BY JESSE SMITHEY The 5Star Preps team conducted nearly 40 interviews Friday, July 15, at the Knoxville Football Officials Association's Media Day at Three Ridges Golf Course. Here are some of the top things we learned... … [Read more...]
5STAR PHOTOS: Greeneville, Oak Ridge, Alcoa, Halls 7v7 – Thursday, July 14, 2022
By DANNY PARKER The Oak Ridge Wildcats football team played host to Alcoa, Greeneville and Halls in some 7-on-7 play Thursday, July 14, 2022, and 5Star Preps was on hand at Blankenship Field for it all. All photos were shot by Danny … [Read more...]
Which teams have the most difficult schedules in 2022?
By JESSE SMITHEY Some absolutely brutal schedules await some of the area's top teams again this fall. Which ones have the toughest? Have a look at these 15 schools' slate of games. … [Read more...]
7v7 REPORT: Webb Spartans at Alcoa Tornadoes – June 15, 2022
BY JESSE SMITHEY ALCOA — Zach Lunsford, the Alcoa High School starting quarterback heading into this fall, thought he was ready to grip the reins of the Tornadoes offense when thrust under center as an unproven sophomore in the early weeks of the … [Read more...]
CHANGES ABOUND: Keeping tabs on new high school football coaches in the area
BY JESSE SMITHEY Things got bonkers a bit this offseason in regards to changes with local high school football coaching staffs. Rough 30 percent of the schools in the 5Star Preps coverage area made new hires — 20 programs, to be exact. And … [Read more...]
UPDATES, OBSERVATIONS, NOTES from the Alcoa at Powell Football Scrimmage
BY JESSE SMITHEY The Powell football team took on all comers in 2021 en route to a Class 5A championship, even facing off against the likes of Maryville and Knoxville Catholic during the regular season. That mentality looks to have carried over … [Read more...]
5STAR PHOTOS: Alcoa at Powell football, Heritage at Powell softball, Bearden at Powell baseball
5STAR PHOTOS Monday, May 16, was a busy day at Powell High School. It hosted the Alcoa at Powell football scrimmage. It hosted the Bearden at Powell baseball playoff game. It hosted the Heritage at Powell softball playoff game. We have … [Read more...]
Though now head coach, Brian Nix still worked his normal role in spring practice at Alcoa
BY MIKE BLACKERBY Brian Nix has heard the question a hundred times or more since he was promoted from defensive coordinator to head football coach at Alcoa. “What’s going to be different?” … [Read more...]
NEW QB1s, part X: 2022 Alcoa Tornadoes
BY DAVE LINK Zach Lunsford is the frontrunner to be Alcoa’s starting quarterback for his senior season in 2022, but he will have to fend off three rising sophomores to get the job. … [Read more...]
What’s next for Alcoa High School senior QB Caden Buckles?
BY JESSE SMITHEY Caden Buckles finished his high school football career with two Class 3A state titles, two BlueCross Bowl MVPs and a Mr. Football award. In the months that followed, interest naturally grew in regards to what would come next … [Read more...]