Fulton Travels to Livingston Academy for Season Finale

Fulton and Livingston Academy will conclude their 2008 seasons friday at Livingston…The Falcons will miss the playoffs for the first time since 1993….Fulton is on a 3-game losing streak, and has averaged scoring only 8 points a game during the stretch…Fulton’s last losing season came in 1996 when the Falcons finished 4-7…Fulton has won all 3 prior meetings with the Wildcats, and holds a record of 12-5 against schools hailing from the mid-state…FHS has been a 2nd half team in 2008. Fulton is outscoring opponents 100-68 in the final 2 quarters…The Falcons have cut down on penalties this year. They average 4.2 penalties for 39 yards this year…Livingston Academy earned their first win of the 2008 season last week at Stone Memorial (28-0)…Despite the 1-8 record, LA is one of the most improved teams in region 2-3A.

Series History

Friday marks the fourth-ever meeting between Fulton and Livingston Academy. These two teams have combined to win 4 of the last 5 Class 3A state championships, with Fulton winning in 2003-2004, 2006, and Livingston Academy earning the title in 2005. The Falcons hold a 3-0 advantage in the all-time series. Fulton won the first meeting in 2005 at Fulton 18-7, and won in the mud at Livingston 54-0 two years ago. Fulton shut out the Wildcats 36-0 last year in Knoxville. The schools have met twice on the hardwood, with the Wildcats defeating Fulton in the first round of the 1997 TSSAA boy’s state basketball tournament, and Fulton winning in the first round of the 2008 tourney. This is the 18th time that the Falcons have faced a team hailing from the mid-state. Fulton has a record of 12-5 against teams from middle Tennessee. This will be only the fourth regular season meeting between Fulton and a mid-state school since 1959.

Last Meeting

Fulton concluded its 2007 regular season with a 36-0 victory over Livingston Academy on Senior Night at Bob Black Field. The Falcons overcame an over 25 minute deficit in time of possession, and only ran 25 total plays on offense. The FHS defense converted two Livingston Academy turnovers into scores in the first half.
The Falcons opened the scoring in the game when Derek Wilcox intercepted a Brannon McCoin pass and returned it for a 38-yard touchdown. Terrence Cobb added the second touchdown of the game on a 26-yard jaunt late in the first quarter.
Fulton increased the lead to 22-0 following the first of Ken Tyson’s 2 TDs. Tyson recorded a 4-yard scoring run on a wide receiver sweep. The defense struck again late in the 2nd quarter when Jabriel Siler stepped in front of a McCoin pass and returned it 38-yards to give Fulton a 30-0 lead at the half.
Despite only completing 2 of 6 passes for 16 yards FHS QB Jonathan Blair closed out the scoring with a 12-yard strike to Tyson mid-way through the 3rd period. The mercy rule went into effect and the Fulton defense recorded their 3rd shutout of 2007, and the 80th in school history. Linebacker Stefon Matthews led the defense with 9 tackles and 2 sacks.

2008 Wildcat Schedule (1-8)

Date Opponent Result
8/22 @Smith Co. L, 28-7
8/29 Trousdale Co. L, 35-0
9/5 @Kingston L, 21-0
9/19 Catholic L, 47-7
9/26 York Institute L, 28-21
10/3 @Austin-East L, 14-0
10/10 Scott L, 16-0
10/17 @Anderson Co. L, 42-14
10/24 @Stone Memorial W, 28-0

Fulton 2008 Statistical Leaders

Rushing Carries Yards TD
Dametrius Thomas 104 599 4
Marco Golliday 54 254 2
Receiving Catches Yards TD
Courtland Styles 30 365 6
Jemichael Williams 29 502 4
Passing Att/Comp Yards TD
Ben Winters 78/160 1093 13
Tackles Tackles -yd Sack
Quientest Vinson 73 6 0
Jemichael Williams 58 1 0
Antwan Hamilton 45 7.5 4

Cookeville Herald Citizen Article:

Livingston Academy (1-8, 1-5)
The Wildcats got off the snide last week with a big win against Stone Memorial 28-0. Livingston Academy now has a chance to finish the season strong against a depleted Fulton Falcons team on "Senior Night" on Halloween.

"The kids worked really hard," coach Bruce Lamb said. "They busted their tails during the game to get a win.

"Offensively we came out and ran the ball very well and everything seemed to click."

The offense produced the most points they have scored in a game this season and managed the clock by running the ball. Breaks also seemed to go Livingston's way as well, as they recovered the opening kickoff to set up a touchdown run.

"In the last two weeks we didn't have any breaks go our way," Lamb said. "It seemed like it was the first time in nine games we had a break go our way."

Coach Lamb said the Wildcats will have to limit big plays and manage the clock to keep the athletic Falcons off the field. Though both teams have been down this season and are already out of the playoffs, a win puts a better taste in their mouths going into winter workouts.

