October 30, 2024 by Alan Sloan -Farragut Press

Defense set the first-half tone for a Farragut team that turned a Pink-Out, Homecoming Night into a playoff guarantee night in FHS’s Eddie Courtney Stadium/on Bill Clabo Field Friday night, Oct. 25. 

Senior defensive back Kent Carbaugh’s recovery of a fumble, after a failed Hardin Valley Academy fake punt, gave Farragut a short field and a quick touchdown against the Hawks (1-8, 0-4). The Ads “wildcat” quarterback, junior Noah Haag, scored from 5 yards.

Up 10-0 late in the first half, Connor Parris’ nice grab of an interception allowed the FHS junior linebacker to ramble 39 yards for a 17-0 Admirals lead that would hold up. Despite a somewhat awakened Hardin Valley offense after halftime, Farragut locked up a Division I-6A playoff berth — while winning its fourth straight game after an 0-5 start — 34-21.

“A tough-minded group, coming from where we started the year to where we are now,” Admirals skipper Geoff Courtney said.

After the Hawks used a muffed punt to break the scoreboard early in the third quarter, needing just eight yards but having to get a fourth-down, 1-yard TD run from Kaden Cutcher for the first HVA points. It was 17-7.

But sophomore kick returner/receiver Ethan Farhat brought back the ensuing kickoff 45 yards to midfield, then hauled in a 48-yard touchdown pass (six catches, 111 yards) from sophomore quarterback Corbin Hobson (21 of 29 passing for 216 yards). 

The Hawks would answer again, cutting the margin to 24-14. “I feel like our team showed some resiliency,” HVA head coach Tyler Wynn said. 

Back came the Admirals, as senior running back Randon Miller raced 38 yards for a touchdown — his third of 2024 despite limited carries. It was 31-14.

In addition to a pair of field goals, junior kicker Ryan McCue remained perfect both in extra points and field goal attempts for the season. 

Back came HVA, driving 60 yards and scoring on sophomore quarterback Dylan Umansky’s 1-yard sneak midway into the fourth quarter.

The Hawks’ last-ditch effort to rally was crushed by an Landon Collins’ interception inside the HVA 25 in the game’s final three minutes. McCue’s 36-yard field goal with less that one minute to play closed the scoring. He also nailed a 22-yarder in the first half. 

After hosting state power and 2-6A region foe Maryville Thursday, Oct. 31, the Admirals — likely the No. 4 playoff seed from 2-6A — will travel to the winner of Friday’s Kingport Dobyns-Bennett (7-2) at Johnson City Science Hill (8-1) 1-6A region title game.

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.

The Farragut Admirals took their season up a notch on Friday night, delivering a 24-23 victory over the Jefferson County Patriots in a dramatic game that showcased their resilience and skill across all facets of play. This nail-biter victory marks Farragut’s third consecutive win, positioning them to close out their season with renewed momentum and confidence.

Special Teams Shine Bright

Special teams played a central role in the Admirals’ win. Kicker/Punter Ryan McCue was flawless, converting every extra point and playing a critical role in maintaining Farragut’s narrow lead. Additionally, the Admirals executed two blocked kicks, which Coach Eddie Courtney credited as game-changing plays. “Special teams were the difference tonight,” Courtney remarked, underscoring how these key plays helped shift momentum.

One of the game’s defining moments came early on when Ethan Farhat returned the opening kickoff 80 yards for a touchdown, electrifying the crowd and establishing Farragut’s dynamic presence on the field. Farhat’s return was not only impressive but set the tone for the game.

Offensive Plays and Defensive Determination

Offensively, the Admirals leaned on quarterback Corbin Hobson, who delivered under pressure with several critical passes. His connection with receiver Robbie Jacobs on a 69-yard touchdown pass in the third quarter proved pivotal. Hobson’s calm under pressure enabled the Admirals to keep their edge over a formidable Jefferson County defense.

On the other side, Jefferson County’s senior running back, Skylar Thomas, was nearly unstoppable, gaining a staggering 360 yards on the ground. “Thomas is a phenomenal player,” Coach Courtney commented. “We knew he’d be a challenge, and our defense showed a lot of grit handling that level of intensity.” Despite Thomas’s explosive plays, the Admirals’ defense held firm when it mattered most, stopping the Patriots on several key downs and keeping them scoreless in the final 16 minutes.

The Game-Changing Interception

As the game entered the final minutes with Farragut leading 24-23, Jefferson County made one last push to seize the win. With time winding down and the Patriots nearing scoring range, Farragut’s defense delivered a clutch interception by Zain Kureshi-Smith. This late-game turnover sealed the win for Farragut, giving them a hard-fought victory on the road.

Reflecting on his team’s performance, Coach Courtney emphasized the importance of resilience and confidence in achieving these hard-earned wins. “Our guys are gaining confidence every week,” he said. “It’s easier when you’ve got a confident football team, and they’ve really shown how much they believe in each other out there. This win was a testament to their teamwork and focus.”

Looking Forward

With the win, Farragut improves to 3-5 for the season and turns their attention to next week’s home game against Hardin Valley Academy. Riding the high of three consecutive wins, the Admirals aim to continue their strong run as they enter the final stretch of the season. Coach Courtney and his team remain focused on maintaining their momentum, hoping to carry this fighting spirit into the coming games and close out the season on a high note.

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.

