Special Section to The Lebanon Democrat, Mt.

Juliet News, Hartsville Vidette

Local football Team Previews and 2012 Schedules
Gridiron Guide 2012
Cover photo by Dallus Whitfield
2 G r i d i r o n Gu i d e 2 0 1 2
Week-by-Week Schedule of High School games ........................................................................................page 3
Friendship Christian Schoool Commanders ..............................................................................................page 4
Lebanon High School Blue Devils..............................................................................................................page 6
Mt. Juliet Christian Academy Saints ........................................................................................................page 8
Mt. Juliet High School Golden Bears ......................................................................................................page 10
McClain Christian Bulldogs....................................................................................................................page 12
Trousdale County High School Yellow Jackets ........................................................................................page 14
Watertown High School Purple Tigers......................................................................................................page 16
Wilson Central High School Wildcats ......................................................................................................page 18
Cumberland University Bulldogs ............................................................................................................page 20
SEC Preview............................................................................................................................................page 21
Tennessee Titans ....................................................................................................................................page 22
Table of Contents
G r i d i r o n G u i d e 2 0 1 2 3
WEEK 0
Aug. 17
Lebanon at Mt. Juliet
Wilson Central at Gallatin
Watertown at Cannon County
Friendship Christian at Donelson Christian
Mt. Juliet Christian at Community
Trousdale County vs. Greenwood at
Warren Central [Ky.] 5:30 p.m.
Aug. 18
McClain Christian at Franklin Christian
WEEK 1
Aug. 24
Franklin County at Lebanon
Wilson Central at LaVergne
White House Heritage at Friendship Christian,
7:30 p.m.
McGavock at Mt. Juliet
Red Boiling Springs at Mt. Juliet Christian
McClain Christian at Pleasant View, 6 p.m.
Macon County at Trousdale County
Week 2
Aug. 30
Huntland at Watertown
Mt. Juliet at Portland
Ezell-Harding at Mt. Juliet Christian
Aug. 31
Lebanon at Gallatin
Hendersonville at Wilson Central
Friendship Christian at Gordonsville
Trousdale County at Jackson County
Sept. 1
Sacred Heart at McClain Christian, 2 p.m.
Week 3
Sept. 6
Tennessee School for the Deaf at
McClain Christian, 6 p.m.
Sept. 7
Lebanon at Glencliff
Shelbyville at Wilson Central
Watertown at Red Boiling Springs
Clay County at Friendship Christian, 7:30 p.m.
Mt. Juliet at LaVergne
Mt. Juliet Christian at Clarksville Academy
Trousdale County at Gordonsville
Week 4
Sept. 14
Wilson Central at Lebanon
Pickett County at Watertown
Jackson County at Friendship Christian, 7:30 p.m.
Beech at Mt. Juliet
Mt. Juliet Christian at Tri-Cities Christian,
6 p.m. Central
McClain Christian at Riverside Christian
Week 5
Sept. 21
Lebanon at Cookeville
Wilson Central at Centennial
Monterey at Watertown
Pickett County at Friendship Christian, 7:30 p.m.
Kings Academy at Mt. Juliet Christian
McClain Christian at Currey Ingram junior varsity
Clay County at Trousdale County
Week 6
Sept. 28
Station Camp at Lebanon
Portland at Wilson Central
Watertown at Clay County
Trousdale County at Friendship Christian, 7:30 p.m.
Mt. Juliet at Gallatin
Mt. Juliet Christian at Zion Christian
Sept. 29
McClain Christian at St. Andrews-Sewanee, 2 p.m.
Week 7
Oct. 5
Lebanon at Portland
Beech at Wilson Central
Friendship Christian at Watertown
Station Camp at Mt. Juliet
Pickett County at Trousdale County
Oct. 6
Aaron Academy at McClain Christian, 2 p.m.
Week 8
Oct. 12
Watertown at Gordonsville
Cookeville at Mt. Juliet
Donelson Christian at Mt. Juliet Christian
Trousdale County at Monterey
Oct. 13
Evangel Christian at McClain Christian, 2 p.m.
Week 9
Oct. 19
Beech at Lebanon
Wilson Central at Station Camp
Watertown at Trousdale County
Friendship Christian at Red Boiling Springs
Mt. Juliet at Hendersonville
Mt. Juliet Christian at Middle Tennessee Christian
McClain Christian at Holloway, 4 p.m.
Week 10
Oct. 25
Mt. Juliet at Wilson Central
Oct. 26
Hendersonville at Lebanon
Jackson County at Watertown
Monterey at Friendship Christian
Mt. Juliet Christian at Franklin Road Academy
Red Boiling Springs at Trousdale County
Week-by-Week Schedule 2012
All kickoffs 7 p.m. unless otherwise noted.
McClain Christian home games at
Stroud Gwynn Field.
4 G r i d i r o n Gu i d e 2 0 1 2
The year after a team wins a state champi-
onship, the focus usually falls on the key return-
ing players.
But at Friendship Christian, the summer
spotlight has fallen on a newcomer.
A.J. Long transferred to the Possum Town
school this summer after passing for over 6,500
yards as a freshman and sophomore at Pius X, a
Class A Catholic school in Bangor, Pa. He was
on pace to break the Keystone States career
passing record by the time he was a senior. But
his transfer to the Volunteer State has already at-
tracted the attention of area schools Vanderbilt
and Tennessee. Florida State, Oregon, Texas
A&M, Nebraska, Baylor and South Carolina
have also contacted him.
But itll be two years before he plays on Sat-
urdays. For right now, hell transfer Friendships
power offense which helped win the Command-
ers their first state championship last fall back to
the spread attack employed during the Lee
Sweeney era in the mid-2000s.
Hes done well, Commander coach John
McNeal said of the 6-foot-1, 175-pound jun-
ior. I got to see him in game action. He has
experience. Hes been a starter his freshman
and sophomore years. He knows the game. He
understands coverages.
He has as strong an arm as Lee [who
signed with Louisville before setting several
passing records at Tennessee Tech, where hes
now a graduate assistant quarterbacks coach].
Lees advantage was he was 6-4. A.J.s is he
can run.
During his two decades at Friendship,
McNeal has run just about every offense avail-
able to suit his personnel. Longs arrival means
the Commander attack will look vastly differ-
ent from the one which steamrolled Dresden
in last Decembers BlueCross Bowl.
Well definitely open up and do some
things we did with Lee [Sweeney] and some
things we did with Lee Maasen [a former
three-sport star with a build more similar to
Longs who favored running]. Well still run
some power stuff... Teams loaded the box last
year. [A.J.] will make it a little harder for peo-
ple to do that.
Long will step into a huddle with plenty
of talent returning from the state champs.
Sophomore Steven Hollis [5-9, 160] will move
up into the feature back role with classmates
Austin Taylor [5-10, 180] and Cody Wallace
[5-10, 205] playing some fullback.
Our three running backs, as freshmen
last year, probably would have played more [if
not for the presence of the graduated Kyle
Wood and Dekolas Reeves], McNeal said.
The ones who will most benefit from
Longs arrival figure to be the receivers. Sen-
iors Cale Mitchell [5-11, 175] and Ste-
fan Remus [6-0, 185] are the top re-
turnees. Classmate Hunter Watts [5-10,
160] has already proved his mettle in
two other sports at FCS since transfer-
ring last winter from Gordonsville,
where he did not play football. Sopho-
more Parker Pinnell [6-3, 170] and
junior Michael Hawks [5-10, 170] will
also try to move up the depth chart.
Walker and Pinnell will also see
time at tight end.
We got some good receivers,
good hands, good speed, McNeal
said. Our line is probably the most ex-
perienced part.
Most of the line which flattened
defenses last year will be back to pass
protect for Long. Though two starters
graduated, all six who are projected for
the rotation played at least some dur-
ing the 12-3 2011 season. A couple of
them have even shed a few pounds for
different reasons.
Senior left guard Ian Isbell has
lost 25 pounds to get down to 260, to
go with a 6-2 1/2 frame. Senior
friendship christian commanders
State champs welcome
Pennsylvania blue-chip quarterback
Friendship Christian
Commanders
S C H E D U L E
Aug. 17 at Donelson Christian 7 p.m.
Aug. 24 White House Heritage 7:30 p.m.
Aug. 31 *at Gordonsville 7 p.m.
Sept. 7 *Clay County 7:30 p.m.
Sept. 14 *Jackson County 7:30 p.m.
Sept. 21 *Pickett County 7:30 p.m.
Sept. 28 *Trousdale County 7:30 p.m.
Oct. 5 *at Watertown 7 p.m.
Oct. 19 *at Red Boiling Springs 7 p.m.
