All posts by Chase Scott

Farragut Beats McMinn County, 40-21

November 5, 2016 Chase Scott

Chris Thomas , Knoxville News Sentinel

A pair of fast starts extended Farragut High School’s football season on Friday at Bill Clabo Field.

The Admirals scored the game’s first 14 points and then the final 20 to spoil McMinn County’s postseason return, 40-21, in the first round of the Class 5A state playoffs.

Farragut (10-1) will travel to play Rhea County (9-2) in the second round for the second consecutive season. The Admirals fell to the Golden Eagles 40-34 last year.

“It’s going to be a good game,” Farragut running back/linebacker Cooper Hardin said. “We’re going to get it back for our seniors. I don’t think we should have lost that game.”

Adam Fulton throws a deep pass against McMinn on 11/4. PHOTO CREDIT: Carlos Reveiz, CRFOTO.com

Farragut quarterback Adam Fulton completed 10 of 23 passes for 257 yards and three first-half touchdowns against McMinn County. He also threw an interception.

1-948-5438 — Jack DeVault catches a deep pass against McMinn on 11/4. PHOTO CREDIT: Carlos Reveiz, CRFOTO.com

He threw first-quarter touchdown passes to Jack DeVault (25 yards) and Braden Collins (73) in the first quarter, giving the Admirals a 14-0 lead.

McMinn County responded with 21 unanswered points and led 21-20 at halftime after Donell Armour’s 57-yard scamper, Xavier Abernathy’s 1-yard dive and quarterback Bradley Hayes’ 57-yard reception from receiver Chris Knowles.

But it was all Farragut from there.

Jacob Warren catches a TD pass against McMinn on 11/4. PHOTO CREDIT: Carlos Reveiz, CRFOTO.com

Fulton connected with tight end Jacob Warren on a 34-yard touchdown pass late in the second quarter, and Hardin shifted momentum in Farragut’s favor by recovering a Zane Byas fumble on the opening possession of the second half.

Braden Collins catches a long TD pass against McMinn on 11/4. PHOTO CREDIT: Carlos Reveiz, CRFOTO.com

Hardin’s 4-yard TD run two plays later gave Farragut the lead for good at 26-20. The Admirals stopped McMinn County on downs on the ensuing possession, before pushing their lead to 34-21 on Amon Johnson’s 1-yard run with 3:56 left in the quarter.

Johnson added a 4-yard TD rush in the fourth. Farragut outgained McMinn County 396-260.

A feel of Admirals tackle the McMinn runner on 11/4. PHOTO CREDIT: Carlos Reveiz, CRFOTO.com

“We talked to our defense at halftime, about responding,” Farragut coach Eddie Courtney said. “We knew we could score, but we had to go in there and shut this thing down. And we did.”

Farragut played Friday without star punter/kicker Joe Doyle, an Under Armour All-American. Doyle suffered a mild hamstring injury when he slipped and fell in the hours leading into the game.

Freshman Aidan Barrett took over as placekicker, missing two point-after-attempts. Fulton punted admirably in Doyle’s place, including a 47-yarder out of his own end zone.

“We expect Joe to be back,” Courtney said. “But at that stage, we didn’t have time to wrap it. It happened about 5:30 today on our way down here.”

Armour rushed for 161 yards and the touchdown on 24 carries to lead McMinn County, making its first playoff appearance since 2012. The Cherokees mustered just 72 yards in the second half.

“We had a pretty good game plan,” McMinn County coach Bo Cagle said. “A lot of times those guys made good plays on catches. Our defensive backs were getting better the whole game, but our offense didn’t hold up long enough to give us a chance.”

Contact Chris Thomas at chris.thomas@knoxnews.com. Follow him at twitter.com/christhomaskns

A special thanks to Carlos Reveiz of CRFOTO for the action shots from the game. Be sure to checkout CRFOTO.com every week for a full photo gallery from Friday’s game. See a photo you like? They are also available for purchase directly from his website. Click here for this week’s photos.

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Farragut Races Past Clinton, 49-21

October 29, 2016 Chase Scott

By Mike Blackerby of the Knoxville News Sentinel

Farragut High School heads into the Class 5A state playoffs riding a wave of momentum, thanks in large part to its record-setting quarterback, Adam Fulton.

The 6-foot-2, 212-pound senior broke the school single-season record for touchdown passes in the Admirals’ 49-21 win over visiting Clinton on Friday night at Bill Clabo Field.

Fulton connected on 10 of 17 passes for 234 yards and three touchdowns – all in the first half.

Fulton’s 5-yard scoring toss to Braden Collins with 1:06 to play in the first half gave him 25 touchdown passes, breaking the mark of Reese Browning.

Coach Reese Browning celebrates Adam Fulton breaking his single season TD passing record after a big win against Clinton on 10/28.

Now an assistant coach for the Admirals, Browning presented Fulton with the game ball in the post-game celebration.

“He (Browning) basically has taught me everything I know,” said Fulton, who has thrown only two interceptions all season.

“And my line has done a great job all season.”

