One county, one team, Eagles soar in historic debut

By CHAD [email protected]

For the first time in Buchanan County sports history, fans from Council, Grundy, Hurley and Twin Valley filled the same stands and cheered for the same team.

The result was a night that felt much bigger than a preseason football scrimmage.

A large crowd gathered last Saturday evening for the first athletic event held on the campus of Southern Gap High School, watching the inaugural Eagles football team turn in an impressive performance against Patrick Henry at the new Red Robertson Athletic Complex.

After Patrick Henry challenged Southern Gap during the opening series, the Eagles settled in, made adjustments and eventually took control behind a physical defense and a deep rushing attack.

During two quarters of live action, Southern Gap outscored the Rebels 24-0.

“We had an awesome turnout, man. I couldn’t be prouder of the turnout,” Southern Gap head coach Greg Tester said. “And, you know, like I said, it’s just a good feeling of togetherness right now with all these schools combining, man.”

That feeling of togetherness could be seen throughout the stadium. The new facility, surrounded by the mountains of Buchanan County, was filled with fans who had spent generations cheering for different schools and competing against one another.

On Saturday, old rivalries were put aside as everyone wore Southern Gap colors.

More than 40 players make up the first Eagles football team, giving Southern Gap a level of depth that became increasingly evident as the scrimmage continued.

Patrick Henry, coached by former Hurley head coach Austin Cooper, stood toe to toe with the Eagles during the opening format in which each team received 10 offensive plays. The Rebels stopped Southern Gap during its first series, but the Eagles responded.

“I think Patrick Henry showed a little toughness at first,” Tester said. “I think we responded well after they stuffed us on that first series. We made some adjustments. Kids responded well. We just started playing well from there.”

Southern Gap’s offensive line, nicknamed the “War Pigs,” began controlling the line of scrimmage and creating running lanes for the Eagles’ collection of talented backs.

Aidan Baker scored the first touchdown in Southern Gap football history. Senior fullback RJ Rowe later broke loose for another touchdown during the controlled portion of the scrimmage.

Tester praised the work of assistant coaches Anthony Church and Marcus Stiltner, along with the offensive linemen they have developed throughout preseason camp.

“Something I want to make note of is our offensive line,” Tester said. “Our offensive line’s done a great job, and we got a little bit of depth on the offensive line. Coach Church and Coach Stiltner have been putting those boys through it through camp. And I think they earned all the respect tonight because there’s a bunch of holes in there for these backs.”

After several 10-play series and a brief break, the teams played two live quarters.

Freshman Carson Blankenship scored Southern Gap’s first touchdown during the live portion, putting the Eagles ahead 6-0.

The defense then forced a Patrick Henry punt, with Chase Baker helping Southern Gap shut down the Rebels’ rushing attack.

The Eagles struck again when Aidan Baker broke free for a 31-yard touchdown run. Rowe also reached the end zone before leaving the scrimmage with a leg injury. Tester said the senior is an important leader for the Eagles and expressed hope that he would be able to return soon.

Fullback Caden “Pine Knot” Justice also found the end zone twice during Southern Gap’s strong overall showing.

Tester had plenty of praise for Aidan Baker, who made an impact at running back and defensive end.

“Man, Aidan Baker’s a dude,” Tester said. “He gives 100% every play on both sides of the ball — and he’s ‘yes, sir, no, sir.’ He’s even a better kid off the field than he is on the field. And, you know, all those characteristics carry over. And like I said, he’s one we’re going to lean on a lot this season.”

Baker was difficult for Patrick Henry to contain offensively and created problems from his defensive end position.

His younger brother, freshman Gunnar Baker, led the Eagles in tackles during his first live varsity action. Gunnar Baker and Blankenship are two young players expected to play important roles for Southern Gap during the next four seasons.

The Eagles’ defense made a statement by keeping Patrick Henry’s offense out of the end zone. Southern Gap held standout running back Jeb Stewart in check and continued making plays even as Tester rotated younger players into the lineup.

Blake Payne, Chase Yates and Devin Mullins were among the younger defensive backs who received valuable varsity experience. They are part of a secondary that includes seniors Ayden Whited and Brayden White.

Whited delivered a strong performance on both sides of the ball.

“I’m pleased with their physicality, how we come out and play, especially defensively,” Tester said. “And, you know, the offense we run – the defense has got to carry us a little bit. But we got some things to work on. We’ll take it one day at a time, one game at a time.”

Cooper said the Rebels played well during the controlled portion of the scrimmage but struggled when the teams moved into live action.

“I thought we played really well during the first 10 play series,” Cooper said. “Then during the live situation it kind of went downhill, but we just got to figure some things out up front. I mean, we’re young, we’re moving people around, but hopefully going into next Friday, we’ll have a better front five set up.”

Cooper said fatigue also became a factor for a Patrick Henry team relying heavily on 11 or 12 players.

He came away impressed with Southern Gap’s strength at the line of scrimmage.

“They’re physical, dude. They’re physical up front,” Cooper said. “I think they played really well. They do a great job of getting under, so we were overrunning things up front. They were doing a good job of getting under with traps and bellies, and I think they’ll be fine.”

The scrimmage carried an additional family connection. Cooper’s father, Mark Cooper, is the first principal of Southern Gap High School.

Tester said he was proud of how quickly players from four former high schools have become one team.

“The kids overall, man, from camp, these kids have really come together and gelled well together,” Tester said.

The victory will not count in the record book, but the evening provided Southern Gap players, coaches and fans with a first look at what Eagles football could become.

The next game will count.

Southern Gap will host Holston in the first regular-season football game in school history Friday, Aug. 21, at 7 p.m. Tester said the Eagles must quickly turn their attention toward a team led by veteran head coach Chris Akers.

“Coach Chris Akers, he always has his teams ready, and, you know, he’ll be ready,” Tester said. “So, we got to regroup and get back to work on Monday.”