Baylor Red Raiders
Coach: Phil Massey (52-29 in seven years here; 114-65 in 15 years overall)
Last year: 8-4, lost 20-14 to MUS in second playoff game
'13 dreams: Although the Red Raiders are not as big as previous teams, this group is as strong or stronger overall than any Massey has fielded. Too, he says this is a close-knit bunch with a strong sense of team. There are high expectations despite participation in one of the two or three toughest districts/regions in the state. Much of the optimism centers on quarterback Nick Tiano, who shared time a year ago with Michael O'Connor, who transferred to IMG Academy in Bradenton, Fla., and committed to Penn State. Tiano, although just a junior, is drawing major college interest, including from Vanderbilt. The Raiders are expecting a breakout season from diminutive senior running back George Porter, who has played since his freshman season and who broke vertical jump and shuttle marks by current pro baseball player Tyler Massey and current UTC quarterback Jacob Huesman, respectively.
13-for-13 contenders: Tiano, a 6-foot-4, 205-pounder, pretty much matched O'Connor throw-for-throw and was apparently on the verge of winning sole possession of the quarterback job when O'Connor transferred. Senior kicker Rafael Gaglianone is drawing at least as much attention from recruiters as Tiano. He is rated as a top-five kicker by most of the national recruiting services.
Number of interest: The Red Raiders scored at least 13 points in all 12 of their games last year, actually averaging 27.7. They also held half of their opponents to 13 or fewer points, including a shutout against Pope John Paul II.
13 years ago: David Bibee was beginning his first season as the Red Raiders' head coach. Bibee, now a Middle Tennessee State assistant who recruits the Chattanooga area, took Baylor to a 7-4 record that first year and had a 32-30 record in six seasons at Baylor.
Program superstition: For home games the Red Raiders walk the "Tiger Walk" from the athletic building to the stadium. Before and after every game the team kneels down and recites the Lord's Prayer.
1-through-3: Running back George Porter
Q. Do you participate in other sports?
A. I used to do track. My dad tried to push me that way and I can run, but I've never had a problem being in shape. I don't like sitting out there waiting all day for my event. My biggest thing was to gain weight, lift with the team and put on some pounds.
Q. Are you disappointed with your career?
A, You always could do better. My sophomore year I had an injury (a high-ankle sprain) and a bit of a slump, but last year I had a good year. I wouldn't take anything away from my experience. You have to go through some tough times to be a stronger person, and I'm better for it.
Q. Who's the best player on the team?
A. There really isn't one. You have people that make plays, but it's 11 guys out there at a time. In previous years we've had stars, but this year it's all of us being one star. I have my personal goals, but I don't really care about them. Football is a team game and each player has to do his assignment.
- Ward Gossett
2013 Schedule
Aug. 23 Howard
Aug. 30 at Knoxville Webb *
Sep. 6 at MBA *
Sep. 13 Brainerd
Sep. 20 Pope John Paul II *
Oct. 4 McCallie
Oct. 11 Murfreesboro Oakland
Oct. 18 at Brentwood Academy *
Oct. 25 Ensworth *
Nov. 1 at Father Ryan
*Division II East/Middle game
2012 Stats
Passing C-A-I Pct. Yards TDs
Michael O'Connor 66-125-6 1,012 3
Nick Tiano 25-64-2 283 2
Rushing Att. Yards TDs
George Porter 119 812 11
Houston Clement 47 254 3
Michael O'Connor 47 204 4
Receiving No. Yards TDs
Reggie Upshaw 22 286 2
Chandler Gouger 20 272 1
Joey Rogers 15 228 0
Roster
No. Name Class
2 Steven Crews Junior
3 Parker Catlett Sophomore
4 Colin Brewer Junior
5 Sean Wampler Junior
6 Isaac White Senior
7 Nick Tiano Junior
8 Glenn Ireland Senior
9 Gage Upshaw Sophomore
10 Rafael Gaglianone Senior
11 Ian Jump Senior
12 Devin Smith Junior
13 Keaton Baker Sophomore
14 Tate Prater Freshman
15 Ryan Parker Sophomore
16 Bryce Verble Freshman
17 Kota Nix Senior
18 Tyler Seaberg Junior
19 Chandler Gouger Senior
20 Blake Layne Senior
21 Ulysses Strawter Sophomore
22 Bryce Cronan Junior
23 Caleb Lofty Sophomore
24 George Pettway Sophomore
25 Adrian Harris Sophomore
26 Preston Ballard Sophomore
27 Gunnar Ricketts Freshman
28 Kalvin Watson Freshman
29 George Porter Senior
30 Reid Dotson Senior
31 Davis Purdy Senior
32 Derek Duncan Freshman
33 Malcolm Lane Junior
34 Charlie Glascock Freshman
35 Colton Bearden Sophomore
36 Robert Stagmaier Senior
37 Brandon Townsend Sophomore
38 Emory Norred Senior
39 Spencer Peck Freshman
40 Charlie Weeks Freshman
41 Pierce Collins Freshman
42 Luke Hutchins Junior
44 Rob Moore Sophomore
45 Reagan Imsand Freshman
46 Will Jumper Junior
47 Henry Moore Sophomore
48 Will Moore Sophomore
49 Colton Duncan Sophomore
51 Will Thoomas Senior
53 Braden Waldrep Junior
54 Holt Patton Freshman
56 Sam Beard Freshman
59 Charlie Pruett Sophomore
60 Mike Thompson Senior
62 David Thompson Freshman
63 Trey Foshee Senior
64 Jon Schmissrauter Junior
65 Cooper Reiniche Sophomore
66 Cole McMahan Junior
67 Julius Boggus Sophomore
68 Aden George-Warren Senior
70 Isaiah Strawter Freshman
73 Lucas Mozingo Junior
76 Tommy McFarland Junior
77 Ben Pettway Senior
80 Brandon Boyd Freshman
81 Lex McMahan Freshman
83 Henry White Freshman
84 Henry Trotter Sophomore
86 Daniel Monroe Sophomore
87 Tim Linke Sophomore
94 Connor McJunkin Freshman
95 Alex Mason Sophomore