MTCS

Public-private split debated at TSSAA meeting
Kreager: Public-private split will open Pandora’s box

MURFREESBORO – MTCS president Phil Ellenburg doesn’t know what the TSSAA’s Legislative Council will decide when a vote on a potential public-private split is made next month.

However, Ellenburg is concerned.

The Legislative Council met Thursday to discuss five options. Those options included a public-private split, keeping things the same, a split during postseason play, a successive advancement component and dividing schools by urban and rural — a proposal first discussed 10 years ago.

“We don’t have any idea what is going to happen,” said Ellenburg earlier this week. “We heard rumors during the summer. But we have no idea. We’re just watching and waiting. We’ve had a lot of internal discussion. We’re trying to stay abreast in all of the information so we can make a decision on what makes the most sense for MTCS athletics.”

The Legislative Council is a nine-person panel with no representation from private schools.

“Certainly, that’s a concern to us,” Ellenburg said. “We are not represented in the organization.”

MTCS competed in Division II, which offers need-based financial aid, until after the 2004-05 school year. Since then, the school has remained in Division I and has developed natural rivalries with the likes of Eagleville, Forrest, Moore County and others within their district.

He doesn’t want those rivalries to end with a split.

“We like Division I,” Ellenburg said. “Our natural rivalries are with our districts and regions, and our former district in football. We’ll build new rivalries in our new football district.

“Our kids knew those kids. They live in their communities. That’s what high school athletics are about. It’s what makes football so exciting. We have good, fun rivalries. We hope it stays the same because for us, selfishly, it works. We want to continue to be in that fantastic atmosphere.”

Ellenburg said his school had has different meetings about what could happen. However, he’s kept that somewhat minimal.

“We haven’t really spent a lot of time on the ‘what ifs,'” he said. “We’re looking at what makes sense for us.

“(A split) would be a big concern. We would have to look at it and see if we can live out our mission as a Christian school.”

Contact Tom Kreager at 615-278-5168 or tkreager@dnj.com. Follow him on Twitter @Kreager.

Madison Louk (10) has committed to Miami (Fla.).

Lacie Rinus

Siegel’s Liz Bossong has committed to Tennessee Tech.

Tanner Owens

Smyrna’s Ikenna Okeke, 2, has more than 15 college offers.

Oakland’s Ty Nix is a two-year starter and has a college offer from MTSU.

MURFREESBORO – The past year was one of the best in recent years in regard to Rutherford County athletes getting an opportunity to play at the collegiate level.

And the 2015-16 season is already shaping up to be another good year for Rutherford County’s rising seniors.

Here are a dozen local athletes to watch next season who have either committed, have college offers or have received college interest. Keep in mind, though, that these are all from the Class of 2016.

Blackman’s Crystal Dangerfield has committed to Connecticut.

1. Crystal Dangerfield

The Blackman girls basketball standout is a two-time Tennessee Gatorade Girls Basketball Player of the Year and a two-time DNJ Female Athlete of the Year.

Oh, and she is one of the top girls basketball prospects in the country for next year.

The Lady Blaze point guard has already committed to women’s basketball powerhouse Connecticut.

Ikenna Okeke

2. Ikenna Okeke

The Smyrna standout defensive back began picking up offers during his junior year.

And they haven’t stopped. Okeke has more than 15 college football offers, ranging from Missouri, Tennessee and Vanderbilt of the SEC, Penn State and Northwestern of the Big Ten to Notre Dame, Stanford, Georgia Tech, Pittsburgh and MTSU.

He is the top football college prospect in Rutherford County for the Class of 2016.

Blackman’s Tanner Owens has committed to Virginia Tech.

3. Tanner Owens

Owens, the top-ranked junior golfer in the state for next year’s signing class, is a three-time state tournament qualifier with two top-10 finishes.

The Blackman golfer, already knows his college destination. He’s committed to Virginia Tech.

Oakland’s Shelby Gibson has committed to Ole Miss

4. Shelby Gibson

Gibson, a three-year starter for Oakland’s girls basketball team, has dominated the paint the past couple of years for Oakland. She was a key reason the Lady Patriots reached the Class AAA state finals a season ago.

Gibson already has chosen her college. She’s committed to Ole Miss, which is coached by Matt Insell.

Madison Louk

5. Madison Louk

Louk, a standout girls soccer player at Siegel, committed to Miami (Florida) seemingly forever ago. She was the District 7-AAA Midfielder of the Year in 2014. She’s a dominant defender as well.

Maddison Falter

6. Maddison Falter

Falter, who was the second-leading goal scorer in District 7-AAA a year ago, should again be one of the top scorers in 2015.

Falter, a Riverdale forward, has already committed to Ole Miss.

Ty Nix

7. Ty Nix

The Oakland defensive tackle will be an anchor for the Patriots defense in 2015. He is a two-starter entering his senior season.

Nix, who is the son of MTSU football defensive coordinator Tyrone Nix, has an offer from the Blue Raiders.

Oakland’s Lacie Rinus has committed to MTSU.

8. Lacie Rinus

Rinus has been Oakland’s ace for the past two years. The MTSU commitment started slowly in 2015, but improved in the pitcher’s circle as the season went on.

Siegel’s Veronica Westfall is receiving college interest from several schools.

9. Veronica Westfall

Westfall, a Siegel softball standout became the Lady Stars’ ace in the pitcher’s circle in 2015. She was the District 7-AAA and The Daily News Journal’s Pitcher of the Year. With her hitting and fielding ability, she will likely be recruited more as a position player.

Blackman’s Jazz Bond has received multiple college basketball offers.

10. Jazz Bond

The Lady Blaze post player’s role should expand in 2015 with the departure of MTSU freshman Alex Johnson. She has developed an outside shooting to go with her 6-foot-3 frame.

She’s received multiple college offers, but is still undecided.

Liz Bossong

11. Liz Bossong

The Siegel volleyball player changed her commitment from Mississippi State to Tennessee Tech during the past school year. At 5-9, Bosson is an athletic defensive specialist.

Central Magnet’s Zavior Phillips scored 39 goals in 2015.

12. Zavior Phillips

Phillips, a Central Magnet soccer forward, led the county with 39 goals scored in 2015. The Tigers’ dynamic scorer will get college opportunities. However, he may choose his education over athletics in college.

Contact Tom Kreager at 615-278-5168 or tkreager@dnj.com. Follow him on Twitter @Kreager.

MTSU radio announcer Dick Palmer is retiring from the Murfreesboro Little League after more than 50 years of service as a coach.

MURFREESBORO – Just this Friday, it happened again at a neighborhood yard sale and then later during a stop at the grocery store on the way home.

Hardly a day goes by that somebody doesn’t come up to Dick Palmer to reminisce about either playing for or against — or coaching with or against — his Dodgers teams in the Murfreesboro Little League and its premiere sponsor for five-plus decades, the Murfreesboro Optimist Club.

Most of that has seen Palmer coaching the Dodgers since 1977, except for a few years when the league moved it to current home at StarPlex and Palmer had to focus his multiple roles to that of being league president.

Add to these 38 years, another previous seven coaching Little League while residing in Jackson and seven more in Murfreesboro that started while he was still attending old Central High School, and you get a total of 52 years involved in coaching and/or administrating Little League Baseball.

There won’t be a 53rd year, though. After coaching the Optimist League’s 14-year-olds all-star team starting next week, Palmer is hanging up his coaching cleats. But that won’t keep him from hanging out and supporting the league and its players for many years to come.

“It’s just working with the kids,” said Palmer, who has worked as MTSU’s voice of the Blue Raiders since 1982, first for football and men’s basketball and now women’s basketball and baseball.

“It makes me feel a little bit younger when I am out there coaching the kids,” he added. “It doesn’t seem to be working to making me any younger, but it sure does make me feel younger.”

On Saturday before the scheduled championship game of the league tournament, Palmer will be honored for decades of service to the league. Hundreds of former players and coaches for and against the Dodgers have been contacted and are invited to join Palmer on the field at the presentation.

One of those will be Murfreesboro city councilman Bill Shacklett, not necessarily as a dignitary, but rather an opposing coach who has led the Giants against Palmer’s Dodgers for decades. Their paths first crossed in the early 1960s when Palmer coached an Optimist all-star team that included Shacklett as a player.

“A lot of people know Dick from his work at MTSU,” Shacklett said, “but so many people in our community also know him for his work with young people. A lot of people have been inspired by that. He has a great love for his community.”

Just like Palmer admitted, Shacklett saw his years of tireless effort and commitment to the Optimist Little League and the youths who participated.

“Dick has a great appreciation for young people and the role sports plays in developing their character,” Shacklett said.

Another former longtime coaching opponent and close friend is Andy Womack, the civic leader and former state senator. Sure, it was about molding youths in their most formative years, but there was the competition, too.

“What I remember most about Dick is just how competitive he was on the field and off the field,” Womack said. “He really took it seriously, and when I coached against him, I did, too. It was always fun because you knew how well his team would be prepared.

“He always seemed to have a good team. When you beat Dick’s team, you knew you had beaten a good team and a good coach.”

Not a real retirement

While Palmer is stepping aside from daily involvement with the Optimist League, he still plans to announce MTSU women’s basketball and baseball games. Before becoming the voice of the Blue Raiders, Palmer announced professional baseball, basketball and football in Memphis.

“I am not going to coach anymore,” he said, “but I want to continue my broadcasting as long as they will have me, and as long as my voice holds out.”

One of the organizers of today’s events honoring Palmer has been league commissioner and board member Adam Sauer, who has coached the Dodgers with Palmer the past two years after coaching against him the past decade. They will coach the league’s junior all-star team starting Monday.

“We want to recognize Dick and honor him for his commitment to the league and the youths for all these years,” Sauer said. “A lot of players and coaches will be honored to walk out on the field to honor him. I know I will be.

“It is going to bittersweet for Dick. I expect it to be pretty emotional for a lot of people.”

While Palmer still has some coaching to do this season, he does wonder what it will be like next year when a new season rolls around and he’s not out there preparing his team for action.

