Lancaster Christian quarterback Jackson Sullivan throws a pass during a recent practice.

LCA coach Shaun Bell talks to his team during a recent practice.

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SMYRNA – Shaun Bell has big shoes to fill at Lancaster Christian, which has won three consecutive National Association of Christian Athletes football championships.

Bell, who was an assistant coach at the Smyrna private school last year, is the fifth different head coach in as many years at LCA. But this year’s squad has enough returning off of last season’s 6-5 squad to contend for a fourth championship.

Here are five questions for Lancaster Christian entering the 2015 football season.

What will the Knights run on offense?

LCA has ran an uptempo spread offense in recent years. But Bell plans on sticking to an I-formation with a little bit of spread this season.

Quarterback Jackson Sullivan, who started as a freshman, returns under center. He battled injuries a year ago, missing a good portion of the season due to a concussion. He must stay healthy for the Knights’ offense to be successful.

He’ll be helped out in the backfield by running back Sherrod Joy, a move-in late last school year. Joy can be a game changer for LCA this season.

Joy will team up with Malachi Williams in the backfield. Williams will play fullback and some tight end for LCA.

Bell said a benefit to the Knights’ offense is that it has been simplified from last year.

Can the Knights get some coaching stability?

New football coaches have become a trend at LCA since former Oakland coach Rick Butler resigned his position in 2011. Chad Watson took over in 2012. Rocky Peeler was the coach in 2013, and Ryan Simmons coached the team in 2014.

Bell says he is there to stay. As a former Riverdale player under Gary Rankin, Bell has local roots. That may bode well for adding coaching stability to the program.

Will LCA’s offensive line open holes?

The Knights’ offensive line has performed much better than a year ago. The problem is that several on the offensive line are playing on defense too.

Hunter Ritter and Chase Simpson are at tackle. Sam Michael and La Vergne transfer C.J. Odom are at guard and Devin Watson and Michael Spate will share time at center.

“Last year our offensive line was not a a really great upcoming offensive line,” Bell said. “But we’ve gotten better.”

Can LCA survive life on the road?

Lancaster Christian is scheduled to make two trips to Alabama and play a game in East Tennessee against King’s Academy. That can be taxing on a team with a roster of 30 trying to grow a program.

However, LCA is used to it. As a non-TSSAA member, the Knights are forced to broaden their area to find games in order to fill a 10-game schedule.

What is LCA’s biggest weakness?

Depth at outside linebacker and the secondary. There are quality players at both. But the depth for a long season isn’t quite there.

Taylor McCrary is a standout receiver and corner for the Knights. He’ll handle his side of the field on defense. Filling in around him may be an issue.

Reach Tom Kreager at 615-278-5168 and on Twitter @Kreager.

2015 Schedule

Date

Team

Time

Aug. 21

at Monroe Acad., Ala.

7:30 p.m.

Aug. 28

Northpoint Chr., Miss.

7 p.m.

Sept. 4

Escambia Acad., Ala.

7:30 p.m.

Sept. 11

DCA

7:30 p.m.

Sept. 18

at TN Christian Prep

7:30 p.m.

Sept. 25

Howard

7:30 p.m.

Oct. 2

at Kings Acad.

7 p.m.

Oct. 9

Open

Oct. 16

at Coosa Valley, Ala.

7:30 p.m.

Oct. 23

Harding Acad.

7:30 p.m.

Oct. 30

at Friendship Chr.

7:30 p.m.

2014 Results

Date

Team

Time

Aug. 23

Monroe Acad., Ala.

L 41-6

Aug. 29

Jo Byrns

L 35-0

Sept. 5

at Escambia Acad., Ala.

L 55-18

Sept. 19

at MAHS

W 19-18

Sept. 26

at Howard

W 34-18

Oct. 4

at Anderson, S.C.

L 2-0

Oct. 17

Coosa Valley, Ala.

W 38-0

Oct. 23

Restoration, Ala.

L 34-6

Oct. 31

Pickett Co.

W 42-12

Nov. 12

Tennessee Chr. Prep

W 33-6

Nov. 14

Middletown Chr., Ohio

W 14-0

FAST FACTS

Head coach: Shaun Bell, first season (0-0 overall, 0-0 at LCA)

2014 record: 6-5

Stadium name: All home games played at Smyrna Middle.

Team Twitter: @LCA_Football_TN

Last time in playoffs: N/A (Not a TSSAA school). Won NACA title in 2014.

Region opponents: N/A

Stewarts Creeks’ Cynterius Lyons on Saturday August 1, 2015.

Stewarts Creeks’ Cynterius Lyons on Saturday August 1, 2015.

SMYRNA – Cynterius Lyons has a simple request.

Just put him on the football field.

Offense. Defense. Special teams. He will be on the field for Stewarts Creek as much as coach David Martin will allow it.

“I just like to get on the football field and help my team win as much as I can,” said Lyons, who has committed to Austin Peay.

Lyons, a 6-foot, 180-pound athlete, was the Red Hawks’ second-leading receiver in 2014. He scored eight total touchdowns — five receiving, two on kickoffs and one on an interception return.

“He’s a great athlete,” Martin said. “When you have a great athlete like that you have to get them involved. You have to utilize his skills and his speed. You have to take advantage of that.

“He opened two games with a kickoff return. Our guys up front have confidence in him to want to open that up more for him because we know at any time he can go with it.”

The only thing Lyons didn’t do was be kick extra points or hold snaps.

“I didn’t want to,” Lyons said. “I didn’t want to do that.

“But pretty much after that I’ll probably be on the field. I like being out there playing.”

Lyons is a key ingredient to Stewarts Creek’s hopes on reaching the postseason in its third season as a school. After going 3-17 the past two years in Class 6A, the Red Hawks dropped down to Class 5A after the TSSAA’s reclassification.

Stewarts Creek is expected to be a playoff contender in Region 5-5A this season with the likes of Independence, La Vergne, Shelbyville and Columbia.

“This will be the year we will be in the playoffs,” Lyons said. “We have to finished in the top four. That’s our main goal.

“We are working on getting to the playoffs. We don’t want it to stop early.”

For that to happen, Lyons will need to continue to progress. He had 31 catches for 349 yards as a junior. He set the school record with a 97-yard kickoff return for touchdown. And he had 24 tackles with an interception and eight pass break-ups.

Lyons spent the offseason working with quarterback Chris Dye, who will replace graduated starter Mason Hall. Dye, though, has played quite a bit the past two seasons.

“Chris is a very hard worker,” Lyons said. “He’s gotten better being behind Mason. He has learned what he has to do.”

Reach Tom Kreager at 615-278-5168 and on Twitter @Kreager.

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Stewarts Creeks and football coach David Martin will be host for the Rutherford County Football Jamboree Friday.

SMYRNA – The football field will be painted Friday morning.

The games will begin hours later.

The fourth annual Rutherford County Football Jamboree will kick off the season at 6 p.m. with host Stewarts Creek playing Blackman. It will be followed by Smyrna facing Riverdale at 7 p.m., Summit playing Siegel at 8 p.m. and La Vergne playing Oakland at 9 p.m. to wrap up the event.

Each game will be two 12-minute quarters.

Admission is $5.

“This is a great opportunity to showcase Rutherford County football,” Stewarts Creek coach David Martin said. “We are honored to host it.”

Stewarts Creek, which is beginning its third year, will be host for the event as it has been put on a rotation based on alphabetical order. Riverdale was the first to hold the event in 2012.

This marks the lone meeting of the season for both Blackman and Stewarts Creek and La Vergne and Oakland. Both La Vergne and Stewarts Creek dropped from 6A to 5A in the offseason and will compete in Region 5-5A.

