Ooltewah

Head coach: James Manning (2-8 here and overall)

Returning starters: 6 offensive; 4 defensive

Last year’s record: 2-8 overall, lost in Class 5A first round

Key players: Takoda Jones (6-1, 170) Sr. WR/DB, Reggie Knight (5-10, 160) Sr. WR/DB, Will Bolt (6-1, 185) Sr. WR/ DB, Austin Robinson (6-1, 170) Sr. QB, Josh Davis (6-1, 160) Jr. WR/DB, Isaac Itofe (6-1, 260) Sr. OL/DL, CJ Carter (6-1, 205) Jr. DE, Noble Knoch (6-2, 215) Sr. OL, Kobe Baldwin (5-11, 160) Jr. RB

Season outlook: In just a year’s time, there is a noticeable difference in the locker room for the Owls.

When Manning arrived late last summer to take over at his alma mater, there were 73 players on the team. Now there are 95 who are working to help build a strong future for the program.

Jones has Football Bowl Subdivision potential and boasts 20 games of varsity experience entering his senior season. The Owls will try to use his speed in a multitude of ways in the passing and running games.

“There is a lot of excitement, and everyone loves being here together working for a common goal,” Jones said. “It has been a lot of fun working in the wide receiver room with coach Will Davis. He is working with us constantly on finding ways to get better and learn from our mistakes and successes. We are all really excited about the season.”

Bolt can provide a physical presence and reliable target, while Knight could also be in for a strong season with Robinson throwing the ball. Robinson had several good performances last year but will need his line to take a step forward with pass protection and run blocking to keep the offense from being limited.

The Owls will face a tough schedule that includes a four-game road stretch against Rhea County, Baylor, Howard and Bradley Central. Their coach believes they’re ready for such challenges.

“In the offseason and spring, our leaders have really taken the culture aspect of what we are trying to do very seriously,” Manning said. “They have competed all summer. We are not the same football team we were a year ago. We are much better and more experienced on both lines.”