Eagles take on Preseason Second Rank Alcoa

8/19/21

Knoxville, TN -- Rhea County heads up Interstate 75 to Alcoa High School to begin their season with a very tough opponent, with a 7 pm kickoff. Alcoa is ranked second in state in preseason poll by Memphis Commercial Appeal and will be looking for it's seventh straight state championship and fifteen since the year 2000. Head Coach Gary Rankin is the state of Tennessee's winningest active coach with 453 wins. Rhea County Coach Mark Pemberton is not stranger to the list, coming in at eight on the list with 231 wins.

TSSAA mandates from a year ago are no longer in place, but it is important that visiting teams and spectators adhere to the rules or requirements instituted by local school boards, municipalities and other government agencies where they are traveling.

As usual, look for a large number of Rhea County fans to travel with the team tonight.

Caoch Mark Pemberton likes his opening day lineup.

Pemberton said, "Most of our starters have played a lot of ball for me. We have eight starters back on defense."

"We have around 19 not available tonight, with most being Freshman."

"We have a couple of starters, who will not be available tonight. but also have a couple that will be back in action tonight."

"Our Sophomore quarterback, Kaleb Martin has progressed well over the summer and we are looking forward to a good season."

"The Alcoa Field on one of nine turf fields we play on this year. Very nice field."