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SIGNAL MOUNTAIN EAGLES
Head coach: Josh Roberts (18-26 here and overall)
Returning starters: 4 offensive; 6 defensive
Last year’s record: 4-7, lost in 3A first round
Key players: Logan Farr (5-11, 175) Sr. RB/S, Drew Williams (6-0, 195) Sr. OL/LB, Aiden Adkins (6-0, 205) Sr. OL/LB, Duncan Cannon (6-3, 195) Sr. QB/S, Daniel Odom (6-4, 240) Jr. OL/DL, Luke Alexander (6-1, 215) Jr. TE/DL, Chance Townson (5-10, 150) Jr. RB/DB
Season outlook: Signal Mountain ended its 2020 season with an all-out fight as the Eagles fell short against Upperman, 43-41, in the first round of the state playoffs. They will look to get off to a quick start this season as they open against Hixson and Soddy-Daisy, with those games followed by their region opener against McMinn Central.
The backfield and last line of defense remain the same as Cannon and Farr have the talent to help lead Signal Mountain to a memorable season. Townson’s speed and good hands could also impact the offense, and he will start at defensive back as well.
Adkins and Williams are expected to have big seasons as they will look to guide the defense as linebackers and generate a big push on the offensive line. Both have quick feet and can deliver punishing hits. Odom returns as a starter on both lines, while Alexander is a versatile two-way player who will aim to make an impact at tight end and defensive end.
If Signal Mountain can build off a valiant finish to last season, Coach Roberts’ team could be in the thick of the Region 3-3A race with 2020 league champion Red Bank now in 4A.
“This year’s team is full of players who work extremely hard,” Roberts said. “They are very coachable and care for one another. While we have a lot of extremely young talent, too, we will fight to the very end and demonstrate high character.”