The Mckenzie Banner

Rader Crowned West Carroll Homecoming Queen

Watson Crowned Gleason Homecoming Queen

McKenzie Golf Roundup

Under new leadership of Coach Tyler Holt, the 2021 MHS Rebel Golf season kicked off on August 2 at Carroll Lake Golf Course where they hosted Gleason and Clarksburg schools. McKenzie had the overall lowest scores and won both the ladies’ and men’s matches. Juleyanne Weatherford was the ladies’ medalist with a score of 42 while Nolan Renfro was the gentlemen’s medalist with a low of 40.

Huntingdon Picks Up Third Win Against Riverside

PARSONS (September 11) — The Huntingdon Mustangs returned to action Friday night picking up their third win of the season following last week’s COVID-19 forfeiture by Camden. Huntingdon’s second non-region win came against the Riverside Panthers, 26-14; the Panthers came into the game undefeated at 3-0.

McKenzie Lady Rebels Soccer Opens Season

McKenzie Lady Rebels soccer opened their season last week with a 3-0 loss at Crockett County last Tuesday, September 7.

West Carroll's Xander Moon Scores Six Touchdowns Against Humboldt

By Michael OdomCourtesy, Mirror-ExchangeWhen Xander Moon wants to take over a game, Moon can take over a game.On Friday night, he showed that ability as he scored six touchdowns on 292 rushing yards …

McKenzie Routs South Fulton 72-7

SOUTH FULTON (September 3, 2021) — McKenzie’s Rebels hit the road for the second straight week this time north to South Fulton for their first Region 6-A contest. The Rebels, who won …

Huntingdon High School Homecoming Royalty and Escorts 2021

The 2021 Huntingdon High School Football Homecoming was held Friday, September 3 on the steps of the Carroll County Courthouse. It was a first at the Courthouse, with the evening game canceled with …

Gleason Bulldogs Defeat Bruceton

GLEASON (September 3) — Gleason Bulldogs (2-1) had a big region win over Hollow Rock-Bruceton (0-3), 69-27, giving the senior-heavy team of Bulldogs one of their best season starts in recent …

TWRA Seeks Input on Fishing Regulations

NASHVILLE --- The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency Fisheries Division presented its 2022-24 fishing regulation proposals during the Tennessee Fish and Wildlife Commission’s August …

Prep Football Season Opens Friday

The high school prep football season opens Friday night with McKenzie hosting Huntingdon, West Carroll travels to Bruceton and Gleason hosts Fulton County, Kentucky. All games are 7 p.m.

Middle School Softball

Lady Rebels Rout Greenfield in Season Opener

GREENFIELD (August 10) — The McKenzie Middle School Lady Rebels opened the softball season Tuesday with a 29-0 rout of Greenfield Junior High.

Rebels to Scrimmage Westview at UTM Friday

The McKenzie High School Rebels hosted Lexington Friday for a football scrimmage at Randy Thomas Field.

Middle School Jamboree

McKenzie Claims Win Over Gleason

In the nightcap of the Junior High Football Jamboree, McKenzie edged Gleason 14-6 in a pre-season jamboree at Rebel Stadium.

HHS Hosts ‘Football & Food Trucks’ Friday

Huntingdon High School hosts Football & Food Trucks, its 2021 high school football jamboree, Friday, August 13.

Bethel Hosts West Tennessee-Kentucky Football Challenge Friday

Bethel University hosts the West Tennessee-Kentucky Football Challenge at Wildcat Stadium Friday.

Middle School Football Season Begins Thursday

Area middle school football teams begin their seasons Thursday, August 12.

McKenzie High School Golf Travels to Sharon Monday

McKenzie High School continues its golf season Monday, August 16 as the team travels to Persimmon Hills Golf Course in Sharon.

Jaxson Favre Signs with Esports

McKENZIE – Bethel University Esports Coach Josh Greer announced Friday the signing of Jaxson Favre of Bay St. Louis Mississippi. Jaxson is the son of Jeff and Rhonda Favre and will major in Finance.

MHS Soccer Wins Two in Jamboree

McKenzie High School Girls’ Soccer won two games in a pre-season jamboree at Crockett County.

Junior High Football Jamboree is Saturday, August 7

McKenzie Middle School's Middle School Football Jamboree is Saturday, August 7 at Rebel Stadium in McKenzie.

Kirsten Sass, Amy Dixon Prepare for Paralympics Despite Tokyo’s Record Surge in COVID-19 Cases

As Tokyo undergoes its fourth state of emergency since July 12, McKenzie’s Kirsten Sass, her partner Amy Dixon and para-athletes worldwide prepare for the Paralympic Games, hosted August 27-September 5.

