The Owls, led by Head Coach Mike Dickerson, had a big season last year, going 7-3 in the regular season before getting knocked out in the third round of the playoffs to Red Bank. While it’s not out of the question for the Owls to replicate last season’s success, they will have to do so with a roster that looks quite a bit different than it did a year ago. With only seven seniors on the roster, the team will have plenty of opportunities for younger players to break out this season.
Junior Cameron Spivey is one player that is hoping to have a big season, taking over the role of starting quarterback after playing last season at safety. Spivey will be doing so behind three returning starting linemen. (Chris Ray, Greg Bass and Austin Williams)
The Owls have a lot of potential, but they will need a number of players to step up following the graduations of nearly all of the big playmakers from last season.
Juniors John Ross Hord and Jaden Apple-Gibbs may be the players to look at to break out for the Owls. Hord has shown abilities to play on both sides of the ball, tying for the second most total tackles on the team last year as well as running for 295 yards and seven touchdowns on 65 carries.
Apple-Gibbs was the Owls leader in tackles last season with 90 as a sophomore, and will look to follow-up with another big season.
Schedule
(* signifies Region 4-3A matchup)
August 17 – Macon County
August 24 – Gordonsville
August 31 – Upperman*
September 14 – York*
September 21 – @ Livingston Academy
September 28 – @ Sequatchie County*
October 5 – DeKalb County
October 12 – @ Cannon County*
October 19 – @ Watertown
October 26 – @ Grundy County*
Games to Watch
Gordonsville – August 24
A matchup that most players and fans will look forward to all year, “Carthage – Gordonsville” should live up to the hype this season following the Owls 48-26 victory last season. The tables may have turned with Gordonsville now having the experience over a Smith County team that looks a lot different. Expect this game to feature passion from both sides, which should mean a very good game to watch.
York – September 14
York is entering the season as the favorite in region 4-3A and this midseason matchup will help to show just how competitive Smith County will be this season. Coach Dickerson will have had time to work with players and make any adjustments needed to make sure that his team is able to stay competitive in this game.
@ Sequatchie County – September 28
Sequatchie finished the season middle of the road last season, going 6-5. (3-2 in region 4-3A) The Indians will have higher expectations this season, and with the size and experience they have it’s easy to see why. This won’t be an easy matchup for the Owls, but this matchup is one they will need to win if they want to have a chance at winning the region.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DF-nSpQZL2Q
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