“Oh, man, I will miss all of it,” Palmer said. “I will miss being in the dugout and being a part of the game. I will miss the competition. I will miss being with the kids. Being with them when they win and when they lose, the game of baseball teaches them so many lessons.”

Greg Pogue is former executive sports editor at The DNJ. E-mail him at grpogue@gmail.com and follow him on Twitter @ThePoguester.

Pogue: Palmers draw closer thanks to Lady Raiders

Jessica Garcia

MURFREESBORO – Jessica Garcia received the text from Smyrna High volleyball coach Abbey Thomas.

An opportunity to have a “dream job” had opened up.

Garcia was named the new Oakland High volleyball coach this past week, replacing former coach Ken Nolan Jr., who had left to teach and coach at Oakland Middle across the street.

“This is what I want to do,” said Garcia, who will be a wellness teacher at Oakland High. “I was working at Healthways as a health coach, and now this amazing opportunity has opened up at Oakland, which is a great school and has great people at it.”

Garcia is a Goodpasture graduate, who has been coaching at Alliance Volleyball Club, is a former Riverdale volunteer assistant for former volleyball coach Jerry Snider.

Oakland finished third in the District 7-AAA regular season in 2014. Garcia said she has not had tryouts yet, but will have them in July after the TSSAA two-week dead period.

Oakland Principal Bill Spurlock said Nolan left the program in good shape for the upcoming season before his departure.

“He set everything up for us — everything from tryouts to a schedule,” Spurlock said. “He left us in good shape.”

Spurlock, who has had to replace four head coaches this year, said finding Nolan’s replacement wasn’t an easy task. Oakland will also have new head coaches in boys basketball (Troy Bond), football (Kevin Creasy) and softball (Luke Sheppard).

“It was a challenge,” he said. “We wanted someone with a background that had played and coached it. She is someone that fits in with our expectations of Oakland High School.”

Garcia said she has recently been coaching 14- and 15-year-olds at the club level, which is a level that requires her to do a significant amount of teaching the sport.

“That age is a prime stage of wanting to learn,” Garcia said. “They want to pick your brain. I hope it’s that way going into this program. They’ll see what I have to offer and want to pick my brain if they have questions.

“If they don’t get something, we can slow it down a little bit. Coaching younger kids has taught me how to coach to a different learning style.”

Contact Tom Kreager at 615-278-5168 or tkreager@dnj.com. Follow him on Twitter @Kreager.

New faces on Patriot Drive

Oakland will have four new head coaches for the 2015-16 school year.

Luke Sheppard leaves Smyrna for Oakland
Oakland names Wilson Central’s Troy Bond next hoops coach
Oakland’s McDaniel resigns for Christian Brothers job

Siegel’s Eleiyah Wade, sliding, is signing with Volunteer State.

Former Hillwood football coach Taylor Burks has joined Oakland’s coaching staff.

MURFREESBORO – Oakland football coach Kevin Creasy has four new faces on the defensive side of his coaching staff for the 2015 season.

The latest hire, former Independence coach Mike Matthews, is former Siegel assistant and current Knoxville Catholic head coach Steve Matthews’ brother.

Mike Matthews has recently been at Independence and will coach defensive backs at Oakland. His son Brendan Matthews (6-foot-2, 220) will be a junior at Oakland; he was a backup quarterback at Independence this past year and will likely compete for the same position in the fall with Cody Miller and Wanya Moton.

“He gives us another option,” Creasy said. “We went from one quarterback when I got here to three. All the kids love Cody. That says something about the locker room. (Cody) is a great competitor, and we expect him to compete with the others. It should be a great competition.”

Q&A: New Oakland coach works for perfection

Mike Matthews will be helped in the secondary by defensive coordinator Stephen Jackson, who has been with Creasy the past five years at Trousdale County. Jackson was a co-defensive coordinator for Creasy in Hartsville the past two years.

Former Hillwood head coach Taylor Burks has joined the Patriots staff and will coach linebackers. Creasy said Burks won a national championship at Georgia Military as a defensive coordinator.

Former Oakland volunteer coach Jeremey Anderson has returned to the staff and will be a volunteer defensive line coach.

On offense, Scott Thomas will be the quarterbacks coach. He is a former Riverdale standout.

Tyler Eady, who was a freshman offensive line coach last year, has been moved up to the varsity to coach the line with assistant Matt Snow.

Softball signings: Recent Siegel High graduates MacKenzie McMahan and Eleiyah Wade will sign later this week with Volunteer State Community College.

McMahan and Wade helped lead Siegel’s softball team to a fourth-place finish in the Class AAA state tournament this past month.

Hannah McCravy, a recent Oakland graduate, has also signed with Vol State.

Eagleville pitching duo leads team into postseason

Baseball commitment: Recent Eagleville graduate Matt Westberry has committed to Motlow State Communicy College. Westberry finished 6-4 with a 1.10 ERA this past season with 80 strikeouts.

Popovich selected: Oakland rising sophomore Tanner Popovich has been named a Brine National High School All-America and will represent the Georgia region at the 2015 Brine National Lacrosse Classic from June 29-July 2 at the River City Sportsplex in Virginia.

The classic brings the top players in the country to one venue, where they play on regional teams in front of NCAA lacrosse coaches.

Contact Tom Kreager at 615-278-5168 or tkreager@dnj.com. Follow him on Twitter @Kreager.

Oakland and Blackman will compete in the Middle Tennessee Football Classic on Aug. 22 at MTSU’s Floyd Stadium.

MURFREESBORO – A high school football classic scheduled to be played at MTSU on the opening weekend of the season has set times and has made significant progress in securing sponsors for what organizers hope is an annual event.

The Middle Tennessee Football Classic presented by Venture Express is scheduled for Aug. 22 at Floyd Stadium in an event featuring Blackman and Oakland against two of the premier Alabama football programs.

Blackman will play defending Class 6A state champion Clay-Chalkville at 4 p.m. Oakland plays defending Class 7A state champion Hoover afterward at 7 p.m.

Tickets cost $15. The two games will not be televised.

“From what I understand, Clay-Chalkville may have as much talent, or more, than Hoover does this year,” said Oakland parent John Jones, who is helping spearhead the event. “Both coaches and both athletic directors from the Alabama schools have been very cooperative. And MTSU has been excellent to work with.

“They’ve been great from the athletic office to their facility people. They’ve been extremely accommodating. I think the university sees the benefits of being able to showcase their university.”

Oakland football brings in four new defensive coaches

The event has picked up a premier sponsorship from Franklin American Mortgage Co. First National Bank of McMinnville and the Governor’s Highway Safety Office are also sponsors. Jones said opportunities for sponsorship remain.

“It’s awesome to see so much momentum for such a short time we’ve had to organize this event,” Jones said. “I’m very pleased with how it’s coming together with the community sponsorship and local businesses buying in to how big an event this can be for not only Murfreesboro, but also Middle Tennessee.”

Blackman is coming off an 11-2 season, which includes a 35-20 loss to Hoover on Oct. 31. Oakland finished 12-2 in 2014. Both programs will be christening new head coaches in the classic. David Watson replaced Philip Shadowens, who is now the coach at William Blount. Kevin Creasy replaced Thomas McDaniel, who is now the coach at Christian Brothers.

Hoover finished 12-2 this past season under coach Josh Niblett. Clay-Chalkville was 15-0 in 2014 under coach Jerry Hood.

Blackman, Oakland football to be part of 2015 football classic at Floyd Stadium

Watson, who had been an assistant at Blackman the past five season, said there should be a significant amount of regional interest in the two games, especially with Hoover’s notoriety.

“The educated fan knows about Hoover because of the TV show they were on (MTV) and with them playing on ESPN,” Watson said. “Hoover has a name, and Clay-Chalkville jumped onto the scene last year.

“With it not being on television, those two teams should attract some people. It’s a neat deal.”

Contact Tom Kreager at 615-278-5168 or tkreager@dnj.com. Follow him on Twitter @Kreager.

Middle Tennessee Football Classic presented by Venture Express

When: Aug. 22

Where: MTSU’s Floyd Stadium

Who: Blackman High vs. Clay-Chalkville, 4 p.m.; Oakland vs. Hoover, 7 p.m.

How much: $15

The Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association is set to vote next month on a potential public-private split that would change the landscape of high school athletics in Tennessee. High school sports reporters Michael Murphy and Tom Kreager sat down to answer some of the major questions surrounding the upcoming decision:

What is this all about?

The long-running public-private debate has plagued the TSSAA, along with high school athletic associations across the country, for decades.

In 1996, a TSSAA legislative council voted to form Division II — composed of private schools that provided need-based financial aid for athletes. The state’s public schools, along with a handful of private schools that did not provide need-based aid, remained in Division I.

Not long after the initial partial split, the issue surfaced again.

In 2002, then-Collinwood principal Herb Luker proposed a complete split. It was ultimately defeated by a 5-4 vote, but the TSSAA implemented an enrollment multiplier two years later, forcing Division I private schools to compete against larger schools.

What is a multiplier?

A multiplier is a classification component that was first put in place in 2004 to establish a more level playing field in Division I.

The TSSAA uses a 1.8 multiplier, meaning the high school enrollment figures of Division I private schools are multiplied by 1.8 for classification purposes.

For instance, a school such as Christ Presbyterian Academy has a current high school enrollment of 419 students. Once the 1.8 multiplier is applied, that number swells to 754.2, resulting in the Lions’ Class AA classification (3A in football). If not for the multiplier, CPA, which does not offer need-based financial aid to athletes, would compete in Class A against schools closer in size.

Why is this an issue now?

In March 2014, Lewis County and Trousdale County made a proposal similar to Luker’s, which would force all private schools to join Division II, regardless of financial aid status.

The TSSAA legislative council voted 7-2 to table the proposal in order to form a committee to study the issue further. The committee, composed of two council members, two board members and 11 public and private school officials, recently provided the council with four options, including a complete split, a postseason split, implementing a success-advancement component or simply leaving things the way they are.

A fifth proposal — separating schools based on whether they are classified as “urban” or “rural” — was brought up at a June 11 public-private study session.

Who will make the decision?

