With their latest offensive eruption, the Braves may have created further reason to argue they need to make every effort to add another bat before Friday’s 4 p.m. ET Trade Deadline.
This was a logical reaction to them totaling just two runs while splitting Monday’s doubleheader at Citi Field. But when you consider the remaining potential of Atlanta’s depleted lineup, this thought could have also been surmised as the Braves were rolling to a 12-5 win over the Mets on Tuesday night. You heard the game live on Thunder Radio (107.9 FM, 1320 AM, 106.7 FM) – your exclusive home for Atlanta Braves baseball in Coffee County.
“I’m sure [the front office] isn’t getting much sleep thinking about what to add and what not to add,” Braves third baseman Austin Riley said. “I’m just going to let them do that job and I’m just going to focus on trying to win ballgames right now and trying to stay focused.”
Riley highlighted his third career multi-homer game with his second career grand slam, and Ozzie Albies accounted for the first of the four home runs the Braves tallied on the way to moving within four games of the first-place Mets in the National League East. Atlanta will have a chance to gain further ground during the final two games of this five-game series.
Titans Training Camp Preview: Safeties
The Tennessee Titans open training camp on Wednesday. Preview continues today with safeties with Titans writer Jim Wyatt.
The Tennessee Titans can be heard all season long on Thunder Radio – your exclusive home for the Titans in Coffee County, presented by realtor Charlie Gonzales with Weichert Realtors Joe Orr & Associates (107.9 FM, 1320 AM, 106.7 FM).
In camp (6): Kevin Byard, Amani Hooker, Dane Cruikshank, Matthias Farley, Brady Breeze, Maurice Smith.
Offseason developments: The Titans parted ways with veteran Kenny Vaccaro, who remains a free agent. The move opened the door for rapidly improving Amani Hooker to slide into a starting role opposite Kevin Byard, who is now headed into his 6th NFL season. Hooker lost weight, and he looked sleeker in offseason workouts. The Titans signed veteran Matthias Farley, formerly with the Colts and Jets, and then drafted Oregon defensive back Brady Breeze. Maurice Smith signed a futures contract with the Titans after spending time on the team’s practice squad last year, and he competed during the offseason.
In the spotlight: Byard. The former MTSU standout led the team in tackles in 2020 with a career-high 111. He was fourth on the team in passes defensed during a season when the team won 11 games, and the AFC South, for the first time since the 2008 season. But when the season ended, Byard said he felt he could have, and perhaps should have, done more. And he used that feeling as his motivation during an offseason when he said goodbye to three other veterans in the secondary – cornerbacks Adoree’ Jackson, Malcolm Butler and Vaccaro. Byard took part in OTAs and the team’s minicamp this offseason, when he worked with plenty of new faces around him. His communication was good. The Titans are counting on him to regain his Pro Bowl form this fall.
Battle to watch: Back-up spots. With Byard and Hooker in line to start on the back end, the spots behind them are up for grabs. Cruikshank is in a position to seize one. Heading into his fourth NFL season, Cruikshank has impressed coaches with his work ethic, and he’s now in a position to carve out a role for himself in situational packages on defense after working primarily on special teams his first three seasons. Farley, a savvy veteran, adds value because of his experience on special teams. Breeze will aim to put himself in a position to stick on the roster himself by showing he can contribute early on special teams. Smith’s experience will put him in a position to compete as well.
Keep an eye on: Hooker. Despite starting just three games in 2020, Hooker tied for the team lead with four interceptions, and he tied for third with eight passes defensed. The fourth-round pick from the 2019 NFL Draft did it by using good instincts while making plays on the football. In a new-look secondary, Hooker is now in a position to really establish himself as a playmaker. By design, Hooker lost some weight this offseason. He said he feels faster, and the quickness should help his range even more. Hooker also looks like a guy who is ready to take advantage of his big opportunity.
GALLERY: Raider football opens fall practice in pads
The Central High School football Red Raiders officially opened fall camp on Monday, July 26. Thunder Radio stopped by for some pics. You can hear the Red Raiders all season long on Thunder Radio – 107.9 FM, 1320 AM, 106.7 FM, Manchester Go app and Thunder1320.com.
Braves offense sputters in doubleheader split with Mets
Now that their rotation seems fixed, the Braves must decide whether there are any sensible ways to upgrade their lineup before Friday’s 4 p.m. ET Trade Deadline.
A pair of strong pitching performances netted the Braves just a split as their offense was blanked in a 1-0 loss to the Mets in the second game of a doubleheader on Monday night at Citi Field. The game’s lone run came courtesy of Jeff McNeil’s two-out RBI double off Luke Jackson in the fifth. You heard both double header games LIVE on Thunder Radio – your exclusive home for Braves baseball in Coffee County (107.9 FM, 1320 AM, 106.7 FM).
