MTCS’s Tanner Green rushed for 902 yards last season.

MURFREESBORO – Tanner Green has a list of football goals for 2015.

The MTCS senior athlete wants to surpass 1,000 rushing yards — something he missed by less than 100 a year ago.

He wants an opportunity to play college football. Green already has a college offer from Harding University, a private liberal arts school in Searcy, Ark.

No goal, though, is bigger than helping the Cougars win a second consecutive league title in an effort to leave his mark on the program.

“We don’t want it to be a one-year thing,” Green said of the Cougars’ 2014 success, which included a 9-2 season. “That’s the goal. We don’t want to be the group to let it go back.

“We don’t want younger kids to go through what we went through.”

Green was a freshman in 2012 when the Cougars went 0-10 under former coach Brian Stewart. The Cougars went 6-5 his sophomore year during Stewart’s final season before he left MTCS for Briarcrest Christian in Eads, Tenn.

MTCS football ready to continue climb

Enter Fred Shambaugh and a no-huddle, lightning-paced offensive attack.

“It’s so fun,” Green said. “We get to go as fast as we want.

“It’s fun to see the defense try to figure out what they are going to do when we’re snapping the ball. We’ve gotten so used to the pace that sometimes the refs are the ones that are slowing us down.”

Green, a 6-foot-1-inch, 205-pound running back and linebacker, rushed for 902 yards in 104 carries (8.7 yards per carry) and scored 13 rushing touchdowns in 2014 to help the Cougars win the District 9-A title for the program’s first district/region title since it began playing football in 2005.

“Now we know we can win,” Green said. “Everyone saw last year paid off, so people worked harder in the weight room.”

That includes Green.

He knows his role could expand this year. Gone is standout quarteback Justin Winn, who is a freshman at Morehead State. Junior Joseph Peck has replaced him.

Success brings numbers for MTCS football in 2015

“He’s led in every capacity,” Shambaugh said. “He’s one of our top (leaders). He’s really stepped up for us.”

With three of the Cougars’ top four receivers graduated, Green’s role as a ball carrier may expand this season.

“Potentially, I could get more carries,” Green said, “but (Peck) is still great. I’m excited to see what he’s going to do this year on the field.”

Green is a speed back with power.

“I like to run between the tackles, but I also love getting to the edge,” Green said.

And from there it’s a track meet.

“He is the result of tremendous work ethic in the weight room,” Shambaugh said. “You can build speed and build athleticism, and he is a product of that.”

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

Cannon County’s Bo Bryson.

Cannon County’s Bo Bryson on Saturday, August 1, 2015.

Cannon County’s Bo Bryson on Saturday, August 1, 2015.

Cannon County’s Bo Bryson on Saturday, August 1, 2015.

WOODBURY – Bo Bryson understands his role on Cannon County’s football team this year.

As a two-way starter and a senior on a 30-man roster competing in Class 3A, Bryson must do more than simply play virtually every snap.

He’s also expected to be a leader on and off the field for the Lions, trying to get out of a downward spiral since winning a league title in 2009.

“Coaches have put a lot of responsibility on me to make sure everyone is doing their job,” said Bryson, a 6-foot-1, 215-pound athlete who will play tight end and linebacker. “They want me to make sure everyone lines up right in the plays we’re in.

“I want to do my best this. It’s my last year. You always want to do your best and leave on a good note.”

Cannon County is coming off a 1-9 season and is 3-37 since winning District 8-AA in 2009. Bryson acknowledged that a win early this season would be a large confidence booster for the Lions’ small roster, which includes 10 freshmen.

“That would be big,” Bryson said. “Once you get that first win, it’s a lot easier after that. Once they know they can win, everything is easier.”

Cannon County, which tried multiple offenses a year ago, will begin this season in an I-formation. The Lions open the season at Community in Unionville. The Vikings, a Class 2A opponent, went 0-10 in 2014.

Bryson said the Lions have adapted well to the new offense, which will be led by first-year stater Brady Page at quarterback.

“Last year is last year,” said Bryson of the past. “We have to just look forward. We’re really looking good right now.

“We feel really confident in how we’re playing.”

Bryson said he prefers to play linebacker, where he can read the defense and fly to the ball to make stops.

“It’s not really a set position,” Bryson said of linebacker. “I can read the field and the opposing offense.”

Bryson and the Lions will compete in a new-look Region 4-3A with Grundy County and Sequatchie County joining the league and Livinston Academy and Macon County leaving for Region 3-4A and 5-4A respectively.

“The teams that left, we didn’t have a huge rivalry with anyway,” Bryson said. “New blood will make it better.”

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

Lions turn to iron-man football due to low numbers
2015 high school football schedules

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

Clay-Chalkville coach Jerry Hood and the Cougars come to MTSU Saturday ranked 18th nationally.

MURFREESBORO – Jerry Hood hasn’t spent too much time looking at the high school football national rankings.

For the record, though, the seventh-year Clay-Chalkville, Alabama, coach’s team is ranked 18th nationally by USA TODAY, 21st by MaxPreps and 22nd by NationalHSFootball.com.

“What we try to tell them is that’s fun if I’m a kid because a guy somewhere is saying you’re the 21st or 18th or 25th best team in the country, but that means last year and the years before we have done some good things,” Hood said.

“I think our team is quite aware that we haven’t done anything yet. That is why they call it preseason.”

But make no mistake. The Cougars are extremely talented on offense. Six returning offensive starters will take the field at 4 p.m. Saturday at MTSU’s Floyd Stadium when they face Blackman in the inaugural Middle Tennessee Football Classic presented by Venture Express.

Oakland plays Hoover, Alabama, afterward at 7 p.m.

Chalkville scored an Alabama Class 6A state record 731 points in 2014 en route to a 15-0 season. The Cougars outscored their opponents by 27 points a game.

They have a pair of FBS college prospects in wide receivers T.J. Simmons and Nico Collins. Simmons, a 6-foot-2, 180-pound senior, has committed to Alabama. Collins, a 6-4, 185-pound receiver, has at least 11 offers including Alabama, Auburn, Florida, Georgia and LSU.

Getting them the ball is dual-threat quarterback Tyrrell Pigrome, a 5-11, 180-pound senior with offers from Appalachian State, MTSU, Southern Miss and UAB.

The Cougars’ aerial attack will test Blackman’s secondary, which are all brand-new starters this season.

“They are as good of a team as we’ll see this year,” Blackman coach David Watson said. “They are just well-coached. They’ve got so many good players. They have one committed to Alabama and a couple of more with big-time offers.

“They won the 6A championship last year. They are just a good team.”

Blackman is ranked sixth in the Associated Press’ Tennessee statewide Class 6A.

Despite the Cougars’ offensive strength, Hood said his defense can be just as good despite returning just two starters. Hood said an improved defensive line will be key.

“This year we look much more like the positions we are in,” Hood said. “But we got the job done. This year we have a little more beef, and we are longer in the secondary.

“I don’t think our defense will take a back seat to our offense. We expect them to perform at a certain level.”