The TSSAA’s Legislative Council, composed of school officials from the state’s nine athletic districts will decide. Council members are Science Hill athletics director Keith Turner, Knoxville Central principal Michael Reynolds, Soddy-Daisy principal Danny Gilbert, Watertown principal Jeff Luttrell, Maplewood principal Ron Woodard, Lewis County athletics director Mike Tatum, Huntingdon athletics director Mike Henson, Bradford Special Schools director Dan Black and Memphis Central principal Greg McCullough. There are no independent school representatives currently on the Board of Control or Legislative Council.

When will the decision be made?

The Legislative Council is scheduled to vote at 1 p.m. July 16 at the Doubletree Hotel in Murfreesboro. However, it is possible the council once again will vote to table the issue for a later date.

If a complete split passes, what will it mean?

The 24 private schools currently competing in Division I, including Christ Presbyterian Academy, Columbia Academy, Goodpasture, Grace Christian (Franklin), Lipscomb Academy, Middle Tennessee Christian and Nashville Christian, would be forced to join Division II.

When would it take effect?

The changes from any proposal that passes would be begin with the 2017-18 school year.

How is need-based financial aid determined for Division II schools?

An athlete’s parents or guardians must submit all of their income information to one of the financial services that the TSSAA allows. That agency determines how much the family can afford to pay a Division II school. That information then goes back to the independent school heads.

For example, if it is determined that a family is able to afford to pay $8,000 toward their children’s independent school education and the tuition is $14,000, then that athlete’s need-based aid is $6,000. A Division II school can award only up to that. The TSSAA has found that through the years very few schools have awarded the entire amount for which an athlete qualifies.

What is work study, and why is it not considered a financial aid?

The term the TSSAA prefers is student employment. Both independent and public schools employ students. The TSSAA does not allow students to do student employment to work off tuition. The wage must be a normal pay a school would typically pay for that work, and income taxes must be removed. The student receives a check for the work and can do whatever he or she wants with that. They can use it to pay their tuition if they choose.

For an athlete who transfers, what must happen for them to not have to sit out a year?

You have to have a bona fide change of address by the entire family unit. Basically, the rule states the new residence has to be outside of the previous school territory and inside the territory of their new school. If the student does not have an athletic record, he or she is free to transfer to any school without penalty.

What is an athletic record?

According to the 2014-15 TSSAA Handbook, “A student has an ‘athletic record’ if the student has played in an interscholastic contest at the varsity, junior varsity, ninth grade, or any other level, on behalf a TSSAA member school or a school that is a member of a state athletic association holding membership in the National Federation.”

What do you have to do to prove recruiting has occurred?

The TSSAA must receive factual information about a violation to investigate a school, and that information must not be anonymous. The TSSAA refuses to accuse a school of recruiting athletes based on hearsay. There must be some facts presented. The TSSAA will not divulge their sources to the schools, but the high school association wants to have a name signed to the complaint.

Reach Michael Murphy at 615-259-8018 and on Twitter @Murph_TNsports. Reach Tom Kreager at 615-278-5168 and on Twitter @Kreager.

Former Riverdale boys basketball coach Kevin Woodson talks with his son Brad Woodson in a huddle during a break in the game against Oakland at Riverdale, on Monday Feb. 9, 2015.

Former Riverdale basketball coach Kevin Woodson coached son Brad Woodson (5) the past four years.

Family grows around dad’s greenhouse
Jail ministry brings families together for Father’s Day

Blackman High football Coach David Watson, center, with his son Avery Watson, left, a freshman and daughter Anna Grace Watson, right, junior, on Wednesday, June 17, 2015.

MURFREESBORO – Blackman football coach David Watson sat at his desk in his office late last week.

Son Avery, donning a Blackman football T-shirt sat in front of him making small talk. Daughter Anna Grace relaxed on a couch, skimming through a clothing catalog.

The Blaze football team’s workout was over. The team was gone for the day.

Football is big in this family’s life these days. David Watson is about to begin his first season at the Blaze’s head coach. Anna Grace is entering her third year as a team manager. And Avery is an upcoming freshman football player.

Wife Joy Watson is visible in the stands on a Friday night with daughters Kelsey, Jessica and Emma.

It’s a time in his life David Watson wouldn’t trade for anything — a chance to spend more time with his family, coaching them and allowing them to see him mold other young men.

“It’s not so much about being his coach,” Watson said of Avery. “I get to be his parent and see him up close and also see Anna Grace up close during football. “It really means that much to me.”

Coaches are expected to spend hours away from their families during the season, often being with the children they coach more than their own children. But there are often exceptions when coaches get the opportunity to coach their sons and daughters — at least for a few short years.

And for those coaches, that opportunity is not taken likely.

Middle Tennessee Christian School’s tennis coach Lawrence Goodwyn, right with his son Thomas Goodwyn., left after Thomas Goodwyn played in the finals of the A-AA Boys State Doubles tournament against Knoxville Catholic on Friday May 22, 2015, during the Spring Fling TSSAA State Tournament. Goodwyn’s parter is Will Reeves. MTCS lost the finals match to Knoxville Catholic.

“It’s just a huge blessing to be able to do it,” MTCS coach Lawrence Goodwyn said. “As a coach and a teacher, there is not a lot of extra time. To be able to be with my kids every day in the sports they play is quite frankly a blessing. I’m just pretty blessed.”

Goodwyn coaches his son, Thomas Goodwyn, in tennis. His daughter, Katy Goodwyn, is a soccer player for him at the Murfreesboro private school.

“You know, it’s fun to go through this with them,” Lawrence Goodwyn said. “It’s nice to see them work on something like a sport and see them achieve a level of success.”

Making sacrifices

MTSU football coach Rick Stockstill puts his hand on son Brent Stockstill’s head during the 2006 college football season. Brent Stockstill grew up around the MTSU program. He is now a redshirt freshman quarterback for the Blue Raiders.

MTSU football coach Rick Stockstill admittedly regrets having missed a big portion of his two children’s extracurricular activities as they grew up.

As a college coach, between the season and going out recruiting there left little time to go attend events.

“You miss so much in this profession,” Stockstill said. “As a father, I’ve always said the best gift you can give your children is your time. At times I haven’t because of this profession.”

Still, he’d often find time to pop in to a volleyball match to watch daughter Emily. And if he did miss son Brent’s high school football games he kept close tabs with messages from wife Sara Stockstill.

The past two seasons Rick Stockstill has had Brent Stockstill at MTSU. He will be a redshirt freshman quarterback competing with Austin Grammer in the fall for the starting position.

“This is something right now I truly cherish,” the MTSU coach said. “I just like the opportunity to see him and just ask, ‘How’s your day going?’

“It’s little things like that I missed when he was a kid growing up.”

Time goes quickly

Oakland coach Mack Hawks coached his two children Ryan and Will Hawks at the school. Will Hawks (right) graduated from Oakland this past year.

Oakland baseball coach Mack Hawks spent the past eight years coaching his sons. First, Ryan came through the Patriots program. And Will followed the year after Ryan graduated and went to Birmingham-Southern.

And now Will too is gone — a 2015 graduate with plans to go to Cumberland University and play baseball.

“It will be different,” the Oakland baseball coach said. “When you are used to seeing them every day at school and then during workouts, and now they are gone. That will definitely be different.”

Former Riverdale basketball coach Kevin Woodson knows the feeling. He coached son Brad four years at Riverdale. He’s had the chance the past month to spend extra time doing workouts together as the younger Woodson prepares to be a walk-on at Tennessee for coach Rick Barnes.

“I will just miss that every day interaction you have when you are coaching your son,” the former coach said. “We’d spend a couple of hours together every day in practice. Then, we’d often come in for extra shooting on the weekend. Those are the things you miss — spending that extra time together.”

But it goes deeper than that.

Coaches have the opportunity to mold young men and women into adults through practices, games and just being a role model to athletes they coach.

“My coaches were father figures to me where I didn’t have a strong father figure,” David Watson said. “My former coach (David) Alsup was a math teacher. I’m a math teacher. He was a football coach. Now, I’m a football coach.

“The lessons he taught me at 15 were the same things I’m trying to teach right now. I’ve passed those on to my kids.”

Contact Tom Kreager at 615-278-5168 or tkreager@dnj.com. Follow him on Twitter @Kreager.

Family ties run deep for Woodsons at Riverdale
Oakland coach cherishes time coaching sons

Nathan Jernigan

LEBANON – Nathan Jernigan has a goal of being an NAIA All-American after the upcoming season.

His quest received a kick start earlier this week.

Jernigan, a former Eagleville standout, along with teammate Justus Dauscha were named to the USA College Football NAIA Division preseason All-American first team.

Dauscha is a former Blackman High standout.

“This means a lot to me,” said Jernigan, who didn’t know about the preseason honor until told by a DNJ reporter. “I’m sorry. I’m just really surprised. I had no idea about this.

“It’s hard for to say what it means to me. It’s really a special recognition. It just represents all of the hard work I’ve put in. It’s really special to me. I want to make the All-American list after the season. This is a little step toward it.”

Cayman Russell of Hendersonville was named to the second team.

Jernigan, a 6-0, 191-pound junior linebacker, led Cumberland in tackles for the second consecutive season. He had 99 tackles with eight for loss.

Jernigan also had 3.5 sacks and three pass break-ups. He tallied double-digit tackle totals in five games, including 15 in the season opener and 16 in the season finale.

Eagleville football coach Steve Carson said Jernigan’s recognition was well-deserved. Jernigan was redshirted his freshman year in part because of an injury, Carson said.

“What makes me the happiest is to see a kid that has worked so hard to get to where he is,” Carson said. “He had two surgeries on his leg.

“He was determined to not just go to college and play, but he was going to go to college to be a player. That’s what makes me happy — to see the fruits of his labor. He’s put in a lot of hard work to reach the level of play he’s been playing at.”

Justus Dauscha

Dauscha, a 6-foot-2, 204-pound junior defensive end, recorded 69 tackles with 16 for loss in 2014. He had 9.5 sacks. Dauscha recorded 10 tackles against both the University of the Cumberlands and against Pikeville this past season.

A message left for Dauscha was not immediately returned.

