The Lipscomb Football Chronicles
Everyone had the feeling that this could be a special season. As a middle school squad which went undefeated and as a junior varsity that went undefeated during the 2001 season with sounding victories over 2A, 3A, and 4A programs such as White House, Overton, Marshall County, Greenbrier, Goodpasture and others, this senior class had success written all over them. The coaching staff worked hard to fill the gaps on the offensive line. They put in a new aggressive defense. But the question that kept popping up, who was to quarterback the team. There were four candidates, two seniors, a junior and a sophomore. Reed Stinson had QB experience as a JV performer and some at middle school and was deemed a play maker. Chris Binkley was the primary middle school and freshman QB and played some junior varsity at the position and was considered the better passer of the four but was a little more deliberate (slow) in his position, Clay Lehning the Junior had middle school, freshman and junior varsity experience with a lot of self determination and then there was the Sophomore, Burton Elrod who was considered the playmaker and with the stable of running backs was selected to play the position. Coach Mac has always been known to be reluctant in starting a sophomore. The staff knew that the other three would fill very important positions on the team. Stinson known for his playmaking ability and speed was penciled in at wide receiver and at the safety position. Binkley despite being somewhat undersized started a couple of games at Defensive end as a junior was moved to strong corner. Lehning with his quarterback mentality and ability was moved to safety.
The offensive line came in pretty good shape. Trey Coke at Left tackle provided size and experience. Brandon Tidwell a junior and now a two year starter was at left guard. Anchoring the line in the middle was senior and two year starter Travis Adams. At right guard the duties were split with Justin Seamon and Lee Cranford and at right tackle was big man Jonas Fridrichsen. Another big man, Richard Whitfield would line up at Tight End. This was considered a big offensive line for 2A Football. In the backfield, Senior Anton, "The Bull" Santiago and Junior Cutler Robertson, who had considerable experience coming into this his junior year. The Receiving corps were good with Senior Elliott Wood at wing, Senior Reed Stinson and Sophomore Austin Rogers at wide receiver.
The New Defense was put in place during the spring workouts and tweaked during Camp David. No one in their right mind would have thought that this group would end up the year as the Number 1 Rated Defense in State regardless of classification. Richard Whitfield, Trey Coke, and bid Junior David Abbas would be the front. The Linebacking Corp was led by senior and All-State Anton Santiago, Junior Mad dog Madison Taylor, Junior Adam Valentine and Senior Seth Martin. Strong Corner was Chris Binkley, the other corner was Phillip Jenkins and later Gavin French and at the safety position were junior headhunters Clay Lehning and Ryan Blankenship.
Speciality Teams basically had to start over for the most part. Juniors Tyler McGee and Cutler Robertson handled the kickoff duties, Senior Keith Smith kicked the extra points and field goals and Chris Binkley, who finished the 2001 season as the punter for the injured Phillip Bates handled the punting duties. Senior John Kuydendall became the long snapper on both punts and PATS. Michael Nowers, Phillip Jenkins, Elliott Wood and others shared the role of return men.
In a scheduling quirk, the Mustangs would have 6 away games for the season.
The Preseason Dilemma
The Mustangs scrimmaged their typical preseason opponents and faired pretty well in each of them. However during the Kenrose scrimmage on the Maplehurst field, Sophomore QB Burton Elrod suffered an collarbone injury that would sideline him for over half of the season. Coach Mac and his staff had to make a quick decision who would take over the position. With Binkley and Lehning entrenched within the new defensive alignment, the staff decided that Stinson would handle the duties. He was already spending most of his time on the offensive side and would be more familiar with it. Stinson and all of the backs had to come in early everyday of practice and were the last to leave.
The offense was scaled down somewhat during this period, but the defense was learning their new scheme in a hurry. They chased MBA's Michael Fisher all over the field and played to a near draw with them as the Big Red went on to win their State Championship over Brentwood Academy. The Preseason, The Mustangs got quite a bit accomplished especially on the defensive side.
