2020 Upperman Football Preview

The Upperman Bees emerge onto the field in 2019. The Bees face several challenges in 2020.

BAXTER, TN- Upperman head football coach Adam Caine has built a legacy of winning in his first two seasons at the helm of the Bees, but he faces several new challenges as he prepares for season number three.

The reigning Region 4/3A champions are replacing one of the most prolific players in school history, several key defensive players and are preparing for the season amid a global pandemic.

Upperman captured their second-straight region championship in 2019 with a 10-2 overall record, and a 5-0 region record. They advanced to the second round of the postseason. Under Caine, they have a 23-3 record.

The Bees are looking to replace the over 2,500 yards and 27 touchdowns scored by Donoven McCallister in 2019. The starting quarterback in 2020 is being decided in a competition between senior Thomas Ensor and junior Ty Dutchess.

READ: Upperman starting QB position is up for grabs

The Bees are also looking for a replacement at the running back spot in 2020. McCallister was the team’s leading rusher in 2019 with 1232 yards, and the team also lost Zach Stewart who accounted for 359 yards. Dutchess took over the backfield as the starting RB in 2019, and Caine said he would be an option if he is not named starting quarterback.

Sophomore Terrance Dedmon showed flashes of potential as a freshman before suffering a season-ending injury. Caine said he has been impressed with Dedmon in preseason practices. Other potential players who could receive carries include Jyron McClellan and Ensor.

Caine said he is excited about the depth the Bees will have at the running back position this season.

“I feel good about it,” said Caine. “We’ve got six guys that could potentially carry the football that are nothing to scoff at. There is a great deal of competition.”

On the outside the Bees return two junior wide receivers who emerged as big-play threats in 2019. Daniel Metzgar tallied 685 yards and 5 touchdowns on 32 receptions in 2019 while Carter Shanks tallied 186 yards on 17 catches.

Caine said both Metzgar and Shanks have been impressive in preseason practice, but he is looking for other receivers to emerge.

“The two of those guys, for sophomores, really exceeded my expectations last year,” said Caine. “They’ve answered the bell, they’ve worked a lot harder, they’re noticeably stronger and I’ve been very pleased with the two of them. What we need to do is find two or three other guys who can rotate in there and keep people fresh.”

One hallmark of the Upperman team under Caine has been strong offensive and defensive line play. The Bees lost several key starters to graduation. Caine said the lines have potential but are a work in progress.

“We have a chance on our offensive line to be a really solid offensive line,” said Caine. “You’re dealing with kids who have had no meaningful reps. My center, Ethan Conley, has been a starter for the last two years, but he’s been playing tackle. The other four are all question marks. We’ve got some guys with some size and athletic ability. I’m not going to say we’re there yet, but I truly believe this group will work hard enough.”

The Bees boasted one of the top 3A defenses in the state in 2019, only allowing 8.5 points per game, but they lost 221 combined tackles in the graduations of linebackers Nick Stacey and Caden Nash. Ensor is the lone returning starter at linebacker.

“We kind of feel like we know what (Ensor) can do,” said Caine. “At the other spot we’ve got three guys battling for two spots. They’ve got some ability. I’m going to be spending a lot of time with those guys and hopefully get them to the point where they can fill those shoes.”

In the secondary Metzgar and Shanks each are returning at the corner back spot. Shanks was named to the 2019 All-State team for his defensive play. Dutchess spent time at CB in 2019 as well. The Bees are looking for a replacement for McCallister at the safety position where he tallied 92 tackles and two interceptions in 2019.

Caine said Shanks and Dutchess have both played safety during preseason practice. Ensor is another possibility at safety.

“Our defensive system is not necessarily the most complex in the world,” said Caine. “It’s that way by design. I can move pieces around and there’s not a six-month learning curve. As long as they’re willing tacklers we’ll find a spot for them.”

Caine said his team is striving to defend their region championship in 2020.

“Always, what we want to do here is defend our region title,” said Caine. “I want to defend that, and make a lot of noise in the playoffs. That’s when it’s fun. Ultimately, I think that’s why the kids play, to win championships, to get into the tournament, and see if they can get on a run.”

Upperman will open the regular season Thursday, August 20 against cross-county rival Cookeville. The game will be held at Tucker Stadium at Tennessee Tech University and will be livestreamed on the Upper Cumberland Reporter’s Facebook page. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.

READ: Rivalry- Cookeville vs Upperman