Head coach: Justin Barnes (29-35 in six years here and overall)
Returning starters: 9 offensive; 3 defensive
Key players: WR-DB KeSean Eubanks (5-10, 165); WR-LB Landen Reece (5-11, 185); TE-LB Garrett Dent (6-4, 180); WR-DB Landon Maynor (5-10, 160); RB-LB Hayden Maynor (5-11, 190); OL-DL Mason Chambers (6-2, 220); OL-DL Preston Begley (6-2, 215); OL-DL Will Riddick (6-0, 280); OL-DL Jonathan Rathman (6-0, 220); WR-DB Jalan Render (6-1, 170); QB Isaac Barnes (5-11, 170); RB-LB Izek Hope (5-9, 185); RB-LB Landon Lewis (5-10, 185).
Team strengths: The defending Region 4-5A champions have a strong chance to repeat with the weapons they return offensively.
“Our offensive line is a major positive on our team,” Barnes said. “Our skill-position players have major game experience as well. They are a group that understands our offense. With those two groups and their experience, we can really dive deeper into our offense than we have the past few years.”
Team concerns: While the offense should be locked and loaded for a great deal of success, question marks fill an inexperienced defense. Soddy-Daisy held six teams to two scores or less last season, which included letting Knoxville Catholic score just seven points in a season-changing win on the road.
“We have some quality guys in spots,” Coach Barnes said. “They have seen time down the stretch last season. We need them to come along quickly. This season we will have more guys play both sides of the ball than we have had in the past, so depth is a concern.”
Breakout candidate: After playing one-third of the team’s snaps at quarterback last season, dual-threat Isaac Barnes has playmakers all around him. If he can be efficient and spread the ball around the field, a big season could be in store.
Season outlook: Soddy-Daisy lost three regular-season games to Lenoir City, Ooltewah and Signal Mountain by a combined 20 points last year. Finishing week-to-week will be a key for a group that looks capable of making a deep playoff run if the defense can hold up.
A true test of mettle will come in the season opener against longtime rival Red Bank. With Knoxville Catholic out of the region, a road battle with Rhea County on Oct. 18 could do a lot to determine the regular-season title.