The 8-2 Season
Week 1. The Mustangs opened their season at home on August 30th against Greenbrier. It was the defense that got the scoring started as Chris Binkley intercepted a Bobcat pass and returned it for the Mustangs first score of the season. While the Mustangs were able to pass the ball with some success and had gained some yardage on the ground with Cutler and Anton, the turnover bug kept the game close. Final Score Lipscomb 21 Greenbrier 0
Week 2. The Mustangs traveled to arch rival Goodpasture for a big 2A showdown, with the winner having the inside track to home field advantage during the playoffs while the loser would probably have to travel to Chattanooga to face Tyner. The Mustangs pounded the Cougars on the ground with Cutler, Anton and Reed combining for nearly 300 yards. Offensive mistakes though proved costly and stalled several key drives. The defense played head to head with one of the best offenses in the state with Marquee players, Janco, Buggs and Patrick Turner. Late in the game with the score tied 14-14, the Mustangs drove down the field. After two poor plays one which resulted in a penalty, the Mustangs lined up to kick what would be the go ahead field goal. The kick was blocked by the Cougars and returned the ball back into Mustang territory. A few plays later on a 4th down play, Janco hit Turner in the corner of the endzone for what would be the final score. Goodpasture 20 Lipscomb 14.
Week 3.The Mustangs had lost a tough game the week before at the hands of Goodpasture. I believe in the long run, the coaches took it a lot harder than the players did. Week three found the Mustangs on the road again as they traveled to Marshall County. The Tigers had more speed, more size and more ability than the Mustangs. Somehow those facts did not weigh very heavily on the Lipscomb squad. Despite giving up an early score, the Mustangs rallied ahead by halftime. Weird things still would surface in Lewisburg as the Tigers were able to get off another play before the half ended trying to score. The officials flagged the Mustangs with a phantom pass interference call. After finding out that the pass was deflected the referee indicated that the call should have been tripping. The offense still was not clicking at times despite some big plays especially a pass from Stinson to Austin Rogers across the middle. Turnovers were still plaguing the team. But a stellar performance by the defense with key interceptions by Santiago (for a TD) and Lehning and Chris Binkley's punting and great coverage by Gavin French and Ryan Blankenship and Keith Smith's Field goal lifted the Mustangs to a surprise victory. Lipscomb 16 Marshall County 13
Week 4.This was a important game for the Mustangs as a Pesky Westmoreland team would head to the Reese Smith Athletic Complex for a region game. Lipscomb could not afford another region loss. The weather was not going to co-operate either. The game loomed under potential poor weather conditions. As the night progressed, the weather worsened. This was an omen for the team as weather became a factor for most of the balance of the season. The Mustangs scored early and the defense refused to give Westmoreland any room to operate. Stinson and his backs, Santiago, Robertson had big nights and Michael Nowers chimed in with some big gains and a TD. Lipscomb 30 Westmoreland 0
Week 5.Once again the Mustangs would face an opponent with superior speed and size in 4A Springfield on their home field. Weather conditions presented problems all week as the Mustangs were forced inside to practice. There was some early concern that the game would be postponed due to field conditions. The game was played that Friday night on the Boyce Smith Field. It was still a knock up and dragged out game. Defense for both teams provided havoc that evening for each offense. The Mustangs turned the ball over numerous times. The game ended tied at 7 -7 in regulation. The Mustang defense played lights out. Lipscomb was able to sway field position many times during the game with the punting game and great coverage by snapper John Kuykendall. Springfield scored first but attempted and failed to connect on the extra point kick. The Mustangs now had the ball. On the second play Anton Santiago had a big gain on the ground and was injured on the next play. 4th down and near the goal line, QB Reed Stinson followed his blockers and sneaked it in for the score. Senior Keith Smith connected on the winning extra point. Lipscomb 14 Springfield 13
Week 6.The Mustangs traveled to Dover to face another region foe, Stewart County. Not only did the team have to play Stewart County, it also had to deal with the mosquitoes and the rain storm that moved in. Plus, Anton Santiago with his injury from the previous week was held out of the game. John Kuykendall stepped in and had an interception for the Mustangs. With an extra week to prepare, Stewart County was able to hold the Mustangs to a punt on their first possession and then proceeded to mount a drive with trick plays and to score first on the Mustangs. The Mustangs then began to air things out as Stinson connected on several big pass plays to Elliott Wood. Chris Binkley after being burned on the opening drive by a half back pass, picked off the same pass play in the third quarter and return it for a TD. Clay Lehning picked off a Stewart County pass in the Mustang endzone and returned it for what was thought a TD, a 100 yard plus interception which was called back for a penalty. (Seth) This was the first game of the season that the JV players were able to get some action. Burton Elrod made his first appearance since his injury during the final moments of the game. Lipscomb 38 Stewart County 6.
