Senior Night Loudon High School
October 14th, 2005
Article by Jeff McQueen
Photos by Jammie Graves
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The Loudon Redskin Seniors and their parents - (Front row L
to R) #61 Tim Ramsey, #88 Ace Henry - (middle row L to R) manager Andrea
Yates, #5 Taylor Eldrigde, #79 John Paul Hackney, #10 Ryan Queen, #3
Brandon Dixon, #85 Joe Webb, #82 Cody Wiggins, #44 Matthew Packett, #51
Clay Matlock, #53 Jimmy McQuen, #4 Cody Fritts, #21 Cory Fritts, #7 Mark
Harrison, Manager Brianne Smith, Manager Kristen Henderson
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It was Senior Night, as the Redskin fans paid tribute to the departing seniors. All of the fall sports were recognized. Members of the football team, ladies soccer team, dance team, golf team, cheerleading squad, cross country, and the marching band were honored in a pre-game ceremony. The Senior Redskin football team members are:
Team Member Parents #3 Brandon Dixon Tim & Judy Dixon #4 Cody Fritts John & Angela Fritts #5 Taylor Eldridge Donnie Eldridge & Cheryl Lively #7 Mark Harrison Steve & Beverly Harrison #10 Ryan Queen Dennis & Pam Queen #21 Cory Fritts John & Angela Fritts #44 Matthew Packett Jeff & Marsha Packett #51 Clay Matlock David & Trisha Matlock #53 Jimmy McQueen Jeff & Kathy McQueen #61 Tim Ramsey William & Brenda Ramsey #79 John Paul Hackney Mark & Susan Hackney #85 Joe Webb Ronald & Donna Webb #82 Cody Wiggins Rick & Alisha Wiggins #88 Big Ace Henry Mark & Denise Henry Kristen Henderson Tommy & Gail Henderson Brianne Smith Mike & Pam Smith Andrea Yates Raymond & Dorothy Yates
These senior Redskins were freshmen when Jeff Harig was hired as the head coach to replace the departing Tim Daniels. In the 2002 season, the first game of their high school careers; the ‘Skins defeated the McMinn Central Chargers by a score of 38-23. Three young freshmen were pressed into service and started the game: #10 Brandon Dixon, #44 Matthew Packett, and #53 Jimmy McQueen. These three Amigos went on to letter as true freshman, a feat not accomplished since 1998 (Note: Joe Turpin and Adam Cook both lettered as freshmen in 1998). Brandon Dixon blew out his knee (ACL), and did not get to play his sophomore year, leaving Matthew Packett and Jimmy McQueen standing as the only four year lettermen on this team.
I’m proud of this team! Of course these last four years have flown by! Here we as parents stand along the side line on Senior Night, flanking our sons (and daughters), and flooded with memories. This is my second Senior Night in a row… but that didn’t make it any easier. I have especially enjoyed promoting and encouraging these young men as they have grown and matured. This is not a team of super stars, just average players who play together, and bring out the best in each other. This is a special group of young men; most of this senior class has played together for years on “The Hill” and now as Redskins. They have endured the agony of defeat and the exhilaration of victory. They have worked hard… together, and played hard… together. After finally buying into the program all that hard work and togetherness has yielded many dividends - the 36-14 victory over the Rockwood Tigers climaxed a 9-1 regular season record, a #2 regional playoff berth, plus being ranked #3 in the state in 2A! Is the best yet to come?
4 Year Varsity Record: 2002: 3-7 2003: 4-6 2004: 2-8 2005: 9-1 total 18-22