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

Rebuilt Hoover opens season with Oakland
High school football classic building momentum
Way too early Super 25 teams to watch: Clay-Chalkville

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL

Middle Tennessee Football Classic presented by Venture Express

When: Saturday

Matchups: Blackman vs. Clay-Chalkville, Ala., 4 p.m.; Oakland vs. Hoover, 7 p.m.

Where: MTSU’s Floyd Stadium

Price: $5 parking, $15 admission

Siegel and coach Greg Wyant open the 2015 football season at Ravenwood Thursday.

MURFREESBORO – Siegel football coach Greg Wyant and Ravenwood coach Will Hester share similar offensive philosophies.

Neither coach will have his offense in a huddle when the teams meet at 7 p.m. Thursday at Ravenwood High to kick off the season.

“There are a lot of similarities,” Hester said. “It may appear like an intrasquad to some. But it will be a great test.”

Both coaches said the game was scheduled for Thursday to help promote a larger crowd before Friday, when games are traditionally played.

“This was an opportunity to be the only show in town,” Hester said. “There are some big games on Saturday night (at MTSU and Vanderbilt) that are getting some attention.

“This is like the first weekend of college football where they spread it out. This is definitely the only game in Williamson County. There will be a lot of local people here. There should be a great atmosphere to watch two programs that have had some success in recent years.”

The second game of the two-year contract is scheduled to be played on Thursday of Week 1 in 2016 at Siegel.

Siegel is coming off a 3-7 season, but boasts the top returning passer and rusher in Jordan Middleton and Greedy Howse, respectively. Middleton, who is entering his second year as a starter, threw for 1,382 with 10 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. Howse rushed for 980 yards.

“He’s put on some weight, but he hasn’t lost a step,” Wyant said of Howse. “I think it’s no secret. He’s our bell cow. He and Jordan both are experienced. They lead our offense.

“Where they go is where our offense goes.”

Hester, who is a former La Vergne head coach, considers Howse one of the premier backs in Rutherford County this season.

Ravenwood, which finished 14-1 in 2014 with a loss to Maryville in the Class 6A championship game, must replace its top two receivers and quarterback.

Former Ravenwood standout Van Jefferson is now a freshman receiver at Ole Miss. Receiver Austin Percy is now at SMU and quarterback Cole Brown is now at UT-Chattanooga.

“Defensively they are the same and have the same identity,” Wyant said. “They haven’t changed a lot on offense.”

Hester will use running backs Connor Jeffries and Carter Nelson to help set up the passing game unlike last year when the passing game set up the run.

“We lost a lot of production, but every high school team loses personnel every year,” he said.

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

Siegel at No. 5 Ravenwood

When: 7 p.m., Thursday

Where: Raptor Stadium

Last meeting: Siegel defeated Ravenwood 42-0 in 2012.

Players to watch: Siegel: RB Greedy Howse (980 rushing yards in 2014), QB: Jordan Middleton (1,382 passing yards), K/P Jacob Smith (42.9 punt average), RB/LB Rodney Murray (73 rushing yards). Ravenwood: DB Andrew Lutgens (5 interceptions), RB Connor Jeffries (411 rushing yards), WR Chris Rowland (591 rushing yards), LB Sean Spence (74 tackles).

Keys to the game: Both teams want to play as fast as the officials will let them on offense. Look for both teams to get more than 70 offensive snaps. Discipline on defense will be crucial.

Kreager’s pick: Ravenwood 35, Siegel 27.

Last season: 68-18 (79 percent)

Football season

Smyrna at La Vergne

When: 7 p.m., Friday

Where: Freedom Field

TV: WUXP-30

Last meeting: Smyrna defeated La Vergne 28-7 in 2014.

Players to watch: Smyrna: WR/DB Ikenna Okeke (62 tackles and five interceptions in 2014), QB John Turner (1,333 passing yards), RB/DB Casey Perkins (50 tackles), RB/LB Austin Brown (200 rushing yards, 66 tackles). La Vergne: LB Maleik Gray (61 tackles), TE/DE Chris Myers (MTSU commitment), Elijah Barbour (three-year starter); RB Nick Jones.

Keys to the game: There have been close games between these two in the past, such as the 7-6 Smyrna win in 2012. This one could be another nail-biter. Eliminating penalties and turnovers are key. La Vergne must keep an eye on Okeke, who is a playmaker on offense. La Vergne must protect sophomore QB Keianthony Conner, who is making his first start. Smyrna will try to pressure him with different blitz packages.

Overton at Stewarts Creek

When: 7 p.m., Friday

Where: Red Hawks Stadium

Radio: WGNS (1450-AM, 100.5-FM, 101.9-FM)

Last meeting: First meeting

Players to watch: Overton: QB Julius King (returns as starter), OL/DL Tamim Aldarawchesh (anchors offensive line and an all-region player), RB/LB Taverius Travis (third-year starter), RB Kimlee North (will see time with Travis). Stewarts Creek: WR/DB Cynterius Lyons (349 receiving yards, eight total TDs in 2014), WR/DB T.J. York (426 receiving yards), QB Chris Dye (426 passing yards), DL Ricky Brown (34 tackles, 4 sacks).

Keys to the game: Stewarts Creek enters with momentum after a strong showing in the jamboree. Overton must keep the Red Hawks from sustaining long drives. Creek showed they can put together drives that can eat up clock. Creek must contain King, who is a dual-threat QB.

Riverdale at Ooltewah

When: 7 p.m.

Where: James L. Monroe Stadium

Last meeting: Riverdale defeated Ooltewah 35-7 in 2001.

Players to watch: Riverdale: WR/DB Marquise Cantrell (815 receiving yards, 5 INTs), RB Austin Bryant (742 rushing yards, 13 TDs), QB Brandon Bea, DB Gentry Bonds (4 INTS). Ooltewah: QB London Elrod, WR/RB Rashun Freeman, OL Chris Smith.Keys to the game:

Keys to the game: Both teams want to push the tempo on offense. The Owls, who are their region’s favorite, are breaking in a new quarterback and have two new go-to receivers. That should only help Riverdale’s talented secondary.

Ezell-Harding at MTCS

When: 7 p.m.

Where: Throneberry Stadium

Last meeting: Ezell-Harding defeated MTCS 34-13 in 2012.

Players to watch: Ezell-Harding: QB/LB Jay Clark (moves over from wide receiver), OL/DL Hunter Spence (helps anchor line at center), RB Malik Ruffin (rushed for more than 800 yards, 10 TDs). MTCS: RB/LB Tanner Green (902 rushing yards in 2014), RB/LB Nick Merritt (362 rushing yards, 49 tackles, 11 sacks), WR/DB Trey Hickey (377 receiving yards, 3 INTs), DE Sam Mathis (60 tackles, 8 sacks), LB Sam Mathis (140 tackles).

Keys to the game: Ezell-Harding needs to be ready for a track meet. The Cougars will snap it as quickly as the game referees will allow it under first-year quarterback Joseph Peck. Getting Green on track early is key for MTCS.

Lewis Co. at Eagleville

When: 7 p.m.

