Experienced Whitwell expected to challenge Pirates in 3-1A

In each of the two years since Vic Grider returned to coaching his alma mater, South Pittsburg has crept one step closer to returning to the Class 1A state championship football game. After falling in the quarterfinals two years ago and the semifinals last season, the Pirates appear set to clear the last hurdle and play for another title.

"That should always be our goal here," Grider said. "If you're not working toward a state championship, then why even play the game? We were a little further behind than I first thought, but all the work in the weight room is starting to pay off.

"We've got to stay healthy, but I really like this team's attitude and how they go about their business every day."

The biggest reason for so much optimism is the depth of talent along both lines. Barring injury, Grider believes the Pirates can go two-deep at every position up front without much of a drop in ability, led by senior offensive guard/defensive end Hayden Branham (5-foot-11, 200 pounds) and junior two-way linemen Cooper Stewart (6-2, 240) and Grayson Lawson (6-2, 240).

South Pittsburg's Sawyer Kelley (22) celebrates his interception. The South Pittsburg Pirates visited the Whitwell Tigers in TSSAA football action on October 7, 2016

Receiver Cade Kennemore (10) looks back for the pass during drills. The South Pittsburg Pirates football team practiced, Thursday July 30, 2016, in preparation for the coming season.

"We haven't had this much depth in our line since I've been here, and that's where you can wear on people and win games," Grider said.

That group will have plenty of playmakers behind them, including senior all-state receiver Cade Kennemore (5-10, 160) and senior running back Sawyer Kelley (5-11, 175), who's also a leader on defense at linebacker. Junior fullback Garrett Raulston (6-2, 230) should present a big-time challenge for opposing defenses, and sophomore Jaylyn Hubbard will factor into the offense either at quarterback or running back. Hubbard is battling talented freshman Brayden Sanders for the quarterback job.

Whitwell is the one team in the region that appears ready to challenge the Pirates, and according to league coaches the gap has closed to the point that it's nearly a toss-up for the top spot.

"They've got double the number of starters back as we do, so they can be a pretty dangerous team," Grider said of the Tigers, who return 20 of 22 starters from a team that reached the second round of the playoffs last year.

Among Whitwell's returning starters is all-state defensive back Hudson Petty (6-1, 185), who's also one of the team's main ball carriers. Joining him in the backfield will be Trace Condra (5-9, 175) and quarterback Dawson Holloway (6-0, 175). The Tigers also have added transfer Josh Wingo (6-1, 195), who's expected to make an immediate impact at running back and linebacker, where he'll line up defensively next to junior Thundur Roberts (6-0, 185), who made more than 90 tackles last year.

"Adding (Wingo) to our backfield should make that position a real strength for us," said first-year head coach Randall Boldin, who was on the staff last year. "We do have a lot of experience back, and the guys know there's a lot of expectations this season."

Sale Creek also brings back most of its starters and will have the best overall depth in the program's brief history. Among the 17 starters returning are twins Luke and John Roberts (5-11, 160), senior skill-position players. Luke Roberts will be making the transition from receiver to running back to get the ball in his hands more.

Senior Tucker Hooker (6-2, 230) and junior Eric Dishmon (5-11, 235) will be key factors up front on both sides of the ball for the Panthers, who are expected to earn a playoff berth for the first time.

Copper Basin's postseason hopes likely will rest on the shoulders of senior Keaton Mickens (6-2, 180), an all-region running back last year who's making the transition to quarterback. The Cougars will be a very young team behind him.

Lookout Valley is coming off a winless season when a young group of players took their lumps. But eight starters return on both sides of the ball, including fullback Tanner Hoge (5-10, 200), and first-year head coach Lance Rorex hopes to bring renewed excitement as he takes over at his alma mater.

Sophomore running back Blake Buchanan (5-11, 175) got his first varsity action last year and is expected to become one of the team's key weapons. With so much experience returning, the Yellow Jackets should challenge for the fourth playoff spot.

Contact Stephen Hargis at shargis@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6293. Follow him on Twitter @StephenHargis.