OOLTEWAH OWLS
Head coach: Scott Chandler (12-10 in two seasons here; 32-23 overall)
Returning starters: 3 offensive; 4 defensive
Key players: QB Fisher Perry (6-1, 190); K Braeden Haynes (6-0, 160); TE Cam Hollis (6-1, 215); WR Dawson Jones (6-0, 170); OL Joseph Singerle (6-2, 220); LB Brandon Morrison (5-11, 180); DE Jaden Carmichael (6-0, 200); LB Cole Steele (6-0, 190); LB Justice Cruz (5-11, 190); DB Jasen Carmichael (5-10, 160).
Team strengths: Haynes was terrific on special teams as a junior, connecting on 5-of-7 field-goal attempts and 24-of-25 extra-point tries. He has the range to hit from 50 yards, and his booming leg often sends kickoffs to the back of the end zone, preventing returns and helping Ooltewah in the battle for field position.
Team concerns: The Owls graduated a lot of talented players, including 1,000-yard rusher and all-region standout Jaquan Greenhill. A mixture of players will have to step into new roles in a hurry.
Breakout player: Perry is willing to do whatever it takes to help the Owls. The senior leader was a force at wide receiver last season before taking over the starting duties behind center. He is also a talented long snapper who can get down the field quickly to make tackles.
Season outlook: Ooltewah is replacing all five starters on the offensive line and will have to fill some key spots on both fronts. The only starter back on the defensive line is Jaden Carmichael, who impressed as a sophomore last season with 11 tackles for loss and three sacks.
The Owls have consistently produced standout running backs, and they’re excited about this year’s options, including sophomore Tacoda Jones (6-0, 175). Newcomers Christian Doty and Rocco Jennings are expected to be key additions as defensive backs.
Ooltewah has only 12 seniors but had a dozen sophomores who started or played a lot last year. Now it’s time to see who can break through in a strange season.
“Nobody has practiced much since last November,” Coach Chandler said. “That’s a concern for us all because we are about to return to real games without a lot of time to prepare or any scrimmages to help get us ready.”