2003 Redskins News and Events

Redskins Banquet Date Set

The annual Redskins Awards Banquet will be held on Saturday, January 10th at 6:00 pm. It will be held in the Loudon High School cafeteria.

Big Red Pounds Gibbs

The Loudon Redskins beat the Gibbs Eagles 50 to 7 on Friday, October 24 at Dukes Field. For a detailed report on this game click here.

WLNT News

By Chip Lynn of WLIL Radio

96.1 WLNT will broadcast the Loudon-Lenior City game live on Thursday 10/30. The pregame show begins at 7:05pm with Kent Everett, David Dukes and Eric Mitchell. Be sure to bring your radio to the game. Additionally, WLNT will replay the Loudon-LC game Friday Night at 7:00pm, Saturday Morning at 10am and again Sunday evening at 7:00pm. Catch all the action on 96.1 WLNT Loudon's Hometown Station.

Kingston Tops Loudon 21 - 14

Kissing playoff hopes goodbye, Loudon received its sixth loss of the season against Kingston. For more info click here.

Injury Update: Jameson Cull

Jameson Cull was injured on Thursday October 16 in the freshman game against Cleveland. Though there is, as most of you know by now, much more to this story, I do not feel at liberty to post anything other than the fact that he was injured. Appartently, there is a state law which restricts what information can be released/published concerning minors' medical records. When I get an ok from Loudon High School, I will put up more detailed information.

Big Red Levels the Highlanders

Loudon got its second victory of the seasons - and the first since Walker Valley - on Friday, October 10. For more info, click here.

"Battle of the Bridge" Moved to Thursday

By Jeff McQueen

Head Coach Jeff Harig recently announced that the annual "Battle of the Bridge" game between Loudon and Lenoir City has been moved from Friday night (10-31-03) to Thursday night (10-30-03), game time is 7:30 pm. Loudon will host L.C. in the contest with county bragging rights up for grabs. The Panthers hold a two game winning streak in this rivalry. Loudon has only lost the food drive once in seven years.

Injury Update: Josh Hawkins

By Jeff McQueen

#24 Josh Hawkins, freshman RB/DB, received a concussion during a kickoff return in the Austin-East varsity game. Hawkins did not dress out for the A-E freshman game nor the Sweetwater game. Back at full speed, Josh has re-joined practice.

WLNT 96.1 FM to Sell Redskins Games Audio Cassettes

Submitted by Richard "Chip" Lynn of WLNT Radio
September 30,2003

Cassette tapes of the 2003 Redskins football broadcasts are now available from WLNT radio. The broadcasts feature Coach Eric Mitchell, Kent Everett, and David "Top" Dukes, as well as stats from Jeff McQueen & sell for $12 per game. All of the proceeds from tape sales go to support WLNT which is a non-profit / non-commercial radio station dedicated to Loudon & Loudon County. If you wish to purchase a copy, please email WLNT Radio. Checks or Money orders may be mailed to WLNT PO Box 604 Loudon 37774. Specify which game you are interested. Upon payment, your tapes will be shipped out in 2-3 business days. Thanks for supporting 96.1 WLNT, Loudon's Hometown Station.

Fritts and Randolph Set New Passing Record

By Rex Mingie, webmaster

During last Friday's Sweetwater game a record that has stood for twenty-three years was broken. The record for the longest pass play was held by Zell Hawkins and Bruce Eller. It was set during the 1980 Alcoa game for 86 yards. Well, as providence would have it, Cody Fritts and Chase Randolph broke the record by three yards against Sweetwater.

Loudon Loses by One Point to Sweetwater

By Rex Mingie, webmaster

Well it ain't over 'til the fat lady sings, and I wished she'd stayed home last night. With 34 seconds remaining, the Sweetwater Wildcats beat Loudon by the score of 41 to 40. For more indepth coverage, click here.

Booth Ties Arnold Hawkins Record

By Jeff McQueen, the "Voice of the Hill"

The record has stood for 37 years, no one has even come close. The year was 1966, the students were ushered into the new one million dollar Loudon High School, the new stadium was not yet outfitted with lights. So the Loudon Redskins were hosting the L.C. Panthers here at Bacon Field (now known as Bruce Wilkerson Field). A two way threat, #30 Arnold Hawkins blasted off on a 99 yard record setting touchdown run! In fact Hawkins also kicked (2) field goals, ran for (3) 2-pt. conversions, added 9 tackles, and a pick (INT). This performance is widely considered as one of the best individual showcases of a Redskin, as L.C. went down 34-0. Mr.Hawkins is a past president of the LQC and coached on the hill for 12 years.

On Saturday September, 20 the Indians had a solid game, starting with a 30 yard kick-off return by #30 Tyler Barr. #1 Ben Everett put the Indians on the score board with a 10 yard run and added the conversion points himself. The score was tied at the half, with eight points each. In the third quarter, Loudon recovered a Wildcat fumble on their own one yard line thwarting a Riceville score. From there, #11 Jesse Booth broke up the middle, headed wide, and out ran everyone to pay dirt! A 99 yard record tying touchdown! #10 Blake Cosner hooked up with #45 Jordan Purdy on the 2-pt. conversion pass. The Indians won 16 to 14. Total offense mixed 16 carries for 215 yards and (1) pass completion for 3 yards.

