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High School Football

Even in the spring, it’s football time in Tennessee

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SM-Tn Sports

Local high school football teams continue to work toward the 2021 season, with most wrapping up spring drills over the next couple of weeks – if not already.

Southern Middle Tennessee Sports reached out to coaches with each of the 11 programs in our coverage area to check on their progress as classes wind down and summer workouts approach, as well as update their new regions for the upcoming campaign, last year’s record and this year’s schedule.

COLUMBIA ACAD. (2-6 in 2020), Division II-A Middle

Coach: Charlie Lansdell (9th season)

● What is your biggest comfort as you consider your 2021 team?
“Knowing we have the spring and summer to prepare for the upcoming season. We’ve had some great leadership in the offseason.”

● What is your biggest concern as you consider your 2021 team?
“Being able to bounce back from a tough season; working on our mental toughness; getting back to where CA football has been and should be.”

● What is your primary objective for spring practice?
“Work on fundamentals, see who is ready to compete, look for our quarterback.”

● “All eyes on … “ what player or position during spring practice?
“The quarterback (candidates) — Nick Brown, Connor Rosson and Reid McGrath.”

● When does spring practice wrap up for your program? Do you have a spring game planned, and if so, when?
“Wraps up May 14; no spring game.”

● What is your 2021 schedule?
8/20       @Davidson Acad.
8/27       Waverly
9/3         @Jackson Chr.
9/10       @Franklin Road Acad.
9/17       Donelson Chr.*
9/24       Boyd Buchanan
10/1       @Mt. Juliet Chr.*
10/15     Nashville Chr.*
10/22     @Clarksville Acad.*
10/29     Grace Chr.*
*region game

COLUMBIA CENTRAL (6-6 in 2020), Region 6-5A

Coach: Jason Hoath (6th season)

● What is your biggest comfort as you consider your 2021 team?
“I like our overall team speed on defense. We will be undersized up front, but we will be quick off the ball. We are also returning four starters on the offensive line, our tight end and running backs.”

● What is your biggest concern as you consider your 2021 team?
“The biggest concern we have right now is who will be taking on the quarterback responsibilities. We will have three players competing for that spot and they have little to no varsity experience.”

● What is your primary objective for spring practice?
“We’re excited to see which players will step up to the challenge and compete for spots. We will have a chance to evaluate some new faces this spring and see what our potential will look like.”

● “All eyes on … “ what player or position during spring practice?
“Antwan Moore is a returning starter as a defensive end/linebacker. He was named to the (Tennessee Football Coaches Association) all-state team as a junior and (Region 5-5A defensive lineman of the year) in 2020. However, he has been sidelined this spring as a precaution from a previous injury. He will be ready to go this summer.”

● When does spring practice wrap up for your program? Do you have a spring game planned, and if so, when?
Columbia Central concluded spring drills with a Purple & White Game on May 7.

● What is your 2021 schedule?
8/20       Marshall Co.
8/27       @Dickson Co.
9/3         Franklin Co.*
9/10       @Green Hill
9/17       Nolensville*
9/24       @Mt. Pleasant
10/1       @Page*
10/8       Giles Co.
10/15     Lincoln Co.*
10/29     @Spring Hill*
*region game

INDEPENDENCE (7-3 in 2020), Region 7-6A

Coach: Scott Blade (9th season)

● What is your biggest comfort as you consider your 2021 team?
“Senior leadership; great attitudes.”

● What is your biggest concern as you consider your 2021 team?
“Offensive line depth; replacing our quarterback (U.S. Naval Academy signee, Class 6A Mr. Football semifinalist Jaxson Campbell).

● What is your primary objective for spring practice?
”Installation of schemes, answer personnel questions.”

● “All eyes on … “ what player or position during spring practice?
“(2023) running back Tre Hartwell (666 rushing yards, seven TDs in 2020) and (2023) tight end Ty Lockwood (45 catches, 605 yards, three TDs in 2020).

● When does spring practice wrap up for your program? Do you have a spring game planned, and if so, when?
“May 14. No spring game.”

