Bradley Central Prepares for Rivalry Showdown with McMinn County
CLEVELAND, Tenn. — As his 20th season kicks off, Bradley Central head coach Damon Floyd says his Bears are eager to trade summer practices for Friday night lights. Bradley opens the season at home against McMinn County in one of Tennessee’s oldest rivalries.
“It’s exciting for the community,” Floyd said. “These guys are tired of practicing. They’re ready for games.”
The Bears face the season without senior quarterback Tyler, sidelined for a second year by injury. His younger brother Tucker, who started six games last season, will step in. “He doesn’t have to win the game—just not lose it,” Floyd noted, adding confidence in the players around him.
Senior captains AJ Westfield, Spencer Macoutes, and Chris Myers joined Floyd for the interview, each praising the team’s culture and unity. Westfield, a Tulane commit who transferred from Cleveland High, called Bradley “exactly where I’m supposed to be.” Macoutes, who came from Walker Valley, cited harder work and stronger leadership. Myers, a three-year starter, said the team has “come together more this year.”
The matchup against McMinn County holds personal and historical weight. “It’s a huge rival,” Floyd said, hinting he’ll use past comments from McMinn’s coach to fire up his team. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. Friday at Bear Stadium, with live coverage on ESPN Cleveland 101.3 FM and MixTV.tv.
“It’s exciting for the community,” Floyd said. “These guys are tired of practicing. They’re ready for games.”
The Bears face the season without senior quarterback Tyler, sidelined for a second year by injury. His younger brother Tucker, who started six games last season, will step in. “He doesn’t have to win the game—just not lose it,” Floyd noted, adding confidence in the players around him.
Senior captains AJ Westfield, Spencer Macoutes, and Chris Myers joined Floyd for the interview, each praising the team’s culture and unity. Westfield, a Tulane commit who transferred from Cleveland High, called Bradley “exactly where I’m supposed to be.” Macoutes, who came from Walker Valley, cited harder work and stronger leadership. Myers, a three-year starter, said the team has “come together more this year.”
The matchup against McMinn County holds personal and historical weight. “It’s a huge rival,” Floyd said, hinting he’ll use past comments from McMinn’s coach to fire up his team. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. Friday at Bear Stadium, with live coverage on ESPN Cleveland 101.3 FM and MixTV.tv.