The Admirals loaded buses Friday with one thing mind, return home from Johnson City 2-0 in region play. First though, they would have to defeat the Hilltoppers from Science Hill who were 2-0 in the region after wins over Hardin Valley and Jefferson County.

Farragut won the opening toss and elected to defer the option to the 2nd half. The Admiral defense came out of the gate strong, forcing a three-and-out after two runs for zero yards and an incompletion. The Admiral offense took over at their own 25 looking to get on the board first, but an 11-play drive ended at the Hilltopper 19 after a failed 4th down attempt.

The Ad’s defense would hold strong again, this time it was Camden Kuhn coming up with an interception that turned the ball over. The very next play, Dawson Moore found Matt White for 44 yards and an Admiral TD, giving Farragut a 7-0 lead with 4:03 left in the 1st. On their next drive, two penalties caused Science Hill a 3rd and long situation when a sack forced a Hilltopper punt. Farragut took over just shy of midfield, but another failed 4th down conversion gave the ball back to Science Hill.

The Admiral defense forced another Science Hill punt after Trey Nesbitt pressured the QB for a 14-yard loss. Farragut began their drive at midfield looking for paydirt, but two incompletions brought out Brady Hodges to punt it away.

Hodges’ punt would be downed at the Hilltopper 2 forcing them to be conservative with their play calling. The Admiral defense again forced a three-and-out and a Hilltopper punt. A 31-yard Matt White punt return setup Farragut’s offense at the Science Hill 39.

After two Schumann Xie runs totaling 23 yards, Dawson Moore found Trace Corum for a 17-yard TD. This gave the Admirals a 14-0 lead with 6:40 left before half. Another Hilltopper drive followed, but with similar results, sacks by Camden Kuhn and Trey Nesbitt forced a Hilltopper punt. The ensuing Admiral drive looked promising after picking up 5 first downs, but an untimely interception ended the drive. The Science Hill offense wasted no time capitalizing, throwing a 63-yard touchdown pass on the second play of the drive, cutting the Admiral lead to 14-7 at half.

After half, the Admirals received the kickoff, but a costly holding penalty put Farragut behind the sticks and forced a punt. The Admiral defense was able to carry their momentum into the 2nd half, as two minus yard tackles and an incompletion called for another Hilltoppers punt. The Farragut offense would then embark on a 78-yard, 13 play drive on which Dawson Moore was 5 of 5, but the run game carried the drive into the endzone as Dion Williams carried the ball in from 7 yards out. The touchdown extended the Admiral lead to 21-7 with 3:46 left in the 3rd. As the Hilltoppers were returning the ensuing kickoff, the returner fumbled the ball and Dylan Cosey recovered it.

The Admirals setup on the Hilltoppers 26 ready to strike. The 8-play drive that followed showcased nothing but the Admiral running game, as it called for 8 straight runs and was capped off by Dion Williams’ second touchdown carry of the night, this time from 1 yard out. Farragut led Science Hill 28-7 with 11:58 left in the 4th.

The Farragut defense took the field and would give the Hilltoppers more of the same, this time it was an Eli Purcell sack and a Micah Johnson minus yard tackle that lead to the punt. A 28-yard completion to Zach Keasling was the catalyst for the following Admiral offensive drive. Four plays later Dawson Moore found Trace Corum for the 47-yard touchdown and grew the Admiral lead to 35-7 with 7:01 left to play. The Hilltoppers were not giving in though, completing 4 of 4 passes on their final drive, the last being for a 39-yard touchdown. Camden Kuhn would block the PAT, which made the final score 35-13.

The Admirals will return home next Friday, October 9th to host region rival Dobyns-Bennett. Farragut will be looking to avenge a 38-13 loss to the Indians in the regular season last year. The winner of next week’s game will have a leg up in the chase of the Region 1-6A championship.

A special thanks to Carlos Reveiz and Ashley Wathen 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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The Ads travelled to Maryville on Friday night for the final out-of-region game of the season to take on the defending state champion Rebels. Friday also marked the return on of Head Coach Eddie Courtney, just 9 days removed from prostate cancer surgery, as he coached from the press box. 