Blackman, Oakland, Riverdale, Siegel and Smyrna all will be in a 32-team Class 6A with every team having a guaranteed spot in the playoffs.

How much starters will play may change depending on the team. Most teams will play starters for at least a quarter.

“Regardless of who is on the field we want them to look sharp, play fast and play physical,” Blackman coach David Watson said. “We will try and play our first and second units.

“Both of them will play, but we want them to play fast.”

The jamboree is a final tune-up for the season.

No coaches will be out on the field like they often are in preseason scrimmages. Coaches will hook up their head sets to work out any bugs before next week’s season openers.

Martin said since his team opens the jamboree, the Red Hawks’ warm up will be the same they will use next week against John Overton in their season opener.

“We want to take this opportunity to make sure all of the bugs are out,” Martin said. “We want to make sure everything is working as smoothly as possible.”

Reach Tom Kreager at 615-278-5168 and on Twitter @Kreager.

Rutherford County Football Jamboree

The fourth annual Rutherford County Football Jamboree will be held Friday at Stewarts Creek High School. Cost is $5.

Here is the schedule:

• Stewarts Creek vs. Blackman, 6 p.m.

• Riverdale vs. Smyrna, 7 p.m.

• Summit vs. Siegel, 8 p.m.

• La Vergne vs. Oakland, 9 p.m.

Stewarts Creek’s Cynterius Lyons celebrates an interception against Blackman during the first Jamboree game Friday, Aug. 14, 2015, at Stewarts Creek.

SMYRNA – Everything turned out perfectly for Stewarts Creek in the first drive of its game in the jamboree Friday night.

The Red Hawks took the opening kickoff and drove 70 yards into the end zone, taking the early lead on last year’s Class 6A state contender Blackman. The Red Hawks went on and defeated Blackman 14-7.

The Red Hawks picked up five first downs, including a fourth-down conversion, and overcame a 10-yard holding penalty by picking up a first down on third and 18 from Blackman’s 34.

Stewarts Creek scored the touchdown on second-and-goal from the 7 on a dangerous pass that could have turned into an interception. Red Hawk quarterback Chris Dye threw into a crowd.

Blackman’s Amauri Burks batted the ball into the air at the goal line, but Stewarts Creek tight end Gary Lance hauled it in for the touchdown.

“You’ve got to overcome adversity, and we did,” said Stewarts Creek coach David Martin. “We were able to overcome the penalty and got a little lucky there (on the touchdown). It’s not how you draw it up, but it worked.”

After Cynterius Lyons stopped Blackman’s first drive by intercepting Blackman quarterback Miller Armstrong, the Red Hawks got back in the end zone three plays later. Zach Long took it 56 yards into the end zone. Long had 75 yards on five rushes.

The Red Hawks, playing in their first season at the 5A classification, don’t play Blackman during the regular season this year. The past two seasons, Blackman has blown out Stewarts Creek en route to going to the state playoffs.

“Our offense has a lot more confidence now,” said Dye, who completed three of four passes for 80 yards. “We’re not going to play any differently against any teams just because of what’s on their helmets. We’re going to play hard regardless.”

The Red Hawks scored on their first possession of the second quarter, an 18-yard touchdown pass from Armstrong to Jeremy Church.

Blackman had two turnovers in the game and struggled defensively to stop the Red Hawks.

“I didn’t think we played well. We didn’t play like I wanted us to,” said first-year Blackman coach David Watson. “We’ve got to play better defensively. We gave up a long run and a drive.”

High School Football 2015

Riverdale’s Austin Bryant runs the ball as Smyrna’s Nick Okeke and Devin Smith try to bring down Bryant in the second Jamboree game Friday at Stewarts Creek.

SMYRNA – Jerry Young showed he was worthy of being Riverdale’s starting running back throughout the preseason.

However, his season may be in jeopardy after sustaining a knee injury on his second carry of the Warriors’ 13-0 win over rival Smyrna Friday night at Stewarts Creek in the fourth annual Rutherford County football jamboree.

A capacity crowd attended the event, which featured the county’s seven-largest high schools along with Summit.

“I don’t think it looks good, but nobody has X-ray vision,” Riverdale coach Ron Aydelott said. “There wasn’t an MRI machine. But according to the doctor, it doesn’t look good.

“He had been our go-to guy. But we have two guys back that played that position last year.”

Backup Artavious Collier, who had dropped to third on the Warriors’ depth chart, scored on a pair of short touchdown runs for the game’s lone scores.

Austin Bryant, who will be the starter if Young is out, had 48 yards on six carries.

The game served as a final dress rehearsal in front of a capacity crowd. Smyrna travels to rival La Vergne Friday in a non-region contest. The two North Rutherford County schools will compete in different classifications this season. La Vergne fell to 5A, and Smyrna is in 6A.

Riverdale plays at Ooltewah for its season opener.

Smyrna finished the game without an injury, but coach Matt Williams had several players sit out due to preseason injuries.

“The saying is if you get out of a jamboree unscathed, that’s a win,” Williams said. “I’m pleased with that.

“We haven’t had all 11 out at one time. We had four starters we didn’t play (Friday).”

Safety Ikenna Okeke, who has multiple college offers, didn’t play due to a shoulder injury sustained in the preseason. Linebacker Austin Brown was just cleared after injuring his back in the preseason.

Casey Perkins had 21 yards on four carries. Second-year starter John Turner was 3-of-9 passing for 42 yards. Washington state transfer quarterback Brandon Bea had just 21 yards passing for Riverdale in his first county jamboree.

Reach Tom Kreager at 615-278-5168 and on Twitter @Kreager.

High School Football 2015

La Vergne’s Nick Jones is brought down by an Oakland defender during the Wolverines’ 6-0 win over the Patriots in Friday’s Rutherford County football jamboree.

SMYRNA – Keianthony Conner’s final dress rehearsal before the start of the 2015 high school football season was an impressive one Friday night.

The La Vergne sophomore quarterback hit O’Shea Benjamin twice with deep passes, the second a 32-yard touchdown pass in the Wolverines’ 6-0 win over Oakland Friday night at Stewarts Creek.

“I believe in O’Shea,” said Conner, a first-year starter for the Wolverines. “I just threw it up to him, and he went up and made a play.”

And that was enough on this evening when both coaches said they chose to keep the play calling conservative prior to next week’s season openers.

La Vergne hosts Smyrna Friday in its opener. The Patriots host Hoover, Alabama, in the inaugural Middle Tennessee Football Classic presented by Venture Express.

Oakland coach Kevin Creasy continued his preseason trend of swapping quarterbacks every other snap. Independence transfer Brendan Matthews took the first snap of the game, followed by junior Cody Miller. Creasy has said he will play both quarterbacks against Hoover.

The two quarterbacks combined to not complete a pass against the Wolverines, going 0-of-5 passing. Oakland had 74 yards on the ground in two quarters.

Three personal fouls cost the Patriots during the course of the night.

“We were at times executing well, but at times we were our own worst enemy,” said Creasy, who replaced Thomas McDaniel in the offseason after McDaniel went to Christian Brothers.

Creasy won three state titles at Trousdale County. “We’ve worked on penalties.

“We think penalties are either a conditioning issue, or a character issue. We’ve done our best to get these guys doing right and done our best to get these guys in shape. Obviously we need to do more.”

Senior Nick Jones finished with 59 yards on eight carries to lead the Wolverines’ ground game. Benjamin had two catches for 67 yards.

“I’m thankful and feel fortunate that we came out on top on the scoreboard,” La Vergne coach Stanton Stevens said. “But I thought we made too many mistakes.”

Reach Tom Kreager at 615-278-5168 and on Twitter @Kreager.