Week 7.This was an interesting week for the Mustang Team. Elrod was now healthy and the question what was the Coach to do. Coach Mac called in Stinson and asked what he thought would be best for the team. Reed decided that perhaps it was best for the team if Burton came back to play QB. Stinson moved to wide receiver. Another move was made on the defensive side as Gavin French would come in to play the strong corner and Chris Binkley was moved to the cover corner. On either the first or second play from scrimmage, Elrod fumbled the ball over to BGA. The Wildcats went on to score their only TD of the game. The Mustangs would soon answer with their own score. The balance of the game came down to defense and field position. Behind the punting team, the Mustangs would win the field position and would keep BGA at bay. BGA had already defeated MBA earlier in the season. Finally it came down to the kicking game. Keith Smith was able to nail his attempt while BGA's could not connect. Lipscomb 10 BGA 9
Week 8.With another week of preparation with Elrod running the offense, things began to click a little better on offense against East Robertson. Cutler, Elrod and Santiago were able to move the ball on the ground with success mixed in with some timely passes. Still more changes on defense. Ryan Blankenship was moved to corner in place of Chris Binkley, who suffered a hand injury in the BGA game. Elliott Wood and Stinson moved in to cover Blankenship's safety position. Senior Justin Seamon stepped in and played some linebacker after Seth Martin suffered a mild injury and picked off a East Robertson pass. The game also allowed a number of JV players to finish the contest out. Lipscomb 42 East Robertson 0.
Week 9.Found the Mustangs traveling to Chattanooga to face 1A power, Boyd Buchanan. The Mustangs were able to score first as Cutler Robertson ran the ball in for the first score of the game. A good feeling hit the Mustang sideline but did not last for long as Boyd soon answered. Lipscomb was in for a fight. Turnovers plague the Mustangs again and struggled with the offense. The Defense did not fair well either as Boyd's QB, Will Healy was making play after play in the passing game. Reed Stinson left the game injured and forced the staff to replace him with another injured player. Every time the Mustangs pulled ahead the Bucs would answer. The Lipscomb Defense was putting tremendous pressure on him every play. Healy was still making the plays either running for a first down or completing a pass. It came down to a 4th down play when Healy hit a Boyd receiver deep in the endzone for the late go ahead score. The Mustangs would have a few seconds after the kickoff. They pulled the half back pass out of the bag. Elliott Wood was streaking wide open down field but the pass was over thrown. Boyd Buchanan 31 Lipscomb 27
Week 10.The Mustangs returned home for the final regular season game to face a weak Houston County team on senior night. The Irish were going to take a beating as the Mustangs scored often and early. Seniors Phillip Jenkins and Michael Nowers had a big night on the ground. Jenkins with over 100 yards rushing and Nowers near 100 yards, both would also score. Mustangs call off the dogs, JV mops up and the Mustangs coast to victory. Lipscomb 42 Houston County 0
Week 11.TSSAA Playoffs. Mustangs hosted a very tough team from Marion County. The offense could not get going and the defense wasn't playing up to its potential. Marion County moves the ball with ease and punches in a score. Mustangs were held scoreless and seem lifeless. In the back of everyone's mind.. is this the end of the season? Marion County had great field position near the end of the first half and squandered another opportunity to score. Mustangs head to the locker room trying to figure out what was need to get out of their first half funk. Coach Mac told the team that you need to wake up (BOO). A few defensive adjustments were made and the team got together and decided that this wasn't going to end this away. Second half started just like the game did with Marion County taking the ball down to the Mustang 1. The next play Marion County fumble and turns the ball over to the Mustangs. The Mustangs then in a rare called play, Coach Mac has Elrod throw a deep pass downfield out of the end zone to Stinson who makes the controversial catch. Mustangs go on and score 21 unanswered points while killing the clock with the running of Santiago and Robertson. Lipscomb 21 Marion County 6
Week 12.
TSSAA Playoffs. With extremely poor weather conditions the Mustangs
traveled to Chattanooga once again to face a heavily favored Tyner Academy.
Field conditions were horrible. The playing field and sidelines were
holding large amount of water from the earlier rains and the light poles had
twisted around providing poor visibility in certain areas of the field.
However, the Mustangs came ready to play. The defense was stellar.
The offense controlled the ball with a big running game from Elrod ( who had
a career night on the ground) Robertson going wide and Santiago up the
middle pounded Tyner. The Offensive line now began to really put
things together. The Defense was ruthless, as senior David Walker and
juniors David Abbas and Adam Valentine chased the Tyner QB all night.
Seth Martin and Junior Madison Taylor had huge nights stopping the run.
