East Hamilton's Adam Caudle breaks the tackle of Signal Mountain's Collin Farr for a touchdown during a game in August 2017. / Photo by Mark GillilandEditor's note: This is the fourth in a series of prep football region previews involving area teams. Coming Sunday is 4-5A.
Advertised as the "greatest show on turf," Anderson County has been nearly untouchable the past two football seasons.
The Mavericks have averaged 48.8 points per game and held their opposition to 16 in that span, during which their only two losses have been to back-to-back Class 4A state champion Greeneville.
Despite losing a Mr. Football finalist at quarterback, a 21-touchdown receiver and their top two running backs, the Mavericks remain the top dogs in Region 2-4A until proven otherwise.
"Anderson County is still the class of the region," second-year Central coach Curt Jones said. "They lost a lot of kids, but they won so many blowouts last year to where a lot of young kids got playing time, too. They are coming back with kids who have big-game experience."
While Jones' Purple Pounders thumped Howard 41-6 last season and finished second in the region, Howard was the only league team to play Anderson County close - in a 28-14 road loss.
Chattanooga Central's Hunter Jones (4) runs the ball during the second half of the Red Bank vs. Chattanooga Central football game Friday, August 24, 2018 at Tom Weathers Field at Red Bank High School in Red Bank, Tennessee. Red Bank edged out Central 23-20 in overtime on a field goal. "We did play well at Anderson County, but we want to pride ourselves on winning those big games, not just playing good," Hustlin' Tigers coach John Starr said. "We feel like it's time to grow from our 4-2 finish in the region last year. We are challenging our kids to hit new levels and get better every day."
While losing a key offensive tandem in Jaheim Jones and Michael McGhee, Central has one of the most explosive players in the region back in senior running back Hunter Jones. The 5-foot-10, 180-pounder was a threat to break a big play every time he touched the ball as he streaked for 902 yards on 95 carries in a dangerous backfield.
The Purple Pounders have young talent on the rise and expect to compete near the top yet again.
"I think it's going to be a dogfight for that second spot," Coach Jones said. "With all that Howard has coming back, the excitement at East Hamilton with Grant (Reynolds, the head coach) coming back from Alabama and all the talent we and East Ridge have, it's going to be a battle."
Howard fell by just two scores to powerhouse Elizabethon in the playoffs and returns an explosive group of athletes led by Tremontay Brooks, Eric Johnson, Javion Robinson and Davnotay Smith.
East Hamilton looks to be right in the mix, and expectations are being set high for a Hurricanes bunch that held seven teams to 20 points or less last year and has a talented linebacking corps and secondary returning.
"Our region is solid from top to bottom and won't be easy," Reynolds said. "Anderson County is really solid. To compete at that level you have to have confidence going into the game. Our expectations are to win region and win state. We are pushing these kids to be as good as they can."
East Ridge has a chance to flash this season as senior leader Jalen Boykin (115 tackles in 2018) returns to lead a defense full of playmakers. The speed and vision of Marquan Acklin could make him an offensive force as well in the wing-T.
Hixson intends to end a 19-game losing streak and build a brighter future. Sophomore Reginald Hunter (6-3, 205) is expected to do big things and is a future NCAA Division I caliber-athlete to watch.
Contact Patrick MacCoon at pmaccoon@timesfreepress.com.
REGION 2-4A OUTLOOK
Team to beat: Anderson County has won two straight region titles with back-to-back perfect regular seasons. The Mavericks lost most of their offensive contributions from last year but return a rock-solid defense.Watch out for: East Hamilton did not click offensively last season, but its defense was tough. The Hurricanes roster is deep, and the track record of new coach Grant Reynolds is strong, wherever he has been.Best game: Howard will open region play against Anderson County on Sept. 20 at the Hustlin' Tigers' new stadium. They have plenty of explosiveness, and a big victory at home could provide great momentum for the rest of the region slate.Dream schedule: East Ridge hosts three of its last four region games, which could help the Pioneers climb the ladder late. And the last region contest is at Hixson, which has struggled the past two seasons.Nightmare schedule: Central will play its first three games on the road before opening at home against Baylor in Week 4. The Purple Pounders travel to potent Notre Dame and Tyner the first two weeks.Players to watch: Anderson County junior Russell Lindsay had 10 sacks last season, while junior linebacker Stone Cummins led the team in tackles. Central running back Hunter Jones is being recruited by NCAA Division I schools and one of the fastest in town. East Hamilton's defense could be a major force led by linebacker Aidan Holt along with defensive backs Cade Meeks and Conner Thornburg. East Ridge senior linebacker Jalen Boykin has led the team the past three seasons in tackles, while Marquan Acklin and Keanu Johnson are going to be dangerous on offense and in the secondary. Hixson sophomore receiver Reginald Hunter has star potential and will play linebacker, too.