Head coach: Mark Pemberton (51-22 in six years here; 214-90 overall)
Returning starters: 3 offensive; 4 defensive
Key players: All 23 seniors; RB-MLB Bradley Goodwin (5-11, 210); OL Jacob Stringfellow (6-2, 220); RB-OLB Jackson Langley (5-10, 195); RB Dalton Hampton.
Team strengths: Looking to run the ball with authority and also shut it down defensively, the Eagles have the keys to success. The entire offensive line is comprised of seniors, and four-year starting middle linebacker Goodwin is an all-state talent.
“Our offensive line really is cohesive, and they run around together,” said Pemberton, whose team will go back to the wing-T offense after running the triple-option last year. “We are thankful to have a solid group up front. We win with those guys. If they open the holes up, then we can get through and really control the game.”
Team concerns: There is not a great amount of depth. Looking to bounce back from unusual back-to-back losing seasons, Rhea County needs the injury bug to stay far away.
Breakout candidates: With leading rusher Zack Pemberton gone, touches will increase a great deal for Langley and Hampton in the backfield. The Eagles are known to have produced a pair of 1,000-yard rushers in their wing-T, and both of these backs will have chances to flourish.
Season outlook: After 42 victories in the first four years of the Pemberton coaching era, Rhea totaled only nine wins over the last two seasons. A deep senior class will try to help the program return to prominence.
“We had the best offseason in the weightroom since I have been here,” Pemberton said. “Our kids are motivated and really hard-working. When strength comes, that builds confidence, which we hope to have a lot of this season.”
On Oct. 18 the Golden Eagles will host Soddy-Daisy, which has a loaded spread offense. The battle of two completely different offensive-minded groups could very well determine the region champion with Knoxville Catholic now out of the picture.