Oct. 26 *Monterey 7 p.m.
*Region 4-A game
Nick Norton gets some water during a break. PHOTO DALLUS WHITFIELD
Cale Mitchell jumps to grab a pass. PHOTO DALLUS WHITFIELD
By ANDY REED Sports Editor
www.ligonbobo.com
Have A
Great Season!
G r i d i r o n G u i d e 2 0 1 2 5
tackle/centers Greg Norton [6-1, 240] and Ben Dunn
[6-0, 255] are also back, as is senior right guard Tanner
Martin [5-11, 215], who has dropped some weight in
preparation to play linebacker. Sophomore left tackle
Andrew Wood [6-4, 280] and classmate center Colton
Gaines [6-3, 225] also saw some action in the shadows
of their now-graduated big brothers [Connor Gaines and
Kyle Wood].
Weve got a big line, McNeal said.
On defense, six Commanders will rotate among the
three line spots Isbell, Wood, Gaines, Dunn, Norton and
sophomore Jeff Cherry [6-0, 200].
Martin will drop back from the line to middle line-
backer with Taylor and Walker at the stack and junior
Justin Truszkowski [5-8, 165] at outside backer.
Of all the Commanders, its Truszkowski, whos
been at FCS a few years, who has a previous connection
with Long, having played with him as 8-year-olds in
Pennsylvania with A.J.s father coaching them.
Three-fourths of the secondary return with Hollis
and Remus at the corners and Mitchell at safety. Watts
and Pinnell will try to replace the BlueCross Bowls De-
fensive Player of the Game Dalton Patterson at free safety.
Our defense was the mainstaylast year, McNeal said.
Mitchell, whose punting into the wind in the Blue-
Cross Bowl was a key factor in the title game, returns.
Josh Luck and Blake Grosch are vying for the kicking job
while incumbent Stefan Remus moves up to long snapper.
[Mitchells] as good as you can get, McNeal said.
This years Commanders are Wilson Countys first
football team which has to deal with the aftermath of a
championship whether its the burden of expectation or
the hangover. But McNeal said this that was addressed in
the first team meeting.
This is a new year and we want to be as success-
ful, he said. Thats our goal every year. We want to get
to Cookeville [home of the BlueCross Bowl]. Ian Isbell hits the sled during practice. PHOTO DALLUS WHITFIELD
6 G r i d i r o n Gu i d e 2 0 1 2
Lebanon high blue devils
After horrible offseason,
Blue Devils seek fresh start in new facility
Lebanons final year at Nokes-Lasater
Field was a bad 2-8 season.
The offseason which followed may have
been the worst in the programs nine-decade
history.
Spring practice was canceled after offsea-
son workouts were found to be in violation of
TSSAA rules.
It got worse a couple of months later with
the death of rising sophomore defensive back
Jaelin Davis on the eve of the teams move to
the Blue Devils new South Hartmann Drive
campus.
But the move to Clifton Tribble
Field/Danny Watkins Stadium offers a fresh
start for Coach Troy Cranes second season.
Crane had 64 varsity candidates going into fall
practice, though only three starters return on
defense, one in the offensive line and a handful
of part-time skill players.
We did some weeding out, said Crane,
who has five new assistant coaches, including
defensive coordinator Terry Hemontolor and
co-offensive coordinator Wes Elrod, who
helped tutor Crane on the Wilson Central staff.
Hemontolor, an LHS graduate, coached the
Blue Devils to a 2-18 mark in 1979-80 and
most recently was head coach at Hunters Lane
before retiring from Metro Nashville as a
teacher. Both coordinators have extensive ex-
perience as assistants in Wilson County, par-
ticularly at Mt. Juliet.
The thing I really like about our football
team is the work ethic and atmosphere they cre-
ate at football practice is going to pay dividends.
Crane said losing spring practice made the
Blue Devils appreciate the time they spend out-
side even more when they got back out follow-
ing the mid-summer dead period last month in
helmets and shorts.
They focused up, Crane said. In helmets
and shorts, we got a lot of things installed. They
worked harder in the weight room and condi-
tioning and we didnt get any injuries in the
spring.
With no spring practice, Crane didnt tin-
ker with the hybrid Wing-T offense which he
learned from Elrod and current Cumberland
coach Dewayne Alexander. With the graduation
of the athletic Patrick Maynard, Crane and
Elrod wont run as much pistol as re-
turnee Bryce Suber and freshman
Christian Haffner will work more
under center.
Suber, son of Cumberland defen-
sive coordinator Donnie Suber, made
four starts as a sophomore while
Maynard was injured last season.
Bryce got under the lights and
played at the speed of the game,
Crane said. Since Ive been here,
hes never missed a practice, never
missed a workout... Hes earned the
respect of thhe guys.
Christian does have a little more
athleticism. You can see where hes
more of a true passer. Each of them
has their strengths.
Whichever one of them starts will
hand the ball to sophomore Julian
Crutchfield [6-foot-4, 275 pounds],
who ended last season as a defensive
end following the freshman season.
Junior Winkie Johnson [5-9, 165]
will see more action at wingback
while senior Ethan Copas [5-8, 165]
By ANDY REED Sports Editor
Julian Cruthfield reaches out to grab a pass. PHOTO DALLUS WHITFIELD
Lebanon High School
Blue Devils
S C H E D U L E
Aug. 17 *at Mt. Juliet
Aug. 24 Franklin County
Aug. 31 *at Gallatin
Sept. 7 at Glencliff
Sept. 14 *Wilson Central
Sept. 21 at Cookeville
Sept. 28 *Station Camp
Oct. 5 *at Portland
Oct. 19 *Beech
Oct. 26 *Hendersonville
*District 9-AAA game All kickoffs at 7 p.m.
has had some big games at the position despite an ACL
injury.
You can tell hes a step faster, Crane said of
Copas.
Sophomore Taye Davis [6-3, 215], another wing-
back, was also a regular in the lineup at the end of last
season.
Junior Zach Vaden [5-11, 235] and senior Taylor
Jones [5-10, 190] will rotate and be in the lineup at the
same time in two-tight end sets following the gradua-
tion of Case Sloan.
Junior Taylor Bryan [5-11, 160] is back at wide re-
ceiver after missing much of last season with a hair-
line fracture in his leg. He will rotate with senior
Dimitri Peters [5-11, 180], who saw action last year,
and sophomore JQuan Jackson [6-2, 170].
Up front, only junior left tackle Chris Osier [6-2,
260] played every snap in the offensive line last season
while senior left guard Daniel Kemp [6-3, 240] saw
some starts. Junior center Dyllon Bohanon [6-1, 305],
senior right guard Isaac Freeman [6-2, 245] and junior
right tackle Nolan Sanders [6-2, 260] round out the
front wall.
On defense, Hemontolor is installing a 4-3 system
anchored by Crutchfield and junior Coleton Thomas
[6-4, 245] at end. Bohanon and junior Wayne Bruton
[5-11, 210] are slated to be the tackles.
Vaden will open at the Sam linebacker and sopho-
more Cameron Reese [6-0, 175] at the Mike [middle].
Senior Devon Tolliver [6-1, 200], playing for the first
time since middle school but described by Crane as the
G r i d i r o n G u i d e 2 0 1 2 7
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strongest player on the team, is competing with
senior Keith Murray [5-10, 200] for the Will
[weakside] spot.
Senior Demetrius Frazier [5-6, 145], de-
scribed by Crane as a steely-eyed hitter leads
the secondary at one cornerback spot. Johnson
or Jackson will be the other corner, where
Davis would have also been in the mix.
Jones is the strong safety and Peters or jun-
ior Eddie McDaniels [5-10, 165], a familiar
name in baseball and basketball but new in
football, are competing at free safety.
Haffner will be the punter while juniors
Josh Payne [extra points] and Cameron Harris
[kickoffs] handle the place kicking.
Lebanon will open the season in Week 0 at
Mt. Juliet before beginning a new era at Tribble
Field with anAug. 24 visit fromFranklin County.
The kids have really taken a lot of pride in
having a new weight room and a new locker
room, Crane said of the Blue Devils new digs.
Facilities dont make
a football program.
Its the people in the
football program that
make a football
program.
Ethan Copas looks to run on a carry, but Malik Weir moves in on defense. PHOTO DALLUS WHITFIELD LHS Coach Troy Crane. PHOTO DALLUS WHITFIELD
8 G r i d i r o n Gu i d e 2 0 1 2
Mt. Juliet Christian academy
New coach trying to teach
Saints how to win
Mt. Juliet Christian has never had a win-
ning season in 11 years of football, topping out
at four victories on several occasions.
