SOUTH PITTSBURG PIRATESCoach: Vic Grider (149-33 here and overall)Returning starters (O/D/K): 6/8/2Remember these names: The most likely playmakers will be running back Demetric Johnson (Jr., 6-1, 180) and receiver Antonio Chubb (Sr., 5-11, 175), each of whom also is a defensive back and a kick returner. Each averaged nearly 20 yards per touch last season. The offensive line is led by three-year starting center Cody Branham (Sr., 6-1, 300) and transfer tackle D.J. Roberson (Sr., 6-5, 315) as well as Coltin Blevins (Sr., 5-10, 220), an offensive guard and linebacker who was the defensive MVP of the state-title game last year.Will be a memorable year if: Junior quarterback Jake Stone stays healthy – the backup options are shaky – and Johnson lives up to the hype and fills the rushing void left by the graduated Raquis Hale. If both of those things happen, the Pirates should make another deep playoff run.ScheduleAug. 26 Grundy CountySept. 2 Lookout Valley*Sept. 9 Sequatchie CountySept. 16 at Marion County*Sept. 23 at Signal MountainSept. 30 Whitwell*Oct. 7 Franklin CountyOct. 14 at Boyd-BuchananOct. 21 Polk CountyOct. 28 at Knoxville Grace* District 6-A game
When Cody Branham steps to the line of scrimmage, whether he looks to his left or right, he won’t see many familiar faces from last year’s starting lineup. If he checks the backfield before he snaps the football, there won’t be a returning starter there, either.
South Pittsburg’s senior center is the only returning starter on the line and will be snapping to his third starting quarterback in as many years. The Pirates also will break in two new running backs, but all those fresh faces won’t change the expectations on the state-champion program.
“I’ve been around here long enough to know we’re still supposed to win a lot of games,” said Branham, who helped the team average 8.9 yards per rushing attempt last year. “As the only returning starter, it makes you push yourself more to set an example for the younger guys.
“I’ve always been the quiet type. I don’t like to yell; I leave that to the coaches. I’m more of the type to go to somebody and try to help coach them if they made a mistake or encourage them. I’m not sure how much more of that I will have to do this year.”