Ch. Cox begins his 28th year as the Dragons Leader

Faith & Tradition

The 2002 Dragon "O"

#81 Sr. DE Kent DeVinney & #53 Jr. DL Brad Pace combine for a big stop

# 67 Sr. Josh Peeples & #53 Jr. Brad Pace protect the pocket for #11 Sr. QB Josh Smith to throw a 65 yd. TD strike

#26 Jr. CB Derek Riley shuts down the outside with help from #55 Sr. LB Robbie Seahorn

#21 Sr. RB James Smith finding his way to a 36 yd. TD

#51 Sr. LB Jake Storz catches the Panther RB from behind

#67 Sr. DL Josh Peeples after recovering a fumble caused by # 53 Jr. Brad Pace & #50 Sr. DL Chris Hudson

#10 So. RB Brian Hall falls foward for additional yardage

#25 So. Punter Brock Merryman punts for the 1st time in his varsity career

Collierville ended a very solid summer program and fall pre season with a convincing "20 minute win" over highly ranked Bartlett High School Panthers on Friday night. It was one of the closest match ups scheduled for the Jamboree.

The Dragon offense answered a lot of lingering questions with a net 180 yards of offense in just 20 minutes against one of the best programs in the area.

Bartlett was awarded the first possession via the coin toss and was not able to get moving against a determined Dragon defense. Sr's. DL Chris Hudson and DE Kent DeVinney lead a gang tackling defense before Bartlett threw the ball away on third down.

The Dragon's first possession started at their own 28 yard line after a fair catch by Sr. punt returner Rogers Thweatt. On first down Sr. QB Josh Smith on a keeper ran up the middle behind OL Jr. Brad Pace and Sr. Josh Peeples, for a 7 yard gain. Sr. RB James Smith took the next carry down the right side behind Hudson and DeVinney for a first down and 8 yards.

A short run by Josh Smith and a solid 8 yard run by Jr. RB Taylor Brashear set up a 3rd and short for the Dragons. So. RB Brian Hall punched the ball up the middle for 10 yards and a first down with fine blocking from Peeples and Pace.

At the Bartlett 36 yard line James Smith patiently followed a solid line of blocking down the right side line where he burst through and outraced the crowd of defenders for a touchdown.

Sr. Kicker CJ Passmore made the extra point and the Dragons lead 7 - 0.

The Bartlett offense, frustrated with their first effort, took two plays with the help of a couple of missed defensive assignments to even the score. On the second play of the series the Bartlett quarterback faked the inside hand off and ran 58 yards untouched for the score. Bartlett converted the extra point and the score was tied 7 - 7.

The Dragons started their next possession at the 35 yard line. Short runs by Brashear and Josh Smith left Collierville about 7 yards for a first down. Bartlett blitzed and was able to sack Josh Smith forcing Collierville to punt on 4th down. An effective rolling punt by So. Punter Brock Merryman was placed down at the Panther 26 yard line ended the Dragon possession.

With the momentum clearly in Bartlett's favor, the Panthers were able to drive to the Collierville 8 yard line using several key third down plays to make three first downs. Collierville stiffened and from the 9 yard line facing 3rd down, nose guard Pace was able to grab the arm of the quarterback and cause a fumble, which was recovered by Sr. DL Josh Peeples.

The Dragons responded quickly from their own 11 yard line. On first down Josh Smith on a keeper ran up the middle for a nice 9 yard gain to the 20 yard line. On 2nd down and short, Josh Smith threw a well timed short pass to a streaking James Smith. A neat finger tip catch by James started a footrace to the goal line, no Panther seriously contended, and James made the 80 yard touchdown pass and reception look extremely easy. The kick was again good and the Dragons lead 14 - 7.

Collierville knew what to expect from the Bartlett offense with the next possession. On the very first play a quartet of Dragons, Sr. LB Robbie Seahorn, Jr. DE Clarence Featherstone, Hudson, & DeVinney and burst through the line. The Bartlett quarterback was hit by Seahorn, forcing a fumble, which was recovered by Featherstone.

The Collierville offense started with great field position at the Bartlett 33 yard line. James Smith took the first play wide right following DeVinney, Hudson and Peeples, before dropping his shoulder and a couple Panthers for a neat 17 yard run.

Officials called the next play back, calling holding against Collierville, which gave the Dragons a first and 18 on the Bartlett 24 yard line. On the next play with Bartlett in a prevent defense, Josh Smith hit tightly covered WR Thweatt at the goal line for the touchdown. The play was picture perfect and sealed the Bartlett fate. Passmore's kick was good and the score was 21 - 7.

The last Bartlett possession was stopped after several sacks of the Bartlett quarterback as time ran out.

After the Dragons lost most of their starters from last year, there was a lot of question marks for this Dragon squad. Even though this was only an exhibition game, this young group answered loudly with a well rounded performance.

Come and watch Collierville open the season this Friday, 8/30/02 at 7:30 against the Central High School Warriors at the Dragon's Herman Osteen Field.

The Best Student Section in the Country!!!

Link to 2001 Jamboree