JACKSBORO, TN (WLAF) – “You just can’t simulate a Friday night in practice,” said Campbell County Head Coach Justin Price.  His 2020 edition of Cougar Football features a returning starting quarterback for the first time in three years.  Price says “that’s huge offensively; especially for us since we’re so quarterback driven.”

Number 2 in the Blue-n-Orange, Quarterback Hunter White, returns for his junior season after starting as a sophomore.  He even had some playing time as a freshman.  Price likes White’s decision making ability and the fact that he knows where the ball is supposed to be.  “It’s about making plays, and Hunter knows that,” said Price.  The coach, a former quarterback himself, is impressed with White’s maturation through preseason camp and the fact that that is making life a little easier for the coach.  “He understands the offense a lot better, and the big thing about coaching quarterbacks is getting them to the point where they can self correct.  Hunter is doing that now; knowing when he’s made a bad throw or a bad read,” said the head coach.

It’s not just at the signal calling position where Campbell County has returning and experienced players.  Tailback, the receiving corp, the line, linebackers, kicker, the secondary are other areas where returning players dot the positions.  Price said, “The only way you can get that experience from a Friday night game is to play.”  That’s where the Cougars experience will come in to play.

C.J. Allen, the strong, speedy tailback, returns from injury and is ready to roll after only being able to play in the first six games a season ago.  “He’s a play maker and wants the football, but at the same time, he’s a team first player, and the great players are.  They understand it’s about everybody else,” said Price.

In addition to White and Allen, Campbell brings a lot of players back on both sides of the ball.  Kicker Thomas Johnson, who kicked the game winning field goal as time wound down last season at Carter, suits up again this season.

A lot of the members of the offensive line will rotate along the defensive front as well.  Price notes that Calob Osborne, Ben Conrad, Carson Meade and Jadon White played a lot of snaps in 2019.  White, a defensive lineman, is expected to play a lot more on the O-line.  Joseph Snodderly starts at center while Jordan Pierce will see action on both lines.  Junior Josh Moore is coming off a good preseason.  Moore stands 6-1 at a weight of 366.

Price is excited about his defense with Desmond Gilbert and Will Lester at inside linebacker.  “The pair brings experience and a really good first step,” said the coach.  He adds that Wyatt Sharp, who plays big, will line up at an outside linebacker slash strong safety spot.  Blake Taylor, 6-3, 283, was a dominant force a year ago forcing opponents to run away from him.  The secondary features a lot of the wide receiver corp; Cahron Williams, Gavin Newman, Makyle Shepard, Skyler Clawson and Peyton Ferguson.

Campbell opened with a 14-0, lightning delayed, win over Cocke County in 2019.  The Cougars went on to a 4 & 6 season while Cocke County, under then first-year head coach Scott Dykes, finished 1 & 9.  Both teams are 5-A as Campbell represents Region 3 and Cocke County is out of Region 1.  Kick-off is slated for 7:30 pm.

LIVE COVERAGE OF CCHS FOOTBALL

Once again, for the 46th season, WLAF will provide live coverage of Campbell County High School Football over the WLAF-Doyle’s Tire Sports Network beginning at 7 pm.  On radio, tune-in to either AM 1450 or FM 100.9.  For the live telecast, connect to www.1450wlaf.com, WLAF-TV 12, Roku TV, Amazon Firestick, Facebook or YouTube.  Les Martin returns for his 10th season behind the mic, and along with Brent Allen, brings you the live play-by-play.  (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 08/21/2020-6AM)

 

 

 

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