EVENSVILLE, Tenn. – Rhea County was its old ground-and-pound self Friday night. It’s a formula that’s worked for Mark Pemberton for 24 years throughout all his coaching stops.
Ooltewah came to Rhea County for a Region 4-5A game with quite a different offensive philosophy, throwing the ball around for 332 yards, compared to the Eagles’ zero. But Rhea County made the key plays when necessary and delighted the full stands on the home side with a 28-6 victory.
It marked the 200th in Pemberton’s career as a head coach. He spent nine years as an assistant before that.
“I can’t believe it’s been 33 years,” said Pemberton, whose record is now 37-8 at Rhea County. “It seems like we just started the other day. It’s really special. Obviously it’s a win, and a good one for the kids, the program and the community. A lot of teams and a lot of players were involved, as far as the 200 goes.”
Rhea County (4-1, 2-0) held a 14-6 halftime edge, thanks in large part to a 38-yard fumble return for a touchdown by Jawan Martin. It came after a sack by Tyler Brown – one of six Eagles sacks on the night.