High School Football 2015

Siegel quarterback Jordan Middleton runs for yards in the Stars’ 21-7 win over Summit.

SMYRNA – Siegel’s quick-strike big-play offense made scoring three touchdowns look easy at the Rutherford County footblal jamboree Friday.

The Stars scored three quick touchdowns on big plays to defeat Summit 21-7.

Siegel amassed 268 yards and scored touchdowns on its first three possessions to put the game out of reach before substitutions began.

“I think we executed really well on offense,” said Siegel coach Greg Wyant. “(268 yards) is a bunch for a half.”

On Siegel’s first possession, it was senior Greedy Howse doing the work.

After the Stars tried unsuccessfully to throw it deep on the first play, Howse got the handoff. He took it 70 yards into the end zone.

“I’m just trying to work hard every day,” said Howse. “The linemen are doing a good job this year. I’m ready to get started Thursday (when the Stars play at Ravenwood to open the season).”

Howse wound up with 93 yards on three carries. Jordan Middleton completed 3-of-4 passes through the air for 79 yards.

“They’re seniors, they should be leaders on offense,” said Wyant. “They play on one side of the ball.”

The Spartans, who play in the 5A classification in the same region as La Vergne and Stewarts Creek, responded with their only touchdown after Siegel’s score.

Summit quarterback Michael Zakrzewski completed 3-of-3 passes for 45 yards, and the Spartans’ misdirection running plays gained big yards against Siegel’s defense.

“We gave up a bunch of yards on defense,” said Wyant. “We didn’t prepare not one second for this event; we’re concentrating on next week. But what they do offensively gives you a lot of trouble if you don’t prepare for it, and they did a pretty good job of executing.”

After Summit’s score, the Stars responded with a drive that took only two minutes and 33 seconds. Howse got in the end zone again, this time with a 22-yard touchdown run.

After Summit was forced to punt on its next possession, Siegel struck again with a big play. Middleton connected with Michael Roper downfield, and he turned it into a 60-yard touchdown.

High School Football 2015

Stewarts Creek football players congratulate teammate Cynterius Lyons for an interception against Blackman during the first Jamboree game Friday Aug. 14, 2015, at Stewarts Creek.

SMYRNA – La Vergne football coach Stanton Stevens was quick to make the correction Friday night, minutes after his team shut out Oakland 6-0 in the fourth annual Rutherford County football jamboree.

“You can’t win in a jamboree,” Stevens said. “We are still 0-0.”

Yes folks. The scoreboard at Stewarts Creek showed a winner and a loser.

But let’s be honest. At best this was a dress rehearsal or a walk-through for next week. Perhaps just call it a fundraiser for all of the county’s largest schools.

It wasn’t the best indicator of what we’ll see during the regular season — at least I hope not. If so, the county’s teams are going through some significant rebuilding.

Now, with that said there were shining moments.

Third-year Stewarts Creek showed it is much improved. The Red Hawks’ offense scored on their first two possessions in their 14-7 win over Blackman. And their run game looked like it could be productive in Region 5-5A.

And don’t forget La Vergne’s win. Oh, and Siegel’s offense showed it may be high-powered again.

But again, don’t put too much stock on what the teams did. The jamboree looked more of a contest on who could keep things the most conservative.

“Oakland is still Oakland,” Stevens said. “I think (Oakland coach Kevin Creasy) was doing some things to really hide what his game plan really is. He hasn’t won that many state championships for no reason.”

Creasy won three state titles at Trousdale county before coming to Oakland to replace Thomas McDaniel, who left for Christian Brothers.

5A teams the big winner

Stewarts Creek and La Vergne will not face Blackman and Oakland, respectively, in the regular season after both dropped to 5A in the off-season when the TSSAA went through a reclassification.

For Creek, which is 3-17 in its first two years as a school, the win in the jamboree was a possible sign of things going in the right direction.

“This gives us a bunch of confidence,” Stewarts Creek senior Cynterius Lyons said. “We’ve been working hard on that practice field each and every day.

“We’ve watched film. And worked hard. We’ve gotten better. We just wanted to come out and show it.”

Reach Tom Kreager at 615-278-5168 and on Twitter @Kreager.

High School Football 2015

Rutherford Co. Football Jamboree

Friday’s scores

Stewarts Creek 14, Blackman 7

Riverdale 13, Smyrna 0

Siegel 21, Summit 7

La Vergne 6, Oakland 0

Oakland quarterback Cody Miller and teammate Brendan Matthews (not shown) have competed in the preseason for the starting quarterback position.

MURFREESBORO – A new coach with a new offense will present a new look for Oakland in 2015.

Gone is Thomas McDaniel, who is now the coach at Christian Brothers in Memphis. In his place is Kevin Creasy.

But also gone are several college signees.

Here are five questions facing the Oakland football team in 2015.

Will the Wing-T offense work at Oakland?

It may be the biggest question in Rutherford County for 2015. It was successful at Trousdale County where Creasy coached previously and won three state titles. And Riverdale coach Ron Aydelott won lots of games with the offense before changing to the spread in 2014.

But can it work at Oakland?

There have been plenty of signs to show it will work out just fine. Lazarius Patterson had a good preseason running the football.

However, after the Patriots’ offensive performance at Friday night’s jamboree there will be plenty of questions entering the season.

Who will be the starting quarterback?

Brendan Matthews and Cody Miller have competed for the starting quarterback position since July. The two swapped snaps in every scrimmage and in the jamboree.

Expect that to continue on Saturday against Hoover, Alabama in the inaugural Middle Tennessee Football Classic presented by Venture Express. Perhaps, a starter will emerge afterward.

But Creasy is prepared to continue swapping quarterbacks until one wins the position.

Who will step up at linebacker?

Oakland graduated a pair of all-state linebackers in Kevin Prather and Josh Smith after last season. Filling their roles won’t be easy.

Dexter Hurd played in place of Prather the last two games of the 2014 season when the UT-Martin signee had to sit out after being ejected against Blackman. Hurd will continue to be a starter in 2015. Filling Smith’s spot won’t be as easy.

Jackson Cauthen is the likely candidate. However, he’s missed a bulk of the preseason due to an MCL sprain. He is questionable for the season opener with Hoover, but is expected back in the lineup soon.

Are the Patriots region contenders?

Oakland should be considered on the short list for potential Region 2-6A title contenders with Riverdale and Blackman despite how they appeared in the jamboree.

Granted, things may start slowly due to their early strength of schedule — playing Hoover and Hillsboro in non-region games to start the season.

What is their best position?

Defensive line. Returning starters Ty Nix and Terrell Ward both had good junior seasons. And Chris Onwumere, like Nix, has a motor and doesn’t stop.

Offensive lineman Hudson Smith may have to play on defense as well though. But Dre Litaker will add depth once he is healthy. He’s missed a portion of the preseason.

Reach Tom Kreager at 615-278-5168 and on Twitter @Kreager.

High School Football 2015

2015 Schedule

Date

Team

Time

Aug. 22

Hoover, Ala*

7 p.m.

Aug. 28

at Hillsboro

7 p.m.

Sept. 4

Siegel

7 p.m.

Sept. 11

Open

Sept. 18

Blackman

7 p.m.

Sept. 25

Coffee Co.

7 p.m.

Oct. 2

at Warren Co.

7 p.m.

Oct. 9

Haywood

7 p.m.

Oct. 16

Riverdale

7 p.m.

Oct. 23

at Cookeville

7 p.m.