Where: Talon Stadium

Last meeting: First meeting

Players to watch: Lewis Co.:OL Dylan Cotham, QB Dave Odom (400 rushing yards at RB last year), LB Wyatt Walton. Eagleville: RB A.J. Garza (Rushed for 858 yards as a QB in 2014), DT/T James Witt (All-district lineman, 25 tackles), DB/WR Garrett Parker (27 tackles), FB/LB Austin Wright (26 tackles).

Keys to the game: Coach Steve Carson may have put together his toughest schedule since he arrived at Eagleville in 2008. Lewis County dropped into 2A from 3A this year. The Eagles will start a new quarterback for a second straight season in freshman Ethan Cobb.

Cannon Co. at Community

When: 7 p.m.

Where: Community High School

Radio: WBRY (96.7-FM, 1540-AM)

Last meeting: First meeting

Players to watch: Cannon Co.: TE/LB Bo Bryson (returning two-way starter), QB Brady Page (first-year starter, RB Austin Brock, FB/DL Micah Fanoti. Community: RB/DB Darian Pride, RB/LB Braden Simmons, OL Zach Nobbman, WR Chris Joslyn.

Keys to the game: Both programs need this win to open their respective seasons. The two schools combined to go 1-19 a year ago and have similar numbers out for the season. Conditioning will be key with low numbers.

Smyrna football still owns La Vergne rivalry

Tom Kreager.

La Vergne football coach Stanton Stevens will be the first to say that tonight’s season opener is a big game.

And it’s not just because it’s Smyrna.

“We need a win against Smyrna because it’s Week 1,” Stevens said last month. “We don’t need a win just because it’s our rival.

“This is bigger than Smyrna and La Vergne because it’s Week 1 and we need to come out of the gate doing well. It happens to be Smyrna. It would be a big win because it is Smyrna.”

It would be one of the Wolverines’ largest wins in Stevens’ six seasons. La Vergne has not won in 16 meetings against the Bulldogs. Smyrna owns a 27-1 series record.

Yes, this rivalry is as lopsided as they come.

But there is reason to believe this could be a nail-biter. La Vergne returns several key pieces from last year’s team that reached the second round of the 6A playoffs. Of course, that team lost 28-7 in its season opener to Smyrna.

La Vergne has looked good in the preseason and had a strong showing against Oakland, winning 6-0 in last week’s jamboree.

But this is a rivalry game that Smyrna has dominated. The Bulldogs always finds ways to win, right?

Like in 2012, when Smyrna went 1-9 with a 7-6 win over La Vergne. Or when the Bulldogs eked out a 15-13 win in 2007 with standout QB Sonny Gray and receiver Rod Wilks. Smyrna went on to win its second-straight 5A championship that year.

So Smyrna will find a way to win again Friday, right?

Kreager’s pick: Smyrna 28, La Vergne 27

Overton at Stewarts Creek

Stewarts Creek has reason to believe this is the year the Red Hawks taste the postseason. The school is in its third year and dropped from Class 6A to 5A with La Vergne in the offseason. They host 6A foe John Overton.

But Stewarts Creek has not beaten a 6A team in its first two seasons.

Until Friday.

Kreager’s pick: Stewarts Creek 24, Overton 20

Blackman vs. Clay-Chalkville

The best in Alabama comes to town on Saturday in the inaugural Middle Tennessee Football Classic presented by Venture Express.

Clay-Chalkville has future FBS players at two wide receiver positions and at quarterback. Oh, and Chalkville set the Class 6A Alabama state record for most points in a season a year ago.

Kreager’s pick: Clay-Chalkville 56, Blackman 21

Oakland vs. Hoover

If Hoover was ever primed for an upset, this may be it after graduating 18 players that signed football scholarships last season.

The bad thing? Oakland had eight that signed football scholarships, including three in the SEC.

Kreager’s pick: Hoover 35, Oakland 21

Ooltewah at Riverdale

Riverdale better be ready for a track meet. The Owls will push the tempo on offense. That will be a significant challenge for the Warriors’ two-way linemen.

But Riverdale should pull away late.

Kreager’s pick: Riverdale: 40, Ooltewah 35

Ezell-Harding at MTCS

Can MTCS play faster on offense in 2015?

We will find out. Quarterback Joseph Peck will rely on running back Tanner Green early in this one before he gets in a groove.

Kreager’s pick: MTCS 42, Ezell-Harding 14

Lewis Co. at Eagleville

Mistakes early must be limited by the young Eagles. The defense will have the tall task of keeping Lewis County out of the scoreboard.

Kreager’s pick: Lewis Co. 21, Eagleville 14

Cannon Co. at Community

Cannon County and Community combined to go 1-19 in 2014. Both are struggling with numbers. Both need a win to get things started in the right direction.

The Vikings have Darian Pride on their roster. He’ll be the best athlete on the field.

Kreager’s pick: Community 35, Cannon Co. 10

Last season: 68-18 (79 percent)

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

Cannon County female player one of few in state
Ranking the top Rutherford Co. football players for ’15
Blaze to face Chalkville’s high-powered offense
Rebuilt Hoover opens season with Oakland
Week 1 Football Capsules

Cannon County senior Livia Walker is one of 14 girls playing high school football in the state this year, according to information obtained by the TSSAA.

WOODBURY – Livia Walker used to joke with Cannon County High School football coach T.J. Daniel that she would be a kicker for his football team.

This fall the third-year head coach called Walker out.

“This year he was down a kicker,” said Walker, who is also a standout soccer player and softball player at Cannon County. “He came up to my mom, our soccer coach, and asked who her best kicker was.

“She said I might be up for it.”

Walker quickly won the position. She booted a 45-yard field goal without football pads and has connected from 32 yards in full pads and a helmet.

“At first, some of the guys thought it was a joke,” Daniel said. “Then when she walked over and kicked that first time they were like, ‘Coach isn’t lying. She can kick.’

“They then said they were going to protect her. She’s boosted the morale of the team. She could be the glue that brings everything together for us.”

Walker is one of 14 girls playing high school football in the state, according to an eligibility report by the TSSAA.

Walker only will be on the field during field goals and PATs for the Lions, who compete in Region 4-3A and are coming off a 1-9 season in 2014. She will not be in on kickoffs.

Cannon County opens this season at 7 p.m. Friday at Community in Unionville.

‘A diehard tomboy’

Dorinda Walker isn’t surprised that her daughter is on the Lions football team this year. She is well aware of her daughter’s athleticism. Her longest career soccer goal is from 50 yards away.

Plus, Livia Walker always has been a tomboy at heart.

“She always preferred to play with the boys,” Dorinda Walker said. “You wouldn’t think that now if you looked at her. But as a kid growing up, she was a diehard tomboy.

“I can remember in sixth and seventh grade buying basketball shorts and T-shirts from the boys department. She would steal her brother’s clothes. Her shorts as a kid always touched the knees or lower.”

Livia Walker said she always wanted to play football as a child.

“My brother played,” she said. “But I never got to as a kid.”

Dorinda Walker recalls one football game when her daughter pointed out the opponent had a female kicker.

“I didn’t think it was a girl, but she said, ‘That’s a girl kicking that football. I can tell by her soccer cleats,’” Dorinda Walker said.