"If we can win two in a row it will be big momentum going into next season," Lamb said.

Fulton and Austin East Rivalry Continues Friday Night at Bob Black Field

The Falcons meet their oldest current rival Friday at Bob Black Field. Fulton and Austin-East will meet for the 41st time in a rivalry that dates back to 1969. The Roadrunners lead the all-time series 23-17, but Fulton has won the last 3 meetings and 6 out of the last 9 games…Fulton’s playoff hopes took a severe hit last week after a 28-3 loss to Catholic. Fulton needs a win Friday and help next week to earn their 16th consecutive playoff berth…Fulton’s offense recorded 4 more first downs last week than Catholic, but was crippled by a season-high 5 turnovers…The 3 points scored by Fulton last week marked the first time since 1990 that the Falcons only mustered a field goal in a game…FHS has been a 2nd half team in 2008. Fulton is outscoring opponents 93-61 in the final 2 quarters…The Falcons have cut down on penalties this year. They average 4.5 penalties for 41.9 yards this year…Fulton will say goodbye to 15 seniors playing their final game on Bob Black Field…Austin-East comes into Friday’s game on a 6-game winning streak after losing their first 2 games of the season…The Roadrunners are tied for 2nd place in region 2-3A with Kingston with 4-1 records…The A-E defense has surrendered a total of 7 points with 3 shutouts in their last 4 games…Friday’s game is the SportsAnimal 99 Game of the Week, and can also be heard live on WKCS 91.1 FM.



Series History

Austin-East is Fulton’s oldest rival on the current schedule, and this rivalry has become known for exciting games. Friday is the 41st meeting between the schools, with A-E holding a 23-17 advantage in the all-time series. The Roadrunners have had good success at Bob Black Field in the past. They have a 12-7 advantage over the Falcons at Fulton. Fulton recorded its first back-to-back victories over A-E since the 1977 and 1978 seasons when they won 34-21 in week 9 of the 2007 season. Fulton has currently won 3 straight over the Roadrunners.

Fulton vs. Austin-East--The Series

• This is the 41st meeting between Fulton and Austin-East.
• A-E leads the all-time series 23-17.
• A-E leads the series in games played at Bob Black Field 12-7.
• The series is tied in games played at Dusty Lennon Stadium 10-10.
• Fulton won the 1st ever-game played in Dusty Lennon Stadium 35-13 over the Roadrunners on September 14, 1973. This was also Fulton’s 1st win in the series.
• Fulton and A-E has played every year since 1973.
• A-E won the 1st ever meeting in 1969 32-20 at Evans-Collins Field.
• Fulton wore black jerseys for the first time in school history in defeating A-E 26-7 at Fulton in 2006.
• Fulton has won all 3 playoff meetings between the teams.
• Fulton won the last playoff meeting 26-6 in 2007 in the 3rd round of the TSSAA playoffs.
• Fulton’s longest wining streak in the series is 6 games (1973-1978).
• A-E’s longest winning streak in the series is 7 games (1991-1997).
• Fulton and East met 8 times from 1951-1961. Fulton leads the series 5-3. East High and Austin High were combined to form Austin-East in the late 1960s.



Last Meeting

The Fulton Falcons completed the season sweep of the Austin-East Roadrunners with a 26-6 victory at Bob Black Field in the 3rd rond of the TSSAA playoffs. The FHS defense turned in another masterful effort, intercepting 5 passes and holding the Roadrunners to 96 total yards.
Derek Humphrey had a career night for Fulton, intercepting 3 A-E passes, and catching 3 passes for 43 yards and a score. Humphrey opened the scoring for the home team by stepping in front of a Mark Montgomery pass and returning it 60 yards for a TD early in the 1st quarter. Humphrey then scored on the offensive end as he hauled in an 8-yard strike from Jonathan Blair to give Fulton a 14-0 lead.
The Falcons gave up their first points of the post season early in the 2nd half when Trey Smith intercepted a deflected Blair pass and returned it 66-yards for A-E’s only score. Fulton quickly regained the momentum on the next possession as Vic Smith got behind the Roadrunner secondary and caught a 61-yard scoring bomb from Blair. Terrence Cobb closed out the scoring for Fulton with a 49-yard run mid-way through the 3rd quarter. Cobb posted another strong effort versus A-E, rushing 22 times for 157 yards.
The Falcon defense sacked A-E quarterbacks 4 times in the game, and limited the Roadrunners to converting only 1 of 12 third and fourth down conversions. Penalties were again a concern for Fulton. The Falcons were penalized 14 times for 128 yards.

