Tigers bit by injury bug early, still aim for playoffs
By Staff
Scot Beard
RED BAY – The Red Bay football team finished last season with a 4-7 record and a loss in the first round of the playoffs.
While most teams would be happy making the playoffs, many regarded it as a down year for the Tigers, which reached the state semifinals two seasons ago.
"We're in transition right now," said Red Bay coach Dale Jeffreys.
What has been a tough situation has become tougher with the loss of senior quarterback Cody Palmer to a knee injury.
Palmer was the starter last season, but now sophomore Hunter Childers gets the nod at quarterback.
Helping Childers on offense is a group of running backs led by Andre Newell and Matt Belue at tailback. Joseph Reach, Chase Lindsey and Eli Venable will split time at the fullback position.
Reach will also get some plays at wide receiver where he will join Marco Bostick, Kevin Hastings and Jesse Venable.
Seniors Curtis Morrell and Drake Hutcheson will anchor the offensive line and will also play defensive end for the Tigers.
Due to a lack of depth, Red Bay is forced to use a handful of players on both sides of the ball.
"We don't have a lot of kids in school," Jeffreys said. "We do the best we can with what we've got."
Reach, Lindsey and Belue will move from fullback to linebacker when the Tigers are on defense.
Justin Payne and Newell will line up at the corner positions while Jesse Venable and Hastings will play safety.
Many players have earned their starting spots on special teams, including Lindsey at kicker, Hastings at punter and Bradley Patterson as the long snapper.
Newell and Reach will return the kicks for the Tigers.
"We have to keep from getting injured to stay competitive in the region," Jeffreys said. "Our goals are still the same. We want to make the playoffs."
