Pigskin Preview: Sunbright Tigers – Fear No One!
By Terry Futrell
July 11, 2018
The 2017 Sunbright Tigers had dominating wins over Sale Creek, Harriman, Oakdale, Unaka, and Concord Christian. But perhaps even more memorable was spoiling Wartburg’s homecoming with a hard-fought 8-7 victory in Joe Kent’s second game as head coach of the Tigers. These victories enabled Sunbright to rebound from a 2-9 record in 2016 to a much improved 6-5 record in 2017. The Tigers had a 5-3 record after Kent was promoted to head coach in mid-season.
Will the 2018 Tigers continue their march to competitiveness in Region 2 Class 1A? If their preseason performance in a 7 on 7 matchup with Class 2A Rockwood is any indication, Sunbright will stand toe-to-toe with every team on their schedule. And, it won’t take long to find out how good the Tigers really are. After opening the 2018 season on August 17 at historically weak Sale Creek, the Tigers have a bye week and then face tough Greenback at home on August 31. Greenback returns 20 of 22 starters and is expected to be a contender for the state championship. The Tigers then face Coalfield, Harriman, and Wartburg in quick succession.
Facing tough opponents in the first few weeks of the season, Coach Kent has instilled in his players one principle – fear no one! Encouraging his players to give their best in every play against all opponents, Coach Kent states “We’re looking to compete with everybody on our schedule.” The players appear to be developing a level of confidence that is sure to give them a competitive advantage in close games. This confidence was clearly evident in their performance in the 7 on 7 matchup with Rockwood.
Even though Coach Kent lost five starters to graduation, the Tigers return a solid group of experienced players in 2018. Standing tall among returning players is senior TE/DE Wesley Bohanan, who was recently measured at 6-8 and 270 pounds. Added to his size is a pair of hands that latch onto passes like a vise. On defense, Bohanan is sure to disrupt a lot of opponent offenses, forcing them to make uncomfortable adjustments. Bohanan is not the only big guy on the Tigers team – collectively, their offensive and defensive lines are big and much stronger this year. Coach Kent stated, “we have one kid who bench presses 400 pounds.”
Leading the Tiger offense is sophomore quarterback John Wayne Freels. Though he has not played quarterback before, Freels has a strong arm and is quickly learning the position. Freels looked very comfortable throwing the ball in the 7 on 7 matchup with Rockwood – his timing and accuracy were excellent. In addition to Freels and Bohanan, key offensive players include junior wide receiver Josh Langley, junior running back Jon Jon Hammock, sophomore running back Ethan Hammock, and the entire offensive line. Anchoring the offensive line are senior center Tyler Kent, 6-1 and 295 pounds, and junior tackle Andrew Farmer, 6-4 and 285 pounds. Coach Kent indicated, “that is where our strength lies – up front, and we’re going to run the football.”
Coach Kent highlighted the strength and depth of the Sunbright linebackers as key to the Tiger defense. The Tiger secondary is much the same as last year, with juniors Josh Langley and Zach Durham serving as anchors, along with newcomer Augie Friel.
Sunbright has eight or nine incoming freshmen to bolster their ranks, including three or four who are expected to contribute to the Tigers’ success this season.
The Sunbright Tigers should hit the ground running in 2018 and progress throughout the season. Like their mascot namesake, the Tigers are going into this season fearing no one! Fans can expect to be treated to some of the most exciting Sunbright football experienced in a long time. Bring it on, Tigers!