Oct. 30

at Smyrna

7 p.m.

at MTSU

2014 Results

Date

Team

Time

Aug. 24

at Blackman

L 28-21

Aug. 29

White Station

W 35-14

Sept. 5

at Siegel

W 45-14

Sept. 12

at Arlington

W 35-3

Sept. 19

at Smyrna

W 35-14

Sept. 26

at Brentwood

W 49-7

Oct. 10

Baylor

W 17-10

Oct. 17

La Vergne

W 47-0

Oct. 24

Riverdale

W 42-20

Oct. 30

Stewarts Creek

W 54-7

Nov. 7

Mt. Juliet

W53-0

Nov. 14

La Vergne

W 23-7

Nov. 21

at Blackman

W 20-9

Nov. 28

Maryville

L 26-14

FAST FACTS

Head coach: Kevin Creasy, first season (79-12 overall, 0-0 at Oakland)

2014 record: 12-2

Stadium name: Ray Hughes Stadium

Team Twitter: @OHSPatsFootball

Last time in playoffs: 2014 (lost to Maryville 26-14 in Class 6A state semifinals)

Region 2-6A opponents: Blackman, Coffee Co., Cookeville, Riverdale, Siegel, Smyrna, Warren Co.

Siegel’s Greedy Howse celebrates his first touchdown of the jamboree game against Summit on Friday at Stewarts Creek.

MURFREESBORO – Siegel had a relapse in 2014, going 3-7 and missed the playoffs for the first time since coach Greg Wyant’s first year in 2010.

However, there are reason to believe things will be better this season. The Stars have the top returning quarterback and running back from a year ago.

Here are five questions on the Siegel football team in 2015.

How will a young offensive line come together?

Siegel’s front line could feature between two and three sophomores over the course of a game. That could lead to some growing pains as they compete against the top teams in Region 2-6A. But they have improved over the preseason.

Sophomores Wesley Woodard, Zane Gannon and Maxwell Iyama all will see time up front. Senior brothers Dalton and Dylan Bargatze along with junior Josh Burkhart are the most experienced linemen.

Will Greedy Howse lead the county in rushing?

A lot of that may depend on the previous question.

Howse is a talented senior, who rushed for nearly 1,000 yards. He has a mixture of both power and speed and loads of experience.

If his line can open holes, Howse could have a memorable season

Will the defense be improved from 2015?

It should be better on the field if for no other reason than their schedule is better than in 2014 when it played the likes of McCallie and Science Hill in non-league games.

Siegel’s defense gave up 34.4 points and 441.5 yards a game last year.

Depth on the defensive line is a plus for the Stars entering the season. Dalton Frantz and Devin Wright and Michael Tewell are all at defensive tackle. And Landon Patterson, Dalton Bargatze and Joseph Anderson are also key parts of the line.

Anderson, a 6-foot-3 end, will see time at end due to his athleticism.

Cole Murray and Trey Jernigan both return at linebacker. And Oakland transfer Deontae Newman will have a role at linebacker.

Kedron Harper and Rico Gregory are both key contributors at corner.

Can Jacob Smith continue to flip the field?

The Siegel junior averaged 45.5 yards a punt in 2015 and was the top punter in Rutherford County. He’s a valuable weapon for Wyant this season if the team is forced to punt during the season.

Plus, he can hit field goals from over 40 yards giving Smith the ability to help the Stars win the kicking game.

How much better will QB Jordan Middleton be as a second-year starter?

The Stars’ starting quarterback is much more relaxed in his second year as a starter. He’s confidence is visible at the line of scrimmage. Middleton threw for 1,382 yards and rushed for 525 yards. His passing numbers are tops among returning Rutherford County quarterbacks.

If Howse can get off to a good start on the ground, that will only help Middleton during the season.

Reach Tom Kreager at 615-278-5168 and on Twitter @Kreager.

2015 SCHEDULE

Date

Team

Time

Aug. 20

at Ravenwood

7 p.m.

Aug. 28

Hendersonville

7 p.m.

Sept. 4

at Oakland

7 p.m.

Sept. 11

Wilson Central

7 p.m.

Sept. 18

Cookeville

7 p.m.

Sept. 25

at Smyrna

7 p.m.

Oct. 2

at Riverdale

7 p.m.

Oct. 9

Open

Oct. 16

Blackman

7 p.m.

Oct. 23

at Warren Co.

7 p.m.

Oct. 30

Coffee Co.

7 p.m.

2014 RESULTS

Date

Team

Time

Aug. 22

Riverdale

L 21-0

Aug. 29

Ooltewah

L 24-20

Sept. 5

Oakland

L 45-14

Sept. 12

at McCallie

L 49-27

Sept. 19

at Science Hill

L 52-28

Sept. 26

at Beech

W 49-27

Oct. 3

Smyrna

W 21-14

Oct. 17

at Stewarts Creek

W 45-14

Oct. 24

at Blackman

L 42-28

Oct. 30

at La Vergne

L 56-23

FAST FACTS

Head coach: Greg Wyant, sixth season (37-21 overall, 37-21 at Siegel)

2014 record: 3-7

Stadium name: Ken Nolan Stadium

Team Twitter: @Stars Football

Last time in the playoffs: 2013 (lost to Oakland 35-0 in the second round of the Class 6A playoffs)

Region 2-6A opponents: Blackman, Coffee Co., Cookeville, Oakland, Riverdale, Smyrna, Warren Co.

Smyrna’s Casey Perkins runs the ball against Riverdale in the second Jamboree game Friday, Aug. 14, 2015, at Stewarts Creek.

Smyrna’s John Turner feels the pressure from Riverdale as they move in while Turner looks for a player to throw to during the second Jamboree game Friday, Aug. 14, 2015, at Stewarts Creek.

SMYRNA – Smyrna High finished with a 6-5 record for the third season in four years in 2014 after switching to a faster-paced spread offense.

The change benefited quarterback John Turner, who threw for 1,333 yards as a sophomore. But four of the Bulldogs’ top receivers are gone, including UT-Chattanooga freshman D.J. Williams.

That leaves a big void for Smyrna coach Matt Williams as he competes in the new Region 2-6A

Here are five questions on the Smyrna football team for this season.

Will Casey Perkins be Smyrna’s next 1,000-yard rusher?

Perkins saw limited time in the backfield a year ago. However, the junior enters this season as the starter. The Bulldogs are a year removed from its last 1,000-yard rusher — LaDarius Summers. However, he runs well in space.

The coaching staff has confidence in Perkins, who will also be the punt returner and kickoff returner.

Can the Bulldogs veer away from the injury bug?

Smyrna had four starters out of the jamboree for various injuries. Williams hasn’t had his first team on the field at all during the preseason.

Ikenna Okeke (shoulder), Austin Brown (back) are probably the two most significant injuries. They both have big roles as two-way players for the Bulldogs.

Plus linebacker Deylon Williams is already likely out for the regular season after an injury during the spring.

How much improvement has QB John Turner in his second year?

Turner’s summer involved going to the Manning Passing Academy. That should benefit the second-year starter. He has a strong arm and is now familiar with the Bulldogs’ spread offense.

However, the biggest factor for improvement in 2015 is the addition of assistant Alex Robins. Robins, a former MTSU quarterbacks coach, is the area’s top coach when it comes to quarterbacks.

Which position is a concern?

Defensive secondary. There is potential in the secondary, led by Okeke. Okeke is a standout safety and has multiple college offers. Cornerback Ian Cleveland also has experience. But free safety Nathan Sanders is a newcomer to the defense, and Jordan Jones is new at the corner spot.

Opposing teams will shy away from Okeke during the season due to speed and length. He tied for a team-high in interceptions with five in 2014.

Are the Bulldogs ready to be a region title contender?

Staying injury free is key for the Bulldogs. Depth is a concern at multiple positions. The loss of Deylon Williams at linebacker is also big. He recorded 67 tackles as a sophomore.

