Sullivan County | featured news

ROGERSVILLE — Cherokee missed three potential wins last year by single possessions, but the Chiefs have the pieces back to build a better record this season.
“There were several games last season where we were maybe one or two plays away from getting another win or two. I’ve never believed that more than I did during the offseason, looking back at it,” said coach Cody Baugh, whose squad went 1-9 in 2018.
The main components returning are quarterback Collin Trent, wide receiver Jonas Leeper, safety Connor Smith, linebacker Micah Jones and lineman Caleb Haun.

CHURCH HILL — Volunteer is coming off a 3-8 season, but the finish nevertheless was a step in the right direction following a winless 2017 campaign.
Second-year coach Justin Pressley’s no-huddle offense certainly sparked some enthusiasm around Church Hill, but it was tough sledding midseason — when the Falcons were ravaged by injuries.
Now that Pressley has had a full offseason with the kids and with several key starters returning, Volunteer is on the uptick — though how much forward progress remains to be seen.

BLUFF CITY — Mike Locke said his goals for the season are fairly simple.
“We’re trying to be the best East football team we can be,” he said. “If that means we can beat teams like Elizabethton and Greeneville on Friday night, yay.
“But more importantly, are we getting the most out of our kids and are they giving us the most for Patriot Nation on Friday night? That’s what it’s all about.”
The Patriots plan to ride the arm and legs of third-year starter Dylan White at quarterback.

KINGSPORT — Injuries plagued Sullivan North toward the end of last season. The Golden Raiders dropped their final five games, the last sending them to a first-round exit at the hands of TSSAA Class 2A semifinalist Meigs County.
This season, they return three key offensive players in the backfield, and Austin “Pedro” Hartsock, Dale Potter and Yancy Dolen — a 2018 “All Tough Guys” team selection — constitute a tough trio to stop.
“Some of these seniors have played a lot of football for us these past few years,” coach Preston Patrick said.

KINGSPORT — Size where each play starts matters, and Sullivan South is hoping it’s a key factor in getting over the hump in Region 1-4A.
“We feel really confident in our offensive and defensive lines,” said coach Justin Hilton. “That’s probably where our most depth is, along with running back.
“We would like to take the next step and win a second-round playoff game and move these guys forward a little bit.”
To get there, the Rebels need one of the three players vying for time at quarterback to step into the lead role.

BLOUNTVILLE — Now that Sullivan Central has gotten a taste of victory, the Cougars want more of it.
Central broke a 36-game winless streak last October with a 51-42 win over rival Sullivan East. With several juniors and seniors on the roster, fourth-year coach Chris Steger feels more success could be headed to Blountville.
“We have a lot of experience, a lot of kids who have played football,” he said.
Central returns seven starters on offense and six on defense.

KINGSPORT - William “Bill” Eugene Oney went to be with the Lord on Thursday, August 22, 2019.
The family will receive friends from 4pm to 6pm on Saturday, August 24, 2019 at Carter-Trent Funeral Home downtown, Kingsport. A funeral service will follow with Dr. Cecil Sturgill officiating.
Graveside services will be conducted at 3pm on Sunday, August 25, 2019 at East Lawn Memorial Park. Active pallbearers will be selected from family and friends. Those wishing to attend are asked to meet at the cemetery by 2:50pm.

KINGSPORT - Mrs. Bernice “Bun” Horton, 85 of Kingsport, went to be with the Lord on Friday, August 16, 2019 at Wexford House.
The family will receive friends from 12:00 – 1:30 p.m. Saturday, August 24, 2019 at Central Baptist Church; 301 Carver Street, Kingsport, TN. Friends may also call anytime at the home of the son, Gregory Watterson at 412 Dunbar Street, Kingsport, TN.
Following the receiving of friends, a funeral service will be conducted at 1:30 p.m. at the church with Pastor Hugh Hale officiating. Music will be provided by Robert Mitchell.

KINGSPORT - Marie Gilbert Stinson, 91 of Kingsport, went home to be with the Lord Tuesday, August 20, 2019 following a brief illness.
The family will receive friends from 12 – 2 p.m. Saturday, August 24, 2019 at Carter-Trent Funeral Home, Church Hill.
A funeral service will follow at 2 p.m. in the funeral home chapel with Pastor Kester Bunch officiating.
Burial will follow in Liberty Hill Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Jeremy Greene, Don Peters, Dennis Johnson, Jimmy Stinson and Jason Stinson.
Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.cartertrent.com.

ROGERSVILLE - Horace E. Saunders, Jr., age 91 of Rogersville, passed away, Sunday, August 11, 2019 at his residence. 
Visitation hours will be 1:00 P.M. to 2:00 P.M., Saturday, August 24, 2019 at Rogersville Church of Christ.
Memorial service will be conducted 2:00 P.M., Saturday, August 24, 2019 at the Rogersville Church of Christ with Minister Dathan Hickman officiating.