How Good Are We?

By John Napier

This article was written by Redskin historian John Napier and was published in the press release that is provided in the press box for the visiting coaches, radio, and newspaper dignitaries for the second round playoff game vs. Oliver Springs.

When the 2005 season comes to an end, (hopefully not tonight), fans will undoubtedly wonder where this team ranks among the great ones in Loudon High’s 82 year history of football. This team will long be remembered for its fast, hard hitting defense and potent high scoring offense. Names like Fritts, Hawkins, Packett, Harrison, Dixon, and Hackney will find their place among the heroes of yesteryear.

A 9-1 record will certainly qualify this team as one of the best Loudon has ever put on a football field. Undefeated football teams at Loudon High School are a rare breed, as there have only been five in school history (1939, 1940, 1941, 1962, and 1974).

This offense is, in fact, the second most potent that the Redskins have ever had. The 2005 eleven has scored 336 points in the regular season, second only to the 1996 team, who scored 341 points in the regular season. With 31 more points, this team would tie the all time record for points in one season with 401, which included the playoffs. The 2005 team has averaged 33.6 points per game so far. To put this in perspective, the undefeated, State Championship Team of 1974 averaged 26.0 points per game, and the 1983 team led by All-State running backs Reggie Brown and Cedric Kline scored at a rate of 32.2 points per game.

The defense has yielded only 14.4 points per game, but this is, of course, a far cry from the undefeated 1941 Loudon team that shutout 8 of 9 opponents and only gave up a single touchdown the entire season (to Vonore).

One has to be careful in rating teams before the season is completed, however, the 1950 team went 10-0-0 in the regular season and was regarded as one of Loudon’s greatest ever. Unfortunately, they played Spring City in the Rockwood Jaycee Bowl and got humiliated 38-0. Their stock went down drastically! With Oliver Springs tonight and possibly Alcoa next week, one must be careful not to get too caught up in the hoopla too early.

Be that as it may, these Redskins have an excellent chance to go down as one of the greatest football teams in school history. What their destiny is, no one knows yet. Only time will tell. As it stands right now, this team would have to qualify as one of the top 15 teams Loudon has ever fielded. And 15 out of 82 ain’t too shabby! So sit back and enjoy the ride, and let’s see where the road leads.