Farragut won the toss and elected to defer the option to the 2nd half, so the Rebels received the opening kickoff. The Admiral defense would hold strong, but the Rebels would be bailed out by two penalties on third down, and a fourth down penalty. The Rebels would score on a 2 yard run that gave them a 7-0 lead 5:46 left in the first. The Admiral offense took over at their own 20 and began to march down the field, gaining 22 yards on the ground, before quarterback Dawson Moore’s first pass attempt of the night was intercepted by Maryville. The Ads would again hold strong, this time forcing a Maryville punt from their own end zone. The Admirals offense took the field again, this time just shy of midfield. Similar results ensued, as Dawson Moore would throw his second interception of the night to end the drive. 

The Rebels took over at their own 32 after the interception. The drive would be cut short after their quarterback ran, fumbled, and Joe Maine recovered the ball. Farragut’s offense started the drive at the Admiral 27 looking for points before halftime. The ensuing 10 play drive saw just one pass attempt, a 14 yard completion to Alex Taylor on third down, as the Ads picked up 41 yards on the ground. Farragut was unable to convert on a 3rd and 5. Reese Keeney was called in to attempt a 37 yard field goal, which was successful and cut the Rebel lead to 7-3 with 2:12 left before halftime. The Admiral defense looked to hold strong before halftime and leave a one possession game as the Ads were set to get the ball after half. A storyline like the one that began the game for the Rebel offense ensued. Maryville would again be helped by penalties and capped the drive off with an 11 yard touchdown run, extending their lead to 14-3 at halftime. 

Farragut opened the second half with the ball and the drive looked to be a promising one, but an untimely Eli Purcell fumble ended the drive. The Rebels wasted no time answering, as they scored on the first play of the drive via a 66 yard touchdown run and extended their lead to 21-3 with 9:11 left in the 3rd. The Ads looked to answer, but a short run, an incompletion, and a short QB scramble forced a Brady Hodges punt. Maryville started the next drive at their own 45 and three plays in, took it 46 yards on a quarterback keep from the wildcat formation, extending their lead to 27-3, after a missed PAT. Farragut took over and marched from their own 20 to the Rebel 25, but a fumble, recovered by Farragut, a penalty, and three straight incompletions killed the drive. 

The Admiral defense again took the field and were able to force a turnover on downs after Corey Walker batted down the Rebel pass attempt on fourth down. Farragut’s offense struggled to get jump started as a minus yard rush and two incompletions ended the Admiral drive. The Rebels took over and embarked on a 13 play drive that ended with the Admiral defense holding strong on at the 3 yard line and stopping Maryville from scoring with :49 left to play. The Ads took over at their own three, but without time, the drive ended as the clock ran out and Maryville beat Farragut 27-3. 

Farragut drops to 3-2 on the season but are 1-0 in region play. The Ads return to region play next week as they travel to Johnson City and take on the Hilltoppers from Science Hill. Kickoff is set for 7:30pm, and please stayed tuned to the Farragut Football Twitter account for ticket information. 

A special thanks to Carlos Reveiz and Ashley Wathen 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.

CLICK HERE FOR STATS

Friday night was Homecoming at Bill Clabo Field and the Admirals looked to open region play with a win. It also marked just the second game since 1981 that Coach Eddie Courtney was not on the Farragut sidelines as he recovered from prostate cancer surgery.

The Trojans won the opening toss and elected to defer the option to the 2nd half. After a 25-yard kickoff return, the Admiral drive began at their own 40-yard line.

A 7-play touchdown drive would ensue, as Dawson Moore found Matt White in the endzone on a 7-yard throw. The Ads lead 7-0 with 9:18 left in the 1st. The Admiral defense then took the field at the Mo-West 30. On the 8th play of the drive the Trojan QB mishandled the snap and Trey Nesbitt recovered the ball.

The Admiral offense setup shop at their own 28. The drive looked bleak on 3rd and 11, but Dawson Moore found Zach Keasling for a 17-yard completion to keep the drive alive. Four plays later Dawson Moore found Matt White on a 25-yard touchdown pass to put the Admirals up 14-0 with 2:09 left in the 1st.

The Trojan offense looked to answer the call on their next drive. Mo-West converted on 3rd down twice and once on 4^th, en route to an 11 play, 64-yard touchdown drive that was capped off by an 8-yard touchdown run. The Ads still lead 14-7 with 9:57 left in the 2nd.