Jernigan said Dauscha and Russell’s play has helped lead to his success on the field.

“I know I’m talented, but I’m surrounded by a lot of talent. Those two are two of the hardest workers I know. This says a lot about our team.”

Contact Tom Kreager at 615-278-5168 or tkreager@dnj.com. Follow him on Twitter @Kreager.

Central Magnet athletes Claudia Smith and McKenzie Jackson accept the First Tennessee All Sports Award from First Tennessee vice president John Allen on Friday.

Central Magnet athletes Claudia Smith and Sophie Fielder hold the First Tennessee All Sports Award presented Friday.

MURFREESBORO – Central Magnet showed it is more than a school for high academics this past school year.

The fifth-year Rutherford County high school won The Daily News Journal’s second annual First Tennessee All Sports Award, which is awarded to The DNJ’s area high school that has the best school year of athletics.

Central Magnet won with 153 points — nine more than last year’s inaugural winner Siegel. Central Magnet was second to Siegel in 2014.

“We’re not just a bunch of nerds,” said Central Magnet junior Zavior Phillips, who was The DNJ’s 2015 Boys Soccer Player of the Year. “We also can play sports too.”

The award began a year ago as a way to honor the school that has the best overall athletic school year. A point system was developed by The DNJ.

A trophy will remain with Central Magnet during the school year, honoring the school’s achievement with its name engraved.

“This is just awesome to see that,” said John Allen, First Tennessee Bank vice president of community banking, of Central Magnet’s achievement. First Tennessee is the title sponsor. “We are just happy to be a part of it.

“To see these student athletes work hard in the classroom and on the athletic field is just awesome.”

Teams receive points for their achievements in all TSSAA-sanctioned sports along with swimming.

In the majority of sports, teams are awarded points to where they finish in their district during the regular season. In cross country, swimming and track and field, the respective county meet is used to award points. The district tournament is used to determine points in golf. In wrestling, teams receive a point for each athlete who qualifies for the state tournament.

A team receives five bonus points by reaching the state tournament. Ten bonus points are awarded for a team sports championship, while five are given for an individual state title.

Central Magnet’s victory came despite not offering football or wrestling.

“We’re down two sports, and we still contend with these bigger schools like Siegel and Blackman,” said Central Magnet baseball player McKenzie Jackson said. “We’ve been in the running for this both years.”

Central Magnet Principal John Ash boasted about his school’s strong academics. The school averaged a 29.3 on the ACT. The seniors on the school’s girls basketball team averaged a 31 on the ACT.

“We want to turn out well-rounded young people,” Ash said. “I think the greatest thing about these kids isn’t necessarily their athletics or their academics, it’s their character. They are such good quality people.

“But we want them to be good, whether it’s chess, robotics or baseball. We want to be good in everything. I think these kids reach any goal they set for themselves.”

Central Magnet trailed Siegel by 11 points entering the TSSAA’s Spring Fling. However, the school’s girls track and field team recorded four individual state titles to overtake the defending champion.

“I was confident going in (to Spring Fling),” said Central Magnet two-sport athlete Claudia Smith, who anchored the Lady Tigers’ 4×800-meter relay state championship team. “I knew Taylor (Cuneo) was going to do well. We were just focused on finishing strong that last day.”

Cuneo, a freshman, won three state track titles and a cross country championship in the fall for the school

Central Magnet’s boys and girls cross country teams, baseball team and boys soccer team all advanced to their respective state tournaments.

“We already have a reputation for academics,” Smith said. “To be able to be recognized with all of the other schools in the county is really cool.”

Contact Tom Kreager at 615-278-5168 or tkreager@dnj.com. Follow him on Twitter @Kreager.

FINAL STANDINGS

Central Magnet edged defending winner Siegel to receiv the First Tennessee All Sports Award.

Football

MURFREESBORO – Shaun Bell is the next in line to lead the Lancaster Christian Academy football team.

The former Riverdale player, who was an assistant at the school a year ago, replaced Ryan Simmons, who left the school to return to Texas where he grew up.

Bell is Lancaster Christian’s fifth head coach in as many years.

Bell said he plans on not being the next LCA coach to be one and done.

“My family is here’ I don’t have to move away,” said Bell who was a receiver and defensive back at Riverdale from 2003-06. “I am a Murfreesboro kid. I played under (former Riverdale coach Gary) Rankin.”

Simmons coached LCA to a NACA football championship — the third straight for the Smyrna private school. Rocky Peeler was the coach in 2013; Chad Watson was the coach in 2012, and Rick Butler coached his final year in 2011.

LCA went 9-3 in 2014, beating Middleton Christian 14-0 in the championship game.

Bell said the numbers heading into the summer are already better than previous years. There are about 30 signed up through the school.

“There are usually about 10 people that have signed up right now,” he said.

Bell said his offensive philosophy is similar to Rankin in that he will line up in an I-formation and run the football. However, LCA will also use the spread.

TBCA Showcase: Fourteen Rutherford County baseball players were selected for the Tennessee Baseball Coaches Association Showcase scheduled June 16-17 at MTSU’s Reese Smith Jr. Field. Those chosen will be part of the Region 3/4 team.

The team will work out and play games against other regions in front of college coaches and scouts.

Central Magnet had three players — Jordan Jackson, Darek Sargent and James Touchton — chosen.

Those selected also included: Donnel Bailey and Spencer Woods from Blackman, Siegel’s Jacob Key and Tyler Kirkland, Stewarts Creek’s Micah McClellan and Maddox Vondohlen, Smyrna’s Nathan Sanders and Tyler Wagner, Oakland’s Jacob Pennington and Chase Smith and Riverdale’s Charlie Fultz.

Former Smyrna coach Barry Vetter and Blackman coach Justin Entrekin are part of the Region 3/4 coaching staff.

Kinnie falls in Schooldays: Riverdale’s Reagan Kinnie lost to defending champion Nicole Page 5 and 4 in the quarterfinals of the Tennessean/Metro Parks Schooldays tournament at McCabe Golf Course in Nashville. Kinnie advanced to match play with a round of 71 in Tuesday’s round of stroke play.

Owens climbs to second: Blackman’s Tanner Owens, a Virginia Tech commitment, climbed up the leadersboard in the Toyota Music City Junior Amateur at Westhaven Golf Club in Franklin.

Owens is second behind leader Davis Shore of Knoxville. Owens, who was tied for 11th after the first round, shot a 3-under par 69 for a two-day 140. Owens is tied with Kingsport’s William Nottingham.

Shores has a commanding eight-shot lead after firing a 7-under 65. The tournament concludes Thursday.

Argo to coach Central softball: Central Magnet’s Andrea Argo will take over for former coach Steve Willey as the school’s softball coach next season. Willey, who also coached girls basketball, resigned to the girls basketball coaching position at Ripley High (Mississippi).

Argo is a former softball player at MTSU.

Contact Tom Kreager at 615-278-5168 or tkreager@dnj.com. Follow him on Twitter @Kreager.

American Football Sports Scoreboard

BASEBALL

• MTCS Baseball Camp: The camp will be from 8:30 a.m.-noon June 8-11. Email baseball@mtcscoungars.org for more information.

• Siegel High Baseball Camp: The camp is for ages 5 through rising eighth-graders and will be from 6-8 p.m. July 7-9 at the Siegel High baseball field. Onsite registration will be from 5:30-6 p.m. July 7.

Cost is $50 with a $10 sibling discount. There is a $5 discount if you pre-register. Checks and release forms should be sent to Siegel Baseball, 3300 Siegel Road, Murfreesboro, TN 37129. A release form can be found at SiegelStarsBaseball.com. Contact coach Craig Reavis at reavisc@rcschools.net.

Campers should bring a baseball glove, baseball pants, hat, bat, batting helmet, baseball shoes and tennis shoes. The camp will be moved inside if it rains.

BASKETBALL

• Blackman Boys Basketball Camp: The camp will be from 9 a.m.-noon, July 13-15 at Blackman High for grades kindergarten-eighth grade.

Cost is $55. Contact Blackman coach Barry Wortman at 865-360-5166 or assistant Wes Lambert at 865-806-8652 for more details.

• Stewarts Creek Boys Basketball Kids Camp: The camp will be 8 a.m.-noon June 8-11 and July 13-16 at the Stewarts Creek High School gymnasium.

The camp is for boys currently in first through eighth grade.

Cost is $65 for one week of camp or $110 for both. Cost is $75 per camper at the door. Early registration ends June 1.

Every camper will receive a basketball and a T-shirt.

Contact Stewarts Creek coach Kris Hooper at hooperk@rcschools.net for more information. Checks can be made payable to Stewarts Creek Basketball Camp, Attention: Boys Basketball Kris Hooper, 301 Red Hawk Pkwy, Smyrna, TN, 37167.

FOOTBALL

• Oakland Future Patriots Youth Camp: The camp will be from 9:30 a.m.-noon, June 9-11 at the Oakland High indoor facility. The camp is for ages 5-13. Individual instruction will include position specific drills, punt/pass/kick competitions and flag football tournaments.

Cost is $50 per person. Make checks out to Oakland Football.

Each camper must bring a shirt, shorts and tennis shoes (cleats are fine but not necessary). Each camper will receive a T-shirt and pizza on the final day.

A brochure can be found online at Oakland at oaklandfootball.net. Contact coach Kevin Creasy at creasyk@rcschools.net or athletics directorBrad Cowan at cowanb@rcschools.net.

• Smyrna Football Youth Camp: The camp will be 8-10:30 a.m. June 8-11 at Lee Victory Recreation Park in Smyrna. Cost is $50, $40 for siblings.

A registration form can be found online at smyrnafootball.com. Contact Adrianne Martin at apmartin@gmail.com for more information.

GYMNASTICS

• Music City Gymnastics & Cheer: The grand opening will be from 1 p.m.-3 p.m. June 20. The facility is located at 122 Wheeler St. in La Vergne. A free open gym, bounce slide and venders will be present.

Anyone that signs up during the open house receives 50 percent off the first month’s tuition. Music City Gymnastics and Cheer offers competitive cheerleading and gymnastics as well as recreational classes for boys and girls from 18-months old to 18. For more information go to musiccitygym.com or call 615-280-1524.