“She said then that she was going to kick some day.”

Setting up guidelines

Livia Walker has played with the Murfreesboro Strikers’ travel soccer program in the past and is being recruited to play in college.

Her soccer remains first priority. She practices with the football team on Thursdays with special teams and the walk through and plays on Friday nights.

She plans on making sure she isn’t injured on the football field. If there is a bad snap, she has a plan in place.

“We yell ‘fire,’ and I get down on the ground, or I might turn and run the other way,” she said. “If something happens, I’m just going to let them go.

“I have a soccer career to worry about,” she added with a laugh.

And she has already made sure she has her own place to dress at home games.

For Cannon County’s home games, Livia Walker will dress in the athletic trainer’s office. The trainer also is a female. She will have to find a place at away games.

She will not be in the locker room with her team. That is a guideline set up by her family.

“I don’t believe that is a place for a girl,” Dorinda Walker said.

Livia added, “My dad told me, ‘You better not step foot in the locker room.’ I told him not to worry. I don’t want to go into the locker room.”

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

Today’s Games

(All games at 7 p.m.)

La Vergne at Smyrna*

Overton at Stewarts Creek**

Riverdale at Ooltewah

Ezell-Harding at MTCS

Lewis Co. at Eagleville

Cannon Co. at Community***

*WUXP-30

**WGNS (1450-AM, 100.5-FM, 101.9-FM)

***WBRY (1540-AM, 96.7-FM)

Siegel’s Greedy Howse (23) rushed for 180 yards in the Stars’ 47-27 loss to Ravenwood on Thursday.

BRENTWOOD – Greedy Howse ran left. He ran right Thursday night.

Ravenwood, though, thrived by running it straight at the Siegel defense.

Siegel opened its season with a 47-27 loss to Ravenwood in a non-region contest.

Howse, a senior, led Siegel with 271 total yards and three TD runs. He had 23 carries for 180 yards. Two of his TDs were from 20 yards or more.

“He’s our bell cow now,” Siegel coach Greg Wyant said. “We’ve got to have that out of him for us to be successful.”

However, the Stars needed even more against the Raptors, who were Class 6A state runner-up a year ago to Maryville.

Ravenwood showed off the new version of its fast-paced spread offense with the graduation of a pair of college freshmen receivers in Van Jefferson (Ole Miss) and Austin Percy (SMU).

The Raptors (1-0) rushed for 294 yards in the win.

“That’s what they gave us tonight,” Ravenwood coach Will Hester said. “We were able to run the football tonight, but we can’t be one-dimensional all season long.

“We’ve got to continue to work and become a well-balanced team.”

Connor Jeffries rushed for 141 yards on 13 carries and had a 31-yard TD run to pace the ground game. Quarterback Andrew Rappe’ had 95 yards on 17 carries, including multiple runs straight up the Siegel defensive front. Rappe’ had two TD runs, including a 58-yard run.

“We’ve got to do a better job tackling,” Wyant said. “I don’t even have to look at the film to know that.”

Ravenwood is coming of a Class 6A state runner-up season.

Leading 21-14 at halftime, Chris Rowland fumbled the kickoff, picked it up and ran 95 yards for the TD to extend the lead to two scores. It never got closer.

Howse’s 34-yard TD run play after Ricco Gregory’s intercepted pass made it 37-21 with 4:45 left in the third quarter. But Rappe’ made it 44-21 when Gregory turned an inside screen into a 68-yard TD catch.

Michael Scruggs rounded out the scoring with a 7-yard TD run for the Stars.

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

Today’s Games

(All games at 7 p.m.)

La Vergne at Smyrna*

Overton at Stewarts Creek**

Riverdale at Ooltewah

Ezell-Harding at MTCS

Lewis Co. at Eagleville

Cannon Co. at Community***

*WUXP-30

**WGNS (1450-AM, 100.5-FM, 101.9-FM)

***WBRY (1540-AM, 96.7-FM)

MTCS’ Nick Merritt is the team’s second-leading returning rusher on offense and had a school-record in sacks in 2014.

MTCS’ Nick Merritt is the team’s second-leading returning rusher on offense and had a school-record in sacks in 2014.

New coach, same expectations at LCA
Eagles face youth movement
Lions turn to iron-man football due to low numbers

MURFREESBORO – Fred Shambaugh’s first season at MTCS was a memorable one.

The California transplant led the Cougars to their first district title in school history, going 9-2 and reaching the second round of the Class 2A playoffs despite having just a 30-man roster.

A year later, the Cougars have dropped down to 1A in classification and have improved their numbers by 50 percent over a year ago.

Here are five questions facing MTCS for the 2015 high school football season.

Who replaces quarterback Justin Winn?

Winn, who is now a freshman quarterback at Morehead State, was a dynamic dual-threat quarterback, leading the Cougars in passing (1,796 yards) and rushing (917 yards).

Junior Joseph Peck takes over the quarterback duties for the Cougars’ no-huddle, fast-paced offense. Peck is a strong runner, who is developing his passing game.

Running back Tanner Green, who rushed for 902 yards in 2014, returns and will be a key part of the offense, especially if the passing game takes time to settle in. Green is a powerful, speedy back who will give opposing defenses problems.

How will a larger roster help the Cougars?

Let’s be honest, there are practice limitations with 30 players on a roster in a sport that requires a minimum 22 players when practicing game situations.

This year’s larger roster has added depth. It’s helped in more competitive practices already. While there may be a couple of players such as Green and Trey Hickey who can plan on playing both ways, there won’t be many more asked to play iron-man football.

And if freshman lineman Mason Williams continues to develop, no lineman will be asked to start on both sides of the ball.

Will the defense be improved from last season?

Opponents averaged 21.5 points a game against MTCS’ defense in 2014. Those numbers could be better this season.

The Cougars return defensive ends Sam Mathis (60 tackles, eight sacks) and Nick Merritt (49 tackles, 11 sacks) to lead the defensive line, which should be the defense’s strength. And leading tackler Brayden Melton (140 tackles) returns at linebacker.

Add cornerback Trey Hickey (three interceptions) and the Cougars’ defense should be fine.

Can MTCS win the region title?

There will be several new opponents on this year’s MTCS schedule due to the TSSAA’s reclassification. Nashville Christian, a 1A state semifinalist in 2014, is the headliner in the Cougars’ Region 5-1A. Add storied-programs Trousdale County and Gordonsville and this won’t be an easy eight-game league slate.

NCS is likely the region favorite, but the Cougars should be considered a playoff contender.

What is this year’s biggest question mark?

The passing game. A new starter at quarterback combined with three of the top-four receivers graduating presents a big question. The good thing? Hickey returns and is a reliable receiver. He will catch anything thrown his way. And newcomer Philip Jones has had a good preseason as a slot receiver.

Sophomore Andrew McConnell has moved from running back to receiver.

Peck should be fine. And having a strong run game will only help him.

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

2015 Schedule

Date

Team

Time

Aug. 21

Ezell-Harding

7 p.m.

Aug. 28

at Red Boiling Springs

7 p.m.

Sept. 4

Jo Byrns

7 p.m.

