Fulton and Gibbs Renew Series

Fulton and Gibbs meet for the 15th time and first time since 2004 in a District 3-AA/Class 4A matchup with playoff implications. Fulton leads the all-time series 11-3, and has a 6-1 record in games played at Gibbs. The schools were members of Region 2-3A from 1993 to 2004. The Falcons currently hold a four game winning streak in the series, with the Eagles last victory coming at Fulton in 2000.

Both teams come into the game with identical 4-2 records. Gibbs is one of the top scoring teams in the state, averaging 37.5 points per game. Fulton averages 20 points per game. The Falcons are ranked 5th in this week’s AP Class 4A poll. Last week, Dametrius Thomas had a rushing and passing touchdown as the Falcons held on to defeat West 14-13. It was the lowest number of points the Falcons have scored in a win since 2003. Fulton has been a fast starting team in 2009. The Falcons are outscoring their opponents 93-26 in the first half this year. Gibbs won at Cumberland Gap last week 46-7. Chris Legg and Andy Hibbett both had 3 touchdowns in the victory.

Coach Brad Conley’s Eagles are one of the most improved teams in East Tennessee. Their four wins this year matches the most wins they have had in a season since 2004. Both of Gibbs’ losses in 2009 have come in overtime. Gibbs has made the playoffs in each of the last three years. The Eagles have made 11 playoff appearances, and have advanced to the 2nd round on five occasions. Gibbs is one of the top scoring teams in the state; averaging 37.5 points per game. QB Chris Legg is a dual threat: He has passed for 393 yards and five TDs, and rushed for 325 yards and eight touchdowns. Legg’s favorite target is Justin Treadway. He has caught nine passes for 111 yards and three touchdowns. Andy Hibbett leads all Gibbs rushers with 421 yards. The Gibbs secondary has recorded seven interceptions this year. Conley’s record at Gibbs is 6-11.

Offensive Notes

-Fulton is outscoring opponents 50-6 in the 1st quarter this year, but they have only scored six points in the 4th quarter.
-Jared Mynatt’s 79-yard TD run on the last play of the game against Pigeon Forge gave the Falcons the only points they have scored in the 4th quarter this year. It was also Mynatt’s first career carry and touchdown.
-Junior RB Dametrius Thomas has rushed for over 100 yards in 5 of his last 9 games, including a 130 yard effort against Catholic last year. His career high is 194 yards against Scott in 2008.
-Mynatt’s 79-yard touchdown run against Pigeon Forge is Fulton’s longest offensive play of the year.
-Senior Xavier Bridges and Junior Javonte Cotner recorded their first career receptions against Morristown East.
-Quarterback Ben Winters threw his first two interceptions of the season in week five against West.
-QB Ben Winters will be making his 18th career start tonight. He is 9-8 as a starting quarterback.

-Winters’ best career start came against Tyner in 2007. He completed 9 of 18 passes for 176 yards and 3 TDs. It was his first career start.
-Winters has completed 152 of 283 passes for 2155 yards and 21 TDs in his career at Fulton.
-QB Nick Lethgo completed his 1st career pass in the Austin-East game. His only other prior pass attempt came in 2007 vs. Stone Memorial.
-The Fulton offense is averaging 240 yards per game. (137.5 yards rushing, 102.5 yards passing)
-Fulton has committed 9 turnovers this year, and is +2 in turnover margin on the year.
-The Falcons have only converted on 1 of 10 4th down conversion opportunities this year.-Despite having the leader District 3-AA in passing yards and receiving yards, the Falcons have not been able to hit a home run this year through the air. Fulton’s longest passing play in 2009 is only 36 yards

Defensive Notes

-The Fulton defense is allowing an average of 198 yards per game. (120.2 rushing, 77.8 passing) Last year, Fulton gave up 219.4 yards per game.
-Fulton is +2 in turnover margin for the season.
-Antonio Barfield recorded Fulton’s first interception in the Alcoa game.
-Sr. Quientest Vinson led the Falcons in tackles last year with 82 stops as a linebacker. He has moved to defensive tackle in 2009 and leads the Falcons with 46 stops.
-Fulton has given up 67 of the 93 points allowed in the second half.
-The Falcons are averaging just 1.8 defensive penalties per game.
-Fulton recorded eight sacks, and 14 minus yard tackles in the West game.

PrepXtra Preseason report:

Heroes:

Justin Treadway (WR, senior, 6-1, 180), Chayse Lyon (RB, senior, 5-8, 165), Brenton Bates (DT, senior, 6-0, 250). Treadway had a team-high 15 catches in 2008, Lyons led the team with more than 400 rushing yards, and Bates was a standout on the defensive front and will do double-duty as the starting center.

Breakout Players:

Seth Brewton (slotback, senior), Ryan Oakley (DE, senior, 6-0, 175). Brewton doesn’t have much size, but he’s a shifty, elusive runner, and that will give the Eagles another look to throw at defenses. Oakley has added some muscle in the offseason, and his hard work will lead to playing time this season.

What’s Good:

There is plenty of experience returning in the offensive and defensive backfield, the byproduct of playing sophomores in 2008. Quarterback Chris Legg was forced into duty as a sophomore and has a season of running the triple option under his belt. His top target returns in Treadway, as well as the top running back in Lyon, along with junior running back Andy Hibbitt, who ran for 200 yards. Defensive line is solid with the return of Bates, DT Nick Brown, and end Brice Clark.

Help Needed:

Conley spent much of the preseason working on the kicking game, one of his primary concerns heading into 2009. Also of major concern: the Eagles lost five senior linemen from the 2008 offense, so Conley is counting on some young linemen to step forward and fill that void.

GoEagles.Net