Gridiron Football Preview-Elizabethton Star 2020 | Page 13

or four days in the locker room and on
the field with some bonding going on
with a lot more energy,” he continued.
Along with becoming closer as a
team, just the physical aspect of not
having any seven-on-seven competitions
or scrimmages leading up to a
new season comes into play.
That is concerning to a coach especially
with being limited to contact
will serve to throw some cold water on
early-season contests.
“That has been probably the biggest
obstacle plus physically just being
in shape. There is no way to get into
game shape until you play games,”
Jarrett shared.
“Usually you will have three or
four scrimmages to get you to the first
game. Where that was taken away
from us is obviously a concern too is
getting gassed really early.
“We are going to play a lot of kids
early. These guys deserve a chance to
play. We are going to try and play as
many games as we can.”
Jarrett was asked what he would
consider being a successful 2020
football campaign.
“Our goal is to win every game
that we play,” he said. “That ultimately
is success is off wins and losses.
That as a team is how you are judged
and ultimately how people look at you
as a team.
“But, just out of a parent meeting
just now, as a coach the relationships
that we build, trying to help these guys
grow into fine young men, productive
citizens in society, and grow up to be
great husbands and fathers one day –
ultimately that is the goal to success.”
In looking over Region 1-2A, Jarrett
felt that the region was one of the
toughest regions in the area.
The team that manages to do
the little things in 2020 will be the
team that will rightfully earn a region
championship.
“Region 1-2A is one of the toughest
conferences in this whole entire
area,” he said. “You look at last year,
the 3A champion probably finishes
fifth in our conference and that was a
very quality football team.
“Obviously you have Hampton
and South Greene and then you have
us, Sullivan North, and Cosby. I think
anyone can win on any given night.
“It’s all about execution, it’s all
about ball security, and making plays.
“At the end of the day, you have
to win some battles whether it’s at the
line or one-on-one down the field on
the perimeter,” continued Jarrett.
“Whoever can make the most
plays, whoever is going to be the most
coachable, and ultimately whoever
plays the best night in and night out is
going to have a chance to win.
“I think it’s wide open and there
are quality athletes and quality
coaches in our conference and I think
these guys know that and we are
really going to have to compete to win
another conference championship.”
Star Photo/Ivan Sanders
Alex Lunceford (13) and Andrew Little (3) come on the field prior
to Saturday’s game as Little bears Old Glory.
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