2008 Roadrunner Schedule (6-2)

Date Opponent Result
8/29 @Webb L, 19-6
9/5 @Catholic L, 21-12
9/12 @Carter W, 20-13
9/19 Scott W, 26-19
9/26 @Brainerd W, 34-0
10/3 Livingston Acad. W, 14-0
10/10 @Anderson Co. W, 12-7
10/17 Stone Memorial W, 54-0



Austin-East Twins Attracting Recruiters (KNS Article):

Twins, the sons of former Tennessee basketball player Rob Jones (1982-86). The two seniors from Austin-East returned to football this season after playing as freshmen and have instantly become sought-after recruits. They're also nightmarish matchups for opponents. Chance makes receivers pay when coming across the middle. Chase breaks up passes the average safety can't. And despite their hiatus, the Jones twins had no problem getting physical fast.

Fulton Faces Second Ranked Irish in Week 8 Regional Battle

Information Provided by Fulton SID Russell Mayes:

Setting The Scene

Friday’s match-up between Fulton and Catholic will likely be the last regular season meeting between the teams for at least 4 years. The TSSAA announced this week that Fulton and Catholic will be in different classifications beginning next year…Fulton will try to rebound from a 21-14 loss to Kingston last week. The Falcons recorded season lows in rushing yards (14) and total offense yards (128) last week…With a 2-2 record in region play, the Falcons are fighting to keep a 15-year playoff streak alive…The last time Fulton started a season 3-4 was in 1998. The Falcons rebounded that year to earn a playoff berth and finish with a 7-5 record…Fulton is 1-2 in home games this year…Fulton opponents are averaging an over 2:30 advantage in time of possession… FHS has been a 2nd half team in 2008. They are outscoring their opponents 93-54 in the 3rd and 4th quarters…The Irish come into friday’s game with a perfect 7-0 record and a #2 AP state ranking…Catholic won last year’s meeting 27-0. It was the last time that Fulton was shutout in a game…Catholic holds a 3-2 advantage in the all-time series with the Falcons…Friday’s game will be broadcast live on CSS, and webcast live on wazoosports.com. WKCS-FM 91.1 and the Sportsanimal 99 will handle the game broadcast on the radio.


Series History

Friday’s game between Fulton and Catholic could mark the final meeting between the schools. Catholic is scheduled to move up in classification next year. Despite only having 5 previous meetings, the Fulton-Catholic match-up has become one of East Tennessee’s premier high school games. In four of the previous meetings, one of the teams was ranked #1 in the state of Tennessee. Last year, the #1-ranked Irish steamrolled Fulton 27-0 at Catholic. The Falcons and Irish met twice in 2005 and 2006, with each team winning two games. Fulton won the first-ever meeting in 2005 over the #1 ranked Irish 38-9. Catholic won the playoff rematch 21-0 in the second round, thanks in part to an amazing touchdown catch by Harrison Smith. Catholic defeated the 1st ranked Falcons on Bob Black Field 27-14 in 2006. Fulton answered by knocking off the top ranked Irish later in the year. 18-13. The Falcons overcame a 13-0 deficit in the 4th quarter with 3 late touchdowns. Dennis Freeney’s diving catch gave Fulton the deciding points.Despite the fact that for many years Futon and Catholic were located near to each other, the schools do share a few similarities. From 1951-1964 Fulton played its home games on Evans-Collins Field, the same field that Catholic played on when the school was located on Magnolia. In 1983 Catholic hosted the Shamrock Bowl, a post-season doubleheader. The Falcons won their Shamrock Bowl game over Carter by the score of 10-7.

Fulton v. Catholic Highlights 2006



Last Meeting-Catholic 27 FHS 0

Fulton could not overcome a turnover plagued 2nd quarter that saw Catholic score 3 touchdowns, as the Irish defeated Fulton 27-0. The loss marked the first time since 2001 that the Falcons were shutout. Irish wingback Matt Pfleger scored all three 2nd quarter TDs.
The Falcons suffered a tough blow late in the 1st quarter as FB/LB Bubba Stokes suffered an injury that forced him from the game. Catholic quickly added to Fulton’s woes as QB Eric Lindsey connected with Pfleger on an 86-yard TD pass to open the 2nd quarter. Pfleger’s next two scores were 7-yard runs, set up by interceptions by Catholic. The Irish led 21-0 at the half.
For the second consecutive week, Fulton struggled in the run game, rushing for a total of 15 yards. QB Jonathan Blair was forced to go to the air to move the ball. Blair connected on 18 of 32 passes, but suffered 7 sacks. Derek Humphrey caught 7 passes for 68 yards, and Vic Smith had 5 catches for 56 yards.
Catholic closed out the scoring in the 3rd quarter on a 70-yard pass from Lindsey to Ryan Walden. Lindsey only completed 3 passes on the night, but threw for 155 yards. Terrence Cobb led the Fulton defense with 7 tackles. A fumble recovery by Derek Wilcox put Fulton in position for a late score, but the Falcons were unable to break the shutout.

