Evan Nunley (1) runs the ball for the Grundy County. Marion County High School hosted the Sequatchie Valley Football Jamboree that featured eight area teams on August 10, 2018. Head coach: Tracy Hayworth (1-9 in one year here and overall)
Returning starters: 5 offensive; 5 defensive
Key players: RB Evan Nunley (5-11, 205); WR-DB Jordan Hackworth (5-8, 160); LB Trenton Ashley (6-0, 205); OL Andrew Barrett (5-11, 260); OL Josh Childers (5-11, 240); DL Levi Nance (6-0, 260); OL Drew Melton (6-1, 270).
Team strengths: There is experience along both the offensive and defensive lines. The Yellow Jackets were forced to play a lot of underclassmen last year, but that could pay off this season with a group that has been game-tested. Melton is a senior center who is expected to be the leader of the offensive group.
Team concerns: Ethan Nunley, who carried the offense on his shoulders for much of last season, has graduated, and the biggest question going into the season will be finding someone from among the inexperienced contenders to take command.
Grundy County head coach, Tracy Hayworth, talks with the officials. Marion County High School hosted the Sequatchie Valley Football Jamboree that featured eight area teams on August 10, 2018. Breakout candidate: Evan Nunley is a load to bring down, and with a new quarterback taking over, the senior will likely get a lot more opportunities to be an offensive leader. On the defensive side, Ashley is a transfer from Franklin County, where he led the team in tackles, and is expected to help the Jackets tremendously.
Season outlook: Although the offensive and defensive lines will have guys who have seen plenty of snaps, there is enough inexperience sprinkled around them to make early success in nonregion games a key to the season. If the team can gain confidence against the nonregion likes of Bledsoe County (three wins last season), DeKalb County (four wins) and Franklin County (five wins), that could go a long way to having the Yellow Jackets ready to challenge for a playoff spot as they close out the schedule with four region games in five weeks.
It's been five years since Grundy County reached the playoffs, making that early-season success even more important as the second-year coaching staff continues to work toward changing the team's outlook.