Sept. 11

at Monterey

7 p.m.

Sept. 18

Clay County

7 p.m.

Sept. 25

at Pickett Co.

7 p.m.

Oct. 2

Gordonsville

7 p.m.

Oct. 9

at Cannon Co.

7 p.m.

Oct. 16

Trousdale Co.

7 p.m.

Oct. 23

at Nashville Chr.

7 p.m.

Oct. 30

Open

2014 Results

Date

Team

Score

Aug. 22

at Cannon Co.

W 48-6

Aug. 29

Zion Chr. Acad.

W 32-7

Sept. 5

Mt. Juliet Chr.

W 42-13

Sept. 12

Fayetteville

W 22-15

Sept. 19

Community

W 66-21

Sept. 26

at Whitwell

W 36-30

Oct. 3

Moore Co.

W 50-3

Oct. 17

Eagleville

W 22-9

Oct. 24

at Forrest

L 49-14

Oct. 31

at Huntland

W 52-28

Nov. 14

Trousdale Co.

L 55-42

FAST FACTS

Head coach: Fred Shambaugh, second season (56-23-1 overall, 9-2 at MTCS)

2014 record: 9-2

Stadium name: Throneberry Stadium

Team Twitter: @MTCSFB

Last time in the playoffs: 2014 (lost to Trousdale County 55-42 in the second round of the Class 2A playoffs)

Region 5-1A opponents: Clay Co., Gordonsville, Jo Byrns, Monterey, Nashville Chr., Pickett Co., Red Boiling Springs, Trousdale Co.

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

Collegiate Football on the Field

MURFREESBORO – Sitting here enjoying the chamber of commerce-like weather, thought I’d write a chamber of commerce-like column.

Be it far from my style to jump on board the promotional bandwagon, much less go first person with any of my opinion pieces. Nor will I tell anybody how to spend their money and time, especially when it comes to sporting events, for which I hardly ever pay admission, get free parking and usually am fed quite well to boot.

But there is something happening Saturday in our community that deserves our support, and that’s the inaugural Middle Tennessee Football Classic at MTSU’s Floyd Stadium. Blackman and Oakland play at 4 p.m. and 7 p.m., respectively, against Clay-Chalkville and Hoover, two of not only the top high school football programs in Alabama, but the Southeast as well.

Of course, we think Rutherford County has the best high school football in the state, although Maryville and Alcoa can lend a strong argument for it being Blount County. But the fact that we have the opportunity to open the high school football season each year with such an event on a stage to itself with college and pro football still a few weeks away is paramount.

But it almost didn’t happen. The event was the brainchild of two former coaches – Oakland’s Thomas McDaniel and Blackman’s Philip Shadowens – who put the deal together before departing for other jobs. That left local businessman John Jones holding the bag on making sure it happened.

First step for Jones was to make sure MTSU was good for playing host. Then, he went to business folks who have been go-to stops for supporting multiple events in and around our community over the years. First came Venture Express as the presenting sponsor, followed by Toot’s Restaurants, First National Bank of Middle Tennessee, Franklin American Mortgage, the Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce, Governor’s Highway Safety Office and Bridgestone.

They made sure all the costs would be taken care of just in case the gate receipts were adversely affected by bad weather and/or lack of attendance. Saturday’s event will be at least be a wash for those left holding the financial bag.

“If there were ever a time to step up in the community to support an event, this is one of those times,” Toot’s owner Wade Hays said. “This is an opportunity for all of us to participate in something that we can be very proud of and it be yet another jewel in our crown.”

Like the TSSAA’s Spring Fling and boys and girls basketball tournaments being staged here annually, very few, if any, communities in the state have the perfect combination of MTSU, hotel rooms, restaurants, businesses, city size and location, and the rolling out of the red carpet by the local folks as Murfreesboro and Rutherford County.

The deal is for Oakland and Blackman to be the host teams again next year against teams still to be decided, but the plan is to go to another surrounding state and have two of their marquee programs be the opponents. After that, the Middle Tennessee Football Classic can rotate along with Blackman and Oakland to also involve Riverdale, Siegel and Smyrna, three other Class 6A programs of prominence from Rutherford County.

“This event isn’t being held in Nashville or Mt. Juliet or Franklin,” Hays said. “This is the type of event only we can put on. This community rallies around these type of events, and it’s now time to do it again.”

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.

Blaze, Pats return to big stage

HELEN COMER/DNJ Oakland?s John Ralston and JaCoby Stevens celebrate Stevens? interception in the Smyrna end zone and run afterward on Sept. 19, 2014. Oakland’s John Ralston and JaCoby Stevens celebrate Stevens’ interception in the Smyrna endzone and run afterwards in the first half of the game at Smyrna, on Friday, September 19, 2014.

MURFREESBORO – Blackman and Oakland played in front of a national audience a year ago to kick off their high school football seasons.

On Saturday, the two Middle Tennessee prep football powers will play against national powers.

The two Murfreesboro programs are the host schools in the inaugural Middle Tennessee Football Classic presented by Venture Express at MTSU’s Floyd Stadium.

Blackman, which is ranked sixth in the Associated Press’ preseason Class 6A statewide poll, hosts nationally ranked Clay Chalkville, Alabama at 4 p.m. followed by third-ranked Oakland playing Hoover, Alabama at 7 p.m. in the nightcap.

Admission is $15.

“I think our kids understand what it’s like to play in a game like this,” Blackman first-year coach David Watson said. “But having to teams from Murfreesboro playing back-to-back is a pretty neat event.

“It’s pretty cool. It’s exciting for the community.”

Both Alabama programs are defending state champions. Chalkville won the 6A state title, and Hoover won the 7A championship. Hoover has won 10 football state championships.

Former Blackman football coach Philip Shadowens came up with the idea of the classic. It served as a way for the Blaze to play teams from out of the area as well as fill a 10-game regular season. Shadowens is now the head coach at William Blount High School in Maryville.

Blackman and Oakland have been the top two teams in Rutherford County and two of the top Class 6A teams in the state over the past two seasons. Oakland reached the state semifinals by beating Blackman in 2014. That came a year after Blackman beat Oakland in the state quarterfinals.

Both Murfreesboro programs were ranked nationally in different polls a year ago when they combined to have four players sign with SEC schools and seven total sign with FBS programs.

Blackman played at Hoover a year ago, losing 35-20 in the regular-season finale.

The Blaze face the difficult challenge of slowing a Chalkville offense that set the Alabama Class 6A state record of 731 points in 2014.

The Cougars, ranked 18th nationally by USA TODAY, are led by quarterback Tyrrell Pigrome, a 5-foot-11, 180-pound dual-threat quarterback with multiple offers including Missouri and MTSU.

Receiver T.J. Simmons (6-2, 180) has committed to Alabama. And receiver Nico Collins has various FBS offers, including Alabama.

“They’re multi-dimensional,” Watson said. “They probably lean more on the pass. But their quarterback runs it well too when they are spread out.”

Watson said despite being an underdog, his team won’t back down.

“Anytime you go against somebody good, you’ve got a chance of winning and a chance of losing,” he said. “Nobody likes to lose. We expect to play well no matter who we are up against.”