2008 Fighting Irish Schedule (7-0)

Date Opponent--------------Result
8/22 @Mo West--------------W, 28-0
8/29 Stone Memorial--------W, 41-7
9/5 Austin-East-----------W, 21-12
9/12 Webb------------------W, 20-16
9/19 @Livingston Ac.-------W, 47-7
9/26 @Baylor---------------W, 21-20
10/3 @Anderson Co.---------W, 28-14

Poll Watching

Poll----------Fulton-------Catholic
AP--------------NR------------2
Earl Nall-------6-------------2
Sonny Moore-----7-------------1
Murphy Fair-----NR------------2
tnvarsity.com---NR------------1
maxpreps.com----98------------8
Massey----------111-----------17

The Sonny Moore poll has Fulton listed as the number 56 team in the entire state of Tennessee. Catholic is the number 16 team in the state. The Falcons have never ended the season at number one according to AP.

Falcons on TV

Fulton makes its 20th all-time live television appearance tonight. Five of those appearances have come in the BlueCross Bowl. Fulton has an all-time record of 9-10 in TV games. The Falcons have lost their last 4 TV appearances. The Falcons played on live TV a record five times in 2006, and compiled a 5-1 record. Tonight marks the 1st time the Falcons have appeared on wazoosports.com.



Falcons On The Web

Every Fulton football game will be broadcast live on WKCS-FM 91.1, and can now be heard on the Internet at www.wkcsradio.org... Fulton’s official football website is www.fultonfootball.com.

Knoxville Catholic Official Football website

Catholic Standout Jr Running Back Dorian Cozart

Kingston Holds off Fulton, 21-14

KNS Article by Matthew Chiaro
Pictures by Valentine Studios, INC.

With a chance to compete for the top spot in the region on the line, Kingston High School used power defense and offense to help move closer to a spot at the top.

Led by senior James Sams' two touchdowns and a late defensive stand, the Yellow Jackets defeated visiting Fulton 21-14 on Friday night.

The victory moves Kingston (6-1, 3-1 Region 2-3A) closer to Catholic, the conference frontrunner, which leads the pack at 4-0. After a bye week, Catholic plays Fulton (3-4, 2-2) next week.


While Kingston led the entire game, things got dicey for the Yellow Jackets in the second half as Fulton scored two late touchdowns.

Kingston coach Vic King credited his defense.

"Everybody played hard and our defense did exceptional," King said. "I don't know what the stats were but they were all over the place."


Halfway through the third quarter, the Falcons blocked a punt and the ball was ruled down on the Kingston 3.

Fulton quarterback Ben Winters' six yard touchdown pass to Jamichael Williams with 5:31 left in the quarter cut the Kingston lead to 14-7.

Later in the quarter, Kingston retaliated. Sams powered through the defense and toppled a lone defender with a stiff-arm to score.

"We gave as much heart as we could," Sams said. "All my four years we never beat Fulton and tonight we proved ourselves."


In the fourth quarter, Winters led the Falcons down the field and ended a long drive with a 16 yard touchdown pass to Williams with 6:02 left.

Up by seven with a minute and a half left in regulation, Kingston was facing a fourth down and two situation from its 36, but Fulton was called for an offsides penalty giving the Yellow Jackets a fresh set of downs and a victory.


The game belonged to Kingston in the first half as their three-headed running team of Brad Riddick, Alex Roberts and Sams rushed for a combined 133 yards.

Fulton had only 44 total yards on offense with an interception and a sack allowed at halftime.

Falcons Travel to Kingston for Regional Battle vs Yellow Jackets

Setting The Scene

Friday’s match-up between Fulton and Kingston could very well be a pre-playoff playoff game. The winner will pick up an all-important 3rd region win, and the loser will likely need to pick up a win over Catholic or A-E to stay in the playoff hunt…The Falcons come into friday’s game on a 3-game winning streak, following a 35-17 win at Scott…The Fulton offense racked up a season high 451 yards against the Highlanders… The Falcons have averaged 35 points a game during this winning streak…Fulton is 2-1 in Region 2-3A play this year…The Falcons are hoping to keep a streak of 15 consecutive playoff appearances alive…Fulton leads the all-time series with Kingston 8-6, and has won the last 7 meetings…This marks the 3rd consecutive year that Kingston has come into the Fulton game with a 5-1 record.



Fulton vs. Kingston- The Series

The Fulton Falcons and Kingston Yellow Jackets meet for the 15th time at Dr. Nat Sugarman Field. The Fulton leads the all-time series 8-6, but the Jackets have won 5 of the 8 games played in Kingston. Fulton has won the last seven games in the series, and the last three games played in Roane Co.. The Falcons lost the first 5 games in the series before QB Chuck Wilson and RB DeMarcus Fine led the Falcons to an emotional 52-29 victory in 1999. The teams have met in the post-season on three occasions, dating back to the schools’ first meeting in 1988. The Yellow Jackets rallied to defeat the upset-minded Falcons 13-12 in that meeting. Kingston has won all three playoff meetings. The Yellow Jackets have made 22 playoff appearances, winning the state championship in 1973. Coach Vic King is in his 23rd season as the head coach of the Yellow Jackets; holding a 177-81 record (68.6 winning %).


