2013 - Baylor Red Raiders

photo Baylor junior Nick Tiano, left, will assume the quarterback job full time this fall.

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

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