Derrick, Dorton, Johnson Lead Large Falcons Contingent

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. With utilityman and senior leader Peyton Derrick as the main threat on offense — joined by senior quarterback Eli Dorton and junior running back Cameron Johnson — the Falcons could be one of the big wild cards in Region 1-5A. The offense had trouble moving the football at times last year, but the defense was the biggest problem after Dawson Dykes went out for the season with a neck injury.