All posts by Chase Scott

Jamboree and Scrimmages Over, Game Week is Here

After three weeks filled with practices, scrimmages, and a jamboree, fall camp is over and game week is officially here.

Fall camp officially began on July 23rd with the first day of practice, also the first two-a-day practice of the year. After six practices, the Admirals  traveled 85 miles south to take on the Owls from Ooltewah in the first scrimmage of fall camp.

Gavin Wilkinson throws the ball at Farragut High School during the first day of football practice with pads Monday, July 23, 2018. Caitie McMekin/News Sentinel

The Admirals and the Owls are familiar foes, both former members of the old Region 2-AAAAA TVAC, having met 13 times on the gridiron. After an hour and a half scrimmage, both teams got great work and came out injury-free.

 

The second week of fall camp was preempted by the annual Kickoff picnic and began with the final two-a-day practice of camp.  After that, practice returned to a more familiar, after school, time slot.  Thursday of that week saw the Admirals again return to the road, but this time they headed west to Cookeville.

Defensive line coach Tom Doucette talks to players at Farragut High School during the first day of football practice with pads Monday, July 23, 2018. Caitie McMekin/News Sentinel

Although they have never met on the gridiron, the two teams have become familiar with each other through annual preseason scrimmages since 2014. Much like the Ooltewah scrimmage, both teams were evenly matched and were able to get quality reps against a different color jersey.

The final week of fall camp was jammed packed with action, one scrimmage, three practices, school starting back, and a jamboree to cap it off.

Players practice at Farragut High School during the first day of football practice with pads Monday, July 23, 2018. Caitie McMekin/News Sentinel

Monday and Tuesday were work days for the Ads on the practice field to tune up and build on the previous week’s action.  Wednesday was the final scrimmage of 2018 Fall Camp, as the Admirals headed north to face the Greene Devils from Greeneville. Weather forced the scrimmage indoors to the Tusculum University Indoor Practice Facility.  The hour and a half scrimmage that ensued,  proved to be the most physical of camp.  A day of on-field practice was planned for Thursday, but the weather had other plans and turned it into a day of film and meetings.

Fall camp was capped off with the annual KOC Kickoff Jamboree, a one quarter exhibition of all Knox County teams plus three others. This year marked the first time since 2013 that the jamboree was held at Neyland Stadium.

A fleet of Admirals stop the Gibbs RB for a loss. PHOTO CREDIT: 5 Star Preps,5starpreps.com

Farragut played in the sixth of eight quarters planned for the evening against the Gibbs Eagles. A 12-yard TD run by Gabe Hensley, a 37 yard Daniel Bethel field goal, and three stout defensive series gave the Admirals a 10-0 victory over Gibbs.

Now that fall camp is over, the Admirals turn their attention to the Bradley Central Bears.

Isaiah Gibbs runs with the ball at Farragut High School during the first day of football practice with pads Monday, July 23, 2018. Caitie McMekin/News Sentinel

A team that used to be a region opponent when both were in Region 2-AAAAA. Farragut boasts a 11-1 record vs Bradley Central all-time. The teams played each other every year from 2001-2008 as region opponents, and again during the 1993 and 1994 seasons. Last season’s game was a thriller that was decided in overtime after the Admirals intercepted a pass that stopped what would have been the Bears winning TD drive with under a minute to play. The Admirals scored in OT to win the game 27-21. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30pm at Bill Clabo Field, for more outlook on the opening game, you can CLICK HERE.

 

Early Signing Period Sees 2 Admirals Sign

Jacob Warren and Braden Collins sign with Tennessee and Appalachian State, respectively, during the Early Signing Period for the class of 2018.

Wednesday, December 20th, 2017 was the Early National Signing Period for the Class of 2018.  The Admirals saw two of their own commit to play at different institutions.

TE/DE Jacob Warren signed to play at the University of Tennessee  in Knoxville, TN.  Jacob chose Tennessee over 11 other Power 5 schools, including Auburn, Louisville, Ole Miss, Oklahoma State, and more.  Jacob, a two year starter for the Admirals played a vital role in the team’s success, starting at tight end and playing defensive end when called upon.  For his career Jacob caught 70 passes for 1,156 yards and 17 touchdowns.  Jacob played a vital role in the 2016 State Championship run.  Jacob’s career finds himself on several records boards at Farragut, including; 8th in season receiving yards (659), 6th in career receiving yards (1,156), tied for 2nd in career receiving touchdown (17), and 11th in season receptions (39).

 

WR/DB Braden Collins signed with Appalachian State University in Boone, NC.  Braden chose Appalachian State over Army, Air Force, Furman, Indiana, and many other schools.  Braden started at both wide receiver and defensive back for the Admirals.  In his career at wide receiver he caught 126 passes for 2,056 yards with 23 TDs.  Those accomplishments rank 2nd, 2nd, and 1st respectively in the program’s history.  A vital part of the 2016 State Championship run, Braden set school records for receptions (68),  receiving yards (1,242), and receiving touchdowns (16).  Braden also set several individual game records while at Farragut; most pass receptions (13) vs Ooltewah  in 2016  & Hardin Valley in 2017 and most receiving touchdowns (4) vs Ooltewah  ’16.