Jake Roberts, the Saints' fourth head coach,
will be looking to teach the Saints to win.
"Learning how to win is more than half the
battle," said Roberts, who came to MJCA from
Lebanon, where he was a Blue Devils assistant
last year after serving on Dewayne Alexander's
staff at Cumberland. "We have focused on
mental toughness and not flinching when
things get tough. Instead of waiting for some-
thing to happen, we're working on making
things happen.
"We really focused this year on condition-
ing, and part of that is mental toughness. We're
going to be in better shape. They have worked
their hearts out on the football field. They've
run until they can't run any more. Until we can
get more guys out for football, they realize
we're going to have to be in better
shape than any other team on our
schedule."
Roberts, who has 28 players,
credits his predecessor, Mark Harri-
son, with beefing up the Saints
through the weights.
"He really emphasized the weight
room and I'm very fortunate to bear
the fruits of the seeds he planted,"
Roberts said. "This is probably the
strongest and biggest team we've had
here."
The Saints have size up front,
which hasn't always been the case,
with three 200-plus pounders on the
interior line, plus another at tight end.
Junior Gilbert Russ [5-foot-10,
240 pounds] returns at left tackle
while senior Bryce Perry will line up
next to him at guard. Junior Benny
Eastin [5-10, 195] is the center. Soph-
omore Christian Webster [5-10, 215]
is at right guard and junior Seth
Thibedeax [5-8, 235] at right tackle.
Junior Zack Jones [6-3, 205] is a
big target at tight end.
Junior Andy Pittman [5-10, 185] will oper-
ate the split-back veer at quarterback after play-
ing quarterback last year.
"He earned it," Roberts said of Pittman.
"He's great throwing on the run. When all else
fails, he's pretty fast."
Junior Elliott Lee [6-0, 215] returns at a run-
ning back alongside classmate Noah Wilson [5-
7, 155]. Senior Preston Raymer [6-0, 165] is
By ANDY REED Sports Editor
Mt. Juliet Christian
Academy Saints
S C H E D U L E
Aug. 17 at Community
Aug. 24 Red Boiling Springs
Aug. 31 *Ezell-Harding
Sept. 7 at Clarksville Academy
Sept. 14 @at Tri-Cities Christian
Sept. 21 *King's Academy
Sept. 28 *at Zion Christian
Oct. 12 *Donelson Christian
Oct. 19 at Middle TN Christian
Oct. 26 *at Franklin Road Academy
*East-Middle Region game
All kickoffs at 7 p.m. unless otherwise noted.
@6 p.m. Central
New head coach Jake Roberts watches his players run drills in the hot afternoon temperatures. PHOTO GEORGE PAGE
Coach Tim Butler coaches his lineman to get off the line on the snap of the ball. PHOTO GEORGE PAGE
G r i d i r o n G u i d e 2 0 1 2 9
back at receiver alongside former quarterback
Brant Lamberth [5-8, 170], also a senior.
"We're built around speed," Roberts said.
"We have quick players."
Russ will be at nose tackle in the 50 defense
while Thibedeaux and Jones are the tackles.
The standup defensive ends/outside line-
backers are Wilson and returning senior Jack-
son Harrell [6-1, 205]. Eastin and Lee are back
at inside linebacker.
Lamberth is an incumbent at cornerback
while senior Dallas Hammer [5-8, 150], the
other corner, didn't play last year. Pittman and
Raymer return at safety.
Senior Trevor West is back as the punter
and kicker. He might also play cornerback.
"He's one of the better athletes in the entire
school," Roberts said of West.
The new coach is impressed with the
Saints' work ethic.
"I've coached college and coached high
school here and in Georgia," Roberts said.
"This is the
hardest-working team
I've ever been around.
They have more heart.
They fight harder
than any team
I've ever been around."
Coach Roberts talks with his offensive as he runs a four on four drills. PHOTO GEORGE PAGE
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10 G r i d i r o n G u i d e 2 0 1 2
Mt. Juliet High Golden Bears
Bears look to replace
27 seniors from 13-1 team
Mt. Juliet won its first 13 games of the sea-
son a year ago, a first-time accomplishment for
the West Wilson school.
So what do the Golden Bears do for an en-
core?
Make it more like what do they do in the af-
termath as 27 seniors must be replaced fromthe
state semifinal team.
Kind of in a rebuilding mode, said veteran
coach Roger Perry, who is entering his seventh
season at Mt. Juliet. Its a lot of new faces. We
have a lot of shoes to fill.
At least some of the guys got to experience
the success. The young guys have really been a
pleasure to coach.
While there are many new faces, there is at
least one familiar name at a key posi-
tion Chowbay will be the quarter-
back. Thats sophomore Nolan
Chowbay [6-foot-1, 170 pounds],
younger brother to three-sport star
Caleb who is preparing to play bas-
ketball for Belmont University.
And hell have some veteran backs
to hand off to, especially senior full-
back Contrez McCathern [5-9, 225],
who ran for some 1,500 yards last sea-
son, and classmate Caleb Hopkins [5-
8, 170] at halfback. Both are two-year
starters.
Explosive senior Jalen Graham[6-
3, 200] moves from wingback to wide
receiver while junior Ben Cheatham
[5-8, 175] moves up to wingback. Ro-
tating from halfback to wingback will
be senior Austin Chaplin [6-2,180],
who came out in the spring after run-
ning track for the Bears.
Up front, junior Michael Khoury
[6-4, 260] returns at tight end while
senior Braiden Ealy [5-9, 250] moves
from center to left tackle. Sophomore
Christ Harper [5-10, 190] will take
over at left guard, senior Cody Bran-
don [5-11, 210] at center and senior Brant Rich-
mond [5-10, 200] at right guard. Right tackle is
up for grabs between junior Jared Caperton [6-
0, 260] and junior Nathan Fields [6-0, 270].
Offensively, we do not have the size we had
last year, Perry said. Maybe a little more speed
because several of our backs are returning, and
our linemen are quicker.
Afamiliar left foot will return to kick in sen-
ior Ryan Jenkins while Chowbay does the punt-
ing. Snapping the ball to themwill be senior Joe
McMahon.
The names on defense are mostly new. An
exception is senior outside linebacker Tre Neal-
ous [6-1, 175], who started at safety last year,
and senior strong safety Cody Carr [5-8, 180],
an outside linebacker in 2011. Senior Kyle
Grace [5-9, 175], one of four Bears vying to ro-
tate at the other safety and cornerback spots,
played offense last year.
By ANDY REED Sports Editor
Mt. Juliet High School
Golden Bears
S C H E D U L E
Aug. 17 *Lebanon
Aug. 24 McGavock
Aug. 30 *at Portland
Sept. 7 at LaVergne
Sept. 14 *Beech
Sept. 28 *at Gallatin
Oct. 5 *Station Camp
Oct. 12 Cookeville
Oct. 19 *at Hendersonville
Oct. 25 *at Wilson Central
*District 9-AAA game All kickoffs at 7 p.m.
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Offensive Coordinator Hunter Hicks watches sophomore quarterback Nolan Chowbay throw a pass. PHOTO GEORGE PAGE
G r i d i r o n Gu i d e 2 0 1 2 11
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Make the most of it with these delicious specials:
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Coach Hicks gives his offense a play to run with #11 Nolan Chowbay & #10 Deontre Nealous. PHOTO GEORGE PAGE
Seniors Michael Lewis [5-10, 175] and Chase Mang [5-10, 150] and
sophomore Tavner Simmons [5-9, 170] are joining Grace in the DBrotation.
Senior Kenneth Clemmons [6-0, 205] will be the other outside linebacker
while classmate Josh Belhu [5-11, 220], one of only a couple of Bears to play
on both sides of the ball last year [the graduated Brett Dillard was the other]
lines up inside with either junior Brigham Powell [6-1, 200] or junior Adam
Gilg [5-7, 185].
Up front, senior tackle Chris Beason [6-1, 265] was at Farragut last year.
Sophomore Charles [C.J.] Brooks [6-1, 225] will be at end and either junior
Chase Cawthon [5-10, 295] or senior Cameron Sands [6-2, 335]. Sands had
never played football until last year after moving in from the Bahamas.
On defense, were bigger, Perry said. Were excited about that.
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LEBANON
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THE
The
Hartsville
Vidette
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#4 Cody Carr and #10 Deontre Nealous take a break from the heat. PHOTO GEORGE PAGE
If you ask second-year McClain Christian
coach Seth Bass about his starting eight for this
fall, you can immediately sense his excitement.
Our starters are as good as any other team
in our division Bass says. We can do some
fantastic things if we gain a little more depth and
stay healthy.