Clay Lehning and Chris Binkley had a big night also as they both had
interceptions, Lehning had a takeaway and Binkley forced a fumble.
Coach Mac indicated that this game was perhaps one of the biggest and best
victories in the history of the program. Lipscomb 25 Tyner
Academy 0Week 13. TSSAA Playoffs. The Revenge Game with Goodpasture. The Mustangs and their faithful had hoped for this game. They felt they had outplayed the Cougars in the first game and let it get away. The Mustangs were determined that was not going to happen this time. The Mustangs came in quickly and stopped the Goodpasture's vaunted Jet series. Goodpasture often stopped themselves with mistakes. Lipscomb established the ground game as they were finding success with the buck sweep with Cutler Robertson carrying the ball or Elrod turning the ball up. The offensive line was in rare form as you would see guards Seamon and Tidwell pulling down field hitting people. Elrod hits Austin Rogers for the first Mustang TD. Lipscomb found themselves in total control from that point on. The ironic twist. After a late score by the Mustangs, Cutler Robertson kicks off. Goodpasture tries a trick return but Chris Binkley and Clay Lehning tackle the ball carrier and forces him to fumble. Senior Phillip Jenkins following the play recovers the ball for a TD. (In the first game Patrick Turner catches the game winning pass over Jenkins) Lipscomb 29 Goodpasture 0.
Week14. TSSAA Playoffs. By winning at Goodpasture, The Mustangs were able to host the semi-final game against the State's now number 1 and undefeated team from the east, Sweetwater. Sweetwater came in with 2 of the State's Top Class 2A running backs, Dustin Latham and Derrick Springs, a finalist for Mr. Tennessee Football Back of the Year. Sweetwater opened the game with a good drive but stalled deep in Mustang territory as Chris Binkley picks off a pass. Junior safety, Clay Lehning also pick off a second half pass. Once again the defense shut down the Sweetwater team. The offense behind Elrod, Robertson, and Santiago and a very hard working offensive line tacked on 30 points. The Mustangs gave up 2 points on a safety as Chris Binkley punting deep in Lipscomb territory kicked the ball into the back of fellow Mustang Tyler Pennington and ricocheted out of the endzone. Lipscomb 30 Sweetwater 2
Week 15. The Blue Cross Blue Shield Bowl. The Championship game pitted the Mustangs against Memphis Mitchell who surprised Milan and other west state powers. It was defense that set the tone again. Stinson blocked a Mitchell punt. Stinson also returned an interception for a TD. Robertson and Santiago behind their line also tacked on scores. The Mustang defense completely shut down Mitchell and set a TSSAA Championship record by allowing the Tigers negative 20 yards. Cutler Robertson was named Offensive MVP and Reed Stinson was named Defensive MFP for the game.
Lipscomb 28 Mitchell 0.
This season turned out to be one for the ages in Lipscomb Football History. A Class 2A Championship, The number 1 rated defense in the state regardless of classification.
Several players picking up post season honors. I probably did not do
justice to this season's recap. I should have mentioned more stats,
more definitive plays, referenced more individual play as there were many
heroes on this team. Of course as a father to one of the players I can
recall more of his efforts and the effort of the defense. I hope that
it is not too evident. I recall the play of senior special team player
Brent Barrett especially in the East Robertson game. After Goodpasture
blocked the field goal in the first meeting and hearing that THUD, I
will not forget the site of watching seniors Chris Murphy, the holder and
kicker Keith Smith chasing down Patrick Turner and finally tackling him.
These were two that most would suggest couldn't have tackled him--but they
did. Some of my favorite offensive plays were the passes to the tight
end, Richard Whitfield...I wished there could have been more thrown his way.
Watching Seth Martin, Anton Santiago and Madison Taylor making the big hits
on defense. Clay Lehning's big interceptions which always seemed to be
brought back after a penalty (Seth). I guess my favorite game
would have been the Tyner game. The most satisfying game would be the
Playoff game with Goodpasture. The Coach's will have their hands
full getting ready for the next season as there will be numerous positions
to be filled especially on the line. But the Mustangs have a good crew
ready to step up which includes: Madison Taylor, Clay Lehning, Ryan
Blankenship, David Abbas, Adam Valentine on defense. Burton Elrod,
Brandon Tidwell, Austin Rogers and Cutler Robertson on offense. They
should provide the team with good senior leadership next year. If I
failed to mentioned your favorite player, play, game or whatever, please
email your thoughts and we will add them here on this page.
Bayron Binkley