Last Meeting- FHS 34 Kingston 2

Fulton took advantage of 5 Kingston turnovers and a career night from QB Jonathan Blair to defeat the visiting Yellow Jackets 34-2 at Bob Black Field. Blair connected on 11 of 18 passes and threw for a career-high 236 yards and 3 TDs. Vic Smith and Derrick Humphrey both had big nights catching passes from Blair. Smith had 4 catches for 123 yards and 2 touchdowns, including an 81-yard bomb from Blair in the 2nd quarter. Humphrey began Fulton’s 18-point scoring barrage in the 4th quarter with a 39-yard TD catch. He finished with 3 catches for 94 yards. Fulton’s running game struggled against Kingston, netting only 6 total yards. Terrence Cobb rushed 15 times for 42 yards to lead the effort. For the night, Fulton gained 8 first downs and 242 total yards, both season lows.
The Fulton defense displayed a bend but don’t break philosophy on the night. The Falcons allowed Kingston to gain 183 yards rushing, but forced 5 turnovers to stop potential Kingston scoring drives. Yellow Jacket RB James Sams carried the ball 18 times for 133 yards. Bubba Stokes recorded a season high 18 tackles for Fulton. The Falcons would have recorded their 3rd shutout of the year, except for a safety called against Fulton following a blocking in the back penalty called near the end zone during a Ken Tyson interception return. Tyson recorded two interceptions on the night.

2008 Yellow Jacket Schedule (5-1)

Date Opponent Result
8/29 @Harriman W, 20-18
9/5 Livingston Academy W, 21-0
9/12 Rockwood W, 21-0
9/19 Anderson Co. L, 24-17 (2OT)
9/26 Oliver Springs W, 34-8
10/3 @Stone Memorial W, 41-14

Kingston in the News:

Anderson nips Kingston in two overtimes, 24-17

In a football game that left virtually every fan entertained - even if a few left unhappy - Anderson County High School defeated Kingston Friday night, 24-17, in two overtimes. The game ended dramatically after Justin Ellis of Anderson County recovered a Kingston fumble on third down in the second overtime.
In the first overtime, senior tailback James Sams scored on a 10-yard reception from Francis on the first play to put Kingston up 17-10. Anderson County faced fourth down on its possession, but Paul Longmire threw to Chad Coleman to tie the score.
JN Young caught a touchdown pass on first down for Anderson County in the second overtime.

Kingston runs past Rockwood 21-0

Kingston set the tone early, driving 71 yards on 10 plays and burning more than five minutes off the clock. Three backs touched the ball, including Riddick, who picked up 44 yards and a 4-yard score. Andrew Spellman's kick made it 7-0 in the first quarter. The Yellow Jackets (3-0, 2-0 Region 2-3A) rolled up 235 yards on the ground led by senior James Sams, who had a game-high 116 yards on 19 carries.

Poll Watching

Poll Fulton Kingston
Earl Nall----6----16
Sonny Moore---4---17
Massey------78----103

The Sonny Moore poll has Fulton listed as the number 40 team in the entire state of Tennessee. Kingston is the number 105 team in the state. The Falcons have never ended the season at number one according to AP. Here is how the Falcons have fared in the final polls.



Thomas PrepXtra Player of the Week

Sophomore RB Dametrius Thomas had a career night last week against Scott. Thomas rushed for 194 yards and two touchdowns against the Highlanders. For his efforts, Thomas was named as the Offensive player of the week by prepxtra.com and WBIR-TV. Thomas is the third Falcon to earn a player of the week nomination and first to win this weekly honor. Shaquan Andrews was a defensive player of the week nominee from WBIR last week, and Quintest Vinson was nominated for defensive player of the week by PrepXtra following the Tyner game.



Fulton 2008 Statistical Leaders

Rushing
Dametrius Thomas 63 for 441 yds, 4TDs
Marco Golliday 51 for 249 yds, 2 TDs

Receiving
Courtland Styles 25 rec 283 yds, 5 TDs
Jemichael Williams 19 rec 354 yds, 2 TDs

Passing
Ben Winters 55/105 att 767 yards, 10 TDs

Tackles
Quintest Vinson 51
Jemichael Williams 36
Antonio Barfield 31, 2 Sacks

Styles Catching Touchdowns and Media Attention

Fulton senior Wide Receiver Courtland Styles is making his presence felt in Region 2-3A. Even though his start to the season was delayed, he has quickly made an impact for the Falcons. After four games Styles has amassed 25 catches for 283 yards and 5 Touch Downs, while averaging 11 yards per play. Courtland has been featured recently by several media outlets. Here are a few:

Styles making most of belated move to Fulton (KNS Article)

The only real estate Courtland Styles concerns himself with these days is the plush, 10-yard-deep lot known as the end zone.