GOLF

• Golf First Tee: The program is for ages 8-18. The program is each Friday June 12-July 31 at Bloomfield Links (Old Fort Golf Course).

The program will be at 8:30-10:30 a.m. for entry level golfers and 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. for second level. Cost is $51 for the eight sessions of instruction.

Registration and complete schedule for the summer session begins June 27 and can be found online at thefirstteenashville.org. Contact program director Joshua McDade at 615-476-3650 or jmcdade@thefirstteenashville.org.

RUNNING

• Middle Half registration: Registration for the ninth annual The Middle Half Murfreesboro Half Marathon began Monday, June 1, at noon.

The race is limited to the first 3,250 runners and registrants are encouraged to register online at themiddlehalf.com.

The race will be Saturday, Oct. 10, starting at 7 a.m.

All participants must be at least 14 years old.

• Siegel Running Camp: The seventh annual camp will be 6-8 p.m. June 15-17 at the Siegel High track.

The camp is being directed by Siegel cross country coach Phil Young.

The camp is for boys and girls in grades first through eighth. Cost is $50 before June 1 and $60 after June 1.

For more information, call 615-479-1455 or email youngp@rcschools.net.

SOCCER

• Murfreesboro Soccer Club camps, registration: Registration is open and underway for MSC’s recreational and select summer camps and the 2015/2016 Select Strikers and recreational soccer program.

Recreational camps are available for ages 5-12. The junior camp for ages 5-8 runs from 9 a.m.-noon, July 13-17. Cost is $150. The senior camp for ages 9-12 from 9 a.m.-noon, July 20-24. Cost is $150.

Each camp will focus on individual player development as well as improving team play.The curriculum for each camp includes: ball control, dribbling, passing, goal scoring, one on one play and team shape. All campers will receive a soccer ball and camp T-shirt.

MSC also offers select summer camps annually for players age 8-17. Every child who has been playing soccer on a select team is encouraged to attend. Ivan Jackson, MSC director of coaching, will lead the camp, which will be held at Richard Siegel Soccer Park. Please register online at Murfreesborosoccer.com.

The junior camp is for ages 8-11 from 9 a.m.-noon, June 22-26. Cost is $175. The senior camp is for ages 12-17, from 9 a.m.-noon, June 15-19. Cost is $175.

Both camps focus on individual player development through technical, tactical and functional training, includes small group training, small-sided games and 11 on 11 games. Each camp participant will receive a ball, T-shirt and swag bag.

Sign-up is underway for the fall recreational program for ages 4-18. New this year is the opportunity to register for both the fall and spring seasons. Registration fees start at $65 per season for the youngest children ($110 for both fall and spring) to $90 per season ($165 for both fall and spring). Practice begins in early August. All details at murfreesborosoccer.com.

SOFTBALL

• Siegel High Softball Camp: The camp will be from 8:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. June 16-17 at the Siegel High softball field for ages 8-14.

Cost is $75 and is limited to 50 participants. Checks should be made payable to Siegel High School Softball, 108 Bedford Court, Murfreesboro, TN 37129.

• Stewarts Creek High School tryouts: Tryouts will be held from 9 a.m.-noon on June 10. Bring a completed physical, current utility bill and all equipment.

VOLLEYBALL

• La Vergne Volleyball camp: La Vergne High will sponsor a camp for children from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. July 11. Cost is $25 and includes a pizza lunch. Fax (615-904-3871) or email the following info to nancec@rcschools.net: Name, grade, school, email, phone number. Interest form due by June 10. Money due by July 8.

• MTSU Volleyball Camp: MTSU will sponsor a variety of volleyball camps this summer.

It will hold a team camp July 16-18 and July 27-29. It also will hold an all-skills camp July 20-22, a passing and defense/libero camp, general hitters/setters camp and elite hitters/setters camp July 26-27.

Call 615-631-9582 or email matt.peck@mtsu.edu for more information.

A camp brochure can be found online at goblueraiders.com by clicking on Fan Zone then camps where there is a 2015 camp brochure link available under volleyball.

Note: Email your recreational briefs and camp listings to sports@dnj.com.

Oakland’s John Ralston and JaCoby Stevens celebrate Stevens’ interception in the Smyrna end zone and run afterward on Sept. 19, 2014.

Oakland sophomore Jacoby Stevens goes up for a catch over a Beech defender a scrimmage.

MURFREESBORO – JaCoby Stevens is in no hurry to make a decision on his college football future.

The Oakland High rising junior has plenty of time for that. However, when he does it could be a difficult decision.

College offers have come in bunches for the Patriots 6-foot-2, 199-pound wide receiver and defensive back. Recent offers have included Florida, Notre Dame and Michigan. He has offers from virtually the entire SEC.

“The recruiting is going great,” Stevens said. “It’s going as planned. It’s really picking up.”

Stevens, who has already been selected for the 2017 Army All-American game for after his senior year, said he believes he could also soon be offered by USC or Florida State.

Stevens said after this season he will begin to narrow down his choices, first to a top five then to his top three.

Stevens said he’s been recruited for different positions. Some have him at safety, others at receiver. And some schools have simply listed him as an athlete because of his ability to play different positions.

Stevens, a DNJ All-Area first team member at safety as a sophomore, had 50 tackles, three interceptions and recovered a pair of fumbles in 2014. On offense, he had 19 catches for 279 yards. He often showed off his athleticism on the field, going up and making one-handed catches at times.

JaCoby Stevens

He will likely be one of the Patriots’ top offensive targets this season in Oakland’s new Wing-T offense under first-year coach Kevin Creasy.

But don’t cringe. Stevens said the Patriots’ version of the offense will be fun to watch.

“People when they hear Wing-T, they lose interest,” Stevens said. “I’ll tell you this, the Wing-T that coach Creasy is bringing in is something where it will be exciting and explosive. With the athletes here it’s going to be tough to stop.

“He has in a version of the Wing-T, but it’s not the tradition.”

Stevens said he’s prepared to play anywhere on the field for the Patriots this fall — receiver, safety and even special teams.

Stevens, who transferred from Ensworth after his freshman season, is preparing to enter his second season at Oakland. He will play for his third head coach in has many years.

But Stevens said he’s meshed well with Creasy and the staff the coach has put together.

“I love them,” Stevens said. “They are probably the best coaching staff that I am going to play under for my high school career.”

Despite the college attention, Stevens said he has remained grounded. He said the examples past Patriots made last year have helped in that process.

“It hasn’t been tough at all,” Stevens said. “You know the team we had last year with people like George (Gbesee), Josh (Smith), Jack (Jones) and Kyle (Oliver) — players like that — are my favorite type of player. They made sure not to get the big head.

“They said to keep humble and told me the right thing to do. For me, with the people in my circle, it’s hard for me to get the big head.”

Contact Tom Kreager at 615-278-5168 or tkreager@dnj.com. Follow him on Twitter @Kreager.

Siegel’s Greedy Howse is the returning rushing leader in Rutherford County.

MURFREESBORO – High school football practice is less than a month away. And Wednesday marks 50 days before the opening kickoff involving Rutherford County teams.

Here are 50 questions for Rutherford County football teams with 50 days left before Siegel opens the football season at Ravenwood Aug. 20:

1. Which will be the top Rutherford County team in Class 6A in 2015?

The early favorites (in order) are Riverdale, Oakland and Blackman. Please note. No Rutherford County team has won back-to-back league titles since the TSSAA went to six classes.

2. How will bumping down to Class 5A help La Vergne and Stewarts Creek?

Stewarts Creek’s three wins in school history have come against teams that will be in 5A or lower in 2015. That bodes well for the third-year school, which should be beginning to build depth.

La Vergne is not only a playoff contender in 5A, but could make a serious postseason run with what it returns from last year’s 6A playoff team.

3. Who will be the leading rusher in Rutherford County in 2015?

Siegel senior Greedy Howse is the preseason favorite after rushing for 980 yards in just nine games in 2014. He is the leading returning rusher in the county.

4. Who has the toughest schedule for 2015?

It’s probably a coin flip between Blackman and Oakland. Blackman’s non-region schedule includes Clay-Chalkville (Alabama), McCallie and Tucker (Georgia). Oakland’s non-region slate includes Hoover (Alabama), Pulaski Academy (Arkansas) and Hillsboro.

5. Why did the TSSAA do away with Week 0?

Simple. It was too confusing for folks. Sure, that was the case for years, but the high school association finally decided it was time to drop the zero and just go Week 1 through Week 11.

6. Best Friday night game to attend in Week 1?

They may not be in the same district/region any more, but Smyrna’s game at La Vergne to kick off the season is likely the top Friday game of the week. La Vergne has only beaten Smyrna one time in school history.

However, John Overton’s game at Stewarts Creek is also an intriguing game.

7. Who will replace Charlie Davidson at running back for Blackman.

Taeler Dowdy will take over the duties. He rushed for 380 yards with six touchdowns in 2014 and had a TD against Hoover.

Blackman’s Taeler Dowdy will be the Blaze’s starting running back in 2015.

8. Who will be Oakland’s starting quarterback?

Cody Miller should open fall camp as the No. 1. Independence transfer Brendan Matthews will push Miller for the starting job in what could be one of the best position battles in the county. Both could play during the season.

Oakland’s quarterback Cody Miller is the likely No. 1 for the Patriots entering fall camp.

9. Speaking of quarterbacks, who is the best one in the county returning?

Rutherford County graduated some talented ones in Mr. Football Jauan Jennings, MTCS’ Justin Winn and Riverdale’s Cortland Owens. Siegel senior Jordan Middleton is the top QB returning with 1,382 yards passing. Smyrna’s John Turner (1,333 passing yards) also returns

Siegel quarterback Jordan Middleton is the leading passer returning in Rutherford County.

10. Who will have the best defense in 2015?

It may be too early to tell. Despite graduation hits, Oakland will be athletic and physical on defense. But there will be unproven players filling holes. Ditto for Blackman, which was hit hard in the secondary due to graduation. Riverdale’s secondary will be solid, but the Warriors’ starting linebackers were depleted by graduation.

