HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL: Greeneville powers past Tennessee High (2024)

GREENEVILLE, Tenn. – Tennessee High Vikings football coach Josh Holt expected a test in Friday’s season-opener against traditional power Greeneville.

That test proved to be a major exam.

The Greene Devils generated 313 total yards, recovered three fumbles and ended the suspense early en route to a 54-7 win.

“That’s a very good team. And I would reach out to say it’s the best team in the state,” Holt said.

With relentless senior running back Carson Quillen setting a torrid pace, Greeneville opened a 33-0 lead after the first quarter.

Playing without regular quarterback Turner Elliott due to a shoulder injury, the Vikings struggled to find any rhythm on offense.

“I think we were little wide-eyed early,” Holt said. “We knew that we had to hold on to the ball, and we didn’t do a very good job of it. A team as good as Greeneville will capitalize on mistakes like that.”

Many sports fans in Northeast Tennessee are familiar with Quillen. The 5-foot-10, 195-pound senior spun a complete game shutout in the 2023 TSSAA Class 3A state championship game and has already signed to play baseball at Virginia Tech.

Quillen displayed his versatility Friday by accounting for 71 total yards and three scores in just two quarters.

“Carson is big-time,” Greeneville football coach Eddie Spradlin said.

Like most of the Greeneville football players, Quillen has sculpted his body through hours of sacrifice in the weight room.

“Carson is explosive and hard to tackle,” Spradlin said. “Not many athletes are as physical as Carson. He can bench press over 300 pounds and has a 315-power clean and a 450 squat.”

Second-generation quarterback Caden Baugh supplied 147 yards rushing with three touchdowns for Greeneville. He also passed 118 and another score.

“Caden has improved his speed and really worked on his passing game,” Spradlin said. “We have explosive receivers and physical running backs. I’m excited about what we’re doing on offense.”

The leaders on offense for THS were junior quarterback Jack Richardson and senior running back Trent Dowdell.

Richardson ran for 30 yards and a score, while Dowell bulled for 90 yards up the middle on 23 carries.

“Trent is a grinder and his brother (Trevor) was the same way,” Holt said. “Trent works hard in the classroom, weight room and on the field. We need his approach to be contagious.”

Trevor is a senior linebacker at Emory & Henry, while father Derek played running back at Austin Peay and now serves as the running backs for THS.

“Dad always tells us in practice to run low, never fall backyard and finish off runs,” Trent said. “I try to get at least three and a half yards on every play.”

There was little operating room against the hefty defensive front from Greeneville.

“That’s a physical team,” Dowdell said. “Their defense is very good about rallying to the ball and trying to strip it.

“We’re also a physical team and I think we learned a lot tonight about dealing with adversity, even when we are behind.”

The entire second half was played with a running clock.

Richardson was forced to the sidelines in the third quarter after experiencing leg cramps.

“We molded the game plan around Jack’s strengths,” Holt said. “He did a great job of preparing and he battled all night.”

According to Holt, Elliott will return to the quarterback spot next week.

Greeneville fans and coaches are accustomed to gritty athletes and blowout wins.

“I was really proud of our effort against a really good team,” Spradlin said. “Tennessee High has some big and physical guys that run the ball well, so I knew it was going to be a challenge.”

Holt thinks Friday’s challenge will prove helpful in the long run.

“Greeneville is physical, fast and well-coached,” Holt said. “When you play that team in the first game of the year, you see what areas you need to work on.”

Tennessee High 0 7 0 0-7

Greeneville 33 7 7 7-54

Scoring Summary

G – Quillen 3 run (Gourley kick)

G – Quillen 7 run (Gourley kick)

G – Baugh 1 run (kick failed)

G – Quillen 28 pass from Baugh (Gourley kick)

G – Baugh 20 run (kick failed)

THS – Richardson 8 run (Broglio kick)

G – Baugh 56 run (Gourley kick)

G – Reyes 56 fumble return (Gourley kick)

G – Ricker 5 run (Hurst kick

Team Stats

First Downs: THS 16, G 13; Rushes-Yards: THS 47-147, G 19-195; Passing Yards: THS 37, G 118; Comp.-Att.-Int.: THS 3-14-1, G 7-10-0; Penalties: THS 5-44, G 6-70; Fumbles-Lost: THS 5-3, G 0-0; Punts-Average: THS 2-34, G 0-0.