East Ridge

Head coach: Chad Barger (first year here; 43-53 overall)

Returning starters: 7 offensive; 7 defensive

Last year’s record: 1-9 overall, did not qualify for Class 4A playoffs

Key players: Jalen Ellis (5-9, 175) Sr. RB/LB, Cadion Harris (6-0, 160) Jr. WR/DB, Cayden McCrary (6-1, 260) Jr. OL, Hasani Jackson (6-2, 170) So. QB, Jermaine Blackstock (5-10, 170) Jr. RB/LB, Javonte Pullom

(5-11, 185) Jr. LB, Marquell

Sails (5-10, 160) Jr. RB, Peyton Livingston (5-11,

200) Sr. TE, TJ Holmes (6-0, 150) Sr. WR/CB

Season outlook: Major gains were made during the offseason for a program just two years removed from back-to-back winning records.

“Our team returns a wealth of experience,” Barger said. “We had a core group of young men work hard in the offseason, and that has shown in their physical development. We have a ton of underclassmen who have experience, along with a good group of seniors. For us

to have success, we have to be fundamentally sound, disciplined and physical.”

With Barger as offensive coordinator in 2019 and 2020, East Ridge scored 30 or more points in seven games. Jackson has breakout potential in his second season, while Ellis and Harris are playmakers all over the field and Holmes is the team’s fastest player.

The Pioneers are excited about the potential of senior Tyree Smith (6-0, 160) who has been a standout for the basketball team the past two seasons. Barger believes Smith can be an excellent wide receiver and safety.

East Ridge has nearly 50 players on the roster, a major improvement after finishing last season with 36. However, in a tough Region 3-4A that includes Red Bank, East Hamilton and Central — the three combined for 22 wins last season — the Pioneers must avoid injuries.

Blackstock can be a factor on both sides of the ball, and the Pioneers have a talented linebacker corps led by Pullom.