A Tale of Two Four-Year Varsity Lettermen

Article by Jeff McQueen
Photos by Jammie Graves

These senior Redskins were freshmen when Jeff Harig was hired as the head coach to replace the departing Tim Daniels. In the 2002 season, the first game of their high school careers; the ‘Skins defeated the McMinn Central Chargers by a score of 38-23. Three young freshmen were pressed into service and started the game: #10 Brandon Dixon, #44 Matthew Packett, and #53 Jimmy McQueen. These three Amigos went on to letter as true freshman, a feat not accomplished since 1998 (Note: Joe Turpin and Adam Cook both lettered as freshmen in 1998). Brandon Dixon blew out his knee (ACL), and did not get to play his sophomore year, leaving Matthew Packett and Jimmy McQueen standing as the only four year lettermen on this team.

Let’s look at the last four years:

     (172) practices after school in the rain, mud, and heat
     (37) days of spring practice
     (4) winters spent in the weight room
     (4) Lift-a-thons
     (14) scrimmage games
     (4)  Henry Blackburn Memorial Jamboree’s
     (4) Homecoming celebrations
     (4) football banquets
     (46) pep rallies
     (20) home games
     (20) away games
     (3) play-off games
     (4) year varsity record of 20-23
     (2) blowing out Lenoir City twice… PRICELESS!!!