The Bulldogs are likely not a region title contender, but could be good enough to earn a home playoff game. Teams must finish in the top four to earn a home playoff game.

Reach Tom Kreager at 615-278-5168 and on Twitter @Kreager.

High School Football 2015

2015 SCHEDULE

Date

Team

Time

Aug. 21

at La Vergne

7 p.m.

Aug. 28

Stewarts Creek

7 p.m.

Sept. 4

at Coffee Co.

7 p.m.

Sept. 11

at Independence

7 p.m.

Sept. 18

Warren Co.

7 p.m.

Sept. 25

Siegel

7 p.m.

Oct. 2

at Blackman

7 p.m.

Oct. 9

Open

Oct. 16

Cookeville

7 p.m.

Oct. 23

at Riverdale

7 p.m.

Oct. 30

Oakland

7 p.m.

2014 RESULTS

Date

Team

Time

Aug. 21

La Vergne

W 28-7

Aug. 29

at Cane Ridge

W 41-7

Sept. 5

Antioch

W 27-6

Sept. 12

at Clarksville NE

W 44-0

Sept. 19

Oakland

L 35-14

Sept. 26

Sycamore

W 38-0

Oct. 3

at Siegel

L 21-14

Oct. 17

at Blackman

L 42-10

Oct. 24

at Stewarts Creek

W 43-0

Oct. 30

Riverdale

L 42-20

Nov. 7

at Riverdale

L 20-7

FAST FACTS

Head coach: Matt Williams, eighth season (45-36 overall, 45-36 at Smyrna)

2014 record: 6-5

Stadium name: Robert L. Raikes Stadium

Twitter name: @SmyrnaFootball

Last year in playoffs: 2014 (lost to Riverdale 20-7 in the first round of the playoffs)

Region 2-6A opponents: Blackman, Coffee Co., Cookeville, Oakland, Riverdale, Siegel, Warren Co.

Riverdale’s Austin Bryant is the Warriors’ leading returning rusher from the 2014 season.

MURFREESBORO – Riverdale rejoined the ranks as one of the state’s top teams in 2014 after missing the playoffs in 2013.

With a large group of juniors and seniors returning off last year’s 9-3 season, Riverdale is primed again to make a run in the playoffs.

Here are five questions on Riverdale’s football team entering the 2015 season.

How good is Brandon Bea?

The Riverdale transfer quarterback from Washington state turned heads in July during the 7-on-7 passing season. However, since fall camp opened, his progress has slowed as he’s had to quickly learn the full Riverdale offense.

He likely has the strongest arm in the county. Combine that with a good group of playmakers and the potential for a potent air attack is high.

But everyone will need to be a little patient as he gets in sync with his teammates.

How effective will the ground game be?

Riverdale ran for 163.8 yards a game in 2014, but didn’t have a 1,000-yard rusher. The ground game could be better this season. But that doesn’t there will be a runner reach the 1,000-yard mark. Austin Bryant, Artavious Collier and Jordan Jefferson all are different style of runners, and all will get a chance to carry the football.

However, Jerry Young’s status could throw a wrench in the ground attack. He had a great preseason and won the starting role. But the sophomore rusher sustained a knee injury early in the jamboree against Smyrna. His status for the season is not yet known.

What is Riverdale’s best position?

It’s a tie between wide receivers and the secondary in large part because they are the same personnel. Marquise Cantrell is a standout receiver and defensive back. He led the county with 815 receiving yards in 2014. He also had five interceptions.

Juniors Gene Odom, Preston Barge and Gentry Bonds have been on the field since their freshmen seasons. Brandon Somerville and Jarek Campbell give even more depth.

The Riverdale secondary may be the best in Region 2-6A this season.

What position is the biggest question mark?

Offensive and defensive line. As deep as the skilled positions are because of the large number of athletes, the line is filled with questions due to lack of depth.

The Warriors attempted to add depth in the preseason by working multiple people. But expect Nick Boykin and Seth Black to see playing time on both sides of the line as the season goes on.

Can Riverdale win Region 2-6A?

Yes. But it won’t be easy. The depth on the offensive line is a question. There are enough playmakers on the Warriors’ team to score points. However, the Warriors can afford to have injuries on the line.

Bea has potential to be the top quarterback in the county. That too is a significant advantage for the Warriors.

Reach Tom Kreager at 615-278-5168 and on Twitter @Kreager.

High School Football 2015

2015 SCHEDULE

Date

Team

Time

Aug. 21

at Ooltewah

6:30 p.m.

Aug. 28

at Franklin

7 p.m.

Sept. 4

at Blackman

7 p.m.

Sept. 11

Hillsboro

7 p.m.

Sept. 18

at Coffee Co.

7 p.m.

Sept. 25

Warren Co.

7 p.m.

Oct. 2

Siegel

7 p.m.

Oct. 9

Open

Oct. 16

at Oakland

7 p.m.

Oct. 23

Smyrna

7 p.m.

Oct. 30

Cookeville

7 p.m.

2014 RESULTS

Date

Team

Time

Aug. 22

at Siegel

W 21-0

Aug. 29

Bradley Central

W 42-7

Sept. 5

Blackman

L 49-7

Sept. 12

at East Hamilton

W 42-24

Sept. 19

La Vergne

W 42-15

Sept. 26

Hendersonville

W 39-36

Oct. 3

Stewarts Creek

W 44-14

Oct. 17

at Cane Ridge

W 45-0

Oct. 24

at Oakland

L 42-20

Oct. 30

at Smyrna

W 42-20

Nov. 7

Smyrna

W 20-7

Nov. 14

at Blackman

L 48-21

FAST FACTS

Head coach: Ron Aydelott, 10th season (184-75 overall, 82-29 at Riverdale)

2014 record: 9-3

Stadium name: Tomahawk Stadium

Team Twitter: @RHS_WarriorsFB

Last time in the playoffs: 2014 (Lost to Blackman in second round of Class 6A playoffs)

Region 2-6A opponents: Blackman, Coffee Co., Cookeville, Oakland, Siegel, Smyrna, Warren Co.

Blackman’s Miller Armstrong throws a pass in the jamboree. Armstrong replaces Jauan Jennings at quarterback this fall.

Blackman’s Taeler Dowdy runs the ball. Dowdy is the Blaze’s leading returning rusher.

MURFREESBORO – Blackman football was Rutherford County’s most dominant program in the 2014 regular season.

However, things may be different this year after graduation hit the Blaze hard.

Gone are four FBS college football signees, including a Mr. Football Back of the Year recipient in Jauan Jennings.

And two-time state championship coach Philip Shadowens has left for Blount County and William Blount.

Yes, Blackman will have a new look on the football field this season under new coach David Watson.

Here are five questions facing the Blackman football team in 2015.

How successful will the new offense be after graduating 10 starters?

Up until the jamboree, Blackman’s offense had few issues scoring points in the preseason. Quarterbacks Miller Armstrong has been efficient with the football in his hands. And the run game has been solid with running backs Taeler Dowdy leading a pack of quality backs.

But for this year’s team to be successful on offense, several sophomores will need to fill big roles. That includes receiver Conner Mitchell, running back Master Teague and receiver Amauri Burks.

What will be the Blackman identity?

Under Shadowens, the Blaze were known for being a physical team. That won’t change under Watson. But expect some tweaks.

Watson, a former MTSU offensive lineman, will preach technique and tempo.

What position is the biggest question mark?

Defensive secondary. All are new faces. Expect Dowdy to see some time at corner, at least early on due to his size. But the Blaze will be very reliant on the likes of Amauri Burks, Jeremiah Wade and Blake Taylor to make plays on defense.

