BY MIKE BLACKERBY GATLINBURG – The high school volleyball season began in earnest Saturday with the 3rd Annual Attack at the Rock play day marathon at Rocky Top Sports World. Dozens of area teams participated in the 10-hour, volleyball-immersive … [Read more...]
SCRIMMAGE REPORT: Maryville at Oak Ridge (Aug. 9, 2019)
OAK RIDGE -- Running back Tee Hodge set the tone on the first play for Friday’s Maryville at Oak Ridge scrimmage and the Rebels never looked back. The 230-pound Hodge, a Tennessee commit, rambled for 40 yards on his first touch as 6A Maryville … [Read more...]
SCRIMMAGE REPORT: Jefferson County Patriots vs. Fulton (Aug. 8, 2019)
BY MIKE BLACKERBY DANDRIDGE -Standout running back Kris Hawkins carried the load for Jefferson County last season. There’s no doubt that returning starting quarterback Tanner Atkins is charged with that task for the Patriots in 2019. … [Read more...]
SCRIMMAGE REPORT: Fulton vs. Greeneville (Aug. 2, 2019)
By Mike Blackerby JEFFERSON CITY – Greeneville has a new coach and graduated its two-time Mr. Football quarterback and star receiver – among others. Despite the major departures for the twice-defending Class 4A state champions, it looked like the … [Read more...]
Morristown East football revival underway under Caleb Slover
Most football coaches will likely tell you that success starts with the guys up front. That’s one of the reasons first-year Morristown East coach Caleb Slover is upbeat as he tries to revive the Hurricanes’ fortunes. Slover led Cocke County to its … [Read more...]
Central alum Jackson Greer overcoming doubters to realize MLB dreams
By Mike Blackerby Former Central High School baseball standout Jackson Greer refuses to let the naysayers win. One way or another, the rising East Tennessee State senior is determined to realize his dreams of playing in the Major … [Read more...]
PRESEASON REPORT: Oneida football faces early obstacle; Midway’s new leadership
There are hurdles to clear, but optimism runs high in the Oneida High School preseason football camp – as usual. Coach Tony Lambert’s Indians are coming off an 8-4 season that ended with a tough 23-21 loss to South Greene in the second round of the … [Read more...]
7v7 REPORT: the 2019 West Rebels
By Mike Blackerby This could be the season that West’s offense finally catches up with its always-nasty defense. If so, look out for coach Lamar Brown’s Rebels in 2019. “I expect us to take a big step (offensively),” said Brown, in his third … [Read more...]
7v7 REPORT — Central at Oak Ridge football
By Mike Blackerby OAK RIDGE – Two of the state’s top Class 5A programs butted heads Thursday in 7-on-7 play on Blankenship Field. Defending 5A state champion Central and Oak Ridge squared off in a passing-only scrimmage as area teams get ready to … [Read more...]
South-Doyle’s loss to Catholic in 7v7 title game is preseason motivator
By Mike Blackerby It was only a preseason passing competition, but South-Doyle coach Clark Duncan wanted to get his point across to his team. He even put an exclamation point on it. After six consecutive wins in the two-day Knoxville Classic … [Read more...]