Bledsoe County adjusts to changes

Robbie Ritchie (23) plays defense for Bledsoe County. Marion County High School hosted the Sequatchie Valley Football Jamboree that featured eight area teams on August 10, 2018.
Robbie Ritchie (23) plays defense for Bledsoe County. Marion County High School hosted the Sequatchie Valley Football Jamboree that featured eight area teams on August 10, 2018.

BLEDSOE COUNTY WARRIORS

Head coach: Kris Frady (first year here and overall)

Returning starters: 5 offensive, 3 defensive

Key players: OL/DL Ash Brooks (6-1, 240), FB/DL Zach Davis (6-0, 220), DL Nolan Pendergrass (6-0, 220), TE/OLB Robby Ritchie (6-3, 200), WR/SS Colby Rogers (6-1, 185).

Team strengths: Most of the experience returning for the Warriors is on the offensive and defensive lines, and there's good size up front, too.

Team concerns: Nearly every skill-position player is inexperienced, including freshman quarterback Harmon Keith. Said Frady: "There's definitely talent among the younger guys, but there's hardly any varsity experience."

Newcomer to watch: Keith led the middle school team to the Sequatchie Valley Conference championship last season. He has good arm strength and despite his youth already grasps the offense, and he should give the offense more balance.

"We can definitely throw the ball more than we have in the past few years because of his ability," Frady said. "His maturity level for a freshman is as good as we've seen here, and he has good control over the offense."

Season outlook: Just weeks before preseason practices began, Dennis Therrell resigned after only one season as head coach, leaving the program scrambling. But Frady, who has been an assistant at his alma mater for 11 years, was chosen to take over and, along with a young staff, has brought a calming presence.

"It was pretty difficult since the change was such a last-minute thing," Frady said. "The administration put a lot of confidence in me and the rest of the staff to pull it all together and get the kids through it. The decision was that the best thing for the players was to have the least amount of disruption, and that's what we've tried to do.

"The offense changed a little, but the defense is still basically about the same as it was. Hopefully that will allow them to just fly around to the ball and make plays."

Having veteran offensive and defensive lines also will help while the younger skill-position players adjust to the speed of the varsity game. Davis is a converted offensive lineman who will bring a punishing running style to the backfield.

"He's a tough runner and we like what he can do, but we've also got to be balanced on offense," Frady said. "I know these kids will work each week to get better, and once they put it all together, I think we'll be solid."

Upcoming Events