Farragut looked to answer the Mo-West offense, but 3rd and 11 put the drive in jeopardy, but Dawson Moore would find Zach Keasling yet again, this time for a 55-yard touchdown catch. This gave the Admirals a 21-7 lead with 8:18 left before halftime. Morristown-West would not back down though, as a 38-yard run on 4th and 1 was the catalyst for the 16-yard touchdown run 5 plays later, cutting the Admiral lead to 21-14 with 4:33 left before halftime. However, Farragut wasted no time answering, as Dawson Moore found Matt White on a swing pass that White took 68 yards to pay dirt. That play put the score at 28-14, advantage Farragut, with 4:09 left to play in the 1st half. The Admiral defense would hold strong on the ensuing Trojan drive, as a big 4th and 1 stop gave the ball back to the Admiral offense with just :40 left before half. The Ads were determined to get points and did just that.

Dawson Moore threw is 5th touchdown of the first half, this time 29 yards to Zach Taylor, extending the Farragut lead to 35-14 at halftime.

Morristown-West received the opening kickoff of the 2nd half looking to cut into the Admiral lead. The Farragut defense would answer the call though, forcing their first three-and-out of the night forcing the Trojans to punt. The ensuing Admiral drive would follow suit, as the Ads were forced to punt away after their first three-and-out of the night as well.

The next Trojan drive looked promising as they had a 1st and Goal from the 6, but a loss 6 yards on a run and a 13 yard Camden Kuhn sack proved to be too much as the Trojans were unable to convert on 4th and 25 as pressure from Trey Nesbitt forced a 12 yard sack on the QB. However, the Admiral offense would carbon copy their last drive, a three-and-out, as Brady Hodges punted away to Morristown-West.

The Trojan drive looked promising after a 45 yard completion set them up at the Admiral 23, but a Joe Maine interception and 35 yard INT return on a failed screen play, gave the Ads the ball at the Trojan 30.

A sack on 2nd down, followed by an incompletion on 3rd, setup a 41-yard Reese Keeney field goal attempt, which he nailed and extended the Ads lead to 38-14 with 11:49 left in the 4th. The Farragut defense would hold strong yet again, forcing another three-and-out. The Admirals took over, looking to score after a 15-yard Trojan punt that was downed at the Mo-West 27. However, a fumble on the second play of the drive ended it before it got started. Another big stop on 3rd down by the Admiral defense, forced the Trojans to punt.

The Admiral offense wasted no time, as Trace Corum turned a 7-yard hitch route thrown by Dawson Moore into a 54-yard touchdown. This touchdown pass gave Dawson Moore the Farragut High single game record for touchdown passes, with 6. This extended the Farragut lead to 45-14 with 7:02 left to play. Farragut’s defense had one more stop left in them, this time with backups getting some valuable Friday night reps, as pressure on 4th and 12 left the Trojans unable to convert. The Admirals looked to run out the clock on their next drive, and did just that, but first sophomore QB Barrett Smith was able complete his first varsity pass, as Max DeVault hauled in the 4-yard completion.

As the clock expired, the Admirals defeated Morristown-West 45-14 and improved to 3-1 on the season and 1-0 in Region 1-6A play. Farragut will travel to Blount County next week for the final non-region contest of the year against Maryville. Kickoff is set for 7:30pm at Maryville High School as tickets go on sale in the Main Office at Farragut High School starting Monday morning at 9:00am. We have a limited allotment for away games, so get your tickets early in the week! $8 each – while they last.

A special thanks to Carlos Reveiz and Ashley Wathen 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.

CLICK FOR STATS

As the old saying goes, it’s not how many times you get knocked down, but how many times you get up. Coach Eddie Courtney has certainly been a fighter throughout his career and always seems to find the silver lining in the worst of storms.

He valiantly battled Hodgkin’s disease in 2005 with courage that most would have had trouble finding. So much so, that in 2006 the Knoxville News Sentinel created the Eddie Courtney Courage Award, “an award that will be given each year to a player, coach or contributor to local high school football who has shown the spirit to face fear or danger with confidence, resolution and dignity.” Coach Eddie Courtney was the first ever recipient of the award which was named in his honor.

After a routine yearly physical this summer, his doctor noticed his PSA levels were slightly elevated. Coach visited a specialist who requested further testing and a biopsy. The result of the biopsy was a cancerous tumor contained to the prostate. Coach Courtney was one of more than 191,000 men that will be diagnosed with prostate cancer this year. While it was certainly not the results that anyone would hope for, the prognosis for this type of prostate cancer are good,  especially since the tumor is contained in the prostate and had not spread.