● What is your 2021 schedule?
8/20       Christ Presbyerian Acad.
8/27       @Lipscomb Acad.
9/3         Centennial*
9/10       @Pope John Paul II
9/17       Franklin*
9/24       @East Nashville
10/1       Brentwood*
10/8       @Summit*
10/22     Page
10/29     @Ravenwood*
*region game

LAWRENCE CO. (4-5 in 2020), Region 5-4A

Coach: David Marston (19th season)

● What is your biggest comfort as you consider your 2021 team?
“Returning two linebackers, two defensive tackles and both corners as well as a quarterback (Alex Carr) who has started four years.”

● What is your biggest concern as you consider your 2021 team?
“Addressing our offensive line, defensive end, safety, running back and tight end/split end.”

● What is your primary objective for spring practice?
”Blocking, tackling, taking care of the football and being physical.”

● “All eyes on … “ what player or position during spring practice?
“Running backs, quarterback and young offensive line talent.”

● When does spring practice wrap up for your program? Do you have a spring game planned, and if so, when?
“May 11, weather permitting. No spring game.”

● What is your 2021 schedule?
8/20       Summertown
8/27       @Loretto
9/3         Montgomery Central*
9/10       Greenbrier*
9/17       @Pearl-Cohn*
9/24       @Glencliff*
10/1       @Marshall Co.*
10/15     Tullahoma*
10/22     Hillwood*
10/29     @Creek Wood*
*region game

LORETTO (5-6 in 2020), Region 5-2A

Coach: Barry Daniel (2nd season)

● What is your biggest comfort as you consider your 2021 team?
“The simple fact that I have established a relationship with all of the players. I know them so much better than I did at this point last season. They know me, they know my expectations and they are doing their best to meet them.”

● What is your biggest concern as you consider your 2021 team?
“We are going to have several guys back with playing experience, but we are going to have to find some depth. Some of our guys have had an awesome offseason and could fill a starting role but who is the “next man up”? Some players will have to learn more than one spot on both sides of the ball to provide depth.

● What is your primary objective for spring practice?
“To teach the basics of our systems on offense and defense. If our guys can know our base formations and plays, we can gain reps over the summer.”

● “All eyes on … “ what player or position during spring practice?
“Offensive line: This group has had a great off season of weight training. Can they transfer it to the field? Secondary: Must replace two starters from this unit. Two great players return, but who will complete the unit?”

● When does spring practice wrap up for your program? Do you have a spring game planned, and if so, when?
“Late in May. We are going to be short and sweet as many of our guys are still in baseball. No spring game.”

● What is your 2021 schedule?
8/20       @Collinwood
8/27       Lawrence Co.
9/3         @Forrest
9/10       Wayne Co.
9/17       Mt. Pleasant
9/24       @Lewis Co.
10/1       @Summertown
10/8       @Moore Co.
10/15     Cascade
10/29     Richland
*region game

MT. PLEASANT (1-8 in 2020), Region 5-2A

Coach: Kit Hartsfield (1st season)

● What is your biggest comfort as you consider your 2021 team?
“16 returning starters.”

● What is your biggest concern as you consider your 2021 team?
“(Installing) new systems on both sides of the ball and creating some depth.”

● What is your primary objective for spring practice?
“(Seeing) toughness, competitiveness, player development.”

● “All eyes on … “ what player or position during spring practice?
“The running back position with (Xavior) Davidson and (Keevan) Cooper shows a lot of potential. (Defensive end/tight end) Gavin Alderson has taken a giant step forward, enforcing his will. Several guys are doing good things. Jeffrey Williamson is turning heads at free safety.”

● When does spring practice wrap up for your program? Do you have a spring game planned, and if so, when?
“May 13. We will play a spring game beginning at 6 p.m.”

● What is your 2021 schedule?
8/20       East Hickman
8/27       @Scotts Hill
9/3         Cascade*
9/10       @Zion Chr.
9/17       @Loretto*
9/24       Columbia Central
10/1       Richland*
10/15     @Summertown*
10/22     Spring Hill
10/29     @Forrest*
*region game

RICHLAND (2-7 in 2020), Region 5-2A

Coach: Nick Patterson (4th season)

● What is your biggest comfort as you consider your 2021 team?
“Offensive line! All returning, all had big-time gains this offseason. It’s my fourth year here, so expectations are clear.”

● What is your biggest concern as you consider your 2021 team?
“New region, new classification.”