The issue for Blackman will be that the secondary lacks height. That will present match-up issues during the season for the Blaze.

Can the Blaze win a second straight district/region title?

Blackman should be considered one of three favorites to win Region 2-6A. However, there is no clear favorite to win this season’s region title. The Blaze are joined by Oakland and Riverdale.

However of those three, the Blaze may be No. 3.

Will the defense be Blackman’s strength?

Prior to the preseason, perhaps. The Blaze return several key ingredients, including defensive linemen Justin Brown and Korey Tillman — both all-District 7-AAA members last year. And linebacker Tony Ochoa returns.

But the defense has had issues at times. The Blaze haven’t tackled well at times.

Overton moved the ball on the Blaze early in their preseason scrimmage. And Stewarts Creek put together both a long touchdown drive and broke a long TD run in the jamboree.

The pieces are still there. But right now things aren’t meshing.

Reach Tom Kreager at 615-278-5168 and on Twitter @Kreager.

High School Football 2015

2015 Schedule

Date

Team

Time

Aug. 22

Clay-Chalkville, Ala.*

4 p.m.

Aug. 28

McCallie

7 p.m.

Sept. 4

Riverdale

7 p.m.

Sept. 11

Tucker, Ga.

7 p.m.

Sept. 18

at Oakland

7 p.m.

Sept. 25

at Cookeville

7 p.m.

Oct. 2

Smyrna

7 p.m.

Oct. 9

Open

Oct. 16

at Siegel

7 p.m.

Oct. 23

Coffee Co.

7 p.m.

Oct. 30

at Warren Co.

7 p.m.

*at MTSU

2014 Results

Date

Team

Time

Aug. 24

Oakland

W 28-21

Aug. 29

Brentwood

W 42-21

Sept. 5

at Riverdale

W 49-16

Sept. 12

Mt. Juliet

W 49-21

Sept. 19

at Stewarts Creek

W 49-14

Sept. 26

at Independence

W 43-42

Oct. 3

at La Vergne

W 42-17

Oct. 17

Smyrna

W 42-10

Oct. 24

Siegel

W 42-28

Oct. 31

at Hoover, Ala.

L 35-207

Nov. 7

Cane Ridge

W 49-14

Nov. 14

Riverdale

W 48-21

Nov. 21

Oakland

L 20-9

FAST FACTS

Head coach: David Watson, first season (25-47 overall, 0-0 at Blackman)

2014 record: 11-2

Stadium name: The Inferno

Team Twitter: @BlackmanFtball

Last time in the playoffs: 2014 (lost to Oakland 20-9 in the Class 6A state quarterfinals)

Region 2-6A opponents: Coffee Co., Cookeville, Oakland, Riverdale, Siegel, Smyrna, Warren Co.

Siegel’s Jordan Middleton began playing football in the eighth grade.

MURFREESBORO – Jordan Middleton grew up around the game of football.

He was on the sidelines for years at Smyrna High as a young boy, even put on a Smyrna uniform and run out with the team when his dad Shawn Middleton was an assistant for former coach Philip Shadowens.

However, he never started playing the sport until his eighth-grade year at Siegel Middle.

“That was my first year playing football ever,” Middleton said. “My dad always coached it. I’ve kind of been around the game my whole life.

“Our middle school coach saw me playing baseball, and he was like, ‘Come play quarterback for us this year.’ I tried it, and I loved it.”

The Siegel High senior has been a quick study. Middleton will begin his second season as a starting quarterback at 7 p.m. Thursday at Ravenwood.

“He has earned the right to be the guy,” Siegel coach Greg Wyant said. “Last year he won the job.

“He improved incredibly. He put on 20 pounds. He looks like a quarterback now.”

Siegel missed the playoffs in 2014, finishing 3-7. The Stars are guaranteed a playoff berth in 2015 after the TSSAA’s reclassification that placed the schools with the top 31 enrollments plus Maryville in Class 6A. Everyone in 6A is guaranteed a playoff spot.

Middleton, who also plays baseball for the Stars, completed 110-of-196 passes for 1,382 yards in 10 games a year ago. His passing yardage leads all Rutherford county returning starters. He also had 10 touchdown passes with 11 interceptions.

“I’ve learned a lot since I started playing,” Middleton said. “I’ve learned my reads and just game management.

“I know my football IQ is very high. I kind of just know the game more than most people know it.”

He also rushed for 525 yards on 121 carries with five running touchdowns.

However, at times Middleton took hard hits trying to pick up yards on the ground.

“Usually linemen help you up,” he said. “Our offense is so fast, you can’t just lay there. Sometimes you just want to lay there.

“But there is always someone there to pick you up. As a quarterback you want to lead the team. If someone sees you taking a beating, they will play harder for you.”

However, Siegel’s coaching staff is trying to get him to take fewer big hits this year.

“He knows how to run,” Wyant said. “I think he’ll try and limit his hits, but I don’t know if he knows how to get down just yet. But we want to limit the hits he takes.”

Reach Tom Kreager at 615-278-5168 and on Twitter @Kreager.

Week 1 Schedule

(All games at 7 p.m. unless noted)

Thursday’s Game

Siegel at Ravenwood*

Friday’s Games

Riverdale at Ooltewah, 6 p.m. (CST)

John Overton at Stewarts Creek*

Smyrna at La Vergne**

Lewis Co. at Eagleville

Cannon Co. at Community

Ezell-Harding at MTCS

Lancaster Chr. at Monroe Acad., Ala., 7:30 p.m.

Saturday’s Games

Clay-Chalkville (Ala.) vs. Blackman at MTSU, 4 p.m.*

Hoover (Ala.) vs. Oakland at MTSU, 7 p.m.*

*WGNS

**WUXP-30

Hoover football coach Josh Niblett and the Bucs won the 2014 Class 7A state championship in Alabama.

MURFREESBORO – Hoover graduated 18 players off of last year’s Alabama Class 7A state championship team that signed football scholarships at various levels.

In contrast, Oakland High had eight sign.

“Who really rebuilds, and who reloads,” Oakland first-year coach Kevin Creasy said when given those numbers recently. “Hoover reloads. There is no doubt about that.”

Hoover and Clay-Chalkville — Alabama’s defending Class 6A state champion — will travel to Murfreesboro this weekend to participate in the inaugural Middle Tennessee Football Classic presented by Venture Express.

Clay-Chalkville plays Blackman at 4 p.m. Saturday followed by Hoover and Oakland at 7 p.m. Both games are at MTSU’s Floyd Stadium. Tickets cost $15 and are available from Ticketmaster.

Jones key in pulling off inaugural football classic

Hoover coach Josh Niblett, who has won four state titles at Hoover said playing out of state competition is nothing new to his program.

“That’s what this program is about,” Niblett said. “We like to play teams out of state. We want to find the best in any other state.

“We fly to Allen, Texas, next year to open our season. We like to play a lot of really, really good teams with good tradition. That’s the only way to find how good your team is.”

Hoover (12-2) returns just three players on each side of the ball. The defense is led by Florida commitment Jeremiah Moon, a linebacker, and cornerback P.J. Hall, who has several college offers.

The Buccaneers have played teams from the ’Boro before. They hosted Blackman in the 2014 regular-season finale, winning 35-20.

Halfback Quincy Cox and wide receiver Jimmie Johnson are key personnel to the Bucs offense.

“You don’t replace who we lost,” Niblett said. “We may have to re-vamp our identity.”

Hoover has won 10 state championships.

Oakland is coming off a 12-2 season. Former Oakland coach Thomas McDaniel left for Christian Brothers after the season and was replaced by Creasy, who won three state championships at Trousdale County.

