Category: Sports

Motlow Adds Two Softball Players

Joining Haley for the ceremony is Motlow head coach Tori Raby-Gentry

West Morgan High School in Trinity, Alabama senior softball player Haley Willingham has committed to continue her education and athletic career at Motlow College. Also Oakland High School in Murfreesboro senior Ashley Williams has committed to continue her education and athletic career with the Lady Bucks.

Pictured (L-R) Mom Misty Williams, sister Alexys Williams, Ashley, sister Alyssa Williams, and dad Charles Williams. Standing: Jack City assistant Chris Jacobs, Jack City head coach Michael Connell, and Motlow head coach Tori Raby-Gentry

New Basketball Coach In Tullahoma

Greg Watson

Tullahoma High School has hired Greg Watson as its next boys basketball coach. Watson comes to THS from Belgreen High School in Russellville, Alabama, where he compiled a 28-2 regular season record last season. Belgreen is a small Class 1A school. Watson also coached at his alma mater Hazel Green High School in 2006-07. Watson’s overall record is 109-38. He takes over for Jeff Taylor who left the Cats for Franklin County.

Lady Raiders Head To State Tournament–Gametime Update

#17 Taylor Gullett's smile says it all as Coffee County heads to Spring Fling... Photo by Nick Trail with the Manchester Times

The Coffee County Lady Raiders exploded for 3 runs in the first inning Saturday night in Fayetteville and went on to defeat the state’s 5th ranked Lincoln County Lady Falcons, 6-0 in state sectionals.
Bricen Hunt knocked in 2 of the runs in the 1st to help the 10th ranked Lady Raiders to the early lead. Niki Campbell had another stellar night at the plate with 3 hits, knocking in 2, and scoring twice. One of those hits came in the 7th chasing in 2 runs. Freshman Pitcher Brianna Jones threw a great game allowing only 4 hits and struck out 5.
Coach Terry Floyd said after the game that dreams do come true. Floyd added that the credit goes to the girls.
The Gateway Tire and Service Co-Players of the Game were Niki Campbell and Brianna Jones.
In their first trip to the state tournament since 2000, Coffee County will play Seymour with a record 38-7. Coffee County comes in with win loss record of 31-11-1. Live coverage starts at 9:50am Wednesday morning from the TSSAA Spring Fling in Murfreesboro on Thunder Radio. Game 2 will at approx. 7pm with a win in game 1 or 5pm with loss.

New Swim Coach At CCCHS

Lana Ray

Coffee County High School has named a swim coach. Lana Ray a longtime employee of the school and teacher at the high school. Ray swam competitively in high school look forward to her first coaching job. The swim season begins in the fall.

New Athletic Director Named At Coffee County High School

Richard Skipper

Richard Skipper has been named as the new AD for the Red Raiders. Skipper takes over for Paul Parsley who ran the program for one year. Parsley will remain at school but wanted to spend more time with his wife and be more involved with his church. Skipper takes over after the spring sports season wraps up.

Season And State Tournament On The Line For Lady Raiders

Photo by Barry West

Saturday night the Coffee County Lady Raiders will travel to Lincoln County with a trip to the TSSAA Spring Fling on the line. Coffee County has defeated the Lady Falcons 2 out of 3 games this season. This game will be played in front of a large Lincoln County crowd beginning at 7pm. The Falcons have an impressive 43-5 record and the Lady Raiders bring in a record of 30-11-1. Coach Terry Floyd invites everyone to come to Fayetteville and support the Lady Raiders. Thunder Radio will be broadcasting the game live stating at 6:50pm.

Lady Raiders Fall 1-0 In Region Championship

Brianna Jones fires a pitch against Soddy Daisy... Photo by Nick Trail from the Manchester Times

Last night (Wednesday) in Soddy Daisy the Coffee County Lady Raiders took on the Lady Trojans for the Region 3-AAA championship. It was a pitcher’s duel between Soddy Senior and Kentucky signee Kelsey Nunley and Lady Raider Freshman Brianna Jones. In the bottom of the 6th inning Soddy Daisy got only their 2nd hit of the game. The next batter bunted but a miscommunication caused the runner to be safe at first. The runner that was on first broke for third but the throw was late and a throw to 2nd base went into right field and scored the unearned run from 3rd giving the Lady Trojans a 1-0 lead going to the 7th. Juli Layne led off and reached first on an error and got to 2nd when the Soddy defense did not see her break for 2nd and they made no throw. Niki Campbell would sacrifice Layne to third with one out. Chelsea Howell bunted and Layne broke for home but was thrown out. Taylor Gullett did not manage to get on base and Soddy Daisy defeated Coffee County 1-0.
Lincoln County knocked off Riverdale 7-2 so the Lady Falcons will host the Lady Raiders. the game has been set for Saturday night at 7pm. The winner will go to the state tournament in Murfreesboro next week. Thunder Radio will be there with the live play by play action.

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Coffee Co. Soccer Gives #1 Team All They Want

Last night (Tuesday) in Ooltewah the Raiders took on the state’s #1 team the Ooltewah Owls and gave it all they had. Coffee Co. led 1-0 with only five minutes left when the Owls tied the match. In overtime Ooltewah scored twice for a final score of 3-1. Coach Andy Escue is proud the boys for a great season.

Four Lady Raiders Headed To State Track Meet

Tori Taylor... Photo provided by Shannon Smith-- Shannonsmiles.com

Coach Stan Jarrell will take four Coffee County Lady Raiders to the TSSAA State Track Meet next week in Murfreesboro. Haley Banks qualified in the Shot Put. Lexi Miller will compete in the High Jump. Tori Taylor will go for the 2nd year in a row in Discus. Taneesa Buchanon will run the 400 meters. Good luck to all 4 athletes.

Babe Ruth League To Honor Goforth

Bootsie Goforth

Opening day for the Manchester Babe Ruth will be on Saturday May 26th at 5:00 p.m. at the Manchester Babe Ruth Field. The league would like for anyone that has ever played for Bootsie Goforth to be present. A special time will be spent honoring and recognizing Bootsie’s accomplishments in Babe Ruth over his 36 years of coaching. Goforth passed away recently.