Blog

Jun 10, 2023

Quarterback candidates all likely to see action this season

Unicoi County football coach Drew Rice says he is comfortable with the thought of three quarterbacks potentially seeing considerable action this season. Drew Rice With two scrimmages behind him and

Unicoi County football coach Drew Rice says he is comfortable with the thought of three quarterbacks potentially seeing considerable action this season.

Drew Rice

With two scrimmages behind him and two weeks of practice in front of him before the season opener with Northview Academy, Unicoi County football coach Drew Rice appears comfortable with the thought of three quarterbacks potentially seeing considerable action this season.

Returning starter Ty Engle and fellow senior Mason Hensley have both had their moments this summer, and sophomore Kolby Jones is one of the most gifted all-around athletes in the school. Jones, who didn’t play football as a freshman, engineered the middle school team to one of the best seasons in school history as an eighth grader.

“Honestly, they’ve all had a great month,” Rice said. “I really think all three of ’em will end up playing. Ty is kind of going with the first group, we’ve got some things built in for Mason, and Kolby continues to get better every day.”

Ty emerged from an encouraging scrimmage against Cocke County on Friday atop the depth chart. He was 73-of-144 passing for 1,128 yards, nine touchdowns and nine interceptions as a junior.

“I’m really pleased with Ty and how he’s handled things,” Rice said.

Hensley, who is listed as an athlete and will start at outside linebacker and receiver, shined under center in the Cocke County scrimmage.

“He probably had our best drive at quarterback against Cocke County,” Rice said.

Jones will also impact the team at some position. He went from backup to starter at free safety after the South Greene scrimmage a couple of weeks ago.

One potential pitfall of using so many quarterbacks in fall camp is the dilution of the snaps.

“The one downside to having the battle or competition or whatever is just purely our reps,” Rice said. “Their reps are fractioned off from years past when we hadn’t had the quarterback battle.”

The offensive line has played impressively in the two scrimmages. Right tackle Austin Osborne anchors a unit that includes guards Scotty Lewis and Carter Reece and right tackle Hayden Lee, who sat out last year after moving from Happy Valley.

“I’m very pleased with how we played up front,” Rice said. “It’s probably the biggest and strongest offensive line I’ve ever had. Hayden’s really got some nasty about him and how he plays. He just kind of really puts his nose in there. So he’s been a big, big, big addition.

“Jordan Grindstaff’s just a kid that’s worked himself into being a guy that we’re gonna completely lean on. He’s the strongest kid on the team. So, I mean, he’s truly a kid that has worked himself into being an integral part of our team.”

Senior Chris Chavez continues to impress at receiver and defensive end. Rice said he would’ve had at least four sacks against Cocke County if the quarterbacks weren’t off limits.

Chavez, a baseball standout, hasn’t played football since his freshman year.

“You kick yourself a little bit,” Rice said. “It wasn’t from a lack of trying. I begged and pleaded.

“It’s all good,” Rice continued. “He doesn’t look like he’s missed a beat on both sides of the ball. He’s an explosive kid with a high motor. He’s fun to watch.”

Unicoi County opens at Northview Academy on Aug. 18 at 7:30 p.m. The Blue Devils will visit Happy Valley on Aug. 25.

Unicoi County will host Pigeon Forge in its home opener on Sept. 1. Pigeon Forge has joined Region 1-3A, which also now includes perennial power Gatlinburg-Pittman.

React to this article and join our community of readers sharing their feedback.