Oakland is the preseason defensive favorite.

11. Will Siegel’s offense return to being a high-scoring squad?

Look for point production to increase in 2015. New offensive coordinator Daniel Childs will adjust well to the Stars’ hurry-up offense and should help in Middleton’s progression at quarterback. Middleton and Howse are the top returners at their position. They must develop receivers who can make big plays.

12. How will the graduation loss of Justin Winn hurt MTCS’ offense?

Joseph Peck is the likely replacement to Winn at quarterback for MTCS coach Fred Shambaugh’s offense. He is more of a runner than thrower. MTCS, though, has plenty of offensive support surrounding him.

13. Will Rutherford County produce any Mr. Football finalists in 2015?

History says yes. Who? It’s hard to say with the talent that graduated this past season. Siegel’s Greedy Howse, Oakland’s JaCoby Stevens and Smyrna’s Ikenna Okeke may be early preseason candidates though.

14. Will there be a TSSAA public-private split?

Obviously any decision made by the TSSAA’s Legislative Council on July 16 will not effect the 2015 or 2016 football seasons. Personal observations show this will be a close vote, perhaps 5-4 or 6-3. Who has the early edge? Probably those in favor of a split.

15. Why won’t the Middle Tennessee Football Classic presented by Venture Express be televised?

A couple of reasons. First, a network like ESPN was likely never interested in the event like it was the Blackman-Oakland game last year. Blackman and Oakland do not have as many top college prospects as they did in 2014. More important, TV games can affect attendance, and bringing in two teams from out of state and playing at MTSU isn’t cheap.

16. How will Coffee County, Cookeville and Warren County compete in the new Region 2-6A with Blackman, Oakland, Riverdale, Siegel and Smyrna?

The good thing for all eight is that they are guaranteed to be playoff teams. Cookeville should be fine competition-wise with the Rutherford County folks. Recent history shows that Coffee County and Warren County will likely struggle against the Rutherford County teams.

17. Why would La Vergne opt out of Class 6A where it is guaranteed a playoff berth?

La Vergne should be a playoff team in Class 5A with what it returns. More important, the Wolverines could be a team to go to the quarterfinals and beyond if they stay healthy.

18. Can Eagleville keep its streak of postseason appearances going?

Coach Steve Carson’s squad has reached the playoffs in each of the past six seasons. He returns starting quarterback A.J. Garza, but someone will have to emerge at running back. However, the biggest question may be up on the line. If assistant Tom Fiveash can develop that, the Eagles will be in fine shape.

Eagleville football coach Steve Carson has led his team to six straight playoff appearances.

19. Who replaces Cortland Owens at quarterback for Riverdale?

Marqwell Odom and Preston Barge backed up Owens in 2014, and Odom was the starter as a freshman in 2013. However, both may be better served as receivers or defensive backs.

Marqwell Odom (11) could see time at quarterback for Riverdale this season.

Rising sophomore Christian Souffront will get a considerable amount of attention at the position as well.

20. Will the Wing-T work at Oakland?

Well, this isn’t the traditional Wing-T. It will be one of the many adaptations to it. Plus, expect Oakland coach Kevin Creasy to give some other formation looks. With the athleticism on Oakland’s roster, the offense should work just fine.

21. Is Smyrna ready to get back to its 2010 form?

The 2010 team that lost to Maryville in the 6A championship game was a deeply talented team. The good thing for Bulldog fans is that eighth-year coach Matt Williams picked up two good assistants in quarterbacks coach Alex Robins and defensive coach Scot Keasler.

But this team doesn’t have the same talent as the 2010 squad.

22. Is Chris Dye ready to take over the full-time starting job at quarterback for Stewarts Creek?

Yes. Dye has played at times over the past two seasons with Mason Hall. Dye has had a good offseason at various camps and is likely the strongest quarterback in the county.

Chris Dye will be the favorite to start at quarterback for Stewarts Creek in 2015.

23. How does the new playoff system work?

In Class 6A, all 32 teams make the playoffs and are in four regions. Teams from Region 1-6A face 2-6A. Teams from Region 3-6A play 4-6A.

In Classes 1A-5A, it’s like the old 5A system where the top four teams in each region make the playoffs.

24. How many teams make the playoffs from Rutherford County?

Obviously, all five teams in Class 6A are guaranteed playoff berths. Throw in La Vergne in 5A, and Eagleville can make it if things fall into place.

25. Will a team from Rutherford County go undefeated in the regular season?

No.

26. Can Blackman or Oakland beat either of the two Alabama teams they face?

It’s not likely. Both Murfreesboro teams will be considerable underdogs for their season openers. Both Murfreesboro schools are opening the season with new coaches.

27. Who will be the most fun offensive player to watch in 2015?

I’ll give you two. Running back Greedy Howse at Siegel and receiver JaCoby Stevens at Oakland.

28. Who are your preseason players of the year?

With everyone that graduated from a year ago there is no clear favorite. The two names listed in the previous question would be good candidates. Ikenna Okeke will be one to consider on defense. And Oakland’s Ty Nix should get consideration as lineman.

29. Is this the year a team from Rutherford County beats Maryville?

No. The past three teams to play Maryville have been three of the best to come out of Rutherford County since the TSSAA went to six classes. And all three lost to the Rebels.

30. Should Maryville have been allowed to move up to Class 6A?

Yes. The TSSAA has allowed that for years. Plus, if you want to be the best, you have to beat the standard for high school football. And right now that’s Maryville.

31. Who has more overall wins in the regular season — Oakland or Riverdale?

Give me Riverdale with eight and Oakland with seven.

32. Who is ready for a breakout season?

I think this is Maleik Gray’s year to dominate. The La Vergne junior has been all-district the past two years and started since his freshman year. But this is the year he takes over on the football field and shows why SEC coaches want him.

33. Is Miller Armstrong ready to be Blackman’s starting quarterback?

He and Connor Mitchell will both see time for the Blaze at quarterback. Armstrong saw time last year as a backup to Jauan Jennings. Armstrong is a smart quarterback and should fit in to what first-year coach David Watson wants to do on offense.

34. Can Riverdale’s Marquise Cantrell lead the county in receiving again in 2015?

Yes. But it won’t be easy. Cantrell had 48 catches for 815 yards in 2014. However, quarterback Cortland Owens has now graduated.

Riverdale’s Marquise Cantrell is the leading receiver returning from last year in Rutherford County.

35. Who is the best player that no one ever mentions?

Cynterius Lyons. The Stewarts Creek athlete did a little bit of everything in 2014. He caught passes on offense, snagged interceptions and made plays on special teams. People should read a lot about him this season.

Stewarts Creek’s Cynterius Lyons is one of the top athletes returning in Rutherford County.

36. Who is the best punter/kicker in the county?

Siegel’s Jacob Smith. He averaged nearly 43 yards a punt in 2014 and has good range on field goals. Blackman sophomore Thomas Burks will also be one of the top kickers.

37. What is the best stadium to watch a game?

Riverdale’s Tomahawk Stadium. There is just a lot of character there. The teepee is on the sideline with smoke coming out. The horse still comes out for big games.

38. Why did Blackman, Riverdale and Oakland have such a hard time finding a 2015 schedule?

Opposing coaches don’t want to schedule Rutherford County teams even with the TSSAA’s postseason changes where all 6A teams make the playoffs and other classes have their playoffs set by region finish. But Rutherford County teams tend to veer away from scheduling the Midstate’s Division II schools.

39. Which new assistant will make the biggest impact for their high school football team?

Alex Robins at Smyrna High. Robins, who has also coached at MTSU, Blackman, MTCS and Lancaster Christian, is one of the top quarterback coaches in the state. Quarterback John Turner will benefit with his addition to the staff.

40. Who wins this year’s Battle of the ‘Boro?

Oakland has won the past two rivalry games with Riverdale. History says a third straight win would be a stretch. Give Riverdale a slight edge to win on the road on Oct. 16.

41. Will Maryville win its third straight Class 6A state title?

Yes. Don’t ever bet against Maryville coach George Quarles.

42. After the graduation of Roshea Grays, who will be La Vergne’s leading running back this year?

Grays had 1,767 rushing yards this past season for the Wolverines. His numbers are likely impossible to duplicate. Maliek Gray will get some touches in the backfield, but he will be used primarily at linebacker. Keytavies Bradley may be the leading candidate going into the season.

LaVergne’s Maleik Gray (4) may have to help carry the load with the graduation of running back Roshea Grays.

43. Who are the receivers to watch at Blackman after graduating its top three receivers?

Ronnie Killings (Navy), Quen Hardy (Navy) and Lorel Morton (Cumberland) all signed with colleges leaving a big hole for the Blaze receivers.

Remember these two names: Amauri Burks and Master Teague.

44. Is Rutherford County still the SEC of Tennessee high school football?

Given the SEC’s success in the championship games the past two years, sure. In all seriousness, the county still produces a physical brand of football that includes well-coached teams. This may be a bit of a rebuilding year for some teams, but it’s still overall the tops in the state.

45. How will David Watson adjust to being a head coach again?

The first-year Blaze coach held so many different roles at Blackman over the past few years the transition back to head coach should be a smooth one. Now, having a schedule that begins with Clay-Chalkville, Alabama; McCallie; Riverdale; Tucker, Georgia; and Oakland isn’t how most coaches want to start their first season.

David Watson is entering his first season as Blackman’s head coach.

46. How will Kevin Creasy adjust to being a head coach at a 6A school after previously being at the 2A level at Trousdale County?

Football is football no matter the class. The Oakland first-year coach will have a larger roster than he’s used to having in Hartsville. He’ll have more athleticism than he had before. But the key for him has been surrounding himself with good assistants.

Kevin Creasy is entering his first season at Oakland.

47. Can Smyrna advance past the first round of the playoffs for the first time since 2010?

Yes. The past two years Smyrna has had to play a Rutherford County rival in the first round. That won’t happen this year. The Bulldogs should be in good position this season to get past round one.

48. Which team has the most to replace on offense entering the season?

Blackman. The Blaze graduated 10 of 11 starters and the starter returning has moved from tight end to the offensive line.