Quarterback Miller Armstrong, who was a standout linebacker a year ago, will make his first start at quarterback. The Blaze graduated 10 of 11 offensive starters.

Hoover has won four state titles under coach Josh Niblett. But the Buccaneers return just three starters on offense and defense.

The defense is led by Florida commitment Jeremiah Moon, a linebacker, and cornerback P.J. Hall. Halfback Quincy Cox and wide receiver Jimmie Johnson are key personnel in the Bucs offense.

Oakland first-year coach Kevin Creasy has two starters back on offense and four on defense. The team is led by receiver/defensive back JaCoby Stevens, who is ranked No. 24 by ESPN among college prospects for the Class of 2017.

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

Rebuilt Hoover opens season with Oakland
Blaze to face Chalkville’s high-powered offense

Steve Carson

EAGLEVILLE – Lewis County had one big play after another in the second quarter to pull away from Eagleville.

Three plays of over 50 yards were the difference as the Panthers scored three second-quarter touchdowns to take a 28-14 halftime lead, then went on to defeat Eagleville 48-14 Friday.

The Eagles had a couple of big plays themselves to score their two touchdowns, and they answered one of the Panthers’ big touchdowns with a big touchdown of their own, but it wasn’t enough.

“They big-played us a little bit in the first half,” said Eagleville coach Steve Carson. “But we made them snap it again a bunch of times.”

Eagleville’s Tyler Griffin intercepted Lewis County quarterback Dresden Barnes’ first pass attempt as the buzzer sounded to end the first quarter and he returned it 58 yards, tying the game at 7-all after the Panthers scored on their first possession of the game.

Four plays later the Panthers struck with a big play which could have been another interception. Barnes threw it deep downfield to senior Daven Odom. Griffin was defending him on the play and he batted the ball up in the air, and Odom came down with it.

Two plays later Odom scored from eight yards out to make it 14-7.

After Eagleville had to punt, the Panthers scored again with another big play. Odom took a pitch on a sweep play and went 61 yards into the end zone.

On their next play, the Eagles responded with a deep pass from freshman quarterback Ethan Cobb to sophomore Graham Hatcher for a 65 yard score.

“We got back in it then, it was 21-14, but then they got a big kickoff return, and we gave them a short field,” said Carson.

On the ensuing kickoff, Odom took it from his 15 and went to Eagleville’s 20, a 65-yard return, setting the Panthers up in excellent position.

They capitalized with a 16-yard touchdown run by Donovan Connor.

In the third quarter, A.J. Garza went out of the game with cramps and didn’t return.

Parker Stuard led the Eagles with 70 rushing yards, all in the second half.

“We’ll go back to work on Monday, and we’ll practice hard,” said Carson. “This is the toughest opening game that we’ve had since I’ve been here. At the end of the day, we just got beat by a better football team.”

Stewarts Creek’s Jordan Rouse stiff-arms an Overton defender. The Red Hawks defeated the Bobcats 16-8.

SMYRNA – A first-ever shutout was within sight for Stewarts Creek Friday night, but a first-ever 1-0 start will do just fine.

The Red Hawks scored a 16-8 win against visiting Overton in the season opener for both teams.

Stewarts Creek’s defense allowed the Bobcats just one third-down conversion and only 60 yards of offense in the second half — 55 of that coming on the final nine plays.

“This is the best defensive night that we’ve had in a long time,” Cynterius Lyons, who plays wide receiver and defensive back, said. “After the game, we just look up there at the scoreboard and a W is a W.”

Lyons, an Austin Peay commit, had a 79-yard kickoff return to open the second half, and quarterback Chris Dye capitalized five plays later with a 1-yard touchdown run. Lyons came up big on the ensuing drive, intercepting Julius King at midfield and returning it for a score.

Punts were forced on Overton’s first two drives, but it was a Jordan Rouse bone-jarring hit on a reception in the flats just before the half that set the tone for the defense.

The Red Hawks forced and recovered a fumble on the next play. The next six drives for the Bobcats ended with two interceptions — Rouse also collecting one in the fourth quarter — three punts, and totaled six yards of offense.

“It was staying up tempo, keeping our heads straight, and we didn’t let adversity when they were driving down the field on us hold us back,” Rouse said of the defensive mindset. “We stayed hyped the whole game. It took a while for it to come, but (the hit) set the tone. We ended up with a turnover at the end of that drive, it really helped our team for the rest of the game.”

The Bobcats cut the lead in half with three minutes remaining in the game after turning a fumble recovery into a seven-play scoring drive. Taverius Travis scored from the 9 and added the 2-point conversion run.

“The final drive is the team we knew we have, we know we have,” Overton coach Steve Williams said. “We have a good football team. We just looked out of sync tonight.”

Stewarts Creek picked up three first downs on the next drive to secure the win.

The Red Hawks opened the scoring with a Johnathan Sneed 20-yard field goal on their first drive.

Riverdale football coach Ron Aydelott used a Warriors’ safety to the team’s advantage Friday night.

OOLTEWAH – Giving points away turned out to be a great idea for Riverdale coach Ron Aydelott.

The safety his team purposely took with 1:48 to play Friday at Ooltewah reduced the Warriors’ lead to four points and ran eight seconds off the clock. More importantly, they got to kick from the 20-yard line instead of the back of their own end zone.

A booming kick combined with great downfield coverage left Ooltewah backed up to its 15. Midfield was as far as the Owls could get from there before an interception on fourth-and-13 sealed Riverdale’s 9-5 victory in the season-opening high school football game for both teams.

Riverdale had just pulled off a goal-line stand, stopping Ooltewah running back Cameron Turner at the 1 with 2:49 to play on fourth-and-goal from the 2.

The Owls forced a three-and-out, and with the Warriors on their 4, Aydelott made the call to have Canaan Owens run out the side of the end zone.

“I thought it was a no-brainer,” Aydelott said. “They’d blocked one. We dodged one. And our punter was worn out from playing both ways.”

Still, Owens boomed the free kick that pinned the Owls deep.

“We were hoping he had one big leg left,” Aydelott said.

The teams played a scoreless first quarter in which there were six punts, including one blocked by Ooltewah’s Adrian Hall. The Owls, however, hurt themselves with punts of 8 and 20 yards.

Ooltewah’s punt unit was also responsible for Riverdale taking a 2-0 lead at 10:32 of the second quarter when punter Tyler Robertson fell on the ball in the end zone after an errant snap.

After the free kick, the Warriors’ possession ended up with a third-and-17 at Ooltewah’s 34. But quarterback Brandon Bea connected with Gentry Bonds in the end zone, and Austin Thompson’s extra point made it 9-0.

Hall muffed the ensuing kickoff but picked it up and covered 73 yards, setting up an eventual 20-yard field goal by Aleksander Toser.

Ooltewah had a chance to score again, but on fourth down from the 3 with eight seconds until halftime chose to for the touchdown instead of a field goal. It didn’t work out.

“We get a touchdown, and it gives us a lot of momentum,” Ooltewah coach Mac Bryan said. “I debated about whether to kick it or not. It would’ve been a huge momentum lift if we had gotten a touchdown. It just didn’t happen.”