Farragut (9-1, 4-1 Region 3-5A) heads into its home playoff opener next week against McMinn County (7-3) on the crest of a seven-game winning streak.

Drew Butler tackles the Clinton WR for a loss on 10/28. PHOTO CREDIT: Ashley Wathen, CRFOTO.com

The Admirals, the second-seed out of Region 3-5A, haven’t lost since falling to region champion Oak Ridge on Sept. 2.

“After we lost by five points to Oak Ridge, these guys just stayed together,” Farragut coach Eddie Courtney said.

Isaiah Gibbs catches a long TD pass against Clinton on 10/28. PHOTO CREDIT: Carlos Reveiz, CRFOTO.com

Fulton also had touchdown passes of 38 yards to Collins and 30 yards to Isaiah Gibbs as the Admirals bolted to a 35-7 halftime lead against the Dragons (1-9, 1-4).

Amon Johnson added a 9-yard touchdown run and Cooper Hardin tacked on an 11-yard dash in the first half for the Admirals.

Hardin, who also scored on a 1-yard run in the third quarter, led Farragut in rushing with 121 yards on 10 carries.

Wyatt Lucas catches a tough TD pass against Clinton on 10/28. PHOTO CREDIT: Carlos Reveiz, CRFOTO.com

The Admirals capped their scoring with a 58-yard pass from Jake Evans to Wyatt Lucas in the fourth quarter.

Alex Williams intercepts the Clinton pass on 10/28. PHOTO CREDIT: Carlos Reveiz, CRFOTO.com

Clinton quarterback Luke Harrison threw three touchdown passes, and also had two interceptions.
Harrison connected with J’Quan Thomas on scores of 14 and 12 yards late in the fourth quarter, and also hit S.J. Powers with a 6-yard touchdown pass.

Mike Blackerby is a freelance contributor.

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The Admirals Roll Against South Doyle, Win 63-26

October 22, 2016 Chase Scott

By Dave Link of the Knoxville News Sentinel

Farragut High School’s offense is clicking at the right time.

Senior quarterback Adam Fulton threw for 276 yards and four touchdowns and ran for a score as the Admirals beat visiting South-Doyle 63-26 in a non-region game Friday night.

Farragut beat Lenoir City 69-7 last Friday.

“We’ve been putting up big points,” Fulton said. “We always can. We can throw it deep, we can run on you, so it’s pretty good.”

Farragut (8-1) had 517 total yards against South-Doyle (4-5).

Adam Fulton bulldozes his way for an Admiral TD against South Doyle on 10/21. PHOTO CREDIT: Ashley Wathen, CRFOTO.com

Fulton, who completed 14 of 22 passes for the game, threw two touchdown passes and scored on a 1-yard run in the first half as Farragut took a 28-19 lead.

Grayson Utterback catches a 65 yard TD pass against South Doyle on 10/21. PHOTO CREDIT: Carlos Reveiz, CRFOTO.com

Fulton had scoring passes of 65 yards to Grayson Utterback and 6 yards to Braden Collins before halftime.

Braden Collins returns an interception all the way for an Admiral TD against South Doyle on 10/21. PHOTO CREDIT: Carlos Reveiz, CRFOTO.com

Collins scored on a 31-yard interception return of a Caleb Wender pass for Farragut’s other first-half touchdown.

After the interception, Wender completed his last nine passes of the half for 157 yards and three touchdowns.

Wender had scoring passes of 42 yards to Seandre Scott, a 63-yarder to Jake Harper, and an 11-yarder to Gus McAnally with 46 seconds left in the half that cut the deficit to nine.

Jaden Gibbs catches a long TD pass against South Doyle on 10/21. PHOTO CREDIT: Carlos Reveiz, CRFOTO.com

Fulton threw a 47-yard touchdown pass to Jaden Gibbs as Farragut took a 35-19 lead with 8:04 left in the third.
South-Doyle gained two first downs and punted.

Cooper Hardin rushes 55 yards for the Farragut TD on 10/21 against South Doyle. PHOTO CREDIT: Carlos Reveiz, CRFOTO.com

Two plays later, the Admirals’ Cooper Hardin ran for a 55-yard touchdown and 42-19 lead.

South-Doyle’s A.J. Nunn threw an incomplete pass on a fake punt, and the Admirals started at the Cherokees’ 36.

On second down, Fulton threw a 26-yard touchdown pass to tight end Jacob Warren for a 49-19 lead.

“Our offense was clicking all night long,” Farragut coach Eddie Courtney said. “Defensively we just made some mistakes early.

Alex Williams makes a diving tackle against South Doyle on 10/21. PHOTO CREDIT: Carlos Reveiz, CRFOTO.com

The second half we came out and played better like we’re capable of playing.”

South-Doyle’s Kent-Ta Tanner rushed for 142 yards on 26 carries, and Wender threw for 259 yards.

Dave Link is a freelance contributor.