Rebels Host Lexington for Friday Scrimmage

The McKenzie High School Rebels continue their preparation for the upcoming football season with a week of practice leading up to a home scrimmage against Lexington Friday, August 6 at 7 p.m. at Rebel Stadium.

The Lost Season: 2020 Boys Soccer Team Honored with Plaque

McKENZIE (July 24) — Saturday, McKenzie High School soccer players, old and new, met at the high school soccer field at 5:30 p.m. to go head-to-head in a co-ed reunion scrimmage organized by coaches Karlene Brown and Jeremy Bilger. Little did the class of 2020 players know, there was a surprise to be unveiled at the conclusion of the game.

Rebels Prepare for Football Season

McKENZIE — McKenzie Rebels football team is preparing for the 2021 campaign in Class 1A competition.

The Basketball Tournament

Williams’ Underdawgs Advance to Second Round with Upset Win

PEORIA, Ill. (July 24) — The Jackson Underdawgs, a 15-seed coached by West Carroll alum Dexter Williams, advanced to the second round of The Basketball Tournament with a stunning 64-58 upset over two-seed The House of “Paign” Saturday.

McKenzie High School 2021 Golf Schedule

AUG. 2 Carroll Lake

McKenzie T-Ball All-Stars Win Gold State

The McKenzie T-Ball All-Stars won the Gold State Championship on Saturday, June 26.

Kirsten Sass, Amy Dixon to Compete in Tokyo Paralympics

McKENZIE (July 6) — Fresh from the news of her qualification in the 2021 U.S. Paralympic Triathlon Team sat McKenzie native Kirsten Winkler Sass in The Banner office, donned in a red USA Triathlon jacket. Kirsten will race as a guide in the Paralympics August 24 through September 5. The news came after the June 27 paratriathlon race in Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin. Their story began in 2017 when Kirsten first met Amy Dixon, her partner in the race.

Eli Dixon Becomes First Official Signee of Bethel Esports Program

McKENZIE — Bethel University Esports Coach Josh Greer announced Tuesday his first official signee for the program. McKenzie native William “Eli” Dixon made history with his decision to become a Wildcat. Eli is the son of Matthew and Shannon Dixon and will major in Psychology.

McKenzie Shooting Sports Team Wins At SCTP State Championships

The McKenzie Shooting Sports team represented Carroll County at the 2021 Tennessee Scholastic Clay Target Program (SCTP) State Championships in Nashville June 21-27.

McKenzie Shooting Sports Members Participate in SCTP Regional Championships

The Tennessee SCTP Regional Championships were at the Carroll County Shooting Sports Complex June 3-6. The Scholastic Clay Target Program, SCTP, is the largest and fastest-growing youth clay target program in the United States and provides students from elementary school through college a chance to compete.

Clayton Morris is West Carroll Football Coach

Coach Clayton Morris comes to West Carroll from Murray High School, where he has been the defensive coordinator for the last five years. During this time, his defense assisted the Tigers with playoff runs each year, including two quarterfinal appearances and one semifinal appearance. Before Murray, Coach Morris was the defensive coordinator at both Gibson County High School and Greenfield High School.

Randy Frazier Honored With Gymnasium Rename

GLEASON (June 3) — The Weakley County School Board unanimously approved a proposal to officially name Gleason’s gymnasium floor “Randy Frazier Court” to honor the former head coach’s career and accomplishments. The new name will be incorporated into the new court design in advance of the 2021-2022 school year.

West Carroll High School Announces Boys’ Head Basketball Coach

Coach Ryan Mansfield, a 2013 graduate from West Carroll High School, was announced June 14 as the West Carroll War Eagles’ high school boys’ basketball head coach for the 2021-2022 season.

Hunter Ensley, Tennessee Vols Headed to College World Series

Following June 12 and June 13’s subsequent wins against the Louisiana State University Tigers in the Knoxville Super Regional at Knoxville’s Lindsey Nelson Stadium, the University of Tennessee baseball team is scheduled to play in its first College World Series since 2005. This will be the University of Tennessee’s fifth ever appearance in the College World Series. Tennessee’s first game is June 20 at 1 p.m. CST / 2 p.m. EST at the TD Ameritrade Park in Omaha, Nebraska. The Vols will play the University of Virgina. ESPN networks will televise the game.

