Coffee County Red Raiders Football

RED RAIDER SPRING 2009

Raiders get mixed results at scrimmage

By Josh Peterson

Sports Editor

The Manchester Times

The 2-8 finish posted by the Coffee County Central High School Red Raider football team last season left a bad taste in the mouths of local football fanatics, not to mention CHS head coach Eddie Nunley.

Over the past two weeks, Nunley and the Red Raiders have been hard at work in spring practice searching for answers, new starters and depth.

Nunley and the Raiders capped off spring workouts Friday night in Coalmont with a three-way scrimmage between Grundy County and East Ridge.

“I think we are going to be able to move the ball,” said Nunley after the scrimmage. “The problem we had today is we would get down here (close to the goal line) and fumble three or four times.”

The Raiders used three quarterbacks and moved the ball efficiently under all three. Soon-to-be sophomore Chris Murray and junior Bryson Simerly took the majority of the snaps. Senior Stephen Jacobs also took some snaps late.

Simerly’s highlight came against Grundy County, when he connected with tight-end Matt Tomlin over the middle for a 30-yard touchdown pitch-and-catch.

For the most part, though, the Raiders worked on their wing-t rushing attack with Kyle Brazier and Michael Williams. Brazier broke through for a 60-yard gallop against East Ridge that took the Raiders to the 20-yard line.

However, CHS wasn’t able to punch the ball across for a score, despite getting nine chances to do so under the scrimmage format.

In fact, the Raiders moved the ball just five yards over their next eight plays. On the ninth play, East Ridge intercepted a pass that went back 90 yards for a score.

“We used three quarterbacks and offensively we did some good things,” added Nunley. “I think Chris (Murray) did a pretty good job for his first time out. He didn’t play quarterback much last year (freshman team) except a game or so. He handled the offense well. Simerly, when we were able to handle the snap, did a real good job.”

Defensively, Coffee County struggled. Those struggles were highlighted by a couple of big plays given up. The Raiders let Grundy County get outside on a jet sweep that went 40 yards for a score. East Ridge doubled that number later when it broke an 80-yard scoring play straight up the gut on the first play from scrimmage.

“On defense, our hustle was there but … we haven’t worked on it a lot,” commented Nunley. “That isn’t (defensive coordinator) coach (Coy) Sisk’s fault or the kids’ fault. We were trying to make sure we had the offense the way we wanted it.”

The scrimmage marked the end of spring workouts for the Raiders that started Feb. 23 – several weeks earlier than the late April and early May format followed in past seasons.

The team will get back in the weight room in preparation for summer workouts and fall practice. The 2009 season kicks-off Aug. 21 when the Raiders travel to Shelbyville.

Kan-janabout heads list of Red Raiders named to All-Region Team

By Josh Peterson

Sports editor

The Manchester Times

Three Coffee County Red Raider football players were named to the Region 3-5A football team, according to an announcement by Red Raider head coach Eddie Nunley. Seniors Justin Kanjanabout, Brian Anderson and Sam Miller were named to the team. “I think they were all good selections,” said CHS head coach Eddie Nunley. “They displayed good leadership and worked really hard.” Kanjanabout, who rushed for 1,001 yards, was named offensive player of the year. Anderson started half of the season at quarterback and also took snaps as a wingback and long-snapper. Sam Miller was a regular at defensive end and tight end. “It has been a fun year,” said Kanjanabout. “It is quite an honor to be named one of the best players in the region two years in a row.”

2009 schedule released

One month after the conclusion of the 2008 football season, the Coffee County Red Raider football team is releasing its 2009 schedule. New to the schedule are Bradley Central, Lawrence County and new district opponent White County. The Raiders were able to keep rivals Franklin County, Lincoln County, Tullahoma and Shelbyville on the slate. Gone from the schedule are Goodpasture Christian School, Oakland and Wilson Central. “It (the schedule) is about as good as we could do under the circumstances, trying to schedule six non-region games,” said Red Raider head coach Eddie Nunley. “We got to keep our rivals. We can beat any of the teams on that schedule. At the same time, any of the teams on that schedule can beat us.”