Let's talk schedules: Stone Memorial

2019 will be a year of new foes for the Stone Memorial Panthers.

SMHS will face off against three new opponents this coming season as head coach Derik Samber enters his second season with the Panthers.

“It’s very difficult,” Samber said of the schedule. “We talked as a coaching staff and administration that our goal truly is a state championship. We pulled in teams with state championship connections.”

Stone Memorial finished last season 9-2 overall and will look to defend its Region 4AAAA championship in 2019.

The non-region schedule will feature Grace Christian Academy, Coalfield, Christian Academy of Knoxville, Kingston, Smith County and Friendship Christian. Only Kingston remains from last season’s non-region slate.

Region 4AAAA foes haven’t changed; the Panthers face DeKalb County, Livingston Academy, Macon County and Cumberland County.

Week one, SMHS will host Grace Christian followed by Coalfield week two.

“That’s an excellent program,” said Samber on GCA. “Rusty Bradley won two state titles at CAK. Coach Bradley has a collegiate background. They throw it around more often than probably any high school program in the state.

“Coalfield isn’t a normal Class A program. They have been to the state title game multiple times, and they’re always playing late into November.”

SMHS will open region play Sept. 6 at DeKalb County before traveling to CAK week four.

“We start out at DeKalb,” Samber said. “They have a tremendous quarterback and look the part athletically.”

The Panthers will welcome Livingston Academy to Crossville Sept. 20 in a matchup of the last four Region 4AAAA champions.

“They’ve got everybody back,” said Samber. “That’s going to be a tough game for everybody that sees Livingston.”

Sept. 27 will see the Panthers hit the road to face Kingston.

“That was a great game last year,” Samber said of Kingston. “That’s a great program.”

The following Friday, SMHS will again travel, this time to region foe Macon County.

“That’s a long trip,” added Samber. “Coach Shoulders is in his second year. I know they’ve got a great dedication to the weight room.”

The Panthers will take Oct. 11 off before returning home to host Cumberland County Oct. 18.

“They come to us this year, and coach (Eric) Belew is doing a great job,” said Samber. “Cumberland County is going to be a very competitive bunch this year.”

The Panthers close out the season traveling to Smith County Oct. 25 and hosting Friendship Christian Nov. 1.

“I think Smith County is an exciting game,” added Samber. “That’s a great football atmosphere. They call it ‘the hole’ at Smith County.”

Before the regular season kicks off, Stone Memorial will scrimmage York and Harriman Aug. 2 and Oneida Aug. 9 and play in the Rhea County jamboree Aug. 16.