McClain Christian heads into its first full
varsity season this fall after enduring a brutal
transitional schedule last fall which included
varsity, junior-varsity and middle school teams.
Last fall was tough on our kids, Bass said.
Facing six strong varsity teams with only one
year of middle school experience would be
tough for anybody, but were better for it.
Entering 2012 though, Bass feels his players
will be ahead of the curve.
This year, we were able to go through
spring ball with a scrimmage and have a full
year of weights, he said. Last year, they
missed all of that and it really set us back. Were
miles ahead of last year at this time.
McClain Christian will compete in MTAC
Division II following the leagues decision to
split into two divisions based on team size, an-
ticipating league expansion for 2013.
Going into league play this year with the
new division format gives us a great shot at tak-
ing home a title, Bass said. This means well
be playing teams similar in numbers to us, in-
stead of some the giants we played last year.
For most varsity games last fall the Bulldogs
only dressed 12 to 13 players while their oppo-
nents often had 30 to 35 on the sidelines.
It wasnt a good situation, Bass said. Itd
be like Red Boiling Springs playing Mt. Juliet;
it doesnt make sense. Thankfully, the league
recognized that and I think it makes our league
very appealing to other prospective
schools now.
Several other MTAC schools are
expected to add eight-man football
soon, while some TSSAA schools
are also rumored to be exploring the
move before next season. St. An-
drews-Sewanee, Bell Buckle Webb
and Riverside Christian are TSSAA
schools that have already made the
switch to 8-man football the last two
seasons.
Ive told our kids the path to a
title is going to get harder every year
as our league grows, Bass said. We
have to take advantage of every ad-
vantage we can get.
Experience should be a boon for
the Bulldogs this fall as they welcome
back five of eight starters on offense
and six of eight on defense heading into
this season. Offensively, McClain ex-
pects to take to the air more frequently
behind sophomore signal-caller Jon
Whitener. While Whitener finished
with just 23-of-58
passing for 280
yards and two
touchdowns total in
2012, he and senior quarter-
back Brandon Fox combined
for 252 yards and three TDs
during the spring scrimmage
alone with the upgraded at-
tack. When asked about the
new offensive wrinkles,
Whitener shared his excite-
ment.
Last year we werent
quite ready to air it out like
this, he said. This year
though, Ive followed my
throwing program and
watched some other great
QBs at work. Im ready to
be the best I can be and take
our team to the next level.
Helping keep the pressure
off the passing game will be
sophomore wingbackWeston
Rountree, who rushed for 630
yards and eight TDs as a
freshman in 2012, averaging
7.7 yards per carry. In addi-
tion to seeing the bulk of the
carries, Rountree is also ex-
pected to be a primary target
in the passing game, as evi-
denced by his 134 yds and
two TDs in limited spring
scrimmage action.
Hard work beats talent any day, and thats
what our team needs to learn, Rountree said.
We are looking better, but we still have a long
way to go for a title.
Defensively, the Bulldogs will return to a 3-
3-2 scheme under new defensive coordinator
and former Cumberland defensive lineman Der-
rick Wilson. For any title dreams to come true
though, the coaching staff knows they must im-
prove on their 2011 numbers, when they gave
up 51.2 points per game.
Were improving, but can still get better,
Wilson said. On defense we have to be about
a relentless pursuit of continuous improvement
every day.
Im looking forward to seeing our defense
this fall, senior noseguard Kris Adams said.
Coach Wilson and Coach [Chip] Vanatta have
really helped our defense get stronger and more
aggressive, and they refuse to let us settle. All
our coaches expect us to conduct ourselves like
men on and off the field and you can see its pay-
ing off.
The Bulldogs will kick off their regular sea-
son Aug. 18 at division opponent Franklin
Christian. Home games will be played at the for-
mer home of Castle Heights Military Academy,
Stroud Gwynn Field, behind Wilson Bank &
Trusts main office on West Main Street. Their
home opener will be at 2 p.m. Sept. 1 against
Sacred Heart for homecoming.
McClain Christian bulldogs
McClain dives into
first full varsity schedule
McClain Christian
Bulldogs
S C H E D U L E
Sept. 18 *at Franklin Christian 7 p.m.
Sept. 24 at Pleasant View 6 p.m.
Sept. 1 *Sacred Heart 2 p.m.
Sept. 6 Tennessee School for the Deaf 6 p.m.
Sept. 14 at Riverside Christian 7 p.m.
Sept. 21 at Currey Ingram jr varsity 7 p.m.
Sept. 29 at St. Andrews-Sewanee 2 p.m.
Oct. 6 Aaron Academy 2 p.m.
Oct. 13 Evangel Christian 2 p.m.
Oct. 19 *at Holloway 4 p.m.
*MTAC Division II game
Home games played at Stroud Gwynn Field
Going into league
play this year with the
new division format
gives us a great shot at
taking home a title,
Bass said.
12 G r i d i r o n G u i d e 2 0 1 2
MCA head football coach Seth Bass (kneeling) and assistant coach Derrick Wilson go through defensive plays with
(l-r) Troy Huddleston and Kris Adams. PHOTO MCA IMAGES
G r i d i r o n G u i d e 2 0 1 2 13
www.universitymedicalcenter.com (615) 444-8262
AT UNIVERSITY
MEDICAL CENTER
WEREALLABOUT
THE COMMUNITY.
(Literally, all about the community.)
University Medical Center really cares about
the communities we serve. Thats why we
provideTeam Physicians and Certified Athletic
Trainers at all high school sporting events that
take place in our county. We believe that being
a good neighbor goes well beyond the
boundaries of our medical facility. Most of our
physicians and staff live in cities and towns that
are located in and around our medical campus.
They also have children who attend area
schools and participate in sports programs and
other activities.
For more information on our Sports
Medicine Program, please call 443-2503.
As the sole healthcare provider
inWilson county, it is a great
honor for University Medical
Center to assist our local
athletes and to work in
partnership with our schools.
Where Compassion and Healing Come Together
Mt. Juliet
Mt. Juliet
High School
Friendship
Christian
Wilson Central
High School
Lebanon
High School
Watertown
High School
Lebanon
Watertown
70
70
70
109
231
231
840
40
40
Cumberland
University
trousdale county yellow jackets
Jackets picked behind Gordonsville,
Friendship in rebuilding year
The football coaches in Region 4-A are ei-
ther really impressed with Gordonsville and
Friendship Christian or they believe Trousdale
County is in for a rebuilding year.
Probably, it is actually a little bit of both as
the Yellow Jackets have been picked to finish
third in league play behind the Tigers and
Commanders.
The Tigers return a number of key players
from last years team that advanced to the Class
A semifinals, and the Commanders now have
an extra boost of confidence to go along with
an already talented squad after they claimed the
2A state title last December.
Without a doubt, fifth-year head coach
Kevin Creasy does have some pretty serious
holes to fill since he lost nine offen-
sive starters, eight defensive starters,
his kicker, punter and top return man
to graduation.
The Jackets lost 75 percent of
their rushing yards with the departure
of Jordan Harper, Steven Turner and
Devon Turczyn, who all signed to
play college football. Plus, Turczyn
had over half of the receiving yards
last year for the Hartsville gridders
who went 9-2.
Defensively, five of the top six
tacklers have also graduated.
Its pretty cool and fun to work
with these young inexperienced play-
ers, Creasy said. It makes you want
to get after it and start from scratch. It
makes you feel like you are accom-
plishing something as a coach when
you are really working out guys that
havent played any significant snaps
in their whole life.
But at the same time, we also
still have our high expectations like
we always do. These guys are work-
ing hard and we are out there coach-
ing them up and we are doing it for
By Jerry Richmond Hartsville Vidette
Trousdale County
Yellow Jackets
S C H E D U L E
Aug. 17 @at Greenwood
Aug. 24 Macon County
Aug. 31 *at Jackson County
Sept. 7 *at Gordonsville
Sept. 21 *Clay County
Sept. 28 #*at Friendship Christian
Oct. 5 *Pickett County
Oct. 12 *at Monterey
Oct. 19 *Watertown
Oct. 26 *Red Boiling Springs
*Region 4-A game
All kickoffs at 7 p.m. unless otherwise noted.
@At Warren Central [Ky.], 5:30 p.m. kickoff
#7:30 p.m. kickoff
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Attorneys at Law
General Practice
Eddie Taylor Betty Lou Taylor
204 Court St., P.O. Box 179 Hartsville, TN 37074
615-374-3004 615-633-4400
Fax: 615-374-2267
14 G r i d i r o n Gu i d e 2 0 1 2
Starters for the Yellow Jackets run through plays in the practice field. PHOTO MARIE CORHERN HARTSVILLE VIDETTE
G r i d i r o n G u i d e 2 0 1 2 15
LETS GO YELLOW JACKETS!
