SODDY-DAISY TROJANS
Head coach: Justin Barnes (35-40 in seven seasons here and overall)
Returning starters: 4 offensive; 4 defensive
Key players: QB Isaac Barnes (6-0, 170); WR Will Ackerman (5-9, 160); OL/DL Noah Ferrell (6-2, 190); WR/DB Landon Maynor (5-11, 160); RB/LB Landon Lewis (5-11, 205); OL/DL Ayhan Munsuz (5-8, 190); RB/LB Jonah Gipson (5-11, 185); RB/DB Peyton Uren (5-10, 165).
Team strengths: The Trojans, who are coming off back-to-back Region 4-5A championships, return great leadership, speed and athleticism all around. Several newcomers are expected to fit in nicely at key spots, too.
Team concerns: The offensive line returns only one starter. Getting a new unit enough reps and working together quickly will be critical. The defense must fill the void created by the graduation of hard-nosed linebacker Hayden Maynor.
Breakout candidate: Ackerman had an impressive showing last year with 36 catches for 372 yards in his first season of playing, and as part of an offense again expected to throw the ball often, he should have plenty of opportunities to make plays.
Season outlook: The Trojans appear to be favorites as they shoot for a third straight region title, but one area where they need to improve might surprise some: They were 5-0 on the road last season but just 1-5 at home.
With that in mind, opening with a rivalry game at Red Bank followed by a home matchup with East Hamilton will provide a tough test.
Barnes returns as one of the area’s most promising quarterbacks, having completed 60.4% of his passes for 2,264 yards and 27 touchdowns with 15 interceptions in 2019 on his way to being voted the Region 4-5A offensive player of the year.
The Trojans feel good about their receivers, although they’ll have to make up for the loss of Kesean Eubanks, who scored 14 touchdowns last year but has transferred over the state line to Ridgeland. Jordan Conley and Logan Ricketts are both playing for the first time and are solid athletes.
Staff file photo by C.B. Schmelter / Soddy-Daisy quarterback Isaac Barnes (1) and the Trojans’ pass-heavy offense could be a handful for Region 4-5A defenses again this season.“All of our guys have great attitudes and work ethic,” Coach Barnes said. “Defensively, we have great leadership coming back in Landon Lewis and Jonah Gipson. Isaac grew a lot last season and has a great knowledge of the offense that will help everyone.”