● What is your primary objective for spring practice?
“To find high-motor guys who are fully engaged in the process of competing every day.”

● “All eyes on … “ what player or position during spring practice?
“Linebackers – who’s gonna step up and lead our defense?”

● When does spring practice wrap up for your program? Do you have a spring game planned, and if so, when?
“We’ll have a spring game on May 21 to end practice.”

● What is your 2021 schedule?
8/19       @Cornersville
8/27       Zion Chr.
9/3         @Summertown*
9/10       Hickman Co.
9/17       Cascade*
10/1       @Mt. Pleasant*
10/8       Collinwood
10/15     Forrest*
10/22     @East Hickman
10/29     @Loretto*
*region game

SPRING HILL (3-6 in 2020), Region 6-5A

Coach: Ben Martin (4th season)

● What is your biggest comfort as you consider your 2021 team?
“I think we’ll have some strong senior leadership this season.”

● What is your biggest concern as you consider your 2021 team?
“Youth and game-time experience for most positions.”

● What is your primary objective for spring practice?
“Determine this year’s team identity; evaluate every position/player.”

● “All eyes on … “ what player or position during spring practice?
“I think Mac Richie (senior running back; 276 rushing yards, two TDs in 2020) will continue to be a solid player for us. Aiden St. Croix (seior receiver/defensive end) has really stepped his game up. Louis Alderette (senior receiver/defensive back) has outworked almost everyone in the offseason. I think it could be a breakout year for (junior running back) Kaiden Martin.”

● When does spring practice wrap up for your program? Do you have a spring game planned, and if so, when?
“We will wrap up May 15 with our annual Maroon and White Game at Buford Gladney Stadium at 7 p.m.”

● What is your 2021 schedule?
8/20       @Bowling Green (Ky.) Greenwood
8/27       Summit
9/3         @Page*
9/10       Lewis Co.
9/17       Lincoln Co.*
9/24       Coffee Co.
10/1       @Nolensville*
10/15     @Franklin Co.*
10/22     @Mt. Pleasant
10/29     Columbia Central*
*region game

SUMMERTOWN (3-6 in 2020), Region 5-2A

Coach: Dakota Crews (1st season)

● What is your biggest comfort as you consider your 2021 team?
“Our senior leadership.”

● What is your biggest concern as you consider your 2021 team?
“Learning a new offensive and defensive system this spring and summer. Our guys have responded well, but we have a lot of work ahead of us.”

● What is your primary objective for spring practice?
“To get our guys to compete. They’ve done a great job in the weight room and it has carried over into our spring practice. We’re trying to establish a culture of compete, compete, compete. In every drill, every play, every rep, every test in school, we want our guys competing.”

● “All eyes on … “ what player or position during spring practice?
“It’s hard to pinpoint one player or one position. (Quarterback) Colton Shaffer, (running back/receiver) Javen Edmiston and (receiver) Michael Abbott are a couple of our senior skill players to watch, but we have so many guys stepping up.”

● When does spring practice wrap up for your program? Do you have a spring game planned, and if so, when?
Summertown concluded spring practice with an intrasquad scrimmage on May 6.

● What is your 2021 schedule?
8/20       @Lawrence Co.
8/27       @Wayne Co.
9/3         Richland*
9/10       Collinwood
9/17       @Forrest*
9/24       @Zion Chr.
10/1       Loretto*
10/15     Mt. Pleasant*
10/22     Lewis Co.
10/29     @Cascade*
*region game

SUMMIT (14-1 in 2020), Region 7-6A

Coach: Brian Coleman (8th season)

● What is your biggest comfort as you consider your 2021 team?
“There’s not much to be comfortable about when moving up to 6A and one of the best regions in the state.”

● What is your biggest concern as you consider your 2021 team?
“Durability, with the grueling schedule we have. We will need to develop depth.”

● What is your primary objective for spring practice?
“Getting back to basics – blocking and tackling technique, etc.”

● “All eyes on … “ what player or position during spring practice?
“All eyes are usually on the Wade twins (quarterback Destin, a Class 5A Mr. Football finalist in 2020, and linebacker/defensive end Keaten; both are Kentucky commits).”

● When does spring practice wrap up for your program? Do you have a spring game planned, and if so, when?
“We will wrap up May 13, maybe with a Navy/White Game.”