Oakland returns two starters on offense and four on defense.

The Patriots have been dinged up in the preseason. Linebacker Jackson Cauthen has been out with an MCL sprain and is questionable for the season opener. Cornerback Quintavious Boyd, who has an offer from Tennessee Tech, has also been sidelined. His status for the Hoover game is also not known.

Reach Tom Kreager at 615-278-5168 and on Twitter @Kreager.

Greg Pogue

MURFREESBORO – By trade, John Jones runs his own successful real estate firm. With family, it’s the proud father of four, including Tennessee freshman offensive lineman Jack Jones.

But unwittingly, Jones has taken on a new role, and that is one by proxy of being the director of the inaugural Middle Tennessee Football Classic on Saturday at Floyd Stadium that pits two Rutherford County high school football powers against two of the top programs in Alabama.

At 4 p.m., Blackman plays Clay-Chalkville, followed by Oakland taking on Hoover at 7 p.m. Cost is $15 for the doubleheader. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster and at the gate.

The doubleheader was the idea of former Blackman coach Philip Shadowens and former Oakland coach Thomas McDaniel, who enlisted the services of Jones to help garner support from the local business community.

High school football classic building momentum

But when Shadowens departed to become coach at William Blount High School in Maryville and McDaniel headed west for a similar gig at Christian Brothers in Memphis, that left Jones holding the bag. The doubleheader had progressed past the point of just being a pipe dream, but rather one that had contractual obligations already signed by all four high schools involved.

“(Call me) the Don King of football promotions,” Jones said with a laugh. “It started with Philip Shadowens, former Blackman coach, and Tommy McDaniel, former Oakland coach, kind of getting this going. I was the only guy dumb enough to be in the room when they were talking it out.

“So, they obviously went on to greener pastures, then it kind of fell into my lap.”

While the deals had already been cut with the two Alabama schools to come here this coming weekend, including guarantee money, hotel rooms, etc., there still wasn’t a deal in place to play the game at MTSU’s Floyd Stadium. The first person Jones visited when the overall responsibility for the doubleheader occurred was MTSU athletics director Chris Massaro.

“Although Chris didn’t see any issues with us using MTSU that weekend, we really didn’t have a contract with MTSU,” Jones said. “So, thank God they were accommodating, because we already had signed contracts with the two schools from Alabama. But Chris and his staff, they were awesome.

“They have given us so much direction. They have given me a lot of great ideas. There is a lot that goes into these games that you just don’t think about, unless you are involved in one. MTSU has been spectacular in how well that have treated us in trying to help us get through this thing.”

Jones then knew he needed to line up corporate support to help offset costs for staging the event, especially if weather becomes a factor and adversely impacts attendance. The doubleheader is now officially called the Middle Tennessee Football Classic presented by Venture Express.

Other businesses stepping up to support the event include Toot’s Restaurants, First National Bank of Middle Tennessee, the Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce, Governor’s Highway Safety Office, Franklin American Mortgage and Bridgestone.

“I want to see it be a success, not only for both the local schools, but for Murfreesboro, MTSU, for everybody,” Jones said. “I’ve got a lot of pride in our community, and I want to try to make this thing be as good as it possibly can be.”

Jones fielded several inquiries to have the doubleheader broadcast on television, but wanted to make sure the event became a “must-see live” affair that features not only four top high school football programs from bordering states, but some of the top college prospects in the southeast.

“We are keeping it off TV for a reason,” Jones said. “We want people to come out from all over Middle Tennessee — all the high school kids that played that Friday night, all their parents, coaches — we really want them to come out and support this event. For it to be a success, we need people to be there.”

Greg Pogue is host of The Greg Pogue & Big Joe Show on WNSR 560 AM. E-mail him at grpogue@gmail.com and follow on Twitter @ThePoguester.

Smyrna’s Ikenna Okeke is the defensive leader for the Bulldogs after recording 61 tackles with five interceptions.

Smyrna’s Ikenna Okeke is the defensive leader for the Bulldogs after recording 61 tackles with five interceptions.

Smyrna’s Ikenna Okeke is the defensive leader for the Bulldogs after recording 62 tackles with five interceptions one year ago.

Smyrna’s Ikenna Okeke is the defensive leader for the Bulldogs after recording 62 tackles with five interceptions last season.

SMYRNA – Ikenna Okeke realizes eyes are on him this year.

It comes with territory after his junior season at Smyrna High, when he became a dominant player in the defensive secondary. With that came offers from college football coaches, which are currently at 16.

But Okeke embraces the spotlight. It’s simply a chance to represent his school.

“I want to be the face of Smyrna football and represent it in a positive way,” Okeke said. “You can say that’s tough, but this is what I want to do.

“I try not to look at it as tough. I take it as a privilege to be a leader here.”

Okeke, a 6-foot-2, 200-pound athlete, received plenty of experience being that leader a year ago. The free safety recorded 62 tackles in 11 games. He also tied for the team lead with five interceptions and recovered a pair of fumbles.

On offense he had 214 receiving yards on 16 catches and is the leading receiver returning from last year’s team.

“He gives you a presence athletically,” Smyrna coach Matt Williams said. “He’s got a big frame and can run.”

Okeke will split time at free safety and outside linebacker for the Bulldogs, Williams said. He was limited in the preseason because of a shoulder injury, but has been cleared medically to play in the Bulldogs’ season opener at La Vergne at 7 p.m. Friday (TV: WUXP-30).

High School Football 2015

Once district rivals, the game will be a non-region contest after La Vergne dropped down to Class 5A in the offseason. Smyrna has won 16 straight over North Rutherford rival La Vergne and holds a 27-1 series advantage.

Okeke’s college offers include MTSU, Northwestern, Notre Dame, Penn State, Stanford, Tennessee and Vanderbilt.

Okeke said his favorite teams growing up were Alabama and Florida. Neither have offered, but he’s spoken to coaches from both schools.

“Growing up, I was a fan of the SEC,” Okeke said. “But getting older and being involved in the recruiting process, I could care less about the conference. It’s about going to the best place for me.”

Okeke said the offseason has been more intense after the Bulldogs went 6-5 for the third time in four seasons.

“Our coaches have been practicing us harder than ever because the expectations are higher,” he said. “You can look at it as a punishment or having pride in our team.”

Okeke spent the offseason working on every aspect of the game in an attempt to improve as a football player. He knows the expectations on him will be high in 2015.

“I want to be a better leader,” Okeke said. “It’s everything. Like getting people in position when I’m tired. I need to be able to coach someone else up, and put people in position.”

Reach Tom Kreager at 615-278-5168 and on Twitter @Kreager.

Week 1 Schedule

(All games at 7 p.m. unless noted)

Thursday’s Game

Siegel at Ravenwood*

Friday’s Games

Riverdale at Ooltewah, 6 p.m. (CST)

John Overton at Stewarts Creek*

Smyrna at La Vergne**

Lewis Co. at Eagleville

Cannon Co. at Community

Ezell-Harding at MTCS

Lancaster Chr. at Monroe Acad., Ala., 7:30 p.m.

Saturday’s Games

Clay-Chalkville (Ala.) vs. Blackman at MTSU, 4 p.m.*

Hoover (Ala.) vs. Oakland at MTSU, 7 p.m.*

*WGNS

**WUXP-30

An artist’s rendering of the new Randy King gymnasium floor

MURFREESBORO – Oakland and Riverdale will open the high school basketball seasons with a brand-new playing surface after Rutherford County spent nearly $94,000 on each school to have their floors replaced.

It is believed to be the first time since the schools opened in the 1970s that the floors were replaced.

