelines during their prep football game at Ooltewah High School on Thursday, Oct. 5, 2017, in Chattanooga, Tenn. McMinn County football coach Bo Cagle on the sidelines during their prep football game at Ooltewah High School on Thursday, Oct. 5, 2017, in Chattanooga, Tenn.

Head coach: Bo Cagle (68-60 in 12 years here and overall)

Returning starters: 6 offensive; 4 defensive

Key players: RB-DB Jalen Hunt (5-8, 170); OL Bryce Goodner (6-3, 280); OL Garret Priest (5-8, 270); RB-LB Jalen Sharp (5-9, 200); WR-CB Jyren Hammonds (6-1, 165); RB-LB Zai Lyons (5-10, 200); Will Miller TE-DL-LB (6-0, 185).

Team strengths: The offensive line returns four juniors who have starting experience. This group led by Priest will try to open plenty of running lanes for returning 1,000-yard back Hunt and provide protection for the passing game.

“Our offensive line and skill positions on both sides return some key leaders,” Cagle said. “Garret is the leader up front for us. He is physical and gets after it. He’s the typical offensive lineman you would want as a coach.”