Anyone expecting the McCallie football program to finally drop from its lofty perch of the past two seasons might be in for a longer and more frustrating wait than anticipated.
The Blue Tornado, winners of the past two Division II-AAA state championships, looked every bit the part of remaining one of the best teams in Tennessee during a brief glimpse in Friday’s Best of Preps Jamboree at Finley Stadium.
McCallie defeated Cleveland and Tyner by a combined score of 30-0, despite subbing liberally during each quarter.
“We’ve established some things culturally on our team during camp, and I think that’s the type thing that carries you,” Blue Tornado coach Ralph Potter said. “I do think we’ve got the talent to go along way to go a long way. It’s just a matter of making sure we utilize it and have everybody pulling in the same direction.”
Senior quarterback William Riddle connected with Xavier Gaillardetz – one of two impressive Canadian transfers playing receiver for the Blue Tornado, with Vanderbilt-committed Kenzy Paul the other – on a 35-yard scoring strike on the third snap against Tyner. Damian Scott added a short touchdown run against the Rams, and he and fellow junior Tario Price were impressive in their debut as the primary ball carriers.
Weston Hammond had a 6-yard scoring run and an interception, and Austin Breedlove hit Drew Hamilton on a 16-yard touchdown in the last game of the night, a 16-0 win over a talented Cleveland squad.
McCallie’s defense, which returns six starters, was equally impressive in shutting down its two opponents to force almost as many negative yardage plays as gains.
“We’ve got a lot of guys up front who have played a lot of meaningful games for us, and I think you saw them carry us on that side,” Potter said.
In other action Friday from the second night of the Best of Preps Jamboree, which finishes Saturday at Finley:
Cleveland 7, Ooltewah 0: Senior receiver Destun Thomas showed why his college recruitment is gaining steam when the 2020 all-state selection hauled in a 66-yard touchdown catch on the Blue Raiders’ second offensive play.
Lookout Valley 14, Soddy-Daisy 0: Despite the loss of starting quarterback Blake Ferguson to an ACL injury earlier this week, the Yellow Jackets utilized a power running game for two impressive scores. Fullback Jacob Winchester capped Lookout Valley’s first drive with a 3-yard touchdown, and Jaxon Qualls, who will take over at quarterback, turned the right corner and outraced the Trojans for a 67-yard score.
“I thought we executed almost flawlessly, which was great to see, especially after the way we had played in our earlier quarter,” Yellow Jackets coach Josh Payne said. “To bounce back from that first quarter and play the way we did in our second says a lot about our kids.”
Boyd Buchanan 14, Brainerd 0: Mason Ratchford operated with poise in the Buccaneers’ fast-paced offense. The senior threw a pair of touchdowns passes, including a 36-yard screen to Caden Johnson, who followed key blocks from his line. Johnson, an all-state point guard in basketball, showed his speed burst as he went untouched to the end zone, and he later made an outstanding toe-drag catch on the sideline. Another quick screen set up Jayden Madison for a 10-yard score. Boyd Buchanan’s Chase Berry starred on defense by blitzing off the edge for a sack.
Tyner 0, Boyd Buchanan 0: The 20-minute quarter was highlighted by defensive stops as Boyd Buchanan lineman Brody Grant recovered a fumble and teammate Ty Barnes had a chase-down sack. Tyner’s defensive front was just as good as Arieas Cox and Co. got after the quarterback and had two sacks. Bucs junior running back Matthew Stone had the longest play from scrimmage with a 25-yard reception.
Brainerd 6, Soddy-Daisy 0: Jaylyn Dupree looks poised for a monster season for the Panthers. The versatile senior provided the only points of the quarter by blasting off down the right sideline for a 78-yard touchdown run, and he later shook a defender on a 20-yard catch on a throw from Jeremy Ferguson. Brainerd safety Talijah Witt – who also has the chance to be a breakout running back this season – closed the shutout with an impressive leaping interception.
Ooltewah 13, Lookout Valley 0: The Owls generated a 70-yard scoring drive on the opening possession. Tight end Nick Sullivan carried defenders with him downfield on a 20-yard reception and later hauled in an 8-yard touchdown in the back right corner on a throw from AJ Robinson. The score was set up by Dawson Jones’ contested 26-yard catch down the left sideline. Troy Berrien provided a big hit for the Owls, who closed out the victory with a 13-yard touchdown run by Kobe Baldwin. Lookout Valley standouts included Nathan Burnette on defense and Evan Ferguson and Jaxon Quails on offense.
Contact Stephen Hargis at shargis@timesfreepress.com and follow him on Twitter @StephenHargis. Contact Patrick MacCoon at pmaccoon@timesfreepress.com and follow him on Twitter @PMacCoon.