LETS GO
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the right reasons. It will be a long season,
but hopefully by the time playoff roll
around hopefully we will be peaking at
the right time.
The Jackets went 7-0 during their
junior-varsity season last year and many
of those players also saw some action
when the starters were pulled on Friday
nights. Now those players must be able
to perform when a game is on the line.
Its pretty cool
and fun to work
with these young
inexperienced
players,
Creasy said
Trousdale County will look to its 11
seniors for leadership, but will also count
on a number of sophomores to play key
roles.
The Jackets will travel to Kentucky
to open their season Aug. 17 when they
play Greenwood at Warren Central in
Bowling Green. They will host local rival
Macon County the following week. Two
of the biggest region games for the Pur-
ple and Gold will both be on the road
with trips to Gordonsville on Sept. 7 and
to Friendship Christian on Sept. 28.
306 E. Main St. Hartsville, TN
615-374-4973
THECREEKBANK
*27($0
It`s football season, and we wish our
area football teams a successful and
exciting 2012 season. Good luck, and play it
safe. We`re looking forward to every game!
Coaches, staff and players discuss the days drills. PHOTO MARIE CORHERN HARTSVILLE VIDETTE
16 G r i d i r o n G u i d e 2 0 1 2
watertown High purple Tigers
Purple Tigers look to reverse
bad ending to 2011
The 2011 season was a tale of two years
for Watertown.
The Purple Tigers won their first six
games. But the trio of Friendship Christian,
Gordonsville and Trousdale County fol-
lowed and Watertown never recovered, los-
ing its final five of the season.
Six offensive and two defensive starters
return for Coach Gavin Websters eighth sea-
son. Webster has 39 players out, a good num-
ber for a Class Aschool, including 10 seniors
and about as many juniors. But he is still
concerned about depth.
We dont have any depth, Webster said.
We have a lot of kids not ready to play.
Experience is not a problem at quarter-
back, where junior Ty Jobe [6-foot-1, 185
pounds] enters his third season as a starter in
the spread offense.
Senior Brannon Hill [5-11, 180] returns
as the feature back. Seniors Cooper Jacobsen
[5-10, 195, missed four games after being
banged up last year] and Dennie Holcomb [5-
11, 205, played defense last year] will also be
in the mix either in the backfield or in the
four- and five-wideout packages.
Senior Jake Belcher [6-2, 165] leads the
pack of outside receivers. Hell be joined by
junior Dakota Self [6-1, 180] and senior
Colton Haun [5-11, 170].
Up front, Watertowns experience is on
the left side where seniors Ben Bain [6-2,
295] and Robert Davenport [5-10, 250]
will be the tackle and guard, respectively.
Senior Michael Mobley [6-2, 265] is the
center after playing defense last year. Sen-
ior Dylan Mathis [5-10, 185] will be at
right guard and junior Sam Roller [6-1,
245] at tackle.
On defense, Mobley returns at nose
guard where hell be flanked by Bain and
Jacobsen, who played late in the season.
Holcomb returns at an outside linebacker
By ANDY REED Sports Editor
Watertown High
Purple Tigers
S C H E D U L E
Aug. 17 at Cannon County
Aug. 30 Huntland
Sept. 7 *at Red Boiling Springs
Sept. 14 *Pickett County
Sept. 21 *Monterey
Sept. 28 *at Clay County
Oct. 5 *Friendship Christian
Oct. 12 *at Gordonsville
Oct. 19 *at Trousdale County
Oct. 26 *Jackson County
*Region 4-A game All kickoffs at 7 p.m.
Watertown Coach Gavin Webster talks with his Tigers before running plays. PHOTO DALLUS WHITFIELD Colin Jennings looks around for the hand-off. PHOTO DALLUS WHITFIELD
G r i d i r o n G u i d e 2 0 1 2 17
The
Hartsville
Vidette
To all Players and Coaches
Have a Safe and Exciting Season!
Go, Tigers, Go!
Oakleys Flowers & Gifts
122 East Main Street Watertown
615-237-3842
Local News Is Just A Click Away
Local News Is Just A Click Away
Local News
Opinions
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And Much More!
www.mtjulietnews.com
www.lebanondemocrat.com
www.hartsvillevidette.com
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along with Self. Sophomore Cameron Jennings
[5-10, 225] and Mathis will open at inside line-
backer and Mathis in the middle of Watertowns
3-3 formation.
Belcher and Haun will be the cornerbacks
and Hill the safety.
Got quite a bit of speed, Webster said of
his Tigers. Skill positions, we got quite a bit of
experience, but not in the line.
We need to stay healthy. We feel we can
have a pretty good year, but we need to stay
healthy.
Holcomb will handle the punting and soph-
omore Austin Brown the place kicking.
Matthew Putman reaches out to grab a pass. PHOTO DALLUS WHITFIELD
18 G r i d i r o n G u i d e 2 0 1 2
Wilson Central High WildCats
Talent level, experience up
at Wilson Central
After five wins over the past two seasons,
Wilson Centrals talent level and work ethic are
up, its coach said.
Were a lot faster than we were last year,
said third-year Central coach Brad Dedman,
whose Wildcats went 2-8 last season. We got
to develop some linemen along. We got to de-
velop our depth along.
Speedwise, weve got as good of skill guys
as weve had at Wilson Central. Weve gotten a
lot stronger. Our teamhas a lot better work ethic
than weve had in the past.
They also have a lot of experience on of-
fense. Junior quarterback Jordan Roundtree [6-
foot-1, 185 pounds] passed for 1,100 yards and
five touchdowns last year.
Senior Trey Givens [6-0, 225] returns at full-
back where he became the starter in Week 3 last
year. Junior Kyle Coombes [6-0, 210] and fresh-
man Vic Johnson [5-10] will rotate in.
Senior D.J. Majors [5-11, 184] and junior
Alex Price [5-9, 170] return to the wingback ro-
tation.
But generating the most excitement for the
future is freshman Gabe Angel [6-3,
215], who scored 28 touchdowns and
gained 2,216 all-purpose yards for
Southside last year. He played in the
Eastbay Youth All-American Bowl in
San Antonio, Texas, in January. As
dominant a runner as he was for the
Saints, Dedman envisions him as at
least a parttime receiver in the slot.
Hes a good receiver, Dedman
said. Hes got very good hands.
Seniors TimFitzgerald [5-8, 170],
Eric Simmons [5-10, 175] and Andre
Corder [5-11, 190] are also in the mix.
Senior Chris Lee [6-1, 195] re-
turns at wide receiver where he led
Central in receiving in just four games
after missing most of the year with an
injury. Classmates Mason Pavan [5-
11, 175] and Nick Grant [6-1, 170] are
also in the mix.
Replacing Jacob [Moose] Wood at
tight end will be senior Rod Crutch-
field [6-3, 225], moved fromoffensive
tackle, and/or classmate David
By ANDY REED Sports Editor
Wilson Central High
Wildcats
S C H E D U L E
Aug. 17 *at Gallatin
Aug. 24 at LaVergne
Aug. 31 *Hendersonville
Sept. 7 Shelbyville
Sept. 14 *at Lebanon
Sept. 21 at Centennial
Sept. 28 *Portland
Oct. 5 *Beech
Oct. 19 *at Station Camp
Oct. 25 *Mt. Juliet
*District 9-AAA game All kickoffs at 7 p.m.
Andre Corder looks for room to run on a carry. PHOTO DALLUS WHITFIELD Jordan Roundtree launches a pass. PHOTO DALLUS WHITFIELD
G r i d i r o n G u i d e 2 0 1 2 19
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1401 Leeville Pike Lebanon, TN 37090
www.collegehills.org
For more information please call
the church office at 444-9502.
Nick Hays OFFICE (615) 444-6554
OFFICE (615) 449-1694
SPORTS WORLD
CELL (615) 308-8102
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Have A
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Howard [6-1, 220].
Four regulars return up front, including junior
center Josh Byrd [6-2,295], junior right guard Jor-
dan McCullough [6-0, 225]; senior right tackle An-
drew Stoddard [6-3, 250], who is taking
Crutchfields former position; senior left tackle An-
drew Campbell [6-0, 250] and senior left guard
Brian Cummings [6-1, 225], who played a lot as a
backup last year.
When drives stall, Dedman will again call upon
the strong leg of junior Brad Cavanough, whos 44-
yard field goal beat Lebanon last season. He will
also handle the punting, though Roundtree also did
those duties in 2011.
On defense, Crutchfield has moved from tackle
to end while junior Preston Reed [6-3, 195] lines up
on the other end. Junior Kaleb Roberts [6-0, 260]
returns at a tackle alongside sophomore Dillon
Smith [6-0, 230].