It's not difficult to sell him on its location, location, location.

But while the senior wide receiver for the Fulton High School football team is a rookie when it comes to ARMs, escrow or equity, he has a newfound appreciation for the workings of the real-estate business.

"I don't know much about it," he said. "I just know it's gotta get done."

Styles, a 6-foot-3, 205-pound transfer from Central, missed the first two games this season while his parents' lengthy move to the Fulton school district was finalized. Watching the Falcons (2-3) start 0-2 with losses to Oak Ridge and Anderson County stung.

"That hurt," he said. "I'm not used to being on the sidelines, especially in crunch-time moments. ... It wasn't a good feeling."

Even Fulton's third game was in question for Styles. Unsure of his status the night before the Sept. 12 game with Tyner, Styles' night of sleep wasn't a good one. The next day, he fielded questions in the hallways but he couldn't offer a firm answer.

He finally learned his fate later that afternoon.

"While I was in school, everything was getting handled," he said. "Everything was getting moved into the house. The KUB bills were getting switched over. As of fourth block, 15 minutes left in fourth block, that's when I got the OK that I was for-sure playing."

Styles' impact has been felt. He's scored in every game. The Falcons nearly knocked off state-ranked Tyner in his first showing and followed that with two wins. Styles has 21 catches for 247 yards and four touchdowns and is pitching in some time at safety.

Fulton can jump back into the Region 2-3A playoff picture with a win at Scott tonight. But before that happens, Styles must answer these 10 questions ...


1. I know you play a little basketball. How many days per year are you not involved in sports?

Honestly, I can't say that. The only time I see myself sitting out is a bye week or the offseason. And when it's offseason, I'm probably still doing something. My dad, he doesn't like me sitting down at all.

2. Where is your sanctuary? Where do you go to get your mind in order?

One on one with my dad. My dad keeps my head right. When my head is spinning or I'm just losing it or I just need some time to focus, I sit my dad down, one on one, and he gets me right. He lets me know what I need to know, what I need to do and gets me right. My dad, he's my motivator. He motivates me - ever since I've been in sports, he's been right there with me to let me know what's right. He's also been a devil's advocate at the same time.

What do you mean by that?

He's my worst critic. (Laughs.) My worst critic.

3. When you line up across from a defensive back, what's your best (trash-talking) line?

You will not win. (Laughs). You will not win.

Are you a big trash talker?

Not at all. I will say that when I was younger, a sophomore or a junior, I did a lot of trash talking. My dad also said that the more trash talk I talk the worse I look. So I cut that out a little bit.

4. When's the last time you dropped a wide-open catch?

Man, I'm going to have to say - I know I haven't this year - I'm going to have to say my junior year. I'm pretty sure I dropped one last year. I ain't gonna lie.

What do you remember more: touchdowns or drops?

I remember the ones I didn't catch. There's nothing worse than missing a wide-open pass.

5. There's a song out right now called "Get Like Me (Stuntin' is a Habit)." Can you explain that?

Yeah. Only you can be you. If someone likes it or doesn't like it, all you can tell them is 'Get like me.' (Laughs).

All right. What's your favorite song right now?

I'll probably have to say Young Jeezy, the whole new album, "The Recession." ... Ever since that's been out, I'm somewhere in the corner with my headphones on, listening to "The Recession."

6. What's something surprising people may not know about Courtland Styles?

If you don't know me, you probably wouldn't take on that I'm a real goofy kid. The people I didn't know before, that I have gotten to know, were like, "You looked mean. You never smiled." But once you get to know me, I'm a real outgoing, goofy type of kid.

7. Last good book you've read or movie you've seen?

I'm not real sure. I just watched "ATL" last night, but that came out a while ago. I can't think of the most recent one.

Did it bother you to see (rapper) T.I. roller-skating in that movie?

(Laughs). No, not at all!

It didn't damage his image in your eyes?

Not at all.

8. Why are mohawks coming back? Why are guys getting jersey numbers and names shaved into their heads again?

I honestly can't tell you, because, me, myself, I would never put a mohawk in my head. But as far as the numbers and names and stuff, I don't know. It's just the new style. Here soon, I'm going to get my name put in my head, too.

So you'll get your name put in there, but not a mohawk?

Nah. No mohawk.

Not even if Fulton makes it to the championship game, and the night before everyone is getting them?

If a whole bunch of people want me to, I'd probably do it just for the fans. But if it was up to just me, I wouldn't get a mohawk put in my head.

9. What is Courtland Styles' style like?

I always got to keep a fresh pair of Air Force Ones on, or some Jordans - and a fitted cap. I keep a fitted cap on my head if I'm not at school.

10. One weekend, when you're free, will you take me down to Players over there on Broadway?

(Laughs). Yeah, I got you. I got a couple of spots. I got a couple of spots that not everybody knows about.

I've just always seen their commercials and wanted to go.

