Lookout Valley’s Austin Stansifer (13) prepares to bring down Kyle Smith during defensive practice Tuesday.Pedal to the metal
By now, when Lookout Valley coach Tony Webb is asked how concerned he is over the lack of team depth, he simply shrugs.
After 11 years – most of those ending in playoff appearances – at one of the area’s smallest programs, Webb has learned to make do with whatever numbers he has.
This year there’s reason for optimism because the Yellow Jackets not only return seven starters on both sides of the ball, they have nearly 30 players on the roster. There’s also loads of experience up front, led by seniors Kyle Smith, Michael Minnick and David Cromer, which should help bring along an inexperienced backfield that includes new quarterback Austin Stansifer, who’s moved over from receiver.
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LOOKOUT VALLEY YELLOW JACKETSRegion 3-1AJoe Bean Field, 350 Lookout High St., Chattanooga, TN 37419Driver’s seat: Tony Webb (57-52 in 11 years here and overall)Road tested: 7 offensive, 7 defensive starters return
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Pump the brakes: The Yellow Jackets will rely on a completely new backfield and don’t have much depth at running back.
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Route ’15: Like most small schools, Lookout Valley’s success runs in cycles, because graduation can take a toll on roster numbers and talent. If the young backfield comes along, there’s enough experience along the lines for the team to return to the playoffs.
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Taking the wheel: Senior Austin Stansifer has plenty of starting experience — but not at quarterback. That will be his new role as he moves from receiver, and his progression should be helped along by senior RB Kahliel Peoples (5-11, 215).
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Cruise control: Seniors Kyle Smith and Michael Minnick lead a solid offensive line that will be counted on heavily to help an inexperienced backfield.
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Backseat driver: An opposing coach said of Lookout Valley,“They usually have good enough skill-position guys to compete with most teams in the (region), but if they have even one or two of the wrong guys that get hurt, that’s when there’s a noticeable difference.”
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Rearview2014 game resultsAug. 21;Silverdale Baptist; lost 31-16Aug. 29;Chattanooga Christian;lost, 43-0Sep. 5;Grace Academy;won, 38-33Sep. 12;Marion County;lost, 55-6Sep. 19;Bledsoe County;lost, 57-0Sep. 26;Whitwell;lost, 61-14Oct. 3;Meigs County;lost, 42-6Oct. 10;South Pittsburg;lost, 64-20Oct. 24;Copper Basin;lost, 38-0Oct. 31;Sale Creek;won, 54-02-8, 1-3 District 6-A
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On the horizon2015 schedule (all times 7:30 unless noted)Aug. 21;at Silverdale BaptistAug. 28;at CentralSep. 4;Grace AcademySep. 11;MidwaySep. 18;at Whitwell, 8Sept. 25:at Huntland, 8Oct. 2;at Copper BasinOct. 16;at South Pittsburg, 8Oct. 23;Tennessee ChristianOct. 30;Sale CreekRegion 3-1A games in bold
“I like the way our kids play, and I think we have the talent to play with most of the teams in our region,” Webb said. “I just worry about our depth. We’re already inexperienced in some areas, so if we lose a couple of starters and have to move kids around or play younger kids, it could make things tough.”
That talent along the lines, as well as high expectations for running back Kahliel Peoples and Aaron San Miguel, should help Lookout Valley challenge for a return to the playoffs after missing out last year.
“When you’re at a small school like ours, the kids know they’ll have to play both ways, and injuries are usually the biggest factor in how well we finish,” Webb said. “I learned a long time ago that numbers don’t always matter. So long as you have some talent and a lot of kids willing to work hard, you can compete.”
Capsule by Stephen Hargis; contact at shargis@timesfreepress.com or follow on Twitter: @StephenHargis.