Walker Valley

Head coach: Drew Akins (17-16 here and overall)

Returning starters: 4 offensive; 5 defensive

Last year’s record: 5-6 overall, lost in Class 5A first round

Key players: Tucker Ownby (6-0, 185) Sr. WR/DB, Jackson Gibson (6-3, 230) Sr. WB/DL, Eli Denton (6-0, 195) Sr. RB/ LB, Blaine Lowe (6-0, 165) Sr. WR/DB, Brady Montgomery (6-1, 160) Sr. WR/ DB

Season outlook: After setting a school record with an eight-win season in 2020, the Mustangs were competitive once again by going 5-5 in the regular season and barely falling to

Karns, 27-25, in the playoffs.

Denton is a standout leader for Walker Valley, a back-to-back all-state middle linebacker who has posted a combined 206 tackles with 22 for loss over the past two seasons.

“We are looking forward to showcasing Eli on the offensive side of the ball this year, too, so colleges can also see how much of a playmaker he is with the ball in his hands,” Akins said.

“He is dominant at linebacker and is a guy who everyone looks up to and comes to with questions. He is the one who everyone can look to, and he knows how to lead the right way. He has started since his freshman season, and it’s been awesome to see him grow.”

The Mustangs’ offense has two additions with star potential in former Central quarterback Evan Schwarzl (5-10, 170) and former Soddy-Daisy running back Tanner Whittenbarger (5-9, 190).

Walker Valley’s quarterback room has been impressive over the past few years with Ryan Lay and Tucker Pope, both all-state selections with back-toback 32-touchdown seasons. Schwarzl, a junior, has a strong arm and looks to be dynamic with his legs as well.

Whittenbarger’s tough running and workhorse ability bodes well for a running game that averaged just 3.4 yards per carry last season. In his first two seasons at Soddy-Daisy, he totaled 1,417 rushing yards, 312 receiving yards and 14 touchdowns. Gibson looks to provide strong blocks to free Whittenbarger.