August 28, 2024 by Alan Sloan

KINGSPORT — Owning a quarter-and-a-half of its season-opening game at Kingsport Dobyns-Bennett allowed Farragut to overcome early adversity. 

But the home team’s early and late success, which started by recovering an FHS fumble on the game’s second play and needing only 36 yards to score a TD, sent the Ads home unhappy, 27-20, in its season opening game Friday night, Aug. 23. 

Finally stopping KDB on its third scoring drive attempt, after the Indians reached the Farragut 39 midway into the second quarter with the home team already up 14-0, FHS got a spark that created a momentum flame extending almost through the entire third quarter.

Sophomore quarterback Corbin Hobson’s first varsity touchdown pass hit senior receiver Robbie Jacobs in stride deep down the middle, 75 yards in all. The lead was 14-7. 

A second Hobson-to-Jacobs TD lob pass of 19 yards on the next FHS possession, connecting in the back corner of the end zone, tied the game 14-14 with just 1:24 left in the first half.

With Farragut’s defense buckling down (allowing KDB just 273 total yards for the game) and junior kicker Ryan McCue adding field goals of 41 and 40 yards in addition to his pair of extra points, the Ads took a 20-14 lead into the fourth quarter.

But that’s when the Indians began using short, quick pass plays effectively — starting with a critical 18-yard screen pass on third down in the final seconds of the third quarter — to grab back momentum.

“We were going to have to open up the game a little bit and throw it a little bit more,” KDB head coach Joey Christian said. “We were able to do that for the rest of the game.”

Tying the game 20-20 with 9:43 left in regulation — FHS blocked the extra point — KDB made a critical fourth-and-1 defensive stop at the Farragut 40 midway into the final period.

About not punting in that situation, Courtney said, “We just thought we’d get a yard and then continue that drive and then go down and take the lead back. We’d been running it pretty effectively there in the second half. … We felt like we had a good push and good answers in the second half.”

The home team scored six plays later, taking a 27-20 lead with 3:53 to play.

However, Hobson fired completions covering 15 yards to tight end Aaron Heatherly and 11 yards to Landon Collins. The final toss to Jacobs landed the Ads at the Indians 20 with less than two minutes to play.

A second down pass to the goal line looked to be a touchdown — but simply was dropped. The next pass was intercepted, and KDB escaped with a narrow victory. 

Had the catch been made to cut the KDB lead to 27-26, “Hindsight being 20-20, we might have gone for 2 here on the road, but we didn’t get to that,” Courtney said. 

All totaled, Jacobs caught six passes for 142 yards. 

“We are a team that’s always going to fight to the fourth quarter, and that’s exactly what we did,” Jacobs said. “We’re never going to give up.”

Hobson finished 14-of-25 passing for 228 yards and the two scoring strikes plus the one interception. 

After Hobson had a rough first three series, “He settled in quite nicely,” Courtney said.

Another big weapon was sophomore Ethan Farhat, who returned eight kickoffs or punts for 149 yards, an 18-yard average. 

Along with McCue’s kicking and punting and Farragut coverage units, “Outside of one return where we had two guys miss a tackle, I thought our special teams was really, really good tonight,” Courtney said. “Our punt return game was what allowed us to flip the field back in our position in the second and third quarters. Our exchanges on punts, I think we had an advantage there outside of that one return. 

“Then Ryan’s field goal kicking, he was nailing them,” he added. 

As a team, Farragut only gained 44 net yards on the ground. Team statistics had running back Charlie Noble rushing 12 times for 42 yards.

Defensively for Farragut, senior strong safety Henry Dee led FHS in both solo tackles (five) and total stops (nine), including two for minus yardage. Senior defensive end Harrison Kilpatrick had 7.5 total tackles.

Senior linebacker Bryce Thompson added six stops, including one for minus yardage. Of senior defensive back Kent Carbaugh’s six total tackles, four were solo. 

Four of Jacobs’ five total stops at defensive back were solo. Hits by sophomore defensive backs Johnny Jacobs (four total) and sophomore Masyn Apaletegui forced fumbles (neither was recovered by Farragut).

A special thanks to Carlos Reveiz of CRFOTO for the action shots from the game. Check out CRFOTO.com weekly 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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As the 2024 high school football season approaches, the Farragut Admirals have completed an offseason filled with rigorous training, strategic adjustments, and cultivating veteran leaders and emerging talents. The most significant development of Farragut’s offseason was strategic adjustments within the coaching staff. 

After 28 seasons as head coach, Eddie Courtney decided to step down as head coach for the Admirals in March. After a comprehensive search, the Farragut High School administration named long-time assistant and offensive coordinator Geoff Courtney as the 15th head coach in Farragut Football history.