Bass Nation Tournament Provides Economic Impact to Carroll County

The Carroll County Chamber of Commerce reported the Tennessee Bass Nation State Junior Championship Tournament on May 7 and 8, generated $48,400 in economic impact for Carroll County.

Lady Rebels End Season With Banquet

McKENZIE (June 3)—Players, coaches, and parents of the McKenzie High School softball team gathered in the high school cafeteria Thursday afternoon to celebrate their district-winning season.

McKenzie Middle, Senior Baseball Teams Honored

McKENZIE (June 1) — McKenzie Middle High (MMS) and McKenzie High School (MHS) baseball teams celebrated the 2021 season on June 1 during a banquet at the McKenzie High School cafeteria. It was a time to reflect on the season and honor the players, parents and other supporters of the school teams.

Jason Essary Named Bethel Director of Sports Medicine

McKENZIE — Bethel University Senior Associate Athletic Director Brad Chappell announced Tuesday Jason Essary is Bethel’s director of Sports Medicine. Essary was serving as interim director during the illness and passing of Suzanne Seat Rezac.

Bethel University Bass Team Finishes Eighth in Nation

PROSPERITY, South Carolina — The Bethel University Wildcats completed the Bass Pro Shops Collegiate Bass Fishing Series 2020-21 tournament season with an impressive top ten School of the Year honor this past week.

Bethel SID Office Releases Early Look At 2021 Wildcat Football Schedule

McKENZIE — The Bethel University Sports Information Office released an early look at the 2021 Wildcat Football schedule Thursday.

McKenzie Soccer Team Feted to Banquet

McKENZIE (June 6) — McKenzie High School Men’s Soccer Team was feted to a banquet and awards ceremony on Sunday, June 6 at the school’s cafeteria. After a meal catered by Big …

McKenzie All-Stars

Former NFLer Keith Williams Named Offensive Coordinator

McKENZIE — Coach Michael Jasper announced Friday Coach Keith Williams has been named Offensive Coordinator for the Wildcats. Williams replaces Morgan Cruce who recently became the new Offensive Coordinator with the Henry County Patriots.

McKenzie, Huntingdon Athletes Place at State Track and Field

ROCKVALE, Tenn. (May 25) — McKenzie High School and Huntingdon High School each had athletes place in the Track and Field competitions in the Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association state finals in Rockvale.

Lady Rebels Eliminated in Region Opener

McKENZIE (May 17) — The McKenzie High School Lady Rebels ended their season with an 8-1 loss to Loretto Monday in the opening round of the Region 6A Softball Tournament.

Rebels Eliminated in Region Opener

LORETTO (May 17) — The McKenzie High School Rebels ended their season with a 1-0 loss to Loretto Monday in the opening round of the Region 6A Baseball Tournament.

McKenzie City League Softball All-Stars

McKenzie, Huntingdon Athletes Qualify for State Track & Field

Several students from McKenzie and Huntingdon high schools have qualified for the 2021 TSSAA State Track & Field Championships (Division 1 Small) to be held Tuesday, May 25 at Rockvale High School in Rockvale, Tennessee.

Sponsors Purchase New Scoreboard

McKENZIE — The all-purpose field at McKenzie Park has a new scoreboard, thanks to the support of three sponsors and the City of McKenzie. Maddox Insurance, Carroll Bank and Trust and Tosh Farms helped purchase the new scoreboard.

Rebels End Season with Double-Overtime Loss to Union City

McKENZIE (May 12) — The McKenzie High School Rebel soccer team ended its season Wednesday with a double-overtime loss to Union City in the first round of the District 11A tournament.

All-District 11A Softball Team Named

HUNTINGDON (May 11) — Following Tuesday’s championship game, the All-District 11A Softball team was announced. All-District players include Front Row (L to R): Payton Ognibene, Kassidy Brown, Keely Williams, Josie Sanders, Kayla Pulling and Kenadie Gibson. Back Row: Savannah Davis, Katie Chesser, Carlee Hicks, Shelby Childress, Nevaeh Davis, Kelsey Holmes and Rylee Holladay.

All-District 11A Baseball Team Named

HUNTINGDON (May 12) — Following Wednesday’s championship game, the All-District 11A Baseball team was announced. All-District players include: Huntingdon’s Grant Bartholomew (Most Valuable Player), Javon Pritchard, Sam Parish, Hunter Britt and Cade Wood; McKenzie’s Ty Anderson, Brandon Boaz, Jake McDaniel, Hayden Hixson and Jackson Cassidy; West Carroll’s Parker McAfee, Briggs Easley and Brock Polinski; Hollow Rock-Bruceton’s Thomas Crews and Reece Patterson; and Big Sandy’s Brandon Berry. The District 11A Coach of the Year is Huntingdon’s Alan Eubanks.

