BLUFF CITY, Tenn. — High schools across the region are gearing up for kickoff, and in Bluff City, the Sullivan East Patriots aim to recover from a tough 2024 season.

Led by head coach J.C. Simmons, the Patriots concluded last season with a 1–9 record, earning a sixth-place finish in their district. With another year of experience, Simmons feels this young team has returned to camp with renewed enthusiasm.

“We understood that fielding so many young players means you’ll face challenges,” Simmons stated. “It reaches a point where you either give up or return determined to fight. Our players are striving to prepare themselves accordingly.”

The Patriots’ 2024 lineup involves several significant away games against Cherokee, Grainger, and Elizabethton. This season also sees the comeback of a few key players from injuries, notably senior running back Bentley Key.

Senior wide receiver and defensive back Blue Proffitt says the team’s maturity is one of the biggest changes from last year.

“We had a bunch of young kids, and I feel like we’ve matured a lot with attitudes and expecting the unexpected,” Proffitt said.

“We’ve built communication across the board beyond football,” said senior center Benjamin Childers. “It’s not just about individual play. It’s about playing for your teammate.”

The Patriots will open their season on the road against Virginia High on Friday, August 15.