Here are keys to success for every Murfreesboro area high school football team in 2023
With Murfreesboro area high school football teams beginning the regular season in less than two weeks, here's a look at one big key for each heading into the 2023 campaign:
Blackman
Embrace their identity. The Blaze had a complete makeover in the offseason, bringing in coach Matt Kriesky and graduating a slew of stars from a 2022 squad that went 10-3. The past two years Blackman flashed an exciting, wide-open offense but also a defense that struggled to stop anybody. This year's squad will be far less extreme on both sides. The Blaze will get better as their young athletes adapt more to Kriesky's style.
Cannon County
Step up to the new competition. Cannon County moved down from 3A to 2A, but the region competition may have gotten tougher. The Lions finished third in 4-3A last year, but will face traditional state powers in Fayetteville and Marion County, along with Forrest and Cascade, in Region 4-2A. Gone are relatively easy wins in Grundy County and Community. Cannon County lost a close non-region game to Cascade, 20-14, last season.
Eagleville
Quarterback play. From Ethan Cobb to Marcus Collins, Eagleville has excelled when it had good play from its athletic quarterbacks. Three players have battled for the position in the preseason, including arguably the team's top athlete, Brody McLemore, and 6-foot-6 newcomer Will Becker, a star on the Central Magnet basketball team.
La Vergne
Take care of Metro rivals. The gateway to the playoffs is beating Antioch and McGavock. Cane Ridge is the perennial favorite in the region, Smyrna hasn't finished lower than second in recent years and Stewarts Creek was added to the league (which lost Overton and Dickson County). While beating their rivals is always optimal, wins over the Bears and Raiders would at least secure a playoff spot for the Wolverines.
Middle Tennessee Christian
Utilize their stars. The Cougars' winning recipe has been running the ball behind a talented offensive line. MTCS senior RB Eli Wilson had almost 2,000 total yards last season and he will run behind an experienced line that includes Tennessee commitment Jesse Perry. With new coach Christian Peterson having previously been the offensive coordinator, that philosophy likely won't change, and it shouldn't.
Oakland
Get healthy, stay healthy. The Patriots still have enough talent, and coaching, to win another Class 6A title. But they need to avoid big injuries at key positions this year, maybe more than in years past. Senior running back Ashton Jones is battling back from an injury and the team will be without junior RB Aivery Haynesworth for likely the regular season with an undisclosed injury. Building depth at some key offensive positions will be vital for Oakland.
Providence Christian
Build a foundation. PCA jumped straight from playing eight-man football to competing in TSSAA's DII-A East region without a buffer year to get acclimated. The Lions had about 45 players out on the first day of practice. They will take their lumps early, but building a foundation with young players will benefit Coach Lebron Ferguson's squad down the road.
Riverdale
Offensive line. A more experienced and veteran group is expected to be much improved. The Warriors have enough weapons to excel. Returning QB Braden Graham has a star-studded crop of receivers, led by seniors Keshawn Williams, Brock Montgomery and Braylen Vanderbilt, and the top two running backs return in senior Isaiah Verser and junior D.J. Taylor. The line doesn't have to be the best, but if they're good, this offense could explode.
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Rockvale
Establish a running game. The Rockets have an experienced quarterback returning in Brennan Mayhew, who led them to a 4-1 start before missing the remainder of the season with an injury. He has some big-time targets, including junior Jaylan Morgan. But finding a go-to running back will keep the pressure off Mayhew as well as the Rockvale defense.
Siegel
Get that signature region win. Siegel has made progress under coach Adam Renshaw, but the Stars have still struggled in the region, going 0-5 each of the past two seasons. There's talent and experience back, including Thomas Santel at QB and exciting athletes Tarrion Grant and Kevin Endsley. The Stars need to beat Coffee County and get a signature win over a Murfreesboro rival to get into the playoffs, something that's well within their reach.
Smyrna
Replacing skill positions. The Bulldogs lost a lot when they graduated four-year starter Landon Miller at quarterback and Mr. Football/Gatorade Player of the Year Arion Carter, who is not at Tennessee, at running back. Coach Matt Williams' squads have always played solid defense, something that shouldn't change this season. But how well an influx of new offensive skill players settle in will be a huge factor in their success.
Stewarts Creek
Ride the horse. Stewarts Creek has been run-oriented under Ben Caudill, and it's worked. Senior Javarian Otey rushed for 1,136 yards and 13 TDs in just nine games last season. Caleb Floyd is another back who can step in and give the Red Hawks quality carries. The Red Hawk defense, behind senior Nigel Maynard, should be solid again, so a successful running attack could lead to big things in their first year in Region 5-6A.
This article originally appeared on Murfreesboro Daily News Journal: TSSAA football: Keys for Murfreesboro area high school teams in 2023
