Sam Strike

McInnis delivers top jamboree stick

By Stefan Cooper
Editor
Blount Press Row

We’re big fans of all things jamboree here at The Row, if only for the intrigue.

With the exception of All-State wideout and Georgia commitment Jamir Dean and prospect linebacker Jannaris Henry, 11-time defending state champion Alcoa went with its starters for at least a series in its two-quarter scrimmage with William Blount at the Blount County jamboree.

The home crowd at Goddard Field got a good show from the Tornadoes.

Mr. Football finalist quarterback Thomas Manu connected with Landen Love for a deep strike for one score. Reserve back Isamu Rice spun and sprinted around right end for another as Alcoa took the jamboree’s opening half, 14-0.

The Tornadoes open the 2026 season at rival Maryville on Friday.

Henry and Dean are both expected back.

William Blount is on the road at Loudon for Friday’s opener.

The Rebels took a different approach to the jamboree in their two quarters with Heritage.

Maryville Mr. Football nominee quarterback Will Jones warmed up but never saw the field. Neither did many of the other Rebel starters. Heritage, on the other hand, played to win and would do just that.

Linebacker Connor Wheeler came away with a nifty strip on a Maryville receiver deep in Rebel territory. The Mountaineers didn’t waste the opportunity, Kayden Filipo ripping a pair of nice runs to put Heritage in scoring position at the Rebel 10-yard line.

There, Wheeler’s younger brother, Mountaineer quarterback Walker Wheeler, flipped a quick pass wide to his left to Filipo, who collected a block from Troy Ervin to trot to the end zone for the score and a 7-0 lead.

Heritage held firm as Maryville reserves drove for a hoped-for equalizer, turning the Rebels away at the 2 as time expired. Earlier, Mountaineer defensive back Sam McInnis wowed the crowd with the hit of the night. The strike on a crossing Rebel receiver has to be seen to be appreciated.

It’s in the video.

The Mountaineers host Clinton on Friday to launch the 2026 campaign.

Eagleton, which didn’t take part in the Blount County jamboree this year, begins defense of its 2025 run to the Class 2A semifinals on the road at Oliver Springs.