Geoff Courtney hit the ground running, quickly taking command of the Admirals’ ship and hiring several new coaches to the Farragut staff. Spring practice took up three weeks in late April and early May, culminating in the annual Blue vs. Gray game on May 14th.

After a couple of weeks off for finals, the summer off-season program commenced. Between early morning workouts and 7v7 sessions with several other schools, the Admiral football players made one last push to develop themselves before fall camp began. As fall camp began in late July, the Admirals showed off their offseason gains in the weight room.

The 2024 Fall Camp for the Admirals included three scrimmages and the annual KOC Kickoff Jamboree. The first week of camp ended with a home scrimmage against perennial playoff contender Sevier County. A second home scrimmage followed the next week against plateau powerhouse the Cookeville Cavaliers. The final week of fall camp was a busy one for the Admirals. They took on the Fulton Falcons for one quarter in the KOC Kickoff Classic and then ended with a weather-delayed, four-quarter game simulation at Walker Valley.

The Farragut Admirals are gearing up for the 2024 football season, and their schedule is packed with tough opponents and pivotal matchups that will test their resilience and depth. Here’s a preview of the key games and challenges the Admirals will face as they aim to make a deep playoff run.

2024 Schedule Preview

Week 1: August 23, 2024 – at Dobyns-Bennett

The Admirals kick off the season with a challenging away game against Dobyns-Bennett in Kingsport. Known for their strong football tradition, Dobyns-Bennett will provide a stern test right out of the gate. Farragut’s ability to execute on both sides of the ball will be critical in setting the tone for the season. Farragut won in thrilling fashion in 2023, connecting a TD pass with 13 seconds to play, winning 24-17. The two teams have split the last four meetings on the gridiron.

Week 2: August 30, 2024 – at Powell

Following their opener, the Admirals will travel to face Powell, a 2023 playoff quarterfinalist. The Panthers have played in the state championship game twice in the last three years, winning one. Powell has been a strong contender in recent years, making this a game where Farragut must be at its best to secure a win. Early-season road games like this one are crucial for building confidence and resilience. The 2023 matchup between the two schools saw Farragut win via a 32-yard TD pass with 14 seconds left that sealed the 28-21 victory.

Week 3: September 6, 2024 – vs. Knox West

The Admirals’ home opener is Week 3 against rival Knox West. The Admirals look for their first win against the Rebels since 2018. Knox West is looking to win its third straight state championship in 2024, setting up a key matchup for Farragut. Excitement will be high at Eddie Courtney Stadium as Farragut welcomes the back-to-back state champion Rebels in Week 3.

Week 4: September 13, 2024 – at Cleveland(Region)

In Week 4, Farragut travels to Cleveland for its first region matchup of the season. Cleveland’s balanced offense and home-field advantage will make this another tough road test for the Admirals. Farragut will look to open up region play with a win to help bolster its playoff standing.

Week 5: September 20, 2024 – Open Week

Farragut will take a well-deserved break in Week 5 with an open week. This will be a crucial time for rest, recovery, and preparation for the second half of the season, which includes several critical region games that will determine their playoff seeding.

Week 6: September 27, 2024 – vs. Bearden (Region)

After the open week, the Admirals face off against perennial Bearden in a highly anticipated region game. The rivalry between Farragut and Bearden is always intense, and with region standings on the line, this game is always expected to be one of the season’s highlights. The Admirals will look to avenge their 2023 loss to Bearden as the Bulldogs come off their best season, a quarterfinal appearance, since 2010.

Week 7: October 4, 2024 – at Bradley Central (Region)

Farragut hits the road again in Week 7 to take on Bradley Central, another key region opponent. Bradley Central is known for its physical style of play, and this game will be a crucial test of Farragut’s toughness and execution in the trenches. The Bears are coming off their best season since 1976, including 13 wins and a berth in the semifinals.

Week 8: October 11, 2024 – at Oak Ridge

The Admirals continue their road stretch with a game against Oak Ridge, a team that consistently fields tough and disciplined squads. Oak Ridge’s defense will challenge Farragut’s offensive schemes, making this a game where precision and adaptability will be key. The Wildcats will look to build off their best season since 2020.

Week 9: October 18, 2024 – at Jefferson County

In Week 9, Farragut faces Jefferson County on the road. The Patriots are known for their physical style of play, and this game will be a crucial test of Farragut’s toughness and execution in the trenches. The Patriots are coming off their first 10-win season in 20 years as they look to keep the momentum rolling in 2024. Jefferson City is always challenging for any team to play, especially for a region opponent.

