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SODDY-DAISY TROJANS
Head coach: Carter Cardwell (first year here; 9-12 overall)
Returning starters: 7 offensive; 6 defensive
Last year's record: 4-7 overall, lost in Class 4A first round
Key players: Slater Hickman (6-2, 190) Sr. QB, Jameson Koch (6-3, 235) Sr. OL/DL, Dakota Clayton (6-1, 210) Sr. LB/DE, Blake Castelin (5-9, 170) Jr. CB, Lake Renfro (6-1, 255) So. OL/DL, Sonny Carter (5-9, 170) Sr. LB, Trevor Alexander (5-9, 155) Sr. WR/DB, Ethan Howell (5-11, 200) Sr. DE/LB
Season outlook: The Trojans feel great about their leadership on both sides of the ball with Hickman and Clayton returning to lead the charge.
Hickman had a breakout junior season, totaling 2,077 yards (1,810 passing) and 22 touchdowns. With a stout offensive line, he should have the potential for another solid campaign and will be relied upon heavily to spearhead the attack.
Soddy-Daisy has a young collection of running backs with little varsity experience, and Alexander returns as the leading receiver from last season after reeling in 29 catches for 468 yards.
Clayton packs a punch on the defensive edge, having led the team with 89 tackles and eight sacks while having a hand in forcing or recovering 10 fumbles last season, when he was the region's defensive MVP. Koch is the Trojans' most talented blocker, added 15 pounds in the offseason and is part of a deep front on both sides of the ball.
"Our biggest strength is our offensive and defensive line depth," Cardwell said. "We feel like we can protect our quarterback well and also be physical up front defensively. The key for us will be getting off to a good start and staying healthy."
Soddy-Daisy must be able to find some consistency on the ground to support the passing game as workhorse running back Tanner Whittenbarger is now at Walker Valley. Boyd Buchanan transfer Tyler Moore could help in his first year.
Looking to add to a strong pass rush up front, Soddy-Daisy's secondary is led by Castelin, who stood out as a sophomore with 50 tackles and seven pass breakups. Carter had 54 tackles last season at linebacker.