● What is your 2021 schedule?
8/20       @Henry Co.
8/27       @Spring Hill
9/3         @Brentwood*
9/10       Blackman
9/17       Centennial*
9/24       Beech
10/1       Ravenwood*
10/8       Independence*
10/22     @Shelbyville
10/29     @Franklin*
*region game

ZION CHR. (4-6 in 2020)

Coach: Jeff Jordan (1st season)
*Acting coach James Dickinson submitted responses prior to Jordan’s hiring on May 6

● What is your biggest comfort as you consider your 2021 team?
“As of now we have no comfort. Numbers will be down this fall. There’s a lot of praying and planning at this point.”

● What is your biggest concern as you consider your 2021 team?
“The number of players we have to play this fall are a full work in progress. Offensive line and defensive line are a very big concern. We lost a lot of great players up front from last season.”

● What is your primary objective for spring practice?
“Getting new players out, working with all grades from 4th all the way up to 12th. Getting kids that have not been playing to buy in and play.”

● “All eyes on … “ what player or position during spring practice?
“With limited numbers, all eyes are on every player. We all know (senior quarterback/linebacker) Luke Perko is the key – an outstanding young man and a true leader.”

● When does spring practice wrap up for your program? Do you have a spring game planned, and if so, when?
“We’ll finish up the last week of classes. (Final day of school is May 20.) There will be no spring game.”

● What is your 2021 schedule?
8/20       Grace Chr.
8/27       @Richland
9/10       Mt. Pleasant
9/17       Eagleville
9/24       Summertown
10/1       @First Assembly Chr.
10/15     @Grundy Co.
10/22     @Wayne Co.
10/29     Cornersville

High School Football

Page grad, Ensworth staffer named to Zion football helm

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By Maurice Patton

COLUMBIA — Jeff Jordan admits the challenges he will face as the new football coach at Zion Christian Academy will be different than any he’s previously faced – but there are always challenges.

“When I was at Franklin Road Academy, we had some low numbers in the middle school program; we had 20 players my first year,” said Jordan, who steps into the role vacated with Brad Lowery’s mid-March resignation after four seasons. “But I’ve seen the other side: We had 90 varsity and 40 freshman players at Ravenwood. That has its struggles as well, figuring out how to manage 130 kids in a Monday practice.

“It’s not something I’m afraid of. I relish the opportunity to build this program, basically from the ground up. All our leaders are behind me on this opportunity to build – the school, the program, everything around it.”

The 36-year-old Jordan is an area native, graduating in 2003 from Page before attending Purdue University. Embarking on his coaching career with two years at the middle school level at FRA, he spent a year at his high school alma mater before moving on to Ravenwood for three seasons. Last year, he served as defensive backs coach at Ensworth.

“This is a chance to build something special and do it at a Christian school where I’m able to talk about my faith and lead young men toward God, do everything for Christ,” Jordan said.

Zion Christian athletics director Derek Boyd pointed to Jordan’s youth and passion as key factors in the decision to bring him aboard.

“We actually interviewed about six guys,” Boyd said. ”After we looked at each person’s resume and their interview, we felt like Jeff was the best fit for us with his being young, being energetic, being passionate about football. He’s been in the private school sector before, and we felt like that was important for our particular hire.

“We felt like we needed somebody younger, willing to build a program. Brad did a great job building a foundation, but we lost nine seniors. Our numbers are kind of low. One of the main things we need to happen is increasing the numbers. We feel like Jeff is very personable; he can relate to kids and get more kids out for our program.”

On the gridiron, Zion’s fortunes have been on the upswing over the past two seasons, with back-to-back four-victory campaigns. However, those rosters were skewed older, and graduations have taken their toll on the program.

“We’ve probably got 16 to 18 kids, with what we have returning and what we see coming from middle school,” Boyd said. “But since January, we’ve been fortunate to add almost 30 kids, from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. Hopefully some of the kids we can get out of the hallways and on to the team.

“This is not a one-year deal. We realize this is probably a four- or five-year deal, to move our program where it needs to be. But it’s not going to be an easy task. He’s going to have to roll his sleeves up. But he’s got some kids willing to work.”

