Skip to main content
Friday, November 13, 2026Nov 13

This story is exclusive to subscribers.

Rhea County’s turnaround could be led by Ethan Davis, Maurice Shirley

Staff file photo by Patrick MacCoon / Rhea County senior running back Ethan Davis, center, has 21 100-yard rushing games in his prep career. The program's all-time leading rusher will try to help the Golden Eagles rebound in 2023 after they went 2-9 last year.
Staff file photo by Patrick MacCoon / Rhea County senior running back Ethan Davis, center, has 21 100-yard rushing games in his prep career. The program's all-time leading rusher will try to help the Golden Eagles rebound in 2023 after they went 2-9 last year. Staff file photo by Patrick MacCoon / Rhea County senior running back Ethan Davis, center, has 21 100-yard rushing games in his prep career. The program's all-time leading rusher will try to help the Golden Eagles rebound in 2023 after they went 2-9 last year.

RHEA COUNTY GOLDEN EAGLES

Head coach: Mark Pemberton (82-39 here; 245-108 overall)

Returning starters: 7 offensive; 7 defensive

Last year’s record: 2-9, lost in TSSAA Class 5A first round

Key players: Ethan Davis (5-9, 165) Sr. RB; Maurice Shirley (6-0, 275) Sr. OL/DL, Hunter Crowe (5-9, 210) Sr. FB/LB, Caleb Carr (6-4, 185) Jr. QB.