WHITWELL TIGERSCoach: Billy Barnhart (1st year)Returning starters (O/D/K): 7/8/1Remember these names: The Tigers have 13 seniors and although undersized, will rely on the talents of running back/defensive back Tyler Cookston (5-7, 135), who along with fellow running back/defensive back Austin Kirby (5-7, 165) and Ethan Easterly (5-7, 140) bring quickness to both positions while senior Austin Skelton (5-10, 190) and Ben Roop (6-2, 250) are solid linemen on both sides of the ball.Will be a memorable year if: A group of 13 seniors quickly buy into their third coach in four years. Four of the Tigers’ first six opponents had losing records last year, so the potential for early success is there if those veteran players can put the adversity of recent struggles out of their mind.ScheduleAug. 19 Copper BasinAug. 26 at MidwaySept. 2 Marion County*Sept. 9 at Grundy CountySept. 16 Lookout Valley*Sept. 23 at Silverdale BaptistSept. 30 at South Pittsburg*Oct. 7 Sequatchie CountyOct. 14 Taft Youth CenterOct. 21 at Notre Dame* District 6-A game
The toughest part of Billy Barnhart’s job isn’t turning around a program that hasn’t had a winning record in seven seasons. The hardest task for Whitwell’s first-year head coach has been to gain the trust of the 13 seniors who must help the process.
Barnhart will be the Tigers’ sixth head coach in eight years. He is the third coach this group of seniors will play for, and the instability is part of why Whitwell has missed the playoffs in five consecutive seasons and bottomed out at 1-9 last year.
“It’s a credit to the 13 seniors to still be out there,” Barnhart said. “They’ve been through a lot of adversity, but they’ve got great attitudes and work ethic and they want to be good. I can tell how much they love the game just by them sticking with it this long, through so much change. They’re hungry for success and we can work with that.
“I don’t know if I’ve gained their trust yet, but I believe I’m beginning to. They see I’m not afraid to roll up my sleeves and work with them.”