By MIKE BLACKERBY His parents are both of pedestrian size. But somehow, Greenback lineman Tyler Jeffries hit the genetic jackpot anyway. Jeffries just turned 16 – and he’s already 6-foot-5 and 290 pounds heading into his sophomore season this … [Read more...]
Recruiting picking up steam for 2021 Central LB Kalib Fortner
By MIKE BLACKERBY It took longer than expected, but the college offers are finally starting to trickle in for Central all-state linebacker Kalib Fortner. … [Read more...]
2019-20 Boys BKB Player of the Year: B.J. Edwards (Catholic)
By MIKE BLACKERBY It’s the mark of any great player. Catholic’s B.J. Edwards was at his best against some of the toughest competition in the country. The 6-foot-3 sophomore guard – the 5Star Preps Player of the Year – took his game to an elite … [Read more...]
2019-20 Boys Basketball Underclassman of the Year: Reid Satterfield (Greeneville)
By MIKE BLACKERBY The evidence is compelling regarding Reid Satterfield’s evolution as a high school basketball player. The question from here on out is just how far will his star continue to rise? The Greeneville standout burst on the scene as a … [Read more...]
Could Jefferson County and The King’s Academy softball have repeated this season?
Though area high school spring sports programs are holding onto hope that some sort of season will be played soon, all signs currently point to that not happening. Many Class of 2020 athletes will likely be left wondering "what if" about their … [Read more...]
Class of 2023 QB lands in Oak Ridge, provides depth
by MIKE BLACKERBY Unlike 2019, depth apparently won’t be an issue at quarterback for Oak Ridge’s football team this fall. … [Read more...]
Fernando Frances fighting back to full health for one final shot with the Powell Panthers
Fernando Frances recalls vividly the moment when his 2019 high school football season came to a screeching halt just as it was getting started. It was the first play of the first preseason scrimmage against Volunteer for Powell’s standout running … [Read more...]
Cocke County football ready for next step in Scotty Dykes’ second season
By MIKE BLACKERBY Cocke County’s recent football history suggests otherwise, but second-year coach Scotty Dykes is confident he can build a consistent winner at his alma mater. In fact, Dykes thinks he can lead the Class 5A program to another level … [Read more...]
New QB1s, part XI: Powell football must find successor to Walker Trusley
By MIKE BLACKERBY Walker Trusley could throw it, run it and seemingly make plays out of nothing. But more than anything, Trusley possessed the “it factor” that great quarterbacks have. There’s a good reason Trusley was the MVP of the 2019 Powell … [Read more...]
New QB1s, part X: Greenback football searching for replacement for Braden Carnes
The line of succession has been impressive, from Hunter Willis to Bryce Hanley to Braden Carnes. Heading into the 2020 high school football season, the big question at Greenback is who will be coach Greg Ryan’s next starting quarterback at the Class … [Read more...]