Week 10: October 25, 2024 – vs. Hardin Valley (Region)

Returning home for the first time in nearly a month, the Admirals take on nearby rival Hardin Valley in another important region contest. The Hawks are also looking to improve, as they also had a coaching change at the top. The Admirals will look to extend their four-game win streak against the Hawks in 2024.

Week 11: October 31, 2024 – vs. Maryville (Region/Rivalry Thursday)

The regular season concludes with a marquee matchup against the 17-time state champion Maryville Rebels, one of Tennessee’s most storied programs. Played on Rivalry Thursday(TV), this game will be the ultimate test for Farragut as they prepare for the playoffs. The Admirals broke the streak last year and got their first win against the Rebels since 1991 on a last-second field goal to win 13-10.

Conclusion: A Season of High Stakes

The 2024 schedule is demanding, with a mix of strong region opponents, challenging road games, and key rivalry matchups. For Farragut, each game presents an opportunity to prove their mettle and build momentum heading into the playoffs. If the Admirals can navigate this schedule successfully, they will be well-prepared for the challenges of postseason play.

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On Friday morning, Geoff Courtney was named the 15th Head Football Coach at Farragut High School in front of the Farragut Football team and coaches. This announcement comes after two weeks of anticipation and speculation within the Farragut community and the larger sports fraternity in the area.

Geoff Courtney, whose name resonates with a deep sense of pride and tradition within Farragut High School, takes the reins from Eddie Courtney, a figure synonymous with the school’s football success over the past decades. Eddie Courtney’s tenure as head coach saw the Admirals achieve remarkable milestones, including their unforgettable state championship victory. Under his guidance, the team excelled on the field and embodied the values of discipline, teamwork, and excellence.

For the Courtney family, Farragut football is more than just a game; it’s a way of life. Geoff’s vision for the team extends beyond the scoreboard. He aims to cultivate an environment where players excel, not just as athletes, but as individuals who contribute positively to their community.

Stepping into his father’s shoes, Geoff Courtney brings a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective to the program. Geoff, a Farragut alumnus(Class of ’06), has been an integral part of the Admirals’ coaching staff, serving as an assistant coach for 15 years, the last 7 as offensive coordinator. Geoff served as a ball boy for the Admirals long before his playing days. His dedication to the sport and his alma mater is evident from his long-standing association with the team, first as a player and then as a coach.

Geoff Courtney’s appointment as head coach is seen as a continuation of the Courtney legacy at Farragut, yet with a promise of new strategies, innovations, and a rejuvenated drive towards excellence. His deep understanding of the game and his commitment to fostering a positive and competitive environment are expected to propel the Admirals to new heights.

The Farragut community has welcomed this transition with open arms, expressing excitement and support for Geoff Courtney as he steps into this pivotal role. Students, alumni, and fans eagerly look forward to the next chapter in Farragut football, confident in the team’s ability to achieve greatness under new leadership.

As the fall season approaches, all eyes will be on Geoff Courtney and the Farragut Admirals as they prepare to build on their storied legacy and embark on a journey filled with challenges, triumphs, and the relentless pursuit of victory. Geoff Courtney’s vision for the team, grounded in respect for the program’s rich history and an eye toward future success, sets the stage for an exhilarating era of Farragut football.

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• Geoff graduated from Farragut in 2006 and was captain of the Admiral football team.
• He also graduated from the University of Tennessee in 2010, where he was a member of the Vol football team.
• Geoff has spent the last 15 seasons coaching the Admirals, the last 7 as offensive coordinator.
• 2022 6A TN Assistant Coach of the Year
• He and his wife, Taylor, have a 2-year-old daughter, Charley.

In a statement today, Coach Eddie Courtney announced his plans to retire after 28 seasons as head football coach at Farragut High School. In the statement, Coach Courtney said, “In making this decision, I’m looking forward to dedicating more time to my family and the joyous occasions we have yet to share.” The complete statement can be read by clicking here.

Coach Courtney began coaching as a graduate assistant coach at his alma mater, Mars Hill College, in 1975. In the summer of 1975, he started work on his M.S. at East Tennessee State University. While there, he served as a football graduate assistant with duties in scouting, recruiting, and coaching linebackers and defensive ends.

After spring practice and receiving an M.S. degree at E.T.S.U. in 1976, he joined the staff at the University of Tennessee as a grad assistant. While there, his duties were working with the linebackers, the defensive scout teams, and recruiting.

Eddie then joined the Farragut staff during the summer of 1977 when first-year Coach Ken Sparks recruited him to the Admirals. His first stent at Farragut was brief, as he spent two seasons as a defensive assistant.

