“I was very excited about the way our young kids played,” said Red Bay Coach Michael Jackson of his team’s recent jamboree performance against Tishomingo County. “We started seven new guys on defense, and it took them a little time to adjust to the game. But they ended up competing very well, and it gives us good promise of the upcoming season.”

Red Bay fell just short to the competition, 17-14 – perhaps a surprising accomplishment, considering the Tigers are having to replace 13 senior starters, including seven starters from last year’s best-in-the-state defensive line. Last year’s defense came in No. 1 across all classes, giving up only 77 points the entire season.

“Nobody gave up less points than that,” Jackson said.

Jackson named Aaron Lewey as a top performer in the jamboree game. Lewey, a rising junior, rushed for 100 yards. Another standout was rising sophomore quarterback Colby Bragwell, who capped off an “excellent night” with a 60-yard touchdown pass.

Jackson said he was pleased overall, despite the loss, and is confident that with a strong summer, his young team will make great strides and “have a chance to be very competitive” come August.