49. Which team has the most to replace on defense entering the season?

Oakland graduated eight starters that were named to The Daily News Journal’s All-Area first team. Something tells me they have folks to fill those holes.

50. Which school has the best offensive line in Rutherford County?

Sorry, that’s just way too early to tell.

Contact Tom Kreager at 615-278-5168 or tkreager@dnj.com. Follow him on Twitter @Kreager.

American Football Sports Scoreboard

BASEBALL

• Siegel High Baseball Camp: The camp is for ages 5 through rising eighth-graders and will be 6-8 p.m. July 7-9 at the Siegel High baseball field. Onsite registration will be 5:30-6 p.m. July 7.

Cost is $50 with a $10 sibling discount. There is a $5 discount if you pre-register. Checks and release forms should be sent to Siegel Baseball, 3300 Siegel Road, Murfreesboro, TN 37129. A release form can be found at SiegelStarsBaseball.com. Contact coach Craig Reavis at reavisc@rcschools.net.

Campers should bring a baseball glove, baseball pants, hat, bat, batting helmet, baseball shoes and tennis shoes. The camp will be moved inside if it rains.

BASKETBALL

• Blackman Boys Basketball Camp: The camp will be 9 a.m.-noon July 13-15 at Blackman High for grades kindergarten-eighth grade.

Cost is $55. Contact Blackman coach Barry Wortman at 865-360-5166 or assistant Wes Lambert at 865-806-8652 for more details.

• Stewarts Creek Boys Basketball Kids Camp: The camp will be 8 a.m.-noon July 13-16 at the Stewarts Creek High School gymnasium.

The camp is for boys in first through eighth grades.

Cost is $65 for one week of camp. Cost is $75 per camper at the door.

Every camper will receive a basketball and a T-shirt.

Contact Stewarts Creek coach Kris Hooper at hooperk@rcschools.net for more information. Checks can be made payable to Stewarts Creek Basketball Camp, Attention: Boys Basketball Kris Hooper, 301 Red Hawk Pkwy, Smyrna, TN, 37167.

RUNNING

• Smyrna Parks 5K run and 1-mile race: The 17th annual race will take place at 7:30 a.m. on Aug. 1 at Sharp Springs Park in Smyrna.

Cost for the event is $25 if participants pre-register or $30 on the day of the race.

Registration forms are available at the Smyrna Parks Athletics Office, Fleet Feet Sports in Murfreesboro and Academy Sports and Outdoors in Smyrna. Participants may also register at Active.com.

In-store registration at Academy Sports and Outdoors from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. on July 25. Running packets can be picked up from 11 a.m. until 6 p.m. on July 31.

Awards will be given for overall winners and in each age group spanning five-year increments, and the race will be run on a USA Track and Field-certified course.

For additional information, contact race director Marty Smith at marty.smith@townofsmyrna.org or 615-406-4600.

SOCCER

• Murfreesboro Soccer Club camps, registration: Registration is open and underway for MSC’s recreational and select summer camps and the 2015/2016 Select Strikers and recreational soccer program.

Recreational camps are available for ages 5-12. The junior camp for ages 5-8 runs 9 a.m.-noon July 13-17. Cost is $150. The senior camp for ages 9-12 runs 9 a.m.-noon July 20-24. Cost is $150.

Each camp will focus on individual player development as well as improving team play. The curriculum for each camp includes ball control, dribbling, passing, goal scoring, one-on-one play and team shape. All campers will receive a soccer ball and camp T-shirt.

MSC also offers select summer camps annually for players ages 8-17. Every child who has been playing soccer on a select team is encouraged to attend. Ivan Jackson, MSC director of coaching, will lead the camp, which will be at Richard Siegel Soccer Park. Please register online at Murfreesborosoccer.com.

The junior camp is for ages 8-11 from 9 a.m.-noon through Friday. Cost is $175.

The camp focuses on individual player development through technical, tactical and functional training, includes small group training, small-sided games and 11-on-11 games. Each camp participant will receive a ball, T-shirt and swag bag.

Sign-up is underway for the fall recreational program for ages 4-18. New this year is the opportunity to register for both the fall and spring seasons. Registration fees start at $65 per season for the youngest children ($110 for both fall and spring) to $90 per season ($165 for both fall and spring). Practice begins in early August. All details at murfreesborosoccer.com.

VOLLEYBALL

• La Vergne Volleyball camp: La Vergne High will sponsor a camp for children from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. July 11. Cost is $25 and includes a pizza lunch. Fax (615-904-3871) or email the following info to nancec@rcschools.net: name, grade, school, email, phone number. Money due by July 8.

• MTSU Volleyball Camp: MTSU will sponsor a variety of volleyball camps this summer.

It will hold a team camp July 16-18 and July 27-29. It also will hold an all-skills camp July 20-22, a passing and defense/libero camp, general hitters/setters camp and elite hitters/setters camp July 26-27.

Call 615-631-9582 or email matt.peck@mtsu.edu for more information.

A camp brochure can be found online at go<DP>blueraiders.com by clicking on Fan Zone and then camps, where there is a 2015 camp brochure link available under volleyball.

Note: Email your recreational briefs and camp listings to sports@dnj.com.

Whitworth Buchanan student Marshawn Scales, 13, tries to miss a defender while going for the end zone.

Rockvale’s Damarcus Smalls, 13, tries to miss an opponent during Thursday’s 7-on-7 contest at Patterson Park Community Center.

Rockvale’s Damarcus Smalls, 13, celebrates after a play during Thursday’s 7-on-7 contest at Patterson Park Community Center.

D’lando Spates runs with the ball during the 7-on-7 contest during Thursday’s football camp.

Whitworth Buchanan student Kendell Martin, 13, runs past a defender during Thursday’s football camp at Patterson Park Community Center.

MURFREESBORO – The idea hit Kerry Malone one day while talking to Riverdale assistant football coach Rickey Field, who helps put on a Murfreesboro inner-city football camp at Patterson Park Community Center each year.

The idea? Why not ask high school football coaches from the rest of the county to assist in working with youths for the one-day camp?

Coaches quickly agreed to assist putting on the Unity in the Community Football Camp with the theme of “Dare to Prepare.”

“Coach Field does this every year, but this year we wanted to expand it,” said Malone, who volunteers with the Murfreesboro Parks & Recreation Department along with Ralph Buckingham to help put on the camp with Field.

“We wanted to try and get the Rutherford County schools together as one. We wanted to show unity in the community in Rutherford County. It’s not about the school name; it’s about the individuals that are coming.”

About 80 youths from Murfreesboro and the surrounding area took part in the camp. The young campers were given instruction in different drills in the morning before an afternoon session of 7-on-7.

“This was fun because we learned more stuff and got to play a game and have fun,” said Damarcus Smalls, 13, who attends Rockvale Middle School. “Now when I go to Rockvale, I’ll know more stuff — like how to block better.”

Either head coaches or assistants from virtually all of Rutherford County’s seven largest schools were represented for the camp.

“It’s good to work with (Malone and Field) because I know what kind of men they are and leaders in our community,” Blackman first-year coach David Watson said. “They like to do a lot for the kids in our community. It’s always good to come over and help these kids and let them have a little fun.”

Rockvale’s Damarcus Smalls, 13, tries to miss an opponent during Thursday’s 7-on-7 contest at Patterson Park Community Center.

And they did.

“We got to have a lot of fun, but we also learned a lot,” said Kendell Martin, 13, a student at Whitworth Buchanan. “One of the important things I learned is when you are running, you need to set your feet and get low to the ground.”

Buckingham said he was pleased that coaches gave their time to help the students.

“One of our goals in the summer is for these kids to have fun in the summertime,” he said. “To see these coaches come here and help these kids have fun at this camp is a great joy in my heart.

“We have a motivational time on Thursdays and have had different people come out — doctors and lawyers to motivate these kids to try and do the right thing. If we can do that through football, we’ll do it through football. If we can do it through dance, we’ll do it through dance.”

Field has built relationships with those who attend the community center over the years. He said he tries to keep tabs on them as they grow up.

“I enjoy watching them progress and have a great future after they grow up,” Field said. “Some of the older kids that come here are now in high school. But they were at this camp a few years ago.”

Contact Tom Kreager at 615-278-5168 or tkreager@dnj.com. Follow him on Twitter @Kreager.

Whitworth Buchanan student Kendell Martin, 13, runs past a defender during Thursday’s football camp at Patterson Park Community Center.

Josh Patton, a former Blackman two-sport athlete, is a Naval Academy graduate

Josh Patton, left, receives his Naval Academy college degree from President Barack Obama.

Josh Patton remembers the day he gave up playing collegiate sports.

The former Blackman High two-sport standout was a sophomore in the Naval Academy at the time.

He had signed with Navy to play football. It took the former TSSAA standout wrestler about a year to realize he might see time on the wrestling mat faster then on the football field due to Navy’s bulky football roster.

Then came the knee injury. And soon came the decision. It was time to say goodbye to college sports.

“It was miserable and rough,” recalls Patton, who was The Daily News Journal’s 2009 Male Athlete of the Year. “That was probably the hardest year in my life. Sports had been my life ever since I can remember. Not having that was like losing my identity a little bit. That was really tough.”

That though forced him to sink into his academic work and dig deep into his faith.

“It was kind of an eye-opener,” he said. “I asked myself why had I really been doing it? Had I been doing it for Christ the entire time, it wouldn’t have been so tough to give up. That was a big eye-opener for me. I had put too much stock in myself and not him.”

Fast forward to about four years later.

Patton is a graduate of the Naval Academy. He’s about to begin training on a Boeing P8, an airplane the size of a 737 used to hunt down submarines and ships, Patton said. He will be in the Navy for at least eight years to fulfill his commitment to the academy.

“I’m really looking forward to it,” Patton said. “When you get toward the end of flight school you get more confident. Things get more natural. Part of me will miss flight school because you’re only job is to fly. But once you are on a fleet you will have other jobs. But it will be a good feeling.”

Patton said he’s prepared to protect his country and his family, which includes wife JennaRae Patton and 2-month-old daughter Claire.