“You’re a little disappointed whenever you can’t get the second [game],” Braves shortstop Dansby Swanson said. “But to keep things in perspective, I thought they threw the ball well in the second game. We didn’t have too many chances and whenever we did, we weren’t able to capitalize.”
After Kyle Muller guided the Braves to a 2-0 win in the first game with five scoreless innings, Bryse Wilson contributed a decent spot start, tossing three-plus scoreless frames in the nightcap. But the offense’s inability to dent the scoreboard against the six relievers the Mets used in a bullpen game prevented Atlanta from climbing the National League East standings.
Raider, Lady Raider golf to open season Thursday
The Coffee County Central Red Raider and Lady Raider golf teams will be the first fall sports team to get competition underway this season.
Both teams will head to Lakewood Country Club for the Tullahoma Invitational. It will tee off at 9 a.m. Thursday, July 29.
CHS golfers will have their first home match Aug. 2 when they host Shelbyville, Marshall County and Tullahoma.
Titans Training Camp Preview: A look at cornerbacks
Thunder Radio is your exclusive radio home for Tennessee Titans football in Coffee County – presented by Charlie Gonzales with Weichert Realtors, Joe Orr & Associates.
Training camp opens this week: here is a look at cornerbacks —
In camp (10): Janoris Jenkins, Kristian Fulton, Caleb Farley, Elijah Molden, Breon Borders, Chris Jackson, Greg Mabin, Chris Jones, Quenton Meeks, Kevin Peterson.
Offseason developments: The Titans signed Jenkins, a 10th year pro who played most recently with the Saints, back in March. Then, in the NFL Draft, the Titans selected Farley in the first round before picking Molden in the third round. Borders was re-signed after being waived. Peterson, who took part in minicamp on a tryout basis, was added to the roster. Jones, most recently with the Vikings, was also signed this offseason, along with Meeks, who has played games for the Chargers and Jaguars. Mabin, a journeyman who spent time with the Titans in 2020, rejoined the team. There were also a lot of departures in this group. The Titans parted ways with veterans Malcolm Butler and Adoree’ Jackson, and the team also waived defensive backs Chris Milton and Kareem Orr. Jackson ended up signing with the Giants, and Butler landed with the Cardinals. Orr, meanwhile, signed with the Rams, and Milton signed with the Giants as well. Desmond King, added last season in a trade, also left in free agency, and he joined the Texans. Lastly, veteran cornerback Kevin Johnson retired after signing with the team back in March.
In the spotlight: Farley. The first-round pick from Virginia Tech was drafted to help change the look – and play – in the secondary, and there’s reason to be excited. This guy plays with swagger, and confidence. Farley is big and physical (6-2, 197), he has long arms, and he’s a hard worker. He’s only been with the team a short time, but he’s already put on muscle, and looks even more stout in his upper body. But Farley also hasn’t taken the field yet as he recovers from his second back surgery, so the countdown is on for his practice field debut. He’ll start camp on the team’s Non-Football Injury list. The Titans have been patient with Farley, and they won’t rush him back. I’m not expecting him to be on the field the first week of camp, but I do suspect we’ll see him at some point in August.
Battle to watch: Situational DBs. The Titans added Jenkins and Farley to play, and the plan is for them to be on the field. But the team needs others in the rotation, and the competition should be fierce. Fulton had a good offseason, and with a year under his belt he’s in a position to earn significant playing time, either inside or out. Molden has great instincts, and he’s smart. He knows how to communicate. Borders should enter camp with some confidence after performing well last season when called upon, and Mabin and Peterson are two veterans who know all about the rigors of camp. Don’t sleep on Jackson, a seventh-round pick out of Marshall in the 2020 draft. Jackson added size this offseason, and he showed quickness and instincts during what was an impressive offseason for him.
Keep an eye on: Jenkins. Nicknamed “Jackrabbit”, Jenkins has 26 interceptions in his nine NFL seasons with the Rams, Giants and Saints. He brings plenty of experience — Jenkins started 14 games in New Orleans last season, and he’s started a total of 128 games in the regular season and four more in the playoffs. Jenkins has played man-to-man and zone in his career, but he was signed by the Titans to play mostly man, and to be physical. While Jenkins didn’t take part in the teams OTAs, he attended minicamp, and he made a great impression. Jenkins is still getting down the terminology in a new defense, but he knows the routes and concepts. He also knows how to be aggressive, and set a tone. He should be fun to watch in camp, and this season.
Monday is first official day of fall sports practice
Monday, July 26 is the first official day of practice for high school fall sports across the state of Tennessee – including football, volleyball and soccer.
The Red Raider football team has been at work, but will begin in pads this week.
Thunder Radio sports coverage gets into full swing on Aug. 5 with Westwood Middle Volleyball as part of the Capstar Bank Hometown Sports Series. The first Red Raider high school football game is set for Aug. 20 at Franklin County, beginning at 6 p.m. with the Friday Night Thunder Pregame Show delivered by Riddle Trucking and the Al White Ford Lincoln kickoff at 7.