Injury Updates

By Jeff McQueen, the "Voice of the Hill"
September 23, 2003

	Mark "P" Harrison, #20 Sophmore RB/DB, suffered a hyper-extended knee in the Junior Varsity game against Seqouyah on Monday, September 15. Harrison will be out of action for four to six weeks.
		Harrison in action against Seqouyah - the play in which he got hurt.

Matthew Packett, #44 Soph LB/FB, suffered a concussion late in the Varsity game against Seqouyah. Packett was held out of practice for the week and didn't dress out for the Austin East game.

WLNT 96.1 FM to Broadcast the Redskins Live

WLNT 96.1 FM will broadcast the remainder of the Redskin football season live every Friday night; the broadcast gets underway around 7:15pm. Eric Mitchell, Kent Everett, and David "Top" Dukes provide "Triple Team Coverage," and Jeff McQueen provides the stats. If you can't listen live on Friday night, the rebroadcast of the game can be heard at 10am on Saturday and again at 7pm.

Austin East Beats Loudon 36 to 19

By Rex Mingie, webmaster
September 19, 2003

As the old saying goes, Go figure! Loudon played Austin East, the number one team in the state, at Dukes Field on Friday the 19th and scored 19 points on them. A MUCH improved team from last week's catastrophe against Sequoyah. Go Big Red! For more coverage, click here.

Sequoyah Beats Loudon 35-0

By Rex Mingie, webmaster
September 13, 2003

What an upset! Everybody thought Loudon would win this game - we were picked to win in Friday's News-Sentinel. I guess that's why very few of us are brave enough to actually go into professional prognostiaction - you never know who's going to win until its done. At any rate, for more coverage click here.

Anderson County Beats Loudon 35-14

By Rex Mingie, webmaster
Sept. 6, 2003

In a game that I was hopefully predicting to be the first defeat of AC by Loudon, the Anderson County Mavericks handed another defeat to Big Red 35 to 14. For more coverage, click here.

Patric Johnson Named Player of the Week

By Rex Mingie, webmaster
Sept. 6, 2003

In the first ever Knoxville News-Sentinel PrepXtra website "Player of the Week" poll, Loudon's own Wingback Patric Johnson has emerged as the number one vote getter. Johnson received 26,946 votes easily beating the nowhere-near-close runner up Scooter Houston who got 11,375 votes. The "campaign" to vote Johnson to the top began the day of the Walker Valley game. The kids at Loudon High really got into the move to vote in Johnson. "We get excited about things like that around here," said Head Coach Jeff Harig. "Kids went around saying, 'Did you vote for Patric today?' We saw it early and got the campaign going."

Johnson commented on the Walker Valley win: "Our line did great and had its highest grade they've ever had after watching the film. All of the linemen graded out at eighty-five percent or better. Teams just can't key on just one of us (referring to Jake Brantley). If they try to key on me, Jake's going to burn them. I'm more like thunder, and Jake's definitely the lightning. He's quick and has the moves. I just run over people as much as I can."

Congratulations Patric on a well-deserved win.

Injury Update

By Rex Mingie, loudonfootball.com webmaster
September 3, 2003

During the Redskin victory last Friday night over Walker Valley, #80 Josh McQueen a junior, suffered a concussion. McQueen graded out at 100% for his play at wide receiver, he also made 5 tackles and several assists from the safety position and special teams play. Held out of practice all week as a precautionary measure, a decision will be made before the Anderson Co. game. McQueen was just elected as the Junior Class President.

New Traditon to Begin at Dukes Field

A new tradition is beginning at Redskin home games. It is called the "Redskin Pride Walk." Details were passed out to those attending the Walker Valley game. The details are as follows:

• What: Human Tunnel leading from the field house onto the playing field.
• Who: All alumni, family, friends, and fans.
• When: Prior to each home game around 7:00 and 7:15 pm and announcement will be made for folks to line up.
• Why: To show our suppoort and be a part of a new tradition.

Loudon Defeats Walker Valley

In the very first meeting between Loudon and Walker Valley from Cleveland, Loudon triumphed 27 to 13. For more coverage click here.

Dixon Suffers ACL Injury

By Jeff McQueen
August 21, 2003

At practice on Monday (8-18), #3 Brandon Dixon (soph) suffered a season-ending injury. On a routine play, Dixon tore the ACL in his knee. On track to make big contributions at defensive end and quarterback this season, the skills that Brandon brings to the team will be missed. Dixon lettered as a true freshman last season.