Mustangs Claim Title with 6-3 Win Over Rebels

HUNTINGDON (May 12) — The Huntingdon Mustangs claimed the District 11A Baseball Championship with a 6-3 win Wednesday over the McKenzie Rebels.

Lady Rebels Claim Title with 10-2 Win Over Fillies

HUNTINGDON (May 11) — The McKenzie Lady Rebels claimed the District 11A Softball Championship with a 10-2 win Tuesday over the tournament host Huntingdon Fillies.

Lady Rebels, Rebels End Season

McKenzie and Loretto (May 17) - McKenzie Lady Rebels softball and McKenzie Rebels baseball seasons both ended yesterday in the first round of region play against Loretto. At McKenzie, the Lady …

Lady Rebels Advance to Finals with Win Over Fillies

HUNTINGDON (May 10) — The McKenzie Lady Rebels defeated the host Huntingdon Fillies 7-3 in Monday’s District 11A Semifinals to advance to the title game.

Mustangs Advance to Finals with Win Over Rebels

HUNTINGDON (May 10) — The District 11A Baseball Tournament host Huntingdon Mustangs advanced to the title game with a 4-3 win Monday over the McKenzie Rebels.

Rebels Are District 11-A Runners-Up, Play at Loretto on Monday

The McKenzie Rebels traveled to Loretto for region play on the afternoon of Monday, May 17. The Rebels were District 11-A runners-up after losing to Huntingdon in the championship game last week.

McKenzie Lady Rebels Softball Plays Loretto in Region

McKenzie High School Lady Rebels, the District 11A softball champions, play Loretto on Monday, May 17, 5 p.m. at City Park.

Lady Rebels Outslug Lady Tigers in Opener

HUNTINGDON (May 8) — The McKenzie High School Lady Rebels opened the District 11A Softball Tournament with a 7-2 win over the Hollow Rock-Bruceton Central Lady Tigers.

Rebels Advance with Win Over Tigers

HUNTINGDON (May 7) — The McKenzie High School Rebels advanced to the semifinals of the District 11A Baseball Tournament with a 5-1 win Friday over the Hollow Rock-Bruceton Central Tigers. The tournament is hosted by Huntingdon High School.

Lady Rebels Rout Big Sandy, 15-0

McKENZIE (May 3) — The McKenzie High School Lady Rebels hosted Big Sandy Monday for a district softball contest. The Lady Rebels took an early lead and ran away with a huge third inning for a quick 15-0 win.

Surber: Last Home At-Bat one to Remember

McKENZIE — The date was May 9, 2016 when McKenzie High School multi-sport star Jack Surber signed with the Bethel Wildcat baseball program. His prep accolades read like a Who’s Who in athletics. He was a three-time 13 A All-District performer in baseball and basketball at McKenzie High. He was the district MVP in football for the Rebels. He was named a two-time team MVP in basketball and team MVP in football and baseball. He was a member of the 6 AA All-Region Basketball squad. He was also All-West Tennessee in basketball and football.

MHS Baseball Seniors Honored

The four 2021 McKenzie High School senior baseball players and their parents were honored on the final game of the regular season on Monday, May 3.

Seven Inducted in County Sports Hall of Fame

HUNTINGDON (May 1) — Seven persons were inducted as the newest members of the Carroll County Sports Hall of Fame during the May 1 ceremony at the Carroll County Civic Center. This was the 19th event, held annually except in 2020 during the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic. The new inductees were selected for the 2020 class and inducted on Saturday.

Hutcherson Signs with Super Bowl Winning Buccaneers

(May 1) — After months of anticipation and years of hard work, former Huntingdon High School football standout and University of South Carolina redshirt-senior lineman, Sadarious Hutcherson learned his fate with the NFL. He will begin his professional career with the reigning Super Bowl Champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Bassmaster Junior National Championship is in Carroll County

BIRMINGHAM, Alabama — National championships for the fastest-growing youth and high school fishing circuits in the country are on Tennessee fisheries.

Turner Honored with Taylor Buckley Scholarship

The Taylor Buckley Cheerleading Scholarship was presented to McKenzie High School Senior Cheerleader Graycie Turner at the MHS Sports Banquet on April 18.

Rebels Fall to Peabody, Westview

TRENTON/McKENZIE (April 27, 30) — The McKenzie High School Rebel soccer team lost a pair of games last week by narrow margins. Tuesday, they traveled to face Peabody and fell 2-1. Friday, they hosted district foe Westview and were defeated 4-2.

