The 2016 Fulton Falcons have completed their first week in full pads and will host powerhouses Rhea Co. and Cookeville for a scrimmage on the new turf at Bob Black Field on Friday at 7pm. The Falcons return five offensive and three defensive starters in 2016, which means there will be lots of new faces getting work for the Falcons. One of the major keys for Fulton this year will be the development of the offensive and defensive lines. The success of this year's team will likely be in their hands. The coaching staff should learn a lot about their team after the scrimmage.
Fulton squared off with Rhea Co. in a scrimmage last year. The Golden Eagles have won 23 games the last two years, and have advanced to the Class 5A semifinals in both of those years. Rhea Co. is a tough and physical football team that will line up in a Power-T formation and look to grind out yardage. Expect the Golden Eagles to compete with Knox West and Oak Ridge for a trip to the Class 5A BlueCross Bowl.
Cookeville finished 8-4 last year and advanced to the 2nd Round of the Class 6A playoffs where they were eliminated by Maryville. The Cavs play in one of the toughest 6A regions in the state, squaring off with Rutherford Co. powerhouses Oakland, Riverdale, Siegel, and Blackman. Expect Cookeville to bring a potent offense to Knoxville. The Cavs racked up over 600 yards of total offense in their Spring scrimmage against Franklin Co.
Falcon fans should be familiar with the coaches of tomorrow's opponents. Rhea Co. coach Mark Pemberton was the coach at Catholic when the Falcons had their epic playoff battles with the Irish in 2005 and 2006. Cookeville's Jimmy Maynord was the HC at Smith Co. when the Falcons went to "The Hole" in the 2004 semifinals.
Tomorrow's scrimmage will be a good indicator of where Fulton stands as they end week one of full pads practice. The Falcons will have a scrimmage versus Jefferson Co., and a Jamboree quarter with Campbell Co. before the opener with Morristown East on August 20. No matter the outcome tomorrow, Fulton will benefit from facing two fine football teams tomorrow.