The Admirals will host Clinton in the regular season finale at Bill Clabo Field next week. The Admirals will be paying close attention to the Campbell County vs. Oak Ridge game on Thursday night, as the Admirals need some help from the Cougars and to then beat Clinton on Friday, to repeat as region 3-5A champions. The Dragons are 1-8 and are coming off a big loss at Heritage 35-0 and their only win of the season coming against Karns 29-26. Kickoff is set for 7:30 at Bill Clabo Field on the 28th. Get to the stadium early as the seniors will be honored for Senior Night. To read more on this upcoming matchup CLICK HERE.

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Farragut Shuts Out West 20-0

October 8, 2016 Chase Scott

By Patrick Givens, KNS-sports@knoxnews.com

There were no heroic individual performances for Farragut High School on Friday night. There was no need. The visiting Admirals (6-1) turned in an unselfish effort in all phases in a 20-0 win over West at Bill Wilson Field.

“I asked them not to be selfish,” said Farragut coach Eddie Courtney. “It doesn’t matter who gets the credit.”

“That’s why you win as a football team. I’m proud of them for that.”

The Admirals’ defense bent early but never broke.

A fleet of Admirals tackle the West running back on 10/7. PHOTO CREDIT: Ashley Wathen, CRFOTO.com

West (4-3) drove 67 yards in 16 plays on it’s opening possession but came up empty when Logan Bowers missed a 30-yard field goal.

“It’s a back-breaker,” said West coach Jeff Harig.

On the ensuing play, Cooper Hardin’s 75-yard run set up Joe Doyle’s 22-yard field goal with 11:15 remaining in the second quarter.

Alex Williams, Brandon Guidish, and Drew Butler tackle a West WR on 10/7. PHOTO CREDIT: Ashley Wathen, CRFOTO.com

That proved to be all the offense the Admirals would need. After the opening drive, Farragut yielded just 137 yards, forcing nine negative plays and two interceptions in the process.

“They had to be good tonight, because West is a good, athletic football team,” said Courtney of his defense.

Farragut led 3-0 at halftime.

Joe Doyle hits a career long 49 yard field goal against West on 10/7. PHOTO CREDIT: Carlos Reveiz, CRFOTO.com

After starting 2-for-9, Farragut quarterback Adam Fulton found his stride in the second half, tossing touchdown passes to Hardin (12 yards) and Jacob Warren (10 yards). Doyle added a career long 49-yard field goal.

Demarcus Nelson made his first career start at quarterback for West, passing for 47 yards and running for another 72. Nelson left in the third quarter with an undisclosed injury. He was replaced by Zach Harshey, who completed 9 of 15 passes for 47 yards and an interception.

“With our defense, it doesn’t take many (points),” said Harig. “We’re in search for three touchdowns. The search continues.”

Jacob Warrens catches a TD pass against West on 10/7. PHOTO CREDIT: Carlos Reveiz, CRFOTO.com

Farragut’s win snaps a four-game winning streak for West in the series and avenges the Admirals’ only regular season loss from last season.

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Admirals outgun the Cougars, 38-28

September 30, 2016 Chase Scott

By Patrick Givens, KNS-sports@knoxnews.com

JACKSBORO — After losing star wide receiver Davis Simmons to an injury against Bearden, the Farragut High School football team needed a playmaker to emerge.

Enter Braden Collins.

Braden Collins catches a pass over the middle against Campbell County on 9/29. PHOTO CREDIT: Carlos Reveiz, CRFOTO.com

Collins caught three first half touchdown passes and Cooper Hardin ran for two second half scores as the visiting Admirals (5-1, 2-1 in Region 3-5A) knocked off Campbell County 38-28 in a pivotal Region 3-5A contest.

“Our coaches talked about it since he got hurt,” said Collins. “We had to step up and make bigger plays for our team.”

Collins’ touchdowns covered 6, 28, and 42 yards. Farragut quarterback Adam Fulton completed 11 of 26 passes for 209 yards, with 119 going to Collins.
Hardin rushed for 112 of his 113 yards after the intermission.

Cooper Hardin breaks a long run against Campbell County on 9/29. PHOTO CREDIT: Carlos Reveiz, CRFOTO.com

His two 7-yard touchdown runs turned a tie game at halftime into a 35-28 Farragut lead.

“I told them at halftime ‘You’ve got to be physical’,” said Farragut coach Eddie Courtney. “We’ve got to run the football to win games like this. That’s what we did.”

Joe Doyle’s 47-yard field goal with 9 minutes, 1 second left stretched the lead to 38-28.

“Our kicking coach Gerald Robinson gave me the yes that he could hit that one,” said Courtney.

“We just had confidence that he would.”

Quarterback Zach Rutherford, who was 27 of 41 for 382 yards, threw two touchdown passes for Campbell County (6-1, 2-1) and Elijah Phillips ran for two more. Max Farris hauled in 11 passes for 221 yards.

Jack DeVault intercepts a Campbell County pass on 9/29. PHOTO CREDIT: Carlos Reveiz, CRFOTO.com

However, five turnovers, including two interceptions in the final 4:51, doomed the Cougars.

“It came down to about 3-5 plays,” said Campbell County coach Justin Price.

“We turned the ball over a couple times, and they didn’t. That’s usually the difference in the game when you’ve got two really good teams going at it.”