Yeah, I'll get you right.

One more thing: Apple Bottom jeans, nice or over-rated?

I'll say overrated. My lady don't wear 'em.



2009 Standout Changing His Style (Rivals.com Article):

One of the most surprising stories in the Knoxville area this summer in the regards to high school football, was the unexpected transfer of star athlete Courtland Styles Jr.(6 foot 4, 200 lbs) from Knoxville(TN) Central High School to the Fulton High School Falcons. To some the move was seen as controversial, but to Styles the move was fueled out of necessity.

Styles, who was an All-Region selection at Central in '07 and will play WR/FS for Fulton, had 56 catches for over 700 yds last season and double digit touchdowns for his former team. Arguably the top recieving talent in East Tennesssee, Styles along the way he has picked up interest from teams such as Louisville, Georgia Tech, Tennessee and Tennessee -Martin. "I'm interested in anyone, I'm not picky. I just want to play college ball", said Styles.


In terms of his transition to his new school, Styles feels as though the change is a good fit. "I feel like I'm in a better environment, I feel like I'm at home. At first, I had some reservations, because of my friends at Central, but it (transferring) was something I had to do in the best interest of my future".

"I still talk to some of the Central players, and there are no hard feelings. I want them to be successful, but I have to do what's best for me as a player. I want to win a state championship and Fulton gives me the opportunity to do that".

So how has he handled the whispers and rumors about his exodus from the Bobcats?

"Yeah, I've heard all the rumors about why I left Central, but really for me, it was just a chance to be in a better situation overall."

Styles has had the opportunity to work with his new Falcon teammates this summer in the recent national 7-on-7 passing tourney at the University of Tennessee. If the early returns of his performance at the event are any indication, expect Styles to have a monster season. "I scored 5 TD's in one game against a team from Ohio. The passing tourney was a great experience for me and my teammates".

With the Falcons being a very young team, alot of the leadership roles have fallen on Styles, and that is something that he embraces. "We are a young team, but these young guys can play, they are stepping up. Everybody has a role and there is no selfishness on this team, I want to be a leader on and off the field for these guys."

"Coach Coatney the other coaches and the players have been great in making me feel apart of this team. I just want to win".


Fulton Highlighted by MAXPREPS During Week 5 vs. Morristown East

Smothering Second Half Defense, Big Play Offense Lead to 35-17 Victory over Scott County

The Falcons fell behind 10-7 to the Highlanders early in the second quarter, but shifted the game's momentum thanks to defensive adjustments and the aggressive running of sophomore tailback Demetrius Thomas. Thomas' 84 yard run in the second quarter kick started the Falcon offense, which took to the locker-room with a 21-17 lead. The Falcons struck for two unanswered touchdowns during the third quarter as sophomore QB Ben Winters hooked up with senior WR Courtland Styles for a 14 yard score and junior FB Quintest Vinson rumbled 87 yards up the middle of the Scott County defense. Meanwhile, the Falcon defense stymied the Highlander offense and collected 2 interceptions during the second half. The Fulton offense, which averaged 10 yards per play, was led by Thomas' 194 yards rushing and JeMicheal Williams' 111 yard receiving. The win was Fulton's third in a row and also increased the all-time series to 11-3 versus the Highlanders (6-1 at Highlander stadium). The Falcons (3-3 overall, 2-1 in Region 2-3A) travel to Kingston next week for another key regional matchup versus the Yellow Jackets.



Scoring

Team----------1Q---2Q---3Q---4Q---Total
Fulton--------7----14---14---0-----35
Scott---------3----14---0----0-----17

Scoring Summary

FirstQuarter
Scott---Blakley 31 yd FG
Fulton---D Thomas 2 yd run (Haun kick)
Second Quarter
Scott---J Sexton 11 yd pass from Kries (Blakley kick)
Fulton---D Thomas 84 yd run
Scott---J Sexton 82 yd pass from Kries (Blakley kick)
Fulton---A Barfield 6 yd pass from Winters (2pt Winters to Barfield)
Third Quarter
Fulton---C Styles 14 yd pass from B Winters (Haun kick)
Fulton---Q Vinson 87 yd run (Haun kick)
Fourth Quarter
No Scoring



Team Statistics

Team--------1st Downs--Rush Yds--Pass Yds--Ttl Yds--Time of Poss
Fulton---------13--------296-------155------451-------21:32
Scott----------20--------83--------262------345-------26:28



Individual Leaders:

Rushing:
D Thomas 17 rushes, 194 yds, 2 TDs
Q Vinson 1 rush, 87 yds, 1 TD

Receiving:
J Williams 4 rec, 111 yds
C Styles 4 rec, 36 yds, 1 TD

Passing:
B Winters 10 of 13 for 155 yds, 2 TDs, 1 INT



Tackles:
A. Hamilton 13 Total (3 solo and 10 assisted)
Q. Vinson 9 Total (4 solo and 5 assisted)

Sacks:
A. Hamilton 1.5 for -7.5 yd loss
A. Chapman .5 for -1.5 yd loss

Interceptions:
B. Bridges 1 for 36 yards
B. Jackson 1 for 8 yards



Photos Courtesy of Valentine Studios, Inc.