High School Football

Staying close to home helps Summit twins choose Wildcats

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By Maurice Patton

SPRING HILL – Once Summit standouts Destin and Keaten Wade determined they’d be playing at the same school collegiately, the driving factor in their recruitment became which program would present the best chance for Destin to play quarterback.

The twins decided Kentucky fit that bill.

During a commitment ceremony Friday at the school, two of the top 2022 football recruits in the state of Tennessee announced that they will sign with the Wildcats during the December recruiting period.

Both members of ESPN’s top 300 recruits nationally in their class, they chose Kentucky from four finalists that also included Louisville, Tennessee and Virginia.

“There’s more pressure on him as a quarterback – limited spots,” Keaten said following the announcement. “He just needed a spot to get in and know he’d have a great opportunity and have confidence in the coaches.”

A Class 5A Mr. Football finalist in 2020, Destin rushed for 1,507 yards and 18 touchdowns while throwing for 1,405 yards and 19 TDs.

“It was just a family feel, and having the opportunity to play quarterback as well,” Destin said of the decision. “It’s always been a dream of ours to play college football together; we’re living out that dream.

“My position coach (offensive coordinator/QB coach Liam Coen) is comfortable to talk to and brings an impressive amount of experience from the NFL which I feel will be really helpful for me and the team in the future. He believes in my potential as a college quarterback.”

Keaten was limited by a foot injury sustained at the onset of the 2020 season, but returned during the postseason. He was a key defensive performer for the Spartans in their semifinal win at Henry County as well as in their 28-7 title game victory over Oak Ridge, as they capped a 14-1 campaign with a win in their second straight championship game appearance.

“Just thinking about it all during this recruiting process, we felt like it was best for us just to stay together and maximize our potential together,” said Keaten, who called Kentucky the best fit “academically, athletically and geographically”.

“Experiencing the visits – Virginia was too far,” he said. “It would be hard for my parents and the community to come watch me play. I think that’s very important. (Kentucky is) close to home which means my family and friends will be able to be involved on a greater level.”

Keaten is listed at No. 189 on the ESPN list, with Destin, as an athlete, at No. 280.

“I’m glad they did it, to get it out of the way,” Summit coach Brian Coleman said regarding the twins’ decisions. “They can refocus now and don’t have to worry about it. I’m happy for them and glad to get it over with.

“I’m very happy with Kentucky. Their quarterback is a lot like Destin. Kentucky’s a good defensive football team. I believe (coach Mark) Stoops is a defensive mind. They’ll be fine.”

The twins are two of eight Tennessee products listed on the ESPN 300. Others include St. Benedict defensive tackle Walter Nolen at No. 2; Martin Westview quarterback Ty Simpson (committed to Alabama) at No. 22; Oakland running back Jordan James (committed to Georgia) at No. 191; Franklin offensive tackle Fisher Anderson at No. 263; Ensworth receiver Isaiah Horton at No. 271; and Memphis Academy of Health Sciences receiver Cameron Miller at No. 285.

High School Football

Decision Time: It’s Kentucky for Summit’s Wade Twins

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SM-Tn Sports

SPRING HILL – It’s official.

Summit quarterback Destin Wade and linebacker Keaten Wade – two of the top 2022 football recruits in the state of Tennessee — announced during a Friday commitment ceremony that they will sign with Kentucky during the December signing period.

The two, both members of ESPN’s top 300 recruits nationally in their class, chose the Wildcats from four finalists that also included Louisville, Tennessee and Virginia.

The twin brothers helped Summit to a Class 5A state championship game appearance as sophomores and to the 2020 5A state title in December, as the Spartans defeated Oak Ridge 28-7 in the finals to cap a 14-1 campaign.

Destin, a Class 5A Mr. Football finalist, rushed for 1,507 yards and 18 touchdowns while throwing for 1,405 yards and 19 touchdowns as a junior.

Keaten was limited by a foot injury sustained at the onset of the 2020 season but returned in the postseason and was a key defensive performer for the Spartans in their semifinal win at Henry County as well as in the championship contest.

Keaten is listed at No.  189 on the ESPN list, with Destin, as an athlete, at No. 280.