Always wanting to act as quickly as possible, Coach Courtney was ready to do surgery the next day. Unfortunately, the body needs to heal after a biopsy, so six weeks after the biopsy was as soon as surgery could be performed.

That pushed the surgery date to Wednesday, September 16th, two days before the Admirals are set to open region play against Morristown-West. This could mark the second game since 1981 that Coach Eddie Courtney will not be on the Farragut sidelines, the most recent in 2008 at Soddy Daisy. Coach Courtney stated that his future is clear because he knows that it is in God’s hands.

**9/16/2020 11:00am UPDATE***
Coach Courtney is out of surgery and doctors are pleased at the outcome, as everything went as planned. Please continue to keep him and his family in your thoughts as the road to recovery begins.

The Admirals returned home Thursday night after a much-needed bye week following a disappointing night at West in Week 2. Thursday night was also senior night at Bill Clabo Field, usually reserved for the final home game of the year but moved up due to COVID concerns, as the 24 seniors were honored. 

Farragut won the toss, elected to defer, and started the game on defense. The Wildcats wasted no time getting the ball moving, going on a seven play, 80-yard drive that was capped off by a 43-yard touchdown pass. That put Oak Ridge on the board first, leading 6-0 with 9:48 left in the 1st after a missed PAT. The Farragut offense took the field looking to answer, and they did just that.

A 73 yard, ten play drive ended as Eli Purcell gave the Admirals their first lead of the night at 7-6 on a 1 yard touchdown run with 6:50 left in the 1st. Oak Ridge took to the field and a 78 yard drive was capped off by a 36 yard touchdown pass. After another missed PAT, the Wildcats led 12-7 with 4:39 left in the 1st. The Admirals again looked to answer the Oak Ridge touchdown and were able to do so after Dawson Moore found Matt White in the end zone from 6 yards out, putting Farragut back in the lead 14-12 to close the 1st quarter. 

The Wildcats would take over at their own 20 and march down the field to the Farragut 12-yard line but were unable to convert on a 4th and 3 as an incompletion ended the drive.

A 39-yard Dawson Moore to Matt White touchdown pass again capped off a drive this time 10 plays and 88 yards. The Admirals extended their lead to 21-12 with 3:30 left before halftime. A three and out was in store for the Wildcats on their next drive as they were forced to punt for the first time of the evening. 7 plays later, the Admirals were forced to bring their punter onto the field for their first punt of the night. With 1:24 left before half, Oak Ridge desperately needed points, as the Admirals were set to get the ball after halftime. They did just that, as an 8-play drive ended with a 15-yard touchdown pass that made the score 21-18 at half, after a failed 2 point try. 

The Admirals opened the second half with the ball looking to extend their lead after giving up a touchdown with a few seconds left before the half.

Dawson Moore’s 1 yard touchdown run capped off a 10 play, 71 yard drive and gave the Admirals a 28-18 lead with 8:27 left in the 3rd. Oak Ridge answered the call yet again, as a 24 yard QB scramble pulled the Wildcats back to within three, as Farragut still lead 28-25 with 4:28 left in the 3rd. An eight-play drive would end as Dawson Moore connected with Matt White for the third time of the night on a 24-yard touchdown pass and give Farragut a 35-25 lead with 2:37 left in the 3rd. 

The ensuing Wildcat drive ended with an incompletion on 4th and 12 and a turnover on downs. Unfortunately, the Admirals were unable to sustain a drive and punted away giving the Wildcats the ball back at their own 6.

On their next drive Oak Ridge was unable to convert on a 4th and 2, thus giving the ball back to the Admirals at the Wildcat 14. Farragut struggled to get anything going, but a Reese Keeney 32-yard field goal allowed the Admirals to make it a two-touchdown game, extending the lead to 38-25 with just 2:50 left to play.

The Admiral defense would again hold strong, forcing a turnover on downs after an incompletion on 4th and 5. The Admiral offense took over with 1:36 left looking to run the clock out. Junior Schumann Xie had other plans, as he would bust loose on the second play of the drive for a 46-yard touchdown. This put the final score at 45-25, as the Admirals now hold bragging rights in this storied rivalry until next year.

The Admirals improved to 2-1 on the season with the win over Oak Ridge. Region play will begin next week as Morristown-West will travel to Bill Clabo Field on Friday night. 

A special thanks to Carlos Reveiz and Ashley Wathen 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.

 

CLICK HERE FOR STATS