Stay tuned to Farragut Football on twitter and website, as there will be several more players sign with their respective schools in the next signing period, starting on February 7th, 2018.

Admirals Fall to Maryville to End 2017 Season

MARYVILLE — Maryville football has been so dominant against East Tennessee playoff teams in the 21st century, it rarely has won by less than a double-digit margin — almost all have been blowouts with many outcomes decided by halftime.

Though far less dominant, Farragut’s program entered last Friday’s Class 6A playoff second-round showdown against the mighty Red Rebels with its own single-digit success: not losing by more than eight points the past three seasons — defeated just five times since 2014.

Perhaps an early hit set the tone for Maryville’s continuing blowout success against East Tennessee foes.

Jacob Warren catches a long pass against Maryville on 11/10 PHOTO CREDIT: Carlos Reveiz/Ashley Wathen, CRFOTO.com

An apparent first-down reception early in the game by talented FHS senior tight-end Jacob Warren, a Tennessee commitment, was jarred loose on a vicious hit.

Maryville [11-1] didn’t punt in the first half, making things look easy on both sides of the ball — and special teams — with 38 first-half points.  The Red Rebels also turned back the Admirals’ one good first-half drive with an interception.  It ended as a 38-6 Maryville victory Nov. 10 at MHS’ Jim Renfro Field.  Farragut’s season concludes 9-3.

Andrew Williams catches a long pass against Maryville on 11/10 PHOTO CREDIT: Carlos Reveiz/Ashley Wathen, CRFOTO.com

A 52-yard bomb from junior Jake Evans, Admirals back-up quarterback, to senior receiver Andrew Williams set up Farragut’s only points by placing FHS at the Rebels 1. Devin Yarborough, senior running back, scored on the next play with just 1:31 left in the game.

About Maryville, Williams said, “They executed their offense well and they executed their defense really well, and that’s just what it takes to win.”

Nnamdi McSwine, senior defensive end, said the Red Rebels “are a hard team to beat. They’re well-coached, they don’t give up much. They don’t jump off-sides or anything.”

Eddie Courtney, Admirals skipper, labeled the game “disappointing,” adding, “I know we’re a better football team than what we showed tonight.

“… We didn’t help ourselves out early.  At the end we tried to make some things happen and have some fun out there.”

However, “You’ve got to give Maryville credit, playing on all cylinders tonight and executing real well,” Courtney said.

McSwine and Williams were among the Admirals seniors who reflected on the their careers at FHS.

Jackson Powers, offensive tackle, said, “Overall we went 33-6 over the past three years, and I think that’s pretty good.

“Overall, I think me and my team have built friendships and a bond, and it’s beyond what you can get in any other sport.

“I’m never, ever going to lose what I made on and off the field with my brothers,” Powers added. “Coach Courtney and the other [coaches] have helped me grow as a person.  I’ve really matured through the team.

“I’m really thankful for everything that I’ve been given over the past four years.”

Jonathan Buchanan, offensive guard, said, “I couldn’t have asked for anything more.  The coaches here are incredible.  It’s been an honor to play with them.

“It’s been a great career,” he added.

McSwine said, “The past three years have been amazing.  All of these guys here are my brothers.  I wouldn’t ask for a better team to play for.  I want to say, ‘good luck’ to the guys for next year.”

Williams, also a defensive back, said, “It was a great time.  We got to win a lot of games and play with my brothers.  It was fun.”

“We’ve had a good run this year,” Courtney said. “… I know this senior group has had a lot of success the last three years [including the Class 5A state championship in 2016].

“I know they’re going to be successful young men,” he added. “In the next five to 10 years, people are going to see another chapter in their lives about how successful they’ll be.

“I love these guys. I appreciate their effort.”

Ads beat Cleveland 42-28, Advance to 2nd Round

Farragut High School’s football team trailed most of the night before earning the right to advance to the second round of the Class 6A playoffs. The Ads had their hands full with a tough Cleveland squad — while also facing a little self-inflicted adversity.

Jacob Warren catches a pass against Cleveland on 11/3 PHOTO CREDIT: Carlos Reveiz/Ashley Wathen, CRFOTO.com

Farragut had to overcome four turnovers and a fourth-quarter deficit to notch a 42-28 victory over the Blue Raiders Friday night, Nov. 3, at Bill Clabo Field.

The Admirals [9-2] finally took the lead when senior tight end Jacob Warren hauled in a 6-yard touchdown pass from sophomore quarterback Gavin Wilkinson with 2:06 remaining in the contest to make the score 34-28.

Gavin Wilkinson throws a pass against Cleveland on 11/3 PHOTO CREDIT: Carlos Reveiz/Ashley Wathen, CRFOTO.com

Freshman kicker Daniel Bethel added the fifth of his six extra points to give FHS a 35-28 lead.