Jamboree Details

August 12, 2003

The 2003 Henry Blackburn Jamboree will be held on Friday, August 22 at Dukes Field starting at 6:30. There will be ten teams playing five twelve-minute quarters. The participants are as follows:

• Quarter 1: Sequoyah vs. Copper Basin
• Quarter 2: Tellico vs. Polk County
• Quarter 3: Walker Valley vs. Meigs County
• Quarter 4: Lenoir City vs. Sweetwater
• Quarter 5: McMinn Central vs. Loudon

Competitions will be held between the fourth and fifth quarters. They are as follows:

• Forty yard dash: Defensive Backs, Offensive Backs, Running Backs, Receivers, and Quarter Backs.
• Forty yard dash: Offensive Line, Defensive Line, and Tight Ends.
• Punt, Pass, and Kick: Open to all.

Coacht.com Offers Supplemental Loudon Website

August 10, 2003

Coacht.com is now offering websites for every school in Tennessee. The Loudon website can be found at http://loudon.coacht.com.

Redskins Card Fundraiser

The Loudon Redskins are now selling "coupon cards" to raise funds for the team. The cost is ten dollars. The card has the 2003 schedule on the front. The back has a listing of the twenty-two participating merchants. Among the merchants are Dominos Pizza, Sonic, Long John Silvers, Pick-A-Flick Video, and Just For Feet. Each Redskin has been given twenty-five cards to sell; so support the Redskins and get one!

UPDATE: The Redskins raised $2,800.00 through the card fundraiser.

Redskins "Bells and Whistles" Update

The previously-mentioned ideas of having an inflatable tunnel through which the Redskins could run at the beginning of home games and a smoke machine have been scrapped. Apparently, there was a lack of interest and financial support to get the ideas off the ground.

WLIL AM 730 Redskins Coverage Change

Well, its official. Randall Thomason, 2001 LHS graduate and son of local CPA Jim Thomason, is taking David Grissom's place for Friday night Redskins radio coverage. Thomason is filling the position vacated by Grissom who is joining the coaching staff at Greenback High School.

Minor League Football comes to Dukes Field

The Tennessee Raiders from the Appalachian Football League will play three games at Loudon High School this Fall. Dates are October 4, 11, and 18. Kick off will be 7:00pm. Tickets are $7.00 and children 9 and under are Free. A portion of the procedes will be given to the LHS Football Booster Club. Check the Raiders web site for more details.

A Correction to the Article Below This One

Okay, here's the story: I misunderstood/misinterpreted some comments that were made last week concerning the WLIL/Bruce story. As is turns out, Jeff said he is not interested in the announcer job, and whether or not Bruce comes back is anybody's guess. One fact remains though: David Grissom is done with the announcing job and is going to be coaching offensive and defensive lines at Greenback. Sorry for the conjecture.

Some changes in Redskins Volunteers

Some volunteers for the Redskins have shuffled positions:

• WLIL AM 730 Redskins football announcer David Grissom has quit. He is going to be coaching offensive and defensive lines at Greenback High School.
• Rumor has it (and this is not official yet, so don't hold me to it) that Jeff McQueen MAY be taking Grissom's place as announcer.
• Bruce Lawson is coming back as the official keeper of stats for the Redskins.

The Redskins to Get Some "Bells and Whistles"

The Loudon Redskins will be getting two neat amenities to accentuate this year's season: an inflatible tunnel and a smoke machine. At the beginning of each game the 'Skins will process through the tunnel and break through the banner while being surrounded by smoke. What a way to come onto the field! All this, along with the new cannon that was acquired last year, will make for quite a show at Loudon home games.

Donny Conner and Rick Wiggins, of the Loudon Football Boosters Club, have taken the lead in the fund raising efforts needed to aquire the tunnel and smoke machine. Plans are under way for a "Redskin Football Players Car Wash". Other avenues are being considered and discussed as about $3000.00 needs to be raised. Call Donny or Rick with your ideas and support.

The Spring/Fall Practice and Scrimmage Schedule

The Chig Ratlidge Lift-a-Thon. The 2003 lift-a-thon will be held on April 10 at 6:00 p.m. Jeff McQueen is putting this year's event together. This year's lift-a-thon will be different in that there will be opening addresses by various Redskins players from each decade, and I suppose from the former coach as well.

The spring practice schedule. Spring practices will be held on April 14, 15, 22, 23, 24, 28, 29, 30; and also on May 1st.

Spring/Summer Scrimmages.

• May 2nd: Loudon at Rockwood starting at 6:00 p.m.
• August 2nd: Cleveland, Polk County, Loudon, and Ooltewah at Cleveland starting at 9:00 a.m.
• August 8th: Rockwood, Claiborne County, and Loudon at Loudon starting at 6:00 p.m.
• August 12: Loudon vs. William Blount at Loudon starting at 6:00 p.m.
• August 15: Loudon vs. Seymour at Loudon starting at 6:00 p.m.

Two-a-days. This summer's two-a-day's will run from July 28th through August 1st. The team will be on the field from 9-11 and again from 2-4.

The Jamboree. On August 22 the Loudon-sponsored jamboree will be held at 6:30 p.m. The teams that will be playing this year are: McMinn Central, Walker Valley, Polk County, Copper Basin, Tellico Plains, Loudon, Lenoir City, Sweetwater, Sequoyah, and Meigs County. The team Loudon will be playing is not known yet.