High School football on Thunder Radio is presented by:
Al White Ford Lincoln
Gilley Crane
Attorney Shawn Trail
Sherrill Pest Control
Hulletts Service Center
Bush Insurance
A Winning Attitude
Lovelady Auto Parts
Realtor Brian BB Brown, Weichert Realtors Joe Orr & Associates
Unity Medical Center
Dr. Jay Trussler
Elk River Public Utility District
Dr. James VanWinkle
Common John Brewing Company
Garretson Stone
Owens Provisions & Apparel
Norman Homebuilders
Coffee County Bank
Tri Green Equipment
First Vision Bank
Realtor Steve Jernigan, Coffee County Realty
Peoples Bank & Trust
Nature’s Elite
Mid Ten Turf
Mercantile Cafe Bakery & Gift Shop
Rod’s Body Shop
Friday Night Thunder Pregame Show brought to you by:
Riddle Trucking
Elk River Public Utility District
Gilley Crane
Sherrill Pest Control
Common John Brewing Company
Mid Tenn Turf
Stone Fort Mortgage
Imhoff Landscape Supply
Chris Elam with Russell Barnett Chevy-GMC
The full Red Raider football schedule is below. Air time on 107.9 Thunder Radio each night is 6 p.m. (5:30 for Rhea County game).
Aug. 20 AT Franklin County – 7 p.m.
Aug.. 27 vs. Tullahoma – 7 p.m.
Sept. 3 AT Shelbyville * 7 p.m.
Sept. 10 vs. Page – 7 p.m.
Sept. 17 AT Lebanon* 7 p.m.
Sept. 24 – AT Spring Hill – 7 p.m.
Oct. 1 – vs. Warren Co.* – 7 p.m.
Oct. 8 – OPEN
Oct. 15 – vs. Cookeville – 7 p.m.
Oct. 22 – vs. Rockvale – 7 p.m.
Oct. 29 AT Rhea County – 6:30 p.m.
An * denotes region game.
Bold games at home.
Titans Training Camp Preview: Outside Linebackers
Thunder Radio is your exclusive home for The Tennessee Titans in Coffee County – presented by realtor Charlie Gonzales, Weicher Realtors Joe Orr & Associates.
Camp starts this week. Let’s look at more positions – outside linebackers.
In camp (7): Bud Dupree, Harold Landry III, Derick Roberson, Rashad Weaver, Ola Adeniyi, Wyatt Ray, John Simon.
Offseason developments: The Titans jumped out and signed Dupree to a lucrative long-term deal with the hopes of him changing the pass rush. Dupree spent the offseason rehabbing and strengthening the torn ACL he suffered last season while with the Steelers, and he’s edging closer to being ready to return. The Titans also added Adeniyi, Dupree’s teammate with the Steelers who has performed well on special teams during his career. The Titans drafted Weaver, who played at the University of Pittsburgh, in the fourth round of the NFL Draft. Roberson added size and strength this offseason, while Ray returned to the practice field following a season when he made contributions when called upon. Skipper was waived on Sunday, when the Titans added veteran edge rusher John Simon, who played the last three seasons with the Patriots. The Titans didn’t re-sign Jadeveon Clowney, who landed with the Browns. Former OLBs coach Shane Bowen, meanwhile, was promoted to defensive coordinator, and Mike Vrabel promoted Ryan Crow to OLBS coach to replace him.
In the spotlight: Dupree. The 28-year-old Dupree was regarded as one of the top pass rushers in free agency when he signed with the Titans. Dupree recorded eight sacks in 11 games with the Steelers in 2020 before suffering the season-ending knee injury. He posted a career-high 11.5 sacks in 2019 with 17 quarterback hits and 16 tackles for loss, and his 19.5 sacks over the past two seasons rank eighth and his six strip sacks rank fourth in the NFL since 2019. So, can he make the same impact with the Titans? Well, that’s the plan. Dupree has been mostly out of sight since signing with the Titans. He rehabbed and trained in Arizona, Atlanta and Nashville this offseason, getting himself ready. Dupree isn’t quite ready yet – he’ll begin camp on the team’s Physically Unable to Perform list. But he should be fun to watch when he takes the field in No.48.
Battle to watch: Rotational players. Go ahead and insert Dupree and Landry into the starting lineup. Looking at the other edge rushers currently on the roster, Simon, Roberson and Weaver will battle to be in the mix as well. Weaver has already made strides, and he’s a talented player, and his work ethic really showed in OTAs. Roberson has shown improvement this offseason as well. An eight-year veteran, Simon adds an intriguing option. He has experience, and has been productive in the league. The battle is for playing time, and for the 4th/5th spots at OLB. Ray will compete alongside Adeniyi, who has shown the ability to help on special teams, to try and move up in the pecking order.
