2004 Spring Practice and Scrimmage

May 17, 2004
Article by Jeff McQueen
Photos by Jammie Graves

The Loudon Redskins just completed spring practice in preparation for the fall ’04 campaign. Conducting drills for the 10 days allowed by the TSSAA, spanning a three week period, and climaxing with a scrimmage game against the William-Blount Governors (5A) held on Friday, May 14th.

With a revamped and reassigned coaching staff it was time to assess the teams starting point and immediate needs. With the return of signal caller Cody Fritts and a plethora of running backs (Jordan Hardin, Mathew Packett, Brandon Dixon, Mark “P” Harrison, Mark Longworth, and Charlie Hampton) the skill positions are solid. The ‘Skins will again open the season with only one player who has caught a pass in varsity action, however the wide outs will provide much needed down field blocking, led by seniors Josh McQueen and Jesse Henry. Gutted by graduation, the offensive and defensive lines will require major surgery. It was paramount to assemble functional “O” and “D” lines this spring. Shuffling and evaluating personnel, the search was on for a pulling guard. From an unlikely source, up stepped converted running back Cody “Mighty Mite” Wiggins (5’-9” & 155 lbs) to fill the need. Relishing the challenge, “I’ll play were ever the coaches and team need me the most” said Wiggins. “Kyle Tallent, Jimmy McQueen, Joe Webb, John Paul Hackney, and Tyler Roberts have had a solid spring” stated Ronnie Roberts (Assistant Head Coach, Offensive Coordinator, and offensive and defensive lines) “They have shown steady improvement“added Roberts. The Redskins have good depth at most positions; linebackers, defensive backs, defensive ends, and special teams just to name a few. Senior Adam Russell will anchor the tight end spot as well as defensive end duties. “We have seven seniors” said Head Coach Jeff Harig. “Contributions from our underclassmen will have to bridge the gap” continued Harig. Coach Harig went on to say, “We were lucky this spring to escape serious injury, Clay Matlock went down with a dislocated elbow, but he’ll be ready this fall, other than that we’re pretty healthy”.

Jesse Henry - wide out and defensive back
Josh McQueen - wide out and defensive back
Jordan Hardin - running back and defensive back
Adam Russell - tight end and defensive end
Andy Belcher - wide out/tight end and defensive end
Kyle Tallent - offensive and defensive lines
Keith Townson - wide out and defensive back

Scrimmage Game Stats

Rushing: 35 attempts for 198 yards and (3) TD’s & (1) 2-pt conv
Passing: completed 3 of 12 for 116 yards and (2) interceptions
1st Downs: 12
Fumbles: 0
Misc: recovered (2) fumbles
#2 Brandon Dixon: 8 carries for 17 yds and recorded (1) sack for -10 yds
#11 Jordan Hardin: 6 carries for 79 yds, 2 receptions for 80 yds, (1) 2-pt conv, and threw a half-back pass for 36 yds
#7 Mark “P” Harrison: 8 carries for 43 yds and (2) TD’s
Charlie Hampton: 5 carries for 20 yds and (1) TD
#4 Cody Fritts: 3 carries for -5 yds; 2 of 11 passing for 80 yds and (2) INTS
#32 Mark Longworth: 1 carry for 13 yds
#1 Jacob Hampton: 4 carries for 31 yds

Rushing: 32 attempts for 337 yards and (5) TD’s
Passing: completed 5 of 7 for 54 yards and (0) interceptions
1st Downs: 16
Fumbles: lost 2
Misc: intercepted (2) passes