2017 will not be remembered as the year that both Coffee County Central High School teams won state titles after unbeaten seasons.  What it will be remembered for as being the best season in a generation for basketball fans of the Red Raiders and Lady Raiders.  Each team eclipsed the 20 win mark and each team spent a considerable amount of time in contention for a regular season district championship.  And if you think no one outside of little ole Manchester paid any attention, think again.  The basketball coaches of the rival District 8AAA programs selected Herb Horton and...

A trio of Coffee County Red Raider basketball players and CHS basketball coach Micah Williams captured District 8AAA honors of Tuesday night.  Immediately following the conclusion of the boys’ District 8AAA championship, Grant Sadler, Tyrese McGee and Garrett Eldridge were honored for their selection as members of the District 8AAA All-District team.  Additionally, Micah Williams was selected as the District 8AAA cach of the year.  Coffee County finished the season with a record of 21 and...

Filip Forsberg recorded his third career hat trick, but it wasn’t enough as the Calgary Flames defeated the Nashville Predators in overtime by a 6-5 final on Tuesday night at Bridgestone Arena. The result gives the Preds one more point in the standings – 65 in total – but one short of what was available. The Predators were down 4-1 in the second period and stormed back to take a 5-4 lead before the second period was out, but the Flames tied it in the third and then won it less than a minute into the extra session. “I’m...

Despite being outscored 11 to 3 in the 4th quarter, despite missing two free throws in the final minute, in spite of not scoring in the last 5:43 of the game; the Lady Raider basketball team held off Franklin County for a 39 to 38 win in the District 8AAA consolation game.  The win gives Coffee County a 3rd place finish in the district and sets them up for a region meeting with Stewarts Creek on Friday night in Smyrna. “Never give up” is how coach Herb Horton described his team’s performance this season and an incredible defensive stand...

When Braves shortstop Dansby Swanson takes the field this year, he’ll once again be able to look at his glove and proudly remember the times he spent with Dai-Jon Parker, a former Vanderbilt University basketball player who passed away two years ago. Swanson received his new Wilson A2000 glove before the Braves staged their first full-squad workout on Saturday. The leather that will rest upon his left thumb is adorned with the words “All Dai”, a tribute to Parker, who was 22-years-old when he drowned after being involved in a tubing accident on an Indiana lake. “It impacts a...

The Nashville Sounds Baseball Club announced two fan clubs for the 2017 season today – Booster’s Kids Club presented by First Tennessee and the brand-new Silver Sounds Club to honor the team’s senior fans. In partnership with the YMCA, Booster’s Kids Club is for all children ages 12 and under. A $20 membership includes a club t-shirt, two general admission tickets to any three Sunday games, 10 Fun Zone vouchers, a piggy bank from First Tennessee and a 10% discount at the Sounds Pro Shop. The Silver Sounds Club is for fans ages 55 and wiser. A $20 membership...

Cold shooting and turnovers spoiled a solid defensive effort by Coffee County on Saturday night as the Lady Raiders fell 48 to 33 in the District 8AAA semifinals.  The loss drops Coffee County into the consolation game on Monday night as the Lady Raiders will attempt to knock off Franklin County to earn a 3rd place finish in the district. Lawrence County jumped out to a 7 to 0 lead to open the game as they held Coffee County at bay with a zone defense in the first half.  The Lady Raiders trailed by 8 at the half and...

A three point barrage by Lincoln County and a cold shooting 2nd half combined to end the basketball season for the Coffee County Red Raiders on Friday night in the opening round of the District 8AAA basketball tournament at Franklin County.  Coffee County, which led by 1 at the half, fell behind by 6 points in the 3rd quarter before losing 54 to 51.  Coffee County cut the deficit to 1 point with 61 seconds remaining but a pair of turnovers in the final minute prevented the come from behind win. The Red Raiders opened the game strong as...