Coombes will line up at inside linebacker
after playing outside last year. Givens will line
up next to him inside after playing half the time
in 2011. Majors returns on the outside with
Corder on the other side at least until senior in-
cumbent Chase Hobbs [6-0, 190] can return from
a knee injury.
Simmons played four games last year at corner-
back while senior Jonathan Ward [6-0, 185] opens
on the other side. Price, Fitzgerald [a transfer from
Cane Ridge], senior Darius Dailey [5-7, 160, injured
last year] and junior LoganAment [5-7, 150, played
half the season] will also be in the mix.
Grant moves to free safety from cornerback
where he was hurt much of last year.
Wilson Central Coach Brad Dedman watches his Wildcats hit the sled. Centrals Colt Russell is seen in the foreground. PHOTO DALLUS WHITFIELD
20 G r i d i r o n G u i d e 2 0 1 2
cumberland university bulldogs
The 2012 season will be remembered as the year Cumberland
moved its operations a mile fromits longtime Lindsey Donnell Sta-
diumcampus home to Nokes-Lasater Field on the former Lebanon
High site.
WhileAlexander, his staff and a number of players who stayed
in town this summer have painted, spruced up and transformed the
46-year-old stadium from a high school to a college facility, con-
struction of the team which will take the field this fall is well un-
derway, needing only an annual tuning up. The Bulldogs have fallen
one game short of the NAIAplayoffs each of the past two seasons,
and the last game of the season has meant something in three of
the last four years.
Each week over the last several years, weve been able to line
up and give ourselves a chance to win, said Alexander, who had
110 players in spring practice and was expecting 132 when fall
practice opened. Weve come very close to taking that next step.
Youre going to lose good players every year, but weve been
bringing up good players every year. Weve been able to retain our
guys in our program... We had some years when I got here when we
hardly had enough guys to practice.
A look at the roster bears his point. Next to the class for some
2/3 of the Bulldogs is the letter r, meaning there are a lot of fifth-
year seniors, fourth-year juniors, third-year sophomores and sec-
ond-year freshmen. Rarely nowis a there a true freshman who has
to be thrown into the heat of battle before hes ready.
This could be our most mature football team weve had since
Ive been here, said the seventh-year coach. We have the most five-
year, four-year, three-year guys weve had since Ive been here.
Even at quarterback, where sophomore Reed Gurchiek returns
for his third season opener, the former Mt. Juliet star is in his third
season at CU. He completed 108 of 175 passes for 1,167 yards and
eight touchdowns with seven interceptions last season.
Hes so smart,Alexander said of Gurchiek. He understands
our offense. Hes such a good leader. He knows what everybody
on the field is supposed to do.
Gurchiek has had trouble staying on the field due to injuries.
Broc Loveless, another redshirt sophomore, hit 33 of 61 passes for
569 yards and four scores with just one interception while winning
both his starts last fall.
Were fortunate tohave twoquarterbacks like we have,Alexan-
der said. Well be as good at quarterback as anyone in our league.
Fullback Tim McCord graduated. But Gurchiek may have an
old familiar face to hand off to. His former Mt. Juliet teammate,
Michael Nwokoji [5-foot-8, 215 pounds], transferred to CU from
Bethel in January and will be a redshirt sophomore. Fifth-year sen-
ior Adrian [Tank] Baker, a Mr. Football at Maryville where he never
lost a high school game, was injured early last season but is back
at fullback along with fifth-year senior Marcus Thompson [5-10,
204] of Macon County.
Senior Lemeco Miller [5-8, 190], one of the few not to have
used a redshirt year, has some fullback experience but is expected
to play more at wingback. Fifth-year senior Ken Dixon [5-7, 170],
a wishbone quarterback at Thomasville [Ga.] High, ran for 178
yards, a high during the Alexander years, against Kentucky Chris-
tian last season. Sophomore Blake DeBoard [5-8, 178] also saw
some time at quarterback in high school and has been a defensive
back and special teamer at Cumberland before being moved to of-
fense in the spring. Fifth-year senior Kelsea Fordham [6-0, 200]
has been a special teams player.
At wideout, fourth-year junior DeJeay Woods [6-3, 198] was
blossoming into a gamebreaker when he tore his ACL in midsea-
son and was lost for the year. He caught 28 passes for 359 yards and
four scores. Fifth-year senior Daniel Dayton [6-1, 163] underwent
shoulder surgery and missed last season. Fourth-year junior Court-
land Styles Jr. [6-3, 188] caught 16 passes last year. Senior Josh
Pierce [6-2] used up his basketball eligibility with Cumberland last
year before coming out for football in the spring.
At tight end is former All-American wrestler BJ Stewart [6-5,
249], a fifth-year senior who wreaked havoc as a defensive end last
season, recording four sacks and returning a fumble 57 yards for a
touchdown.
He can catch the football really well,Alexander said of Stew-
art. Hes a huge target. Hes got good speed, good hands, a phys-
ical blocker at the point of attack.
Also in the tight end mix are fifth-year senior Ryan Slack [6-2,
208] and sophomore Victor Underwood [6-4, 246] of Mt. Juliet
Christian.
We can have the biggest team weve had since Ive been here
and be physical, Alexander said.
Up front is third-year sophomore AJ Harmon [6-6, 335], a
transfer fromGeorgia who will protect Gurchieks blind side at left
tackle. Next to him at guard will be fifth-year senior Jesse Hall [6-
5, 315], who played hurt last year. At center is junior Dalton Burge
[6-0, 312], who came off the bench in his first college game and has
started every contest since. But its fifth-year senior right guard
Ryan Wood [6-2, 305] who gets the teams Cal Ripken award.
He has been the most reliable, dependable football player Ive
coached since Ive been at Cumberland, Alexander said of Wood,
who has also played just about every position on the line. He has-
nt missed a snap, practice, workout or class. If we had anybody
get hurt, you moved Ryan Wood.
Fourth-year junior Tucker Cathey [6-1, 338] is the leader to
start at right tackle. Redshirt junior WilliamJudson [6-7, 309], red-
shirt freshman Parker Bush [5-11, 281] and fourth-year junior
Grant Theall [5-10, 260] are also in the mix along the line.
When drives stall, fourth-year junior Jared White of Trousdale
County will be called on after hitting 4 of 6 field goals last year
with former Friendship Christian kicker Beau Baker a closer option.
Mt. Juliet junior Tyler Emmetts is a three-year punter, averaging
39.1 yards on 52 boots in 2011.
Our old field was very tough to kick long field goals,Alexan-
der said. The new field will help.
When asked about the defense, Alexander went straight to the
secondary, which lost Chris Simpson to graduation but returns sen-
iors Cody McAllister [three interceptions in 2011] and Allante
McLemore [two pickoffs] and gets back former three-year starter
Michael Hagewood, anAll-Mid-South Conference performer who
didnt play last year after graduating but had a year of eligibility
remaining. Junior cornerback Josh Walker and sophomore Grant
Jones played behind Simpson last year.
In front of the secondary will be fifth-year senior Connor Mc-
Church [6-1, 194], who has played quarterback in his career but
can play anywhere. This marks the 10th straight, and final, year
Alexander has coached a McChurch brother [after older brothers
Tyler and Mitch] at Wilson Central and/or Cumberland. Mc-
Churchs 83 tackles, despite a foot injury, trailed only the 85 of the
graduated Ben Miller.
If I had to pick a football team, period, youd always want him
on your team, Alexander said. He makes plays, period.
On the other side will be junior Kyle Musice [6-0, 197, former
Friendship Christian player who was redshirted after a concussion
last year] or redshirt freshman Taylor Bozeman [6-0, 197].
Returning in the middle will be fifth-year senior Adam Wiss
[5-11, 215], who played a lot in a backup role last year.
Hes always made a lot of plays,Alexander said of Wiss while
noting redshirt freshman Robert McNeal [5-7, 240] will also be in
the mix. He has a nose for the football.
Up front, former Watertown star Nick Lennox [6-3 1/2, 235]
has transferred in from Carson-Newman and will open at a defen-
sive end as a redshirt sophomore. Senior Colin Urenda [6-2, 242],
who posted seven tackles for loss last year, and junior Jarred
Williams [6-3, 246] return at the other DE.
Fifth-year senior Johnny Turner [6-1, 300] is back at defensive
tackle after sitting out last year following the death of his mother.
Fourth-year junior Elvin Vann [6-1, 287] returns after breaking his
leg in last years second game, against Campbellsville. Third-year
sophomore Devin Guthrie [6-2, 271], an athletic quarterback at
Dickson County who injured his foot last year, and redshirt freshman
Cayman Russell [5-10, 244] will alternate between end and tackle.