Ooltewah had the field-position advantage most of the second half but continually hurt itself with penalties. The Owls were penalized 12 times to Riverdale’s 11 but had a 16-7 edge in first downs.

“When you look back, we played well offensively,” Bryan said. “We moved the ball well. Penalties stopped a lot of our drives and put us behind the chains. We got inside the 5 three times and scored three points. You can’t beat a good team that way.

Contact Kelley Smiddie at sports@timesfreepress.com. Follow him at twitter.com/KelleySmiddie.

(PHOTO ABOVE) Smyrna’s Ikenna Okeke makes a diving catch 2 yards from the end zone during the La Vergne vs. Smyrna game at La Vergne Friday.

LA VERGNE – Devin Smith made the defensive stop of the game.

Teammate Ian Cleveland later sealed it with an interception.

Smyrna stomped out three La Vergne fourth-quarter drives to hang on to a 16-13 win Friday night at Freedom Field.

Smith, a senior, filled his gap and stopped La Vergne’s Nick Jones for a 4-yard loss on third-and-goal from Smyrna’s 1. Quarterback Keianthony Conner was sacked to end the drive.

“I just did what my coach told me to do,” said Smith, who converted from running back to linebacker in the offseason. “I just made a play for my team.”

The win extended Smyrna’s streak to 17 over its North Rutherford rival, and the Bulldogs lead the series 28-1. However, this year the contest was a non-region game after La Vergne (0-1) dropped down from 6A to 5A. Smyrna (1-0) remains in the state’s largest class.

“It feels good to beat La Vergne four straight years,” said senior Ikenna Okeke, who had 97 yards of total offense including four catches for 84 yards. “It’s a rivalry game, but I give my respect to La Vergne.”

La Vergne’s defense forced a three-and-out on the next series and had the ball near midfield with 7:01 left.

The Wolverines then drove the ball to the Smyrna 37 on Jones’ 7-yard run.

Josh Lewis moved the ball to the Smyrna 30 on a reverse, but a penalty pushed it back to the Smyrna 39. That was the first of three penalties, followed by a pass for negative yards and another penalty to make it second-and-42.

La Vergne punted two plays later.

“You go from first-and-10 to — I don’t know — first-and-55. I don’t know what it was,” La Vergne coach Stanton Stevens said. “It was first-and-we weren’t going to get it.

“That’s pretty tough to see when you kind of just do it to yourself.”

Smyrna led 16-7 at halftime with all scoring coming in the first quarter. Smyrna’s Casey Perkins scored on touchdown runs of 3 and 64 to go along with a safety after Jones recovered his own fumble in the end zone.

Perkins had 17 carries for 136 yards.

Jones, who had a game-high 28 carries for a career-high 217 yards, scored on a 71-yard run for the Wolverines’ lone first-half score.

“That’s not a surprise to us,” Stevens said. “It may be a surprise to others. We’ve known what that young man can do for a while.

“How he ran the ball tonight was what we expect.”

Conner’s 1-yard TD run made it 16-13 with 8:43 left in the third quarter for the last score of the night.

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

MTCS’ Tanner Green (32) ran for 204 yards in the Cougars’ 26-7 over Ezell-Harding on Friday night.

MURFREESBORO – Joe Peck carried 22 times for 162 yards and two touchdowns, and Tanner Green added 17 attempts for 204 yards and a score in MTCS’ 26-7 victory over Ezell-Harding Friday night.

The Cougars rushed 60 times for 443 yards in the contest but didn’t put the game away until Peck’s 58-yard scamper with 40 seconds to play.

Despite less than 100 yards of total offense until late in the fourth quarter and a pair of interceptions, Ezell-Harding hung tough thanks to a pair of goal-line stands inside its own 2-yard line and another that was nullified by an offsides call.

Trailing 20-7 in the final period, Jay Clark stripped MTCS ball carrier Nick Merritt near the Ezell 12-yard line, picked up the ball and headed the other way, only for the play to be whistled dead with forward progress.

Three plays later Aaron Brooks got an interception for the Eagles and then caught a 56-yard pass from Clark, setting up Ezell-Harding at the MTCS 16. The drive stalled at the two and Clark’s fourth down pass went incomplete.

Peck ran on four of the next five plays, culminating with the 58-yard TD run. The junior quarterback was just 1-of-7 passing for 14 yards but combined with Green, Grant Pickard and Merritt for the Cougars’ rushing attack.

MTCS scored three times in the first half, including Peck’s 11-yard run with 3:58 to play in the opening period for a 6-0 advantage. Green broke off a 25-yard run and then finished the drive from 12 yards out early in the second quarter, and Pickard’s one-yard plunge after an offsides call on the Eagles negated another goal-line stand and gave the home team a 20-7 lead at the break.

Trey Hickey also added a nice interception on the sideline just before the half, getting his feet down after a leap in the air.

“We’re a pass-first offense, but if you’re going to cover our pass like (they did), then we just run,” MTCS coach Fred Shambaugh said. “Basically [Ezell-Harding] determined what plays we were going to run tonight. It’s a simple math question [on every play]. Whatever they show us, that’s what we run.

“We have a young [offensive line], and it was good for them to run block so much in the game also.”

MTCS quarterback Joe Peck (8) ran for 162 yards in the Cougars’ win over Ezell-Harding.

High School Football 2015

Chalkville’s Brandon Berry runs the ball for a 73-yard touchdown as Blackman’s Jeremiah Wade, left, and Blake Taylor try to catch up to him during the first game of the Middle Tennessee Classic at MTSU’s Floyd Stadium Saturday, Aug. 22, 2015.

MURFREESBORO – Big plays. Quick scores.

Nationally ranked Clay-Chalkville showed why the defending Alabama Class 6A state champion is the preseason pick to repeat.

The Cougars routed Blackman 38-7 in the inaugural Middle Tennessee Football Classic presented by Venture Express at MTSU’s Floyd Stadium.

“I thought we played hard all night, but we just made mistakes that you can’t make against a team like them,” Blackman coach David Watson said.

Chalkville, which is ranked 18th nationally by USA TODAY, finished with 560 yards on 62 plays. The Cougars (1-0) had 432 yards in the first half.

Chalkville scored on its first four possessions to take a 24-0 halftime lead behind a fast-striking offense.

Blackman’s defense stopped the Cougars on three consecutive plays from the 1-yard line to force an Andrew Van Winkle 18-yard field goal for Chalkville’s first score. That was one of the few first-half stops by the Blaze.

Alabama commitment T.J. Simmons finished with four catches for 151 yards and two touchdowns — all in the first half. Simmons had TD catches of 37 and 38 in the second quarter.

“We have a lot of good athletes that can get out in space,” Simmons said. “I think we are pretty good outside.”

Quarterback Tyrell Pigrome was 17-of-27 passing for 297 yards with two TDs. All but 20 yards came in the first half. Running back Brandon Berry ran for 130 yards on 11 carries with touchdown runs of 73 and 21.

Chalkville, which finished 15-0 a year ago, set a 6A state record with 731 points scored in 2014. The Cougars outscored their opponents by 27 points a game.