Falcons Heating Up, Look to Bring Their Own Brand of Fireworks to Huntsville

After a huge 31-21 upset of the No. 5 Ranked Morristown East Hurricanes, the Fulton Falcons travel to Huntsville this Friday looking to continue their midseason momentum. This will be the Falcons second regional matchup as they take on a very formidable opponent in Coach Dave Gillum's Scott County Highlanders.

Game Notes Courtesy of Fulton SID Russell Mayes:

Setting The Scene

The 2008 playoff run begins in earnest tonight in Huntsville as the Fulton Falcons face the Scott Highlanders. Fulton is 1-1 in Region 2-3A play this year…The Falcons are hoping to keep a streak of 15 consecutive playoff appearances alive… Fulton is on a 2-game winning streak after upsetting class 4A Morristown East 31-21 last week…Fulton has won 8 in a row in the series with Scott, and has an all-time advantage of 10-3 over the Highlanders…Coach David Gillum’s team comes into the Fulton game 4-1 for the 2nd consecutive year…The Highlanders enjoyed a week off last week after losing 26-20 to Austin-East on September 19…Scott’s last playoff appearance came in 1999… Fulton will be a sophomore-laden team in 2008. Six sophomores on offense and seven sophomores on defense were penciled in to starting roles on Fulton’s original 2008 depth chart.

Fulton vs. Scott High -The Series

Fulton and Scott High meet for the 14th time tonight in Huntsville. Fulton leads the all-time series 10-3, and leads in the games played at Highlander Stadium 5-1. The series dates back to 1993 and has featured many high and low points for each school. The 1993 meeting saw Scott hold the Falcons with a goal-line stand as time expired to win 21-14. The next year, the Highlanders rained on Fulton’s homecoming with an impressive 14-0 victory in Knoxville. The most exciting meeting in the series came in 1997 when Fulton drove the length of the field in the final seconds for a late touchdown. The Falcons chose to go for the two-point conversion to win the game, and Tyson Porter’s conversion run kept the Falcons’ playoff hopes alive with the 22-21 victory. A region championship was on the line in 1999 when Scott, led by QB Scott Brummett, upset the Falcons 34-14 at Bob Black Field. Fulton returned the favor in 2001, defeating Scott 76-0, the most points scored by the Falcons in school history. Fulton defeated Scott in a 2005 shootout 56-24. Scott’s Wesley Smith rushed for a school record 329 yards and 4 touchdowns, while Dennis Rogan scored 5 TDs and eclipsed the 300-yard mark for Fulton. Fulton currently holds an 8 game winning streak in the series.

Last Meeting

Fulton finished one quarter shy of recording their third consecutive shutout, but still defeated the Scott Highlanders 42-6 on Homecoming at Fulton. A 3-yard touchdown run by Scott’s Justin Jeffers in the 4th quarter was the first score the Falcon defense had given up in 11 quarters. The defense was impressive again, allowing Scott only 39 rushing yards, and 141 total yards.
The Falcons took advantage of two key mistakes by Scott to set up 1st quarter scores. After taking the opening kickoff, Scott was forced to punt. The snap sailed high over the punter’s head, and Fulton recovered at the 3-yard line. Terrence Cobb’s 1-yard run and 2-point conversion gave Fulton a quick 8-0 lead. Marco Golliday blocked Scott’s second punt, and freshman QB Dametrius Thomas scored a 6-yard touchdown on the ensuing drive.
Jonathan Blair had another strong performance for Fulton, completing 10-14 passes for 179 yards and 2 TDs. Blair’s favorite target on the night was Vic Smith. Smith pulled in 6 passes for 150 yards, including touchdowns of 88 yards and a 27-yard TD on the last play of the 1st half to give Fulton a 36-0 halftime lead.
The Fulton rushing attack rolled up 192 yards, and was led by Cobb with 90. Derek Wilcox scored on a 30-yard run late in the 1st half, and fullback Bubba Stokes closed the scoring for the second consecutive week on a 36-yard jaunt.

2008 Highlander Schedule (4-1)

Date Opponent Result
8/22 Wartburg Central W, 47-14
8/29 @Gibbs W, 33-13
9/5 @Stone Memorial W, 34-6
9/12 Taft Youth Center W, 48-22
9/19 @Austin-East L, 26-19

Poll Watching

Poll------------Fulton----Scott
AP----------------NR-------NR
Earl Nall---------6--------27
Sonny Moore-------3--------30
Murphy Fair-------NR-------NR
tnvarsity.com-----NR-------NR
maxpreps.com------86-------115
Massey------------86-------133