Norris Middle School: Senators
As Richie Noe prepares for his 20th season as Norris Middle School’s football coach, his expectation is the same as it always is.
The Senators always expect to make a deep postseason run and win a Tennessee Valley Athletic Conference championship.
“It will be a different approach but the expectation is always the same,” said Noe, who guided Norris to a perfect 10-0 record and a TVAC title. “In the past we had a big offensive line.
“This year, our line will be a little smaller, but they’ll probably be more athletic.”
This season John David Gillum returns and is will be a three-year starter at quarterback. He is currently injured but Noe hopes to have him back by the time the Senators open the regular season at Lenoir City on Thursday, Aug. 8.
“John David has an incredible arm and we have depth at wide receiver,” Noe said. “We’re hoping to have him back by the time we play Lenoir City but we’ll see. We’re looking to have him back by Week 2.”
In Gillum’s absence, seventh grader Cooper Downs will likely start, according to Noe.
“We destroyed Rhea County in a scrimmage on Saturday and that was with Cooper throwing it around,” Noe said. “Our quarterbacks and receiving corps will be the strengths for us.
“Whoever our starting running back is will be a first year starter, and that’s going to be between three or four guys,”
Key eighth graders include: Gillum, Colton Noe (wide receiver/defensive back); Riley Miller (wide receiver/running back/outside linebacker); Chris Garcia (offensive lineman/defensive lineman) and Mason Wright center/defensive tackle).
Key seventh graders include: Camdyn Wilcox (wide receiver/outside linebacker); Stephen Blakney (wide receiver/
defensive back); Downs (quarterback/running back/defensive back); Hunter Wade (offensive lineman/defensive lineman); Skyler Whitson (running back) and Canaan Carroll offensive lineman/defensive lineman).