“They are a great team,” Blackman quarterback Miller Armstrong said. “They deserve all the credit they got. They beat us (Saturday).

“They are going to do great things. I think this showed a lot of areas we’ve got to improve, but we did some good things. I guess this was a measuring stick”

Blackman (0-1) finished with just 171 total yards, including 139 yards on the ground. Armstrong completed 5-of-14 passes for 32 yards. Backup Master Teague led the ground game with five carries for 89 yards.

His 70-yard run in the fourth quarter set up Armstrong’s 1-yard TD run with 9:07 left.

“This is just one of those where last year Blackman is loaded, and now this year we’re loaded,” Clay-Chalkville coach Jerry Hood said. “Next year we’re going to graduate 16 starters.”

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

High School Football 2015

Greg Pogue

MURFREESBORO The Conference USA basketball schedule became fairly predictable when it was gleefully learned the league would get it right this coming season and allow rivals MTSU and WKU to play home-and-home series in both men and women.

But it’s always interesting to note the non-conference part now that the entire upcoming schedules for men’s and women’s basketball have been released. There has to be a balance of strong tests and built-in victories to allow a team to garner strength in the RPI (Ratings Percentage Index) and gain confidence through success.

Looking at both the MTSU men’s and women’s schedules, you can see exactly that. Each team has challenging games against teams from the so-called “power” conferences, but enough tests against teams from their own mid-major level as well as some games of the bunny variety.

Now, before you go jumping up and down and fussing about being labeled a mid-major, that encompasses on the men’s side teams like Virginia Commonwealth, Belmont and Murray State, all of which have made national noise in recent years and show up on the Blue Raiders’ schedule this season.

Then there’s Bruce Pearl-coached Auburn for the MTSU men in Nashville at Bridgestone Arena on Dec. 12 and a trip to the Great Alaska Shootout from Nov. 25-28. Although the Blue Raiders don’t know who they will face yet, the field includes six other non-power five programs – Drexel, Loyola of Chicago, UNC-Asheville, San Diego, San Jose State and Toledo – along with host Alaska-Anchorage, a NCAA Division II school.

Predictably, three of the Lady Raiders’ five non-conference homes games come against power-five schools, including Virginia (ACC), which is the team’s season opener on Nov. 13 in its first-ever visit to Murphy Center. Also scheduled are home games against Kentucky (SEC) and Ole Miss (SEC), plus playing Alabama (SEC) in a Thanksgiving tournament in Reno, Nevada, while also traveling to Xavier (Big East).

The Conference USA men’s and women’s basketball tournaments will be hosted by UAB in Birmingham, Alabama, in March.

TSU Fan Day today

After MTSU and Vanderbilt had their fan days last Sunday, the Tennessee State football team will hold its fan day today from 2-5 p.m. at the team’s indoor practice facility on campus.

Currently listed on the roster of Tigers coach Rod Reed are nine players from Rutherford County high schools. Seniors include wide receiver Andrew Bather (La Vergne), fullback Sterlin Leveque (Smyrna), defensive back Andrew Dale (Riverdale) and offensive lineman Kevin Oliver (La Vergne),

The TSU roster has one sophomore from the county in wide receiver Quindell Cousin (Blackman), while the freshman class includes wide receiver Tyler Black (Oakland), running back Andre Knox (Siegel), running back Andrew Knox (Siegel) and wide receiver Larry Haralson (Smyrna).

TSU opens the season Sunday, Sept. 6, against Alabama State in the John Merritt Classic at Nissan Stadium, home of the Titans. The Tigers compete at the NCAA FCS level in the Ohio Valley Conference.

Cumberland roster locals

The Cumberland University football roster also lists nine players from Rutherford County, including four that played at Eagleville. There is one senior — defensive lineman Chris Clement (Smyrna) — on the team from the county,

Juniors include defensive lineman Justus Dauscha (Blackman), linebacker Nathan Jernigan (Eagleville) and defensive lineman Patryk Tousignant (Eagleville), while sophomores include wide receiver Andrew Jernigan (Eagleville) and defensive back Stefan Norman (La Vergne). Freshmen include quarterback Ryan Jordan (Eagleville), offensive lineman Jeff Benson (Oakland) and wide receiver Lorel Morton (Blackman).

Coached by Donnie Suber, Cumberland opens the season on Sept. 11 at home against Georgetown College. The Bulldogs compete on the NAIA level in the Mid-South Conference.

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.

MTSU men’s basketball releases 2015-16 schedule

Oakland’s Lazarius Patterson runs the ball as teammate Jacob Lowery tries to clear the way and Hoover’s Christon Taylor tries to bring Patterson down during the second game at the Middle Tennessee Classic at MTSU’s Floyd Stadium Saturday, Aug. 22, 2015.

Oakland’s Lazarius Patterson runs the ball as teammate Jacob Lowery tries to clear the way and Hoover’s Christon Taylor tries to bring Patterson down during the second game at the Middle Tennessee Classic at MTSU’s Floyd Stadium Saturday, Aug. 22, 2015.

MURFREESBORO – Any questions regarding Oakland’s Wing-T offense under first-year coach Kevin Creasy weren’t answered Saturday night.

But there may be more questions after the Patriots’ offense sputtered in a 24-6 loss to national power Hoover in the inaugural Middle Tennessee Football Classic presented by Venture Express.

Oakland, which finished 12-2 with a Class 6A state semifinalist appearance a year ago, struggled to move the ball on Hoover throughout the night. The Patriots mustered just 20 yards on 23 first-half plays to fall behind 10-0.

Oakland finished with just 114 total yards in the game.

However, Creasy, who won three state titles at Trousdale County, wasn’t concerned considering Hoover’s fast defense.

“There is a lot of things that don’t work when you play a defense that fast,” Creasy said. “We were trying to mix it up and make it hard on them since it’s the first game of the season.”

The Patriots’ offense didn’t get on track until going to an I-formation in the third quarter.

JaCoby Stevens capped a nine-play, 80-yard drive with a 4-yard TD pass from Brendan Matthews, who started for the Patriots.

Backup Cody Miller also played, completing 2-of-5 passes for 10 yards. Matthews completed 4-of-8 passes for 25 yards.

Hoover, the Alabama defending Class 7A state champion, built a 24-0 lead thanks to three TD passes from Christopher Vacarella. Vacarella hit Jimmie Johnson for a 12-yard TD pass with 2:23 left in the first half.

He later hit Quincy Cox for a 20-yard score over the middle, and Shedrick Jackson reeled in a 44-yard TD reception with 4:09 left in the third quarter to make it 24-0.

Vacarella completed 12-of-21 passes for 190 yards with three touchdowns and an interception. Oakland’s defense held the Bucs to 148 rushing yards on 30 carries.

However, the Bucs had 13 penalties for 126 yards.

“A lot of it was before the play or after the play,” Hoover coach Josh Niblett said. “When you cut out all of that stuff, you’ll cut out about 75 percent of all of your penalties.

“We were not as disciplined as we needed to be, but we’ll get that corrected. That’s part of it being the first game.”

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

High School Football 2015