Rhea County

Head coach: Mark Pemberton (80-30 here; 243-98 overall)

Returning starters: 5 offensive; 4 defensive

Last year’s record: 10-3 overall, lost in Class 5A quarterfinals

Key players: Kaleb Martin (6-2, 170) Jr. QB/FS, Maurice Shirley (6-0, 270) Jr. OL/DL, Ethan Davis (5-9, 165) Jr. RB, Cole Ruehling (5-8, 140) Sr. K, Hunter Crowe (5-9, 200) Jr. RB, Latron Alloway (5-11,

205) So. RB/LB, Briley Mayberry (5-8, 150) Jr. RB/LB, Caleb Odell (5-10, 160) Sr. RB/LB, Bryce Dupree (6-2, 172) Jr. DB, Rex Pendergrass (6-0,

175) Jr. TE/DL

Season outlook: With the return of the players who accounted for 65 of their 66 touchdowns last season, the Golden Eagles look poised to be a state title contender once again.

Rhea County will be seeking a third straight season with double-digit wins as the backfield tandem of Martin and Davis remains after combining for 58 touchdowns in 2021. Both will be three-year

starters for a wing-T offense that consistently produces big results.

Meanwhile, Shirley is back to lead the push up front for a line that lost several starters from a team that averaged 47 carries for 326 yards per game last year.

“Our kids play in our system from sixth grade on and are coached by our high school coaches, so we feel like we are ahead of the curve when it comes to guys being ready to play,” Pemberton said. “We also coach them in the weight room in the offseason from sixth grade on.”

Davis led all area running backs with 2,445 total yards last season, which included 2,242 rushing yards on 289 carries while scoring 32 times. Mayberry led the team with 321 receiving yards, averaging 73 per game last season. The backfield is loaded as Crowe, Alloway and Odell can also provide quality carries.

Pendergrass and Dupree led the defense last season with four sacks and four interceptions. Both are expected to step up and lead a unit that lost seven starters. Zander Yeager looks poised to step in at linebacker and make a big impact.