Jellico looks to reload after record-breaking season

JELLICO, Tenn. (WATE) — The Jellico Blue Devils are coming off a program record 7-4 season, but the experience from that squad has graduated.

“This year we lost a bunch of seniors,” said Jellico head coach Brent Peel. “This is the youngest team that we’ve had since we’ve been there, but we’ve had more participation in the summer than we’ve had. This year, some of these young kids need to step up and grow up really quick and fill these positions and I think we could have another productive, successful season this year.”

One player who will have to step up is quarterback Owen Morgan. The sophomore enters his second season at the starting quarterback.

“He’s young, but he’s definitely learning,” explained Jellico senior running back and linebacker Samuel Proffitt. “He’s getting all his timing down with the younger receivers.”

“He’s a tremendous athlete,” said Peel. “Last year, he had to take baby steps, but at the end of the year he was playing really well.”

Proffitt and the young players want to continue the success of the players before them.

“A lot of these incoming freshmen seen the success that we had last year, and they’re excited about being a part of it, too,” said Peel.

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