We feel like they all will play well, Alexander said.
Bulldogs look to take next
step in new stadium
By ANDY REED Sports Editor
Cumberland University
S C H E D U L E
Sept. 1 Kansas Wesleyan (at Dyersburg) noon
Sept. 8 University of the Cumberlands 1:30
Sept. 15 *Belhaven 1:30
Sept. 22 at Virginia-Wise 5:00
Sept. 29 at Pikeville 12:30
Oct. 6 Union College 1:30
Oct. 13 *at Faulkner 1:30
Oct. 20 *Campbellsville 6:00
Oct. 27 *at Bethel 1:30
Nov. 3 *Bluefield 1:30
Nov. 10 *at Lindsey Wilson 1:30
*Mid-South Conference West Division game
Cumberland University Bulldogs include local athletes from left: Daley Sallis (Lebanon High School), Jared White (Trousdale County High School),
Connor McChurch (Wilson Central High School), Head Coach Dewayne Alexaner, Reed Gurchiek (Mt. Juliet High School), Michael Nwokoji (Mt. Juliet High
School), Tyler Emmetts (Mt. Juliet High School), and Hunter Locke (Mt. Juliet High School). PHOTO DALLUS WHITFIELD
G r i d i r o n G u i d e 2 0 1 2 21
The Southeastern Conference has lined up a few contenders
for Lucky No. 7.
Defending national champion Alabama and last seasons 13-
game juggernaut LSU remain the headliners of a league that has
won the last six BCS titles. And thats despite the Crimson Tide
and the Tigers losing a combined six first-round NFL draft picks.
Other SEC and national powers are trying to catch up.
Arkansas, which ended last season ranked fifth, and Geor-
gia return star quarterbacks. Steve Spurrier fields another formi-
dable-looking South Carolina team. Plus, the Razorbacks and
Gamecocks get star running backs back from injuries.
Even those suffering from SEC fatigue might not want to
miss that prime-time Nov. 3 three-match in Baton Rouge. The
Tide and the Tigers split last season with Bama grabbing Round
2, 21-0 in the BCS title game in New Orleans.
The rivalry carried over onto Twitter with sniping between
Tide quarterbackAJ McCarron and LSU Heisman finalist Tyrann
Mathieu in June.
I can tell you that no game is won in a Twitter page, LSU
coach Les Miles noted.
Whats new this year is Big 12 Conference defectors Texas
A&M and Missouri step into the SEC. Theyll both try to show
they belong.
Only way youre going to get respect is winning games,
OK? Missouri coach Gary Pinkel said. Thats the only way its
going to happen. I got no problem with that. Youve got to prove
yourself.
Here is an overall look at the conference:
EAST
GEORGIA Key players: QB Aaron Murray, WR Tavar-
res King, DB Bacarri Rambo, LB Jarvis Jones. Returning
starters: 6 offense, 9 defense.
Notes: RB Isaiah Crowell is gone. Cornerback Sanders Com-
mings and cornerback Branden Smith and perhaps Rambo
face suspensions. ... Malcolm Mitchell, last seasons No. 2 re-
ceiver, opens at cornerback and will likely play both positions. ...
Lightweight nonconference schedule includes Buffalo, Florida
Atlantic and Georgia Southern.
SOUTH CAROLINA Key players: QB Connor Shaw,
RB Marcus Lattimore, DE Jadeveon Clowney, DE Devin Taylor.
Returning starters: 7 offense, 6 defense.
Notes: A second straight Top 10 finish seems possible. ... If
Lattimore returns to pre-knee injury form, it could more than make
up for the loss of WRAlshon Jeffery. ... Pass rush remains formi-
dable even minus NFL first-round pick DE Melvin Ingram.
FLORIDA Key players: RB Mike Gillislee, WR Andre
Dubose, LB Jon Bostic, DL Sharrif Floyd. Returning starters: 7
offense, 10 defense.
Notes: Gators try to rebound from mediocre season. ... Brent
Pease replaces offensive coordinator Charlie Weis, and has the
personnel to mount a more physical running attack. ... Defensive
linemen Ronald Powell and Dominique Easley are trying to re-
turn from knee injuries.
MISSOURI Key players: QB James Franklin, LT Elvis
Fisher, WR Dorial Green-Beckham, CB E.J. Gaines. Returning
starters: 6 offense, 7 defense.
Notes: The SECs third group of Tigers enters the league
hoping to prove skeptics wrong. ... Franklin is expected to be
fully recovered from spring shoulder surgery after flirting with
3,000-yard passing, 1,000-yard rushing season. ... Its unclear if
RB Henry Josey (knee) will play.
TENNESSEE Key players: QBTyler Bray, WR DaRick
Rogers, LB A.J. Johnson, LB Herman Lathers. Returning
starters: 10 offense, 7 defense.
Notes: Derek Dooleys rebuilding project continues after one
SEC win last season. ... Volunteers have dangerous receivers but
must replace RB Tauren Poole. ... Tennessee reloaded with sev-
eral JUCO transfers, including onetime Alabama defensive line-
man Darrington Sentimore and WR Cordarrelle Patterson.
VANDERBILT Key players: QB Jordan Rodgers, RB
Zac Stacy, DT Rob Lohr, CB Trey Wilson. Returning starters: 9
offense, 8 defense.
Notes: The Commodores have adopted coach James
Franklins feisty attitude, but face uphill climb from 2-6 SEC
mark that still marked solid progress. ... Rodgers, Aarons
younger brother, seems to have regained Franklins confidence
after bowl game benching.
KENTUCKY Key players: QB Morgan Newton, OL
Larry Warford, WR LaRod King, S Martavius Neloms. Return-
ing starters: 6 offense, 5 defense.
Notes: Coach Joker Phillips might be on the hot seat after 4-
12 SECmark in first two seasons. ... QBMorgan Newton was held
out of contact in spring after having surgery on his right shoulder.
... Defense must replace SECs two leaders in tackles per game,
LB Danny Trevathan and S/LBWinston Guy.
WEST
LSU Key players: QB Zach Mettenberger, CB Tyrann
Mathieu, DE Sam Montgomery, DT Bennie Logan. Returning
starters: 7 offense, 5 defense.
Notes: Mettenberger, a former Georgia player, has drawn
strong reviews from coach Les Miles and teammates and might
represent a sizable upgrade at QB. ... Offense has runners galore,
led by Spencer Ware and Michael Ford, and offensive line has five
players who have logged 102 collective starts. ... Secondary loses
Morris Claiborne, but returns stars Mathieu and Eric Reid. ... Ends
Montgomery and Barkevious Mingo combined for 17 sacks. ...
Tigers spent 11 weeks at No. 1 last season.
ALABAMA Key players: QB AJ McCarron, C Barrett
Jones, LB Nico Johnson, S Robert Lester. Returning starters: 6
offense, 4 defense.
Notes: Quest for third national title in four years faces daunt-
ing scheduling, including opener with Michigan in Arlington,
Texas, and visits to LSU and Arkansas. ... New offensive coor-
dinator Doug Nussmeier is unlikely to change pound-before-pass
philosophy. ... Defense that topped all four major categories na-
tionally must replace seven starters with 188 combined starts.
ARKANSAS Key players: QB Tyler Wilson, RB Knile
Davis, WR Cobi Hamilton, LB Alonzo Highsmith. Returning
starters: 8 offense, 6 defense.
Notes: Coach John L. Smith trying to keep Bobby Petrinos
offseason ouster from slowing programs momentum. ... All-SEC
RB Knile Davis returns after ankle injury sidelined him in 2011.
... Razorbacks hosting LSU in Fayetteville for the first time since
1992. ... Six members of Smiths staff in new roles.
AUBURN Key players: QB Kiehl Frazier, WR Emory
Blake, DE Corey Lemonier, LB Daren Bates. Returning starters:
7 offense, 9 defense.
Notes: Frazier is the odds-on favorite to claim starting job
over Clint Moseley. ... Tigers have new coordinators in Scot Lo-
effler (offense) and Brian VanGorder (defense). ... Two-time
1,000-yard rusher Mike Dyer is gone, and so is Gus Malzahns
no-huddle offense.
TEXASA&M Key players: LT Luke Joeckel, RB Chris-
tine Michael, WR Ryan Swope, LB Sean Porter. Returning
starters: 7 offense, 6 defense.
QB Jameill Showers is apparent leader in race to replace
Ryan Tannehill, the No. 8 NFL draft pick. ...Coach Kevin Sum-
lin, whose Houston offenses twice led the nation in total, pass-
ing and scoring, brings a fast-paced attack to College Station. ...