“That’s a play that we always have in our back pocket,” said Warren, who had eight receptions for 97 yards and a pair of touchdowns, about Wilkinson’s roll right and throw left pass. “We just have to execute it.

“It’s just a matter of going out there and executing. See the ball, go get it. Focus.”

The Blue Raiders, No. 3 seed in Region 2-6A, finish the 2017 season with an 8-3 record.

Isaiah Gibbs stretches out for the touchdown against Cleveland on 11/3 PHOTO CREDIT: Carlos Reveiz/Ashley Wathen, CRFOTO.com

“We knew that Cleveland was a good football team and we knew that we were going to have to score points,” Farragut head coach Eddie Courtney said. “[Coach Scott] Cummings has a done a great job with them offensively and they really believe in what they do on defense — and we knew that.”

The Admirals, who struggled all night, controlled the fourth quarter. After Warren gave Farragut the lead for good, it would add insurance when Isaiah Gibbs scored from seven yards out with just under a minute to play to make the score 42-28.

Cade Burkey returns a fumble against Cleveland on 11/3 PHOTO CREDIT: Carlos Reveiz/Ashley Wathen, CRFOTO.com

The game’s final touchdown was set up when senior linebacker Cade Burkey recovered a Cleveland fumble and rumbled to the 7-yard line.

It was Burkey’s second recovery of the game.

Cade Burkey recovers a fumble against Cleveland on 11/3 PHOTO CREDIT: Carlos Reveiz/Ashley Wathen, CRFOTO.com

He closed the first half by scooping up a Blue Raider turnover and appeared to score a go-ahead touchdown but was ruled down by contact as the play was whistled dead.

Burkey, however, wasn’t complaining after the game.

“The best thing about a good team is that they always find a way to make plays,” he said. “We have good linebackers and when one of us is having a bad day, the other two will step up and pick the other one up.

“I’m really happy. Hat’s off to Jacob Warren for making catches that I just didn’t think we’re possible,” he added.

The final play made things even more special for Farragut. Max Travis, a senior, picked off a pass from Cleveland’s Kellye Cawood in the end zone as time expired.

Travis was slated to be Farragut’s starting quarterback but he was injured twice, dashing those hopes. But he made some big plays on defense against Cleveland.

“It felt great to get that interception,” Travis said. “It was a long time coming and it felt great.

“You don’t get to play with your brothers for 11 weeks and it’s great to finally go out there and play.”

“I’m proud for Max and I’m proud for our team,” Courtney said. “He was supposed to be our starting quarterback and he broke his hand. Then, he had an upper arm injury. But he was consistent and he stayed around. So we wanted to give him a chance to play.”

The night got off to a bad start for the Ads. Cleveland’s big play offense scored first when Cawood connected with Romeo Wykle on a 94-yard scoring strike midway through the opening frame.

The Ads answered when Warren made a spectacular catch in the end zone, making it 7-7.

Cleveland regained the lead later in the quarter on a 75-yard touchdown scamper by Keegan Jones.

Caleb Kuhn records a sack against Cleveland on 11/3 PHOTO CREDIT: Carlos Reveiz/Ashley Wathen, CRFOTO.com

Injured in the third quarter, Jones rushed for 230 yards. He also would score on a 90-yard run before being hurt, giving the Blue Raiders a 21-14 lead early in the third stanza.

Farragut scored the only points in the second stanza on a touchdown run by Gibbs.

Josh Moses scored his third touchdown of the season to make 21-21 before Cleveland scored one final time.

Gibbs made it 28-28 with 8:08 left in the game.

“At the end of the day, we just didn’t have enough to get it done,” said Cummings, a graduate of West High who led his alma mater to a Class 5A state championship in 2014. “We just didn’t execute.

“… Hats off to Farragut. They’re a great team.”

The Admirals will travel to Maryville in the 2nd round of the playoffs.

A special thanks to Carlos Reveiz and Ashley Wathen of CRFOTO for the action shots from the game.  Be sure to checkout CRFOTO.com every week for a full photo gallery from Friday’s game.  See a photo you like?  They are also available for purchase directly from his website.  Click here for this week’s photos.

OFFICIAL GAME STATS

**Click to Enlarge**

Farragut Falls to Hardin Valley, 37-36

Despite throwing 4 interceptions in the first half and trailing by 22 at halftime, the Admirals roared back to to score with 1:20 left on the clock to take their first lead of the game, 36-29. The Hawks, though, would drive down the field and score from 38 yards out with 8.2 seconds left on the clock to put the score at 36-35. Hardin Valley decided to go for 2 and were successful and won the game 37-36.

The Admirals will host Cleveland in the first round of the playoffs on November 3rd.

A special thanks to Carlos Reveiz and Ashley Wathen of CRFOTO for the action shots from the game.  Be sure to checkout CRFOTO.com every week for a full photo gallery from Friday’s game.  See a photo you like?  They are also available for purchase directly from his website.  Click here for this week’s photos.

OFFICIAL GAME STATS

**Click to Enlarge**