Polk County Wildcats
Coach: Derrick Davis (101-46 in 13 seasons here and overall)
Last year: 7-4, lost 49-14 to Kingston in the first round of the playoffs
'13 dreams: As always, the expectation at Polk County, whether results are good or bad, is to play hard. And results have been good for a while. There are 63 on this year's squad, which is down a little for Polk County, but 14 seniors figure prominently into the Wildcats' plans. They are led offensively and defensively by fullback and linebacker Zach Miller (6-foot-1, 235). Fellow senior Devin Weber 6-1, 170) is another key skill-position player who can play running back, quarterback and defensive back, and big things also are expected from senior guard and defensive tackle Tanner Plemons (6-0, 260).
Number of interest: The Wildcats will be seeking their 13th consecutive winning season and state-playoff berth.
13 years ago: Derrick Davis, who had played at Polk County for his father, Larry, was brought back as head coach in the summer of 2000.
Program superstition: As long as a Davis has coached Polk County football, Larry from 1967 through '93 and son Derrick from 2000 until the present, only double-digit jersey numbers are permitted. "It's a tradition with us," Derrick Davis said. "Our roster starts with the number 10. We might have a freshman running back that has to wear a number in the 80s, but we don't have any single digits."
1-through-3: Senior fullback and linebacker Zach Miller
Q. Did you set a goal for yourself this season?
A. I just want to go out there and play the game, and whatever happens happens. I'm just playing the game I love.
Q. What are the expectations for Polk County this year?
A. We'll be tough. I think we're stronger than last year. We've matured. We're all seniors. I expect us this year to be a better team.
Q. Which of your roles do you feel is the most important for you this year and why?
A. If I had to pick I'd say it would be running the ball. Our defense is extremely good. Our safety is back. Our line is back. Our defense is pretty much back and strong and good. I think they need me more at running back.
2013 Schedule
Aug. 23 Bradley Central 7:30
Aug. 30 at Central 7:30
Sep. 13 at East Ridge 7:30
Sep. 20 McMinn Central* 7:30
Sep. 27 Walker Valley 7:30
Oct. 4 at Sequoyah* 7:30
Oct. 11 Notre Dame 7:30
Oct. 18 at Sweetwater* 7:30
Oct. 25 at South Pittsburg 8
Nov.1 Loudon* 7:30
*District 5-AA game
2012 Stats
Passing
C-A-I Pct. Yards TDs
Duncan Coffey 16-36-2 296 4
Josh Silas 16-37-3 228 2
Rushing
Att. Yards TDs
Zach Miller 257 1,930 22
Justin Green 83 440 4
Receiving
No. Yards TDs
Justin Brown 7 280 4
Zach Miller 9 144 1
Tackles
Solo Assists Total
Zach Miller 38 60 68
Matthew Hammons 15 34 32
Roster
No. Name Class
10 Reno Wimberley Sophomore
11 Cole Baxter Freshman
12 Isaac Smith Junior
13 Ben Smith Sophomore
14 Kendrick Tinker Freshman
15 Luke Harrison Junior
16 Chase James Junior
17 Michael Woody Sophomore
18 Riley Jenkins Freshman
19 LaShawn Couey Junior
20 Devin Weber Senior
21 Chris Wimberley Senior
22 Ryan Rowland Junior
23 Gatlin Lanning Senior
24 Tristen Cheatham Junior
25 Tristen Senn Junior
26 Michael O'Quinn Freshman
27 Riley LaBree Sophomore
28 Dylan Davis Sophomore
29 A.J. Pittaway Senior
30 Josh Silas Senior
32 Noah Peters Freshman
33 Tanner Swann Sophomore
34 Waylon Davis Freshman
35 Zach Miller Senior
36 Theron Allen Sophomore
37 Noah Amelung Sophomore
39 Carter Flowers Senior
41 Matthew Lydon Senior
42 Blake Cross Senior
43 Brett Demerritt Sophomore
44 Seth Sloan Freshman
45 Joel Patterson Freshman
46 Hunter Wilcox Junior
48 Logan Griswold Freshman
49 Jake Carden Sophomore
50 Toot Swallows Junior
51 Keegan Ingram Junior
52 Tanner Plemons Senior
53 Chance Hood Junior
54 Ben Norwood Sophomore
55 Matthew Hammons Senior
56 Daniel Peters Junior
57 Trent Ledford Freshman
59 Cameron Black Freshman
60 Dawson Houston Freshman
61 Jakob Davis Junior
62 Michael Williams Sophomore
63 Michael Black Sophomore
66 Patrick Triplett Sophomore
69 Christian Elliott Senior
70 Jarrett Blackburn Freshman
71 Stonewall Stinnett Freshman
72 Josh McGowan Sophomore
74 Zach Rowland Senior
78 Drake Lockhart Freshman
79 Walker Hood Senior
81 Dakota Bishop Junior
82 Austin Stone Freshman
83 Steven Baker Freshman
85 Corey Swallows Senior
86 Dakota Hughes Freshman
88 Teddy Mealor Freshman