RED BANK LIONS
Head coach: Chris Brown (21-3 in two seasons here and overall)
Returning starters: 8 offensive; 6 defensive
Key players: OL/DL BJ Ragland (6-2, 275); DL Cam Bell (6-4, 235); DL Jadon High (6-3, 215); RB/DB Lumiere Strickland (5-10, 185); WR/DB Kel Eddins (6-2, 210); OL/DL Seth Lacy (6-1, 240); LB/FS Silas Garibay (6-0, 185); RB/DB Reco Trimble (6-1, 195); WR/DB LaVelle Coffey (6-1, 180); OL/DL JaVarius Watkins (5-11, 235); WR/DB Jamari Jackson (5-11, 190); DL/OL Delmontae Gustus (5-11, 270); DL/OL Delmetrius Gustus (5-11, 245); QB Joseph Blackmon (5-11, 175); WR/DB Josh Blackmon (5-7, 165); RB/LB AD Crutcher (5-10, 180).
Team strengths: The Lions have a large senior class stocked with players who gained a great deal of experience the past two seasons, and the veteran presence is particularly notable on both lines and in the secondary. Coach Brown is excited about his team’s speed as well.
Team concerns: In a very odd offseason, Red Bank and many other programs are concerned about the lack of time to prepare for the full speed they’ll encounter in games. In addition, extra reps have not been available this summer to develop depth at each position.
Breakout candidate: Trimble, whose breakaway speed makes him a home run threat, is poised to play an even greater role on offense in 2020. This could present quite a few problems for opposing defenses, which have already had a tough enough time stopping Strickland.
Season outlook: Red Bank certainly has two major voids to fill after losing a huge connection through the air between quarterback Madox Wilkey – the program’s all-time leading passer – and receiver Lucas Brown.
“Kel is poised to emerge as our top target filling Lucas’ shoes,” Coach Brown said. “He is a big-bodied athlete who plays with a unique physicality. Joseph Blackmon is also ready to take his turn at quarterback. He brings an athletic dimension to the field that will present a different challenge to defenses.”
The talented Lions have reasons to set high goals.
“This team loves to play the game,” their coach added. “If they continue to attack their preparation like they have been, it could be another memorable year for Red Bank football.”
Staff photo by C.B. Schmelter / Red Bank’s Lumiere Strickland carries the ball during a TSSAA Class 3A playoff game against visiting Sequatchie County on Nov. 8, 2019.