Football is back and the Bucs are hungry

Following a COVID-19 shortened spring season in Southern Conference play, it’s finally football time in Northeast Tennessee again as the Bucs put on the pads for another strong showing on the field.

The spring season of interconference play ended early as a canceled game with Chattanooga brought a close to the season for the Bucs, who were in contention for the SoCon title and an automatic berth into the Football Championship Series playoffs. Although the sudden end of the season was a heartbreaker, with a (4-2) record and a win over No.10 VMI, the Bucs have much to look forward to with the coming season.

Several players received pre-season honors, such as standout running back Quay Holmes (Powder Springs, Ga.) who averaged 106 yards per game with eight touchdowns in the six-game season. The Bucs were much more efficient on the ground than in the air, with the combination of Holmes and Jacob Saylors (Jasper, Tenn.).

The Bucs will have an entertaining battle for QB1 between Tyler Riddell (Tampa, Fla.), Brock Landis (Hoschton, Ga.) and the eventual return (ACL) of Cade Larkins (Jonesborough, Tenn.). Larkins, a local star, is second all-time in high school passing yards in the state.

Outscoring opponents 126-113 in the spring, every game was decided by one score, something the Bucs look to improve. Between an incredibly talented QB room and stacked backfield, the Bucs have all the tools needed to find the endzone with ease.

The Bucs must do their part on defense, and if last season is any indicator, they are in good hands as three defensive players were named to the All-Southern Conference following a 19-sack season accompanied by five interceptions.

“Defensively we have more maturity … we have the ability,” Head Coach Randy Sanders said. Along with the recent hiring of Anthony Shakir to lead the defensive line, the Bucs look to be strong on both sides of the ball this season.

With a large majority of players returning this season, the Bucs should have strong chemistry at the season kick-off when they travel to Nashville in an out-of-conference battle with the Vanderbilt Commodores on Sept. 4. The game will be available to watch on the SEC Network.

The Bucs will return for their home opener the following week as they will face UVA-Wise at William B. Greene, Jr. Stadium on Sep. 11. The kick-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.