“They were down to the subfloor in a couple places,” Rutherford County school board member Jeff Jordan said. “All of the surface had worn off, peeling and gone. The paint was gone. I think we had painted them three times, which isn’t that much in 42 years.”

Cost for each floor was $93,928.60, and the funds came out of the county’s capital projects fund. Both schools also had the seating on their upper level replaced the year prior.

Oakland girls coach Jennifer Grandstaff credited Oakland Principal Bill Spurlock for improving the school’s facilities.

“Mr. Spurlock has done a great job of upgrading the facilities,” she said. “We’re excited about it. It’s practically a brand-new gym. It’s a beautiful place.”

Workers placed a layer of plywood on top of the existing floor then placed the new gym floor on top of it to trim costs. The schools then must raise the basketball rims to 10 feet.

Board of Control: A Station Camp request to waive the TSSAA’s independent game participation rule for one of its girls soccer players was approved on Monday during the high school athletic association’s Board of Control meeting at its Hermitage office.

TSSAA Executive Director Bernard Childress said the decision is in line with another request made in June from a different school.

The decisions could eventually lead to the board allowing all girls soccer players the ability to play in other elite-level club games. Currently soccer is played at different times in the year throughout the country. Girls soccer is played in Tennessee in the fall for the TSSAA, with boys soccer being played in the spring.

“The season that we’re dealing with is when they have those premier leagues,” Childress said. “For us, soccer is now and in the spring (for the boys). There is going to come a point, and not just in Tennessee, that a decision will have to be made to waive the independent rule like we do in bowling and in some of our other sports.

“Are we at that point? I don’t know. We’ve been able to work with those leagues. But now, it’s across the nation.”

• The board chose to take no action in a request by Brentwood to remove the option that all girls wrestlers can wrestle against boys wrestlers. Last year the TSSAA adopted girls wrestling as a sanctioned sport.

“We feel like we still have to grow the sport,” Childress said.

Childress said there isn’t enough interest in the sport to eliminate the “burden in travel. It is our hope that we get there at some point. But we are not at the point that we can do that.”

• Approved Nolensville High’s request to be a TSSAA member for next school year. It is expected to have 550 kids in grades nine and 10 only and will participate at the junior varsity level in football until the 2017 season. It will be in Region 4-2A for football and District 12-AA in other sports.

• Approved Knowledge Academy’s request to be a TSSAA member for the 2015-16 school year. The school, which is in Antioch, will compete in District 10-A in basketball. The school plans on co-oping with another school in football and offering junior varsity teams in boys and girls basketball and soccer.

Reach Tom Kreager at 615-278-5168 and on Twitter @Kreager.

Collegiate Football on the Field

MURFREESBORO – Three Murfreesboro high schools were ranked in the Associated Press’ preseason Class 6A statewide poll released today.

Oakland, which is coming off a 12-2 season, is the highest ranked Rutherford County team at third. Riverdale is ranked fourth. The Warriors went 9-3 in 2014. And Blackman is ranked sixth. The Blaze went 11-2 last season.

Two-time defending state champion Maryville is ranked first, followed by Whitehaven. Smyrna was the first school receiving votes.

Defending state champion Knoxville West is the preseason pick in 5A. Rhea County was second and Hillsboro was third. La Vergne was the first team receiving votes.

In 4A, three-time defending state champion Fulton is ranked first, just ahead of Greeneville and Knoxville Catholic.

Defending state champion CPA is ranked first in 3A ahead of last year’s runner-up Alcoa.

Adamsville is ranked first in Class 2A ahead of Trezevant and Marion County. Two-time defending state champion Union City is ranked first in 1A ahead of Peabody — which won 2A last year — and Nashville Christian.

Ensworth is ranked first in Division II, followed by Brentwood Academy and MBA.

Tennessee Preseason Football Prep Polls

The Associated Press’ Preseason Top 10 teams in each of Tennessee’s six Division I non-financial aid classifications and in the combined Division II financial aid classification as selected by Tennessee AP-member sportswriters and broadcasters. With first-place votes in parentheses, records through August 17, total points based on 10 points for a first-place vote through one point for a 10th-place vote:

Class 6A

Others receiving 12 or more points: 11, Smyrna 13.

Class 5A

Others receiving 12 or more points: 11, La Vergne 32. 12, Shelbyville 18. 13, Beech 15. 14, South Doyle 14.

Class 4A

Others receiving 12 or more points: 11, Lexington 27. 12, Livingston Academy 24. 13, Hardin County 21. 14, Spring Hill 20. 15, Lipscomb Academy 12.

Class 3A

Others receiving 12 or more points: 11, Liberty Magnet 16. 12, Westview 14. 13, Upperman 12.

Class 2A

Others receiving 12 or more points: 11, Hickman County 19. 12, Waverly 16. 13, Westmoreland 15. 14, Hampton 13.

Class 1A

Others receiving 12 or more points: 12, Trousdale County 22. 13, Oneida 18.

Division II

Others receiving 12 or more points: 11, Father Ryan 16. 12, ECS 12.———

Riverdale football coach Ron Aydelott doesn’t put too much stock in the AP football poll, which has his team ranked fourth.

MURFREESBORO – Despite subpar performances in Friday’s fourth annual Rutherford County football jamboree, three Murfreesboro football programs made the Associated Press’ initial Class 6A football poll on Monday.

Oakland, which finished 12-2 a year ago, was the highest of the trio. The Patriots were ranked third. Riverdale was ranked fourth, and Blackman was ranked sixth.

The ranking was a surprise to Riverdale coach Ron Aydelott, who is entering his 10th season at the school.

“I have no reason to believe we are a top 10 team at this point,” Aydelott said.

Perhaps.

However, this season the TSSAA created what has been coined the “Super 6,” where the top 32 enrollments in the state compete in Class 6A. Each team advances to the state playoffs, reducing the number of schools in the state’s highest classification.

“That puts it in perspective,” Aydelott said. “There were too many to choose from.”

Ravenwood, which finished 6A runner-up in 2014, was the only other Midstate team ranked in the 6A poll. The Raptors were fifth.

Maryville, which won its second consecutive 6A championship in December, received every first-place vote. No other classification had an unanimous top-ranked team.

Blackman coach David Watson said preseason polls are often a reflection of past success.

“I think anytime you put out a poll this early it is based on past tradition and based on expectations,” he said. “For us to be ranked that high is just a product of the past.

Two Midstate football programs were ranked first in their respective classifications.

3 from Rutherford Co. ranked in statewide football poll

CPA was voted the top team in Class 3A, thanks in large part to defeating Alcoa in the state title contest a year ago. Alcoa is ranked No. 2 in the preseason poll.

The Lions, who finished 15-0 a year ago, lost some components to that team but return several key cogs, including quarterback Zach Weatherly.

Ensworth, which finished as state runner-up in Division II-AA to rival MBA, begins the season ranked No. 1 in the DII poll. Brentwood Academy is second, followed by MBA. BGA is the only other Midstate team ranked in DII, coming in at No. 9.

Other teams that enjoyed success last season had that carry over into this year’s preseason poll. Hillsboro, which finished runner-up in 5A, is ranked third in the 5A preseason poll. Defending champ Knoxville West is No. 1, followed by Rhea County. The Midstate is also represented by Independence (No. 6), Henry County (7) and Hendersonville (8) in the 5A poll.

Pearl-Cohn, which reached the 4A semifinals a year ago, is ranked fourth in the 4A poll, while Marshall County comes in at No. 8.

Nashville Christian, a state semifinalist in 1A last season, enters this season ranked No. 3. Defending champ Union City is No. 1. Columbia Academy checks in at No. 7.

Reach Tom Kreager at 615-278-5168 and on Twitter @Kreager. Contributing: Cecil Joyce.