Courtney got an opportunity to become a coordinator when new Halls head coach Bruce Lussier hired him to be the defensive coordinator for the Red Devils in 1979. Coach Courtney also spent the 1980 and 81 seasons at Halls.

Head Coach Dan Bland recruited Eddie to return to Farragut in 1983 as defensive coordinator for the Admirals, where we would spend the next 41 seasons on the sidelines.

After Coach Buddy Fisher retired in 1995, Coach Eddie Courtney was named head ball coach for the Farragut Admirals. During his 28-year tenure as Head Coach for the Admirals, Coach Courtney amassed 204 victories to only 121 losses and ranks in the 96th percentile in terms of total wins by any coach in the history of the State of Tennessee.

In 2016, Coach Courtney led the Farragut Admirals to its first-ever State Championship, completing a 14-1 record and thrillingly defeating Independence High School in the 5-A Blue Cross Bowl.

Among other honors, he received the PrepExtra Polston Coach of the Year award and the Greater Knoxville Sports Hall of Fame Pat Summitt Ignite Award.

On December 6, 2021, Coach Courtney was inducted into the 2020 TNFCA Hall of Fame class. In January 2022, Farragut Mayor Ron Williams declared Friday, January 28th, as Eddie Courtney Day in honor of his 26th year as head coach.

Coach Courtney and his wife, Anita, have been married for 41 years and have two children, Megan and Geoff. He has a 2-year-old granddaughter, Charley Rose.

Coach Eddie Courtney By The Numbers

• 28 seasons as Head Ball Coach at Farragut
• 204-121 Record as Head Ball Coach at Farragut
• 43 Season as AC and HC at Farragut (1977 first season)
• 325-167 record on the sidelines at Farragut as head and assistant coach
• 486 of 849 Games Coached in Farragut Football History – 61% of All Games

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November 1, 2023, by Bill Howard, Correspondent, Farragut Press

MARYVILLE — When Farragut High School’s football team concluded its regular season Friday night, Oct. 27, it had won half the games it won in last year’s regular season: four versus eight.

And last year at this point, the Admirals were riding high headed into the Class 6A playoffs. This year? They’ll be spectators throughout.

But oh how sweet Friday night was.

With 2.4 seconds left in the game, sophomore kicker Ryan McCue connected on a 35-yard field goal to give FHS a 13-10 win over regional rival Maryville at Shields Stadium. 

It was the first time the Admirals had beaten the Red Rebels in 32 years, a span that included 17 wins by MHS.

McCue was asked if he was nervous before the final kick. 

“Not so much compared to what I thought I’d be,” he said. “I think that was the good end of the season.”

Farragut head coach Eddie Courtney was asked if the win vindicated his team’s subpar season. “It does (for the players),” he said. “We needed something. These kids came every day to practice, trying to get better and stay together. I’m so proud of them.”

The Admirals’ winning drive started on their 20-yard line with 6:31 left in regulation and the score tied at 10. McCue’s kick came on the 14th play of the drive. 

Nine of those plays were runs by senior running back Wyatt Drummy, who gained 46 yards on the drive, including a fourth-down conversion.

For the game, Drummy ground out 166 hard-fought yards on 38 carries. He finished the season with 1,010 yards, which he displayed with a 1,000-yard emblem he was given after the game. 

“I’ll remember this for the rest of my life,” Drummy said. “The defense was great; our offense just ran it down there. I couldn’t have done it without (the offensive line).”

Maryville (6-4 overall, 2-3 in Region 2-5A) jumped to a quick 7-0 lead on its first drive when Price Davis scored on a 7-yard run. 

FHS cut it to 7-3 with 47 seconds left in the half when McCue connected from 24 yards. The 15-play drive covered 60 yards and ran almost seven minutes off the clock. 

Twice on the drive Farragut converted on fourth down. For the game, the Admirals went for it on fourth five times — and converted all five.

“We came to win,” Courtney said, “and we had confidence we were gonna do that.”

Finishing 2-3 in 2-5A, Farragut took a 10-7 lead with 6:29 left in the third when quarterback Cam Duncan hit Robbie Jacobs for a 22-yard touchdown. The drive needed six plays and covered 58 yards. 

Maryville then tied it at 10 on a 31-yard field goal by Hudson Jamerson with 6:39 to go.

Senior linebacker Jack Alley finished No. 2 in FHS history in tackles, while senior receiver Landis Davila ended No. 3 all time in receiving yards.

A special thanks to Carlos Reveiz of CRFOTO for the action shots from the game. Check out CRFOTO.com weekly 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.