Keep an eye on: Landry. Most of the offseason talk has been about the new additions in Dupree and Weaver, and those two guys should make a difference this fall. But the Titans are also counting on continued improvement and big things from Landry, the team’s second-round pick in the 2018 NFL Draft. Landry has recorded 19 sacks in his first three NFL seasons, including nine in 2019 and 5.5 in 2020. He’s been credited with 55 quarterback pressures in those two seasons as well, including a career-high 29 in 2020. With more potent pass rushers around him, Landry should be in a position to make even more of an impact this fall. By all accounts, Landry has played way too many snaps in recent years, so putting him in a position to do more with fewer snaps sounds like a great scenario.
Braves split 4 game series with Phillies; move to Mets
Though nobody seems poised to run away with the National League East anytime soon, the Braves know they need to string together wins at some point to make a serious run.
Following Sunday’s 2-1 loss in their series finale against the Phillies at Citizens Bank Park, the time for that may just need to come this week. Atlanta (48-50) fell back into third place in the NL East heading into a crucial five-game series against the first-place Mets — one that will conclude approximately 24 hours before Friday’s 4 p.m. ET Trade Deadline. (You can hear the Braves on Thunder Radio, your exclusive home for Atlanta Braves baseball in Coffee County).
The Coach Doug Greene Show returns to Thunder Radio this fall
If you can’t get enough high school football coverage, Thunder Radio is the place to be.
The Coach Doug Greene Show – Built by Gilley Crane – will return to Thunder Radio airwaves this fall for the second consecutive year.
Hosted by Thunder Radio football color commentator Dustin Murray, the show will broadcast live from 7-8 p.m. every Wednesday night (beginning Aug. 18) from Prater’s BBQ on Woodbury Highway (exclusively on Thunder Radio). Everyone is welcome to attend and talk football with coach Greene and the Thunder Radio broadcast team.
Thunder Radio has been your home for Red Raider football for over 60 years and will continue that tradition this fall. Catch the Red Raiders every Friday night beginning at 6 p.m. with The Friday Night Thunder Pregame Show (delivered by Riddle Trucking). The Al White Ford Lincoln game broadcast begins at 7 p.m. every Friday and the Friday Night Thunder Postgame show will have you covered until approximately 10:30 p.m. Broadcasts can be heard at 107.9 FM, 1320 AM, 106.7 FM, Manchester Go smartphone app and thunder1320.com.
“We are excited for another year of highlighting our student athletes and our football program,” said Josh Peterson, co-owner of Thunder Radio. “These guys have worked hard in the offseason, the quarterback club and program leadership have worked hard to get their new jumbotron installed to make for a great experience and now we get to enjoy a fun fall of high school football. I couldn’t be more excited for these guys.”
High School football on Thunder Radio is presented by:
Al White Ford Lincoln
Gilley Crane
Attorney Shawn Trail
Sherrill Pest Control
Hulletts Service Center
Bush Insurance
A Winning Attitude
Lovelady Auto Parts
Realtor Brian BB Brown, Weichert Realtors Joe Orr & Associates
Unity Medical Center
Dr. Jay Trussler
Elk River Public Utility District
Dr. James VanWinkle
Common John Brewing Company
Garretson Stone
Owens Provisions & Apparel
Norman Homebuilders
Coffee County Bank
Tri Green Equipment
First Vision Bank
Realtor Steve Jernigan, Coffee County Realty
Peoples Bank & Trust
Nature’s Elite
Mid Ten Turf
Mercantile Cafe Bakery & Gift Shop
Rod’s Body Shop
Friday Night Thunder Pregame Show brought to you by:
Riddle Trucking
Elk River Public Utility District
Gilley Crane
Sherrill Pest Control
Common John Brewing Company
Mid Tenn Turf
Stone Fort Mortgage
Imhoff Landscape Supply
Chris Elam with Russell Barnett Chevy-GMC
The full Red Raider football schedule is below. Air time on 107.9 Thunder Radio each night is 6 p.m. (5:30 for Rhea County game).
Aug. 20 AT Franklin County – 7 p.m.
Aug.. 27 vs. Tullahoma – 7 p.m.
Sept. 3 AT Shelbyville * 7 p.m.
Sept. 10 vs. Page – 7 p.m.
Sept. 17 AT Lebanon* 7 p.m.
Sept. 24 – AT Spring Hill – 7 p.m.
Oct. 1 – vs. Warren Co.* – 7 p.m.
Oct. 8 – OPEN
Oct. 15 – vs. Cookeville – 7 p.m.
Oct. 22 – vs. Rockvale – 7 p.m.
Oct. 29 AT Rhea County – 6:30 p.m.
An * denotes region game.
Bold games at home.