Top pass rushers Sean Porter and Damontre Moore return from
team that led nation in sacks per game.
MISSISSIPPI ST Key players: QB Tyler Russell, LG
Gabe Jackson, CB Johnthan Banks, LB Cameron Lawrence. Re-
turning starters: 5 offense, 7 defense.
Notes: Bulldogs have won back-to-back bowl games for first
time since 1999-2000 not to mention three straight Egg Bowls
with rival Mississippi. ... Coach Dan Mullen predicts a huge
year from Russell. ... Mississippi State 0-12 under Mullen
against SEC West teams other than Ole Miss.
MISSISSIPPI Key players: WR Donte Moncrief, RB
Jeff Scott, DB Charles Sawyer, LB Mike Marry. Returning
starters: 7 offense, 7 defense.
NOTES: Randall Mackey has moved from QB to WR with
emergence of Barry Brunetti, JUCO transfer Bo Wallace. ... WR
Nickolas Brassell has left the team because of academics, and
four others had work this summer to assure eligibility.
University of Tennessee
Oct. 31 North Carolina State [at Atlanta] 6:30
Sept. 8 Georgia State 3:00
Sept. 15 *Florida 5:00
Sept. 22 Akron TBA
Sept. 29 *at Georgia TBA
Oct. 13 *at Mississippi State TBA
Oct. 20 *Alabama TBA
Oct. 27 *at South Carolina TBA
Nov. 3 Troy TBA
Nov. 10 *Missouri TBA
Nov. 17 *at Vanderbilt TBA
Nov. 24 *Kentucky TBA
*Southeastern Conference game All times Central
Vanderbilt University
Oct. 30 *South Carolina 6 p.m.
Sept. 8 at Northwestern 7 p.m.
Sept. 15 Presbyterian 11:30 a.m.
Sept. 22 *at Georgia TBA
Oct. 6 *at Missouri TBA
Oct. 13 *Florida TBA
Oct. 20 *Auburn TBA
Oct. 27 Massachusetts TBA
Nov. 3 *at Kentucky TBA
Nov. 10 *at Ole Miss TBA
Nov. 17 *Tennessee TBA
Nov. 24 at Wake Forest TBA
*Southeastern Conference game All times Central
Alabama,
LSU and SEC
trying to
remain
on top
By John Zenor Associated Press
sec Preview
22 G r i d i r o n G u i d e 2 0 1 2
tennessee titans
Coming off a 9-7 finish a year ago, the
Tennessee Titans have bigger aspirations for
2012.
But they also have bigger questions that
must be resolved if they are to take the next
step and make the playoffs for the first time
in four years.
A year ago, the Titans were a patchwork
project in a situation where new head coach
Mike Munchak was promoted to replace
long-time coach Jeff Fisher. Munchak hired
much of his staff around the time the lock-
out began, so many players and coaches did-
nt even know each other until training camp.
The Titans drafted Jake Locker last year
to be their long-term answer at quarterback,
and signed Matt Hasselbeck to keep the seat
warm until Locker is ready.
For a team that lost its best wide receiver,
Kenny Britt, to a knee injury in week three
and never got running back Chris Johnson out
of second gear, finishing just a game out of
the AFC playoffs was somewhat remarkable.
As the Titans go through training camp
and preseason, the big question has been
who will start at quarterback. Hasselbeck
turned in a solid season in his first year in
Tennessee, throwing for 3,571 yards with 18
touchdowns and 14 interceptions. But dur-
ing the off-season, Munchak said the Titans
would be opening the position up to compe-
tition, giving Locker the chance to win the
job and settle in long-term at quarterback.
Thus far in camp, there has been no clear-cut leader, but the
Titans want to make a decision by the third preseason game if
possible.
You take everything into account, and obviously, were not
going to put someone out there who we feel is going to strug-
gle. If we feel someone is ready at any position, not just the
quarterback position, then we feel good making it, Munchak
said at the start of camp. You have to feel good about making
the decision, and then you go with it. ... The bottom line is win-
ning football games, and we feel the guy thats going to move
the team the best, put more points on the board, and on and on
is what youre looking at.
Whoever wins the job has the potential to have plenty of
weapons at his disposal. The Titans believe Johnson will bounce
back from a sub-par season that followed a holdout last year and
eventually a $53 million extension. He rushed for just 1,047 yards,
slightly over half the 2,006 yards he put up three seasons ago.
Johnsons problems were partially on him and partially on
those blocking for him. As a result, he will have a new fullback
either Quinn Johnson or Collin Mooney and there have been
changes on the offensive line as well.
Tackles Michael Roos and David Stewart are set, but the Ti-
tans brought in veteran Steve Hutchinson to play left guard. And
there will be a new center with Eugene Amano lost to a triceps
injury. Either Kevin Matthews and Fernando Velasco will start,
while Leroy Harris, who played left guard last year, moves to
the right side.
The one thing the line did well last sea-
son was pass protect, allowing just 24 sacks.
That was important, because offensive coor-
dinator Chris Palmer has been busy chang-
ing the teams approach to more of a
pass-first mentality.
At some point, the Titans will get Britt
back on the field and will hope he can be the
dynamic player he was becoming before he
tore his knee up last September vs. Denver.
Britt could also be facing a suspension from
Commissioner Roger for a DUI arrest in July,
his latest in a string of run-ins with police.
Even without Britt, the Titans have
weapons to work with. Nate Washington had
the first 1,000-yard receiving season of his
seven-year career in 2011, and tight end
Jared Cook is becoming a vital piece of the
offense as well with 49 catches a year ago.
First-round pick Kendall Wright will get
plenty of opportunities as a receiver as well.
On defense, the Titans know they have to
get better at rushing the passer. Tennessee
had only 28 sacks in 2011, and the Titans
signed free agent Kamerion Wimbley to help
bolster the pass rush. The Titans also hope
that former first-round pick Derrick Morgan
will finally realize his potential after blow-
ing out his knee as a rookie two years ago.
But for now, he is playing behind former
practice squad player Pannel Egboh in camp.
At tackle, the Titans appear deep, as the
team is very high on second-year pros Jurrell
Casey and Karl Klug. SenDerrick Marks holds
one starting spot and the Titans are high on rookie third-round pick
Mike Martin.
The linebacker corps has been retooled over the past couple
of years, and the Titans wouldnt mind if two second-year play-
ers, Colin McCarthy and Akeem Ayers, and a rookie, second-
round pick Zach Brown, wound up as starters. McCarthy and
Ayers are already there, but Brown must beat out veteran Will
Witherspoon to earn his playing time.
In the secondary, the Titans lost cornerback Cortland
Finnegan and safety Chris Hope, but feel comfortable with what
is still left to fill in the gaps. Jason McCourty and Alterraun
Verner will start at the corners, and second-year man Tommie
Campbell will come in in the nickel package, while Verner
slides in to cover the slot. The Titans like the potential of Chris
Hawkins and rookie Coty Sensabaugh as well.
At safety, Michael Griffin is now the leader of the second-
ary, by virtue of beginning his sixth year with the team and
being armed with a five-year, $36 million extension. Jordan
Babineaux starts at the other spot. The Titans have to hope those
two stay healthy, because depth behind them is rather thin.
On special teams, kicker Rob Bironas continues to be one of
the NFLs best. He was 29 of 32 last year, including making 6
of 7 from beyond 50 yards. Punter Brett Kern was solid, and the
Titans like what Marc Mariani has done in the return game.
However, Munchak might give Wright some opportunities on
punt returns as well. Tennessee is breaking in a new long snap-
per as rookie Beau Brinkley replaces long-time snapper Ken
Amato.
By Terry McCormick Titaninsider.com
Tennessee Titans
S C H E D U L E
Sept. 9 New England noon
Sept. 16 at San Diego 3:25
Sept. 23 Detroit noon
Sept. 30 at Houston noon
Oct. 7 at Minnesota 3:25
Oct. 11 Pittsburgh 7:20
Oct. 21 at Buffalo noon
Oct. 28 Indianapolis noon
Nov. 4 Chicago noon
Nov. 11 at Miami noon
Nov. 25 at Jacksonville noon
Dec. 2 Houston noon
Dec. 9 at Indianapolis noon
Dec. 17 New York Jets 7:30
Dec. 23 at Green Bay noon
Dec. 30 Jacksonville noon
Times subject to change All kickoff times Central
Who will play Quarterback?
Matt Hasselback (8). WADE PAYNE ASSOCIATED PRESS Jake Locker (10). WADE PAYNE ASSOCIATED PRESS
G r i d i r o n G u i d e 2 0 1 2 23
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