“I can’t believe I get to do this job,” he said. “It’s just a great honor. It’s an exciting thing.

“You know, people say thank you for your sacrifice. But it’s not a sacrifice to me. It’s a cool thing that the Navy is paying me to do.”

Tom Kreager is a high school sports writer for The Daily News Journal. Contact him at 615-278-5168 or tkreager@dnj.com. Follow him on Twitter @Kreager.

DNJ photo by Aaron ThompsonBlackman’s Josh Patton fights for yards against Riverdale’s T.C. Smoots at Blackman High School.

Tennessee freshman Alexa Middleton, left, was named to the SEC All-Academic Honor Roll. Middleton was a four-year starter at Riverdale and Miss Basketball recipient.

MURFREESBORO – Not only did Alexa Middleton fit in nicely on the court in her first season with Tennessee women’s basketball, she also excelled in the classroom as well.

The former Riverdale standout has been named to the Southeastern Conference’s First-Year Academic Honor Roll.

Majoring in advertising, Middleton had a 3.60 grade point average. She was one of three Lady Vols named to the honor roll, joining teammates Jaime Nared and Kortney Dunbar. In all sports, 39 Tennessee and 822 SEC student-athletes from all 14 league schools were honored.

To make First-Year Academic Honor Roll, a student-athlete must have a cumulative GPA of 3.00 or above, be on scholarship or a letter winner, have completed 24 semester hours of non-remedial credit and have been a member of the varsity team for the sport’s entire NCAA Championship segment.

As a freshman for the Lady Vols (30-6), Middleton played in all 36 games, starting three, and averaged 3.8 points and 13.4 minutes per game. As a starter in the season opener against Penn, the 5-foot-9 guard recorded a double-double of 20 points and 11 assists, the most assists ever by a Lady Vol in a freshman debut.

At Riverdale, Middleton was named McDonald’s All-American and Class AAA Miss Basketball while helping the Lady Warriors win consecutive state titles in 2012-13 and a national championship in 2013. She is the daughter of Murfreesboro’s Celeste and Michael Middleton.

“It’s a great women’s basketball program at Tennessee,” said Celeste Middleton, a former Oakland standout who played at Lipscomb University, “but there is also so much support academically. Alexa has always been diligent and able to handle the pressures and time demands from both academics and athletics. We are very proud of her.”

Paint the Town Blue

The annual Paint the Town Blue will be held Friday in conjunction with the third annual #TRUE Blue Summer Tour. Sponsored by MTSU athletics marketing, the Summer Tour includes various events and opportunities to interact with Blue Raiders coaches, players and administrators.

MTSU football players and cheerleaders will canvass Murfreesboro on Friday, distributing schedule posters and schedule cards to local businesses. Fans spotting the entourage are encouraged to take photos and post them via social media using the #BlueRaiders hashtag.

For more information and a schedule of other Summer Tour stops, visit GoBlueRaiders.com or call MTSU athletics marketing at 615-898-5135. MTSU football opens the season Sept. 5 against Jackson State at Floyd Stadium.

Tebow tickets available

Tim Tebow will speak at MTSU on July 11.

Tickets are still available for the God’s Purpose for America event, featuring Heisman Trophy winner and Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Tim Tebow, to be Saturday at 3 p.m. in MTSU’s Murphy Center.

Tickets in advance start at $15 and are available through Ticketmaster. Doors open at 2 p.m. A private meet-and-greet gathering for table sponsors will be held from 5:15-6:30 p.m.

Tebow played on two national championship teams at Florida and won the Heisman Trophy as the top college football player in the country in 2007. Recently signed by the Eagles, Tebow spent the past football season as an analyst for the SEC Network.

Other speakers include Dinesh D’Souza, best-selling author and filmmaker; David Fowler, former senator and president of Family Action Council of Tennessee; Carol Swain, Vanderbilt professor; and Phil Valentine, radio host. A surprise Christian artist is also scheduled to perform.

Middle Tennessee Christian School, Mt. Juliet-based Music With A Purpose and MWAPevents are conducting the event. Tebow’s appearance is sponsored by The School of Christian Thought at North Boulevard Church of Christ.

For more information, visit www.mwapevents.com.

Greg Pogue is former executive sports editor at The DNJ. E-mail him at grpogue@gmail.com and follow him on Twitter @ThePoguester.

Blackman football coach David Watson and the Blaze begin workouts Monday.

MURFREESBORO – Footballs will be brought back Monday morning to high school football practice fields across the state.

Pads and full contact, though, will have to wait another three weeks.

A TSSAA-mandated two-week dead period concludes in another day, allowing football teams to begin to hone their passing games while they wait to be able to put on full pads on July 27.

“As the dead period comes to a close, I miss being with our staff,” said Blackman High first-year coach David Watson. “That’s a family outside of our family. I’m excited to get back with our kids and get back to working.

“We’ll turn up the intensity just a little bit. (Players) are going to be a little more focused because they know the season is just around the corner. We’re going to be more focused as coaches because we are going to get to go compete with other teams in 7-on-7.”

For two weeks, teams can practice in shirts, shorts and helmets. Beginning July 20, teams can practice in helmets and shoulder pads during a week of heat acclimation. Each player must practice in helmets and shoulder pads for three days prior to beginning practice in full pads July 27.

Teams have 10 days to work out with other teams — minus pads — prior to July 27.

Riverdale will sponsor its annual Bojangles 7-on-7 tournament July 9 with 20 teams registered for it. Ravenwood’s 7-on-7 tournament is scheduled for July 11 and has 26 teams. MTSU’s 7-on-7 passing tournament is slated for July 18.

“The rules in June loosening up has helped,” Stewarts Creek coach David Martin said. “We got some things in there. We had a plan on how we wanted to install things. We did a lot of the passing game, which you can do without pads.”

The TSSAA allowed teams to hold practices — without pads — after the school year concludes until the dead period begins.

“We did a lot of play-action work in spring ball, so we’ve gotten a lot of our stuff in,” Martin said. “Hopefully, we’ll get back now and will remember all of that and be ready to get back at it.”

Watson said the two weeks off was a good thing for him and his team.

“I think most of our kids find a place to work out and are in pretty good condition,” Watson said. “When we start back, we’ll recondition a little.

“I think it’s a good thing. I know as a coach the two weeks off rejuvenates you. It’s got to do the same thing for the kids.”

Contact Tom Kreager at 615-278-5168 or tkreager@dnj.com. Follow him on Twitter @Kreager.

Stewarts Creek football coach David Martin and the Red Hawks will begin workouts Monday.

Dates to know

Monday: Dead period ends; teams can practice in helmets.

July 9: Bojangles 7-on-7 Passing Tournament at Riverdale with 20 teams involved, including Blackman, Oakland, Riverdale and Stewarts Creek.

July 11: Ravenwood 7-on-7 Passing Tournament with 26 teams teams involved, including Blackman, Oakland, Riverdale and Siegel involved.

July 18: MTSU 7-on-7 Passing Tournament

July 20: Teams can begin to practice in helmets and shoulder pads.

July 27: Practice in full pads begins.

July 30: First day teams allowed to scrimmage

Aug. 20: Siegel plays Ravenwood in first game of season.

Riverdale quarterback Brandon Bea throws a pass during Monday’s passing practice as teammate Christian Souffront watches. Bea transferred from Washington state.

MURFREESBORO – Brandon Bea met his future high school football teammates Monday morning.

The rising Riverdale senior wasted little time getting to know them on the football field.

Bea, a transfer from Washington state, showed off a live arm and quickly became a contender for Riverdale’s starting quarterback position.

“They live and sleep football out here,” Bea said of the transition across the country. “It’s a total difference. (Football) is life out here.

“But I love it. It’s my life.”

Bea transferred from Evergreen High in Vancouver, Wash., recently, but just met his teammates.

Riverdale is searching for its fourth starting quarterback in as many seasons. Cortland Owens moved in from Cane Ridge in Nashville in 2014 and ended up being the starting quarterback, replacing 2013 starter Gene Odom. Odom, who is a rising junior, is now a receiver and defensive back for the Warriors along with Preston Barge, who also was a quarterback as a freshman.

Dillon Woodruff, who is now a safety at Furman, started from 2010-12.

Bea is currently competing with rising sophomore Christian Souffront for the starting position. Souffront started for Riverdale’s freshman team this past season.

“He does have an arm,” Riverdale coach Ron Aydelott said of Bea. “I think Preston and Gene would rather not play quarterback.

“We’re either going to go with the young kid or (Bea) and see where we go. It makes our team better if (Barge or Odom) don’t play quarterback in some regard.”

Story continues below photo

Christian Souffront looks to make a pass at Brandon Bea, left, and Riverdale coach Ron Aydelott watch.

Souffront took first team repetitions on Monday, which was the first day for teams to begin work after the TSSAA’s mandated dead period.

Riverdale went 9-3 in 2014 and should be one of the favorites along with Blackman and Oakland to win the eight-team Region 2-6A this fall.

Bea, a 6-foot-3, 220-pound right-hander, said he was used to running a spread offense in Washington and said it was very similar to what Riverdale installed prior to last season.

“I’m kind of used to the spread formation — get the ball out as quickly as you can,” said Bea, who is being recruited by the University of San Diego. “It’s not that hard to learn, it’s just going to take a couple of days.

“I’ve got a playbook. I’ve been working on it. I’ll have it down by Thursday (for the Riverdale 7-on-7 passing tournament).”

Bea said he doesn’t think adjusting to a new school will be too much of a challenge this fall.

“I’m just here to be everybody’s friend,” Bea said. “I’ve moved schools before. It’s kind of tough getting to know everyone. But I guess when you come in and make plays they adapt to you.”

Contact Tom Kreager at 615-278-5168 or tkreager@dnj.com. Follow him on Twitter @Kreager.

Murphy Fair’s Preseason Book

Murphy Fair’s 2015 Tennessee High School Football preview book arrived at two Murfreesboro locations on Monday. The book, which features previews on high school football teams across the state, costs $12 and is in its 28th year.

The book can be purchased in Murfreesboro at 1660 Memorial Blvd., and at Game Days Team Sports at 903 Mercury Blvd.