Since head coach O’Brien Bennett has taken over, the Unaka Rangers football program has put things into overdrive on the field and in the weight room.
There has been a new found enthusiasm for football on Stoney Creek, and this season has seen the Ranger pick up three wins for the first time since 2013.
“Every year is about taking a step forward and getting better,” said Unaka head coach O’Brien Bennett. “This year we had three wins, and of course, you want to get more than that. I thought we had some games that we were competitive in, and I thought we had some games we could’ve won if we did some things a little better.
“To come out with three is not bad,” added Bennett. “It is a step in the right direction.”
The Rangers opened up the season with a 20-12 win over North Greene. After falling to Hancock 16-14 in week 2, Unaka had no problem rolling past the Indians, 38-18, during a rematch in week 8. This past Friday, the Ranger topped Sunbright, 26-8, for win No. 3.
The Sunbright win saw senior quarterback John Ramsey throw for 232 yards on 13-of-27 attempts. Ramsey finished the game with 2 passing TDs and 2 rushing TDs. On the ground, Logan Benway ran for 136 yards on 18 carries, with his longest run being 46 yards.
Ramsey’s top target was Devon Jarrett who caught for 149 yards on 8 catches and 2 touchdowns.
Not done yet
The Rangers will have a shot at picking up win No. 4 as they travel to Grace Christian Academy on Saturday, Nov. 3 for a bowl game at 2:30 p.m.
“Our kids have worked really hard the past two years,” said Bennett. “Of course, our probation takes away the possibility of a playoff game. So, we wanted for our large class of seniors the opportunity to play one more time,” said Bennett. “Those guys have played through a lot of adversity. For two years, these kids have come week in and week out and worked their tails off. All of the community service and all the work they are putting in doesn’t always show up on the scoreboard. We wanted to reward them with the chance to play on turf against an evenly matched team.”
Proceeds from Saturday’s game will go to the East Tennessee Childrens’ Hospital.
“This is another opportunity for us to drive home that theme of community service,” said Bennett.
Shearl and the secondary
For freshman Daniel Shearl, it has been a standout season. In the secondary, Shearl has accounted for a team-leading six interception through 10 games.
Along with Shearl, freshman Devin Ramsey and senior Devon Jarrett also played a big roll in the Rangers pass protection.
Having young players perform at key defensive positions has Bennett excited about the future.
“As a freshman in a division that doesn’t throw the ball around a lot, having six interceptions is a big deal,” said Bennett. “We really emphasize turnovers, and he has provided some big turnovers in big games that have really shaped our season. Against Hancock County, interceptions were the name of the game in the second half. They couldn’t score and come back, because every time they put the ball into the air, Daniel would be there and come down with it.”
Like in years past, the Unaka defense centered around senior linebacker Bryson Street. Bennett, however, pointed out that the senior had plenty of help this season with both Garrett Stiltner and Nick Bowers putting in work as linebackers.
“He (Street) has been a great player for us,” said Bennett. “He hasn’t made as many tackles this season, but that has been a good thing for us. We’ve had several other linebackers step in and step up. We don’t have just one guy that is running around and making all of the tackles that teams can focus in on and block.”
Doing what they do best with a little extra
Since John “Boy” Ramsey took over the quarterback position in Stoney Creek, the Rangers have looked to the senior and his ability to sling the ball upfield as a key weapon. This season alone, Ramsey has thrown for 1,887 yards and isn’t too far away from 5,000 career passing yards.
“He has had another really good season,” said Bennett. “From a touchdown pass perspective, he hasn’t been as productive. But part of that was because we were able to run the ball better. I mean, John Boy has double-digit rushing TDs and double-digit passing TDs. And he is a little over 100 yards away from being a 5,000 yards career passer. Five thousand yards in a career is phenomenal.”
And when Ramsey wasn’t tossing the ball, senior Reid Taylor was also a weapon, being called upon to help the Rangers with trick double-pass plays, one of which helped the Rangers take a 6-0 lead over Hampton after Taylor hit Jarrett on a deep TD pass.
This season, Jarrett, a senior, has recorded 740 yards receiving and eight receiving touchdowns.
While defenses were watching out for Ramsey his receivers, Rangers junior running back Logan Benway has helped Unaka develop a ground attack during the 2018 season.
“We have been more balanced this year with productivity,” said Bennett. “Logan Benway has got a little over 800 yards from the line of scrimmage from the running back position in rushing and receiving.”
Along with Benway, Bennett said the Rangers offensive line has allowed Unaka to progress in the run game. That line includes senior Drew Stanley, sophomore Mark Nealson, sophomore Nathaniel Oaks, sophomore Colby Jones, and sophomore Jordan Day. Early in the season, the Rangers lost a key senior lineman in Athin Hughes after he tore his ACL.
“As a unit, they have made one of the biggest improvements,” said Bennett. “We have four sophomores starting on the line along with one senior. When we lost Athin Hughes, he was our senior leader. We were really worried. But Drew Stanley really stepped up and moved over to center from his guard position and locked down our snaps. He really stepped in and helped that unit gel together.
“Our run game and pass game has gotten a lot more successful as they unit has grown,” added Bennett.