Farragut football showed off its teamwork and determination in a crucial 28-13 victory over Oak Ridge, marking the Admirals’ second consecutive win after a challenging start to the season. The game highlighted Farragut’s balanced offense and tenacious defense, with standout performances from multiple players helping the team make a statement against their long-time rivals. Oak Ridge still leads the all-time series 32-18, but this 50th meeting belonged to the Admirals, who are now 2-5 on the season.

Wide receiver Landon Collins led the charge on offense with a 75-yard receiving touchdown, blazing past Oak Ridge defenders and making it look effortless. “At first, I didn’t think I was open,” Collins reflected. “But Corbin [Hobson] threw a perfect pass, and from there, I just knew I’d make it to the end zone.” Collins finished the night with four catches for 144 yards, demonstrating how the team’s emphasis on passing has helped open up big plays downfield.

Quarterback Corbin Hobson showcased his efficiency, completing 11 of 18 passes for 217 yards and a touchdown, effectively spreading the ball to his playmakers. In addition to his connection with Collins, Hobson’s leadership on the field kept the offense moving smoothly. Running back Charlie Noble also made his presence known, contributing a hard-fought 108 yards and a touchdown on 23 carries, helping to wear down the Oak Ridge defense and keep Farragut’s drives alive.

The defense also held strong, with Collins grabbing an interception to halt an Oak Ridge drive and give his team valuable momentum. Farragut’s defense put consistent pressure on Oak Ridge quarterback Blaine Stansberry, who completed 18 of 34 passes for 146 yards but was unable to find the end zone through the air. Although Oak Ridge’s Damillyan Porter scored two rushing touchdowns and totaled 80 yards on the ground, the Admirals’ defense made key stops when it counted, helping to preserve the victory.

This win follows Farragut’s narrow 28-20 triumph over Bradley Central last week, marking a turnaround for a team that started the season 0-5, their worst beginning since 1996 in Eddie Courtney’s first season as head coach. Despite early season struggles, the Admirals have maintained a positive attitude, with Collins emphasizing that the team never wavered. “Our morale has been high every week,” he said. “Even when the games didn’t go our way, we believed we could win, and now we’re starting to see the results we’ve been working for.”

First-year head coach Geoff Courtney praised his players’ resilience and the way they’ve pulled together as a team. “We’ve faced some tough competition, and we’ve had some games slip away from us,” he explained. “But the guys kept pushing, and these past two weeks have shown what we’re capable of when we stick to the game plan and execute as a team.”

Coach Courtney noted that while certain players, like Collins, have drawn a lot of attention, it’s the team’s collective effort that has allowed them to turn things around. “Landon’s made big plays, but every week, we’ve had guys stepping up across the board. Charlie’s been grinding in the run game, Corbin’s been making smart decisions, and the defense has come up big when we’ve needed it. That’s what it takes to win, and we’re seeing this group really start to come together.”

Farragut’s focus now shifts to the remainder of the season, with a matchup next week against Jeff. County and crucial region games against Hardin Valley Academy and powerhouse Maryville ahead. Currently sitting at 1-2 in region play, the Admirals know that every game is important, and the entire team is eager to prove that they can keep building on this momentum.

With three games left in the regular season, Farragut aims to keep the wins coming and make a strong case for the postseason. For a team that faced early adversity, the recent victories are a testament to their dedication and hard work. As they look to finish the season on a high note, the Admirals are rallying around each other, focused on one game at a time and driven by a shared belief in their potential.

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.

Delayed by wind and rain from Hurricane Helene, the Admirals took on annual rival Bearden on September 28, 2024. The game was extra significant because it marked the dedication of Farragut’s football stadium in honor of long-time coach Eddie Courtney.

The Admirals displayed resilience and determination but were ultimately outmatched, falling 38-14 to a strong Bearden team. Despite the final score, the game highlighted moments of promise and areas for growth as the Admirals progress through their season.

In front of a packed home crowd, Farragut managed to put points on the board, with senior leaders Luke Finnegan and Robbie Jacobs each scoring. Finnegan found the end zone on a short-yardage run, while Jacobs showcased his speed and hands with a 30-yard touchdown pass from sophomore quarterback Corbin Hobson. Farragut’s offense showed glimpses of potential but struggled to break through Bearden’s defensive line consistently. The Admirals were often stymied by the Bulldogs’ defense, which put heavy pressure on the offensive line and limited rushing opportunities throughout the game.

Reflecting on the game, Head Coach Geoff Courtney acknowledged the effectiveness of Bearden’s balanced attack. “They ran the ball well, threw it well, and gave us trouble most of the night,” he remarked. Courtney also emphasized the importance of the experience gained in these tough matchups, noting that each game provides a valuable learning opportunity for his players. “We’re still trying to grow and develop, but we’re playing hard,” he added. Courtney’s focus remains on developing the young talent on his squad and fostering the team’s resilience as they face challenging competition this season.

Defensively, the Admirals put up a fight, with crucial tackles from senior linebacker Kent Carbaugh and strong coverage by defensive back Landon Collins. The Admirals’ defense was tested frequently, with Bearden’s offense showing versatility through both passing and rushing plays. Bearden quarterback Drew Parrott connected on multiple key passes and ran for two touchdowns, highlighting the Bulldogs’ ability to keep Farragut’s defense on its heels.

The Admirals now look ahead to their next game, an away match against Bradley Central. As the season progresses, the team is focused on building on their experiences and putting together a complete game on both sides of the ball. “We’ve got to continue to grow and get better,” said Coach Courtney. Farragut fans can look forward to seeing a team that, despite setbacks, remains dedicated to improvement and eager to showcase its talents.

As the Admirals regroup and prepare for the next contest, the season still holds ample opportunity for growth.

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.