Other Tennessee recruits listed on the ESPN 300 include St. Benedict defensive tackle Walter Nolen at No. 2; Martin Westview quarterback Ty Simpson (committed to Alabama) at No. 22; Oakland running back Jordan James (committed to Georgia) at No. 191; Franklin offensive tackle Fisher Anderson at No. 263; Ensworth receiver Isaiah Horton at No. 271; and Memphis Academy of Health Sciences receiver Cameron Miller at No. 285.

This is a developing story and will be updated.

High School Football

Coaching search under way for Zion Christian football

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By Maurice Patton

As Zion Christian comes off two of its more competitive football campaigns in recent memory, it will be up to a new coach to continue the momentum.

Brad Lowery’s resignation was confirmed Monday by school officials, ending a 12-year tenure with the Eagle gridiron program. He served as head coach for the final four of those, posting a 14-24 record that includes four-win finishes in both 2019 and last fall.

“He has a church he pastors and he also the last couple of years has started a school through his church,” Zion athletics director Derek Boyd said. “He didn’t feel he could give us enough time and do it correctly now that his school is starting to grow some.

“He told the kids on Friday. He talked to me and (head of school Rick) Jarvis a few days before and said ‘this is what I need to do’. I think some of them were shocked. I think some of them are upset, and I understand that, because not only does he do a good job coaching but he’s also a good Christian role model for them. He’s what we want to be at Zion. We’re thankful and blessed for the 12 years he has been with us.”

Zion split its first eight games last season – playing eventual Class A state champion Fayetteville close early before eventually falling 41-16 before winning three straight games in addition to stunning Mt. Pleasant 34-27 – behind junior quarterback/linebacker Luke Perko, who finished the fall as the area’s second-leading rusher (822 yards, seven touchdowns) and passer (1,432 yards, 22 TDs).

Perko took the Eagles’ offensive reins from Mark Lowery, who led the area with 2,038 passing yards and 24 TDs in 2019 as Zion opened the campaign 3-1 before dropping four of its last five contests.

“We were 4-6 (in 2020); we beat some teams, and we actually had a chance to probably be 6-4,” Boyd said. “If you talk to Coach Lowery, I think he’d tell you that as would some of the players as well.

“He’d been with those seniors a long time. We lose nine seniors. I think he felt like the timing was right for him.”

The process to identify Lowery’s successor will be an expeditious one, Boyd hopes.

“We’re going to try to move as quickly as we can,” he said. “Hopefully we’ll bring in four to five (candidates) in the next couple of weeks and make a decision as soon as we can, as we know it’s important to try to get spring practice in if we can.”

Lowery indicated via text that he is out of state for the rest of the week and unavailable for comment.

High School Football

Lords of the Rings: Spartans receive title-game rewards

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By Maurice Patton

SPRING HILL — Brian Coleman’s got a really big team.

And after their 28-7 win over Oak Ridge in the Class 5A BlueCross Bowl state championship game three months ago, the Summit Spartans needed some really big rings.

Mission accomplished.

A total of 70 players, plus coaches, were presented rings and managers received pendants commemorating the Spartans’ title season during a ceremony Thursday night at the school’s gymnasium.

On coach Brian Coleman’s cue, Summit players and coaches opened boxes that contained their commemorative rings for winning the 2020 Class 5A football state championship during a Thursday night ceremony at the school. (Video by Maurice Patton / SM-Tn Sports)

And while the recipients knew they were receiving some jewelry, they had no idea what it would look like prior to the presentation.

“Nobody’s seen them except me,” Coleman said prior to the event. “I want everybody to be surprised.”

They were – pleasantly so.

“I wasn’t expecting it to be this big,” junior quarterback Destin Wade said. “It looks really good. I’ll wear it a couple of times, but I’ll definitely be putting it in my room somewhere.”

“It’s really exciting,” senior cornerback/receiver Konata Werts added. “All the hard work paid off. (The surprise) made it even better. Coach Coleman did a great job.”

The smiles made it all worthwhile for Coleman.

“They put in the work, they deserve it,” he said. “We borrowed one from (Christ Presbyterian Academy) and passed it around during the pregame meal before we went to Henry County. We told ’em, ‘this is what you’re playing for, this is what your future can be’. It’s pretty awesome.

“I think they’re happy. They’re smiling. That’s all that matters.”

Photos by Vanessa Beach / SM-Tn Sports