McKenzie Routs Stewart County, 13-3

McKENZIE (April 26) — The McKenzie High School Rebels hosted the Stewart County Rebels Monday for a non-district baseball contest. McKenzie rode two big innings to a 13-3 victory in six innings.

Lady Wildcats to Meet Georgetown in MSC Softball Tournament Final Site

BOWLING GREEN, Kentucky (May 1, 2021) - The 2021 Mid-South Conference Opening Round wrapped up on Saturday with Georgetown (Ky.) and Martin Methodist (Tenn.) punching their tickets to the MSC …

Lady Wildcats Sweep Saints in Mid-South Conference Softball Tournament Opening Round

MCKENZIE, Tenn. (April 30, 2021 ) – The Bethel Lady Wildcats played host to the Saints of Thomas More in the best of a three-game series in the Mid-South Conference Softball Tournament …

Former Bethel Volleyball Standout Drafted in NVL

AUCKLAND, New Zealand–Former Bethel University volleyball standout Rachael Gunn was recently drafted by the Midlands Te Wairo team in the National Volleyball League in New Zealand. Gunn is a …

Bat Cats Sweep Phoenix in MSC Baseball Tournament Opening Round

MCKENZIE, Tenn. -- The Bethel Wildcats played host to the Cumberland University Phoenix in the first round of the 2021 Mid-South Conference Baseball Tournament Friday. The Wildcats used …

Huntingdon Grad in NFL Draft This Week

Sadarius Hutcherson of Huntingdon is expected to be picked in the sixth or seventh round of the NFL Draft, according to nfl.com. NFL Draft Scout predicts Hutcherson will be drafted as high as the third round. The Draft begins April 29.

Lady Rebels Come From Behind to Top Lady Lions

McKENZIE (April 23) — The McKenzie High School Lady Rebels hosted Dresden Friday for a non-district softball contest and made a late surge to earn a 9-4 victory.

Rebels Drop Two to South Gibson

McKENZIE/MEDINA (April 22-23) — The McKenzie High School Rebels were swept last week in a home-away series versus South Gibson. The Rebels hosted Thursday and fell 7-4, then traveled Friday and were defeated 6-5 in eight innings.

Rebels Rout South Fulton, Edge Henry County

SOUTH FULTON/McKENZIE (April 20, 22) — The McKenzie High School Rebel soccer team picked up a pair of wins last week, topping district foe South Fulton 10-1 on the road Tuesday and defeating Henry County 1-0 at home Thursday.

Young, Anglin Named to Class 1A TSWA Men’s All-State Team

West Carroll junior basketball player Jalen Anglin and Gleason senior Elijah Young were named to the Tennessee Sports Writers Association All-State team.

Davis Named to Class 1A TSWA Girl’s All-State Team

McKenzie Lady Rebel freshman basketball standout Savannah Davis was named to the Tennessee Sports Writers Association All-State Team. Davis and her teammates led the Lady Rebels (23-2) to a district championship producing the team’s best record since 1960.

Huntingdon’s Warman Signs to Track Scholarship with Bethel

HUNTINGDON (April 21) — Carson Warman, a senior of Huntingdon High School, signed to run Track and Field and Cross Country with Bethel University of McKenzie.

MMS Baseball Eighth Grade Night

Lady Rebels Defeat Central Lady Tigers, 9-3

McKENZIE (April 19) — McKenzie Lady Rebels took the 9-3 win over Hollow Rock-Bruceton Central Lady Tigers on April 19 at McKenzie Park.

McKenzie’s Bennett Signs with Jackson State Softball

McKENZIE (April 19) — McKenzie High School senior Lilly Bennett signed Monday to join the Jackson State Community College Greenjays softball team, joined in the MHS Theatre by family, coaches, teammates and classmates.

Carroll County Sports Hall of Fame is Saturday

The annual Carroll County Sports Hall of Fame induction is Saturday, May 1, 6 p.m. at the Carroll County Civic Center.

McKenzie High School Basketball Athletes Honored

McKENZIE (April 18) — McKenzie High School’s basketball players, cheerleaders, coaches, and parents celebrated an unprecedented year of basketball during a Sunday afternoon banquet at McKenzie High School. A global COVID-19 pandemic’s effects weighed heavily on the season with quarantines, limited audience size, and even games without cheerleaders. However, the Rebels and Lady Rebels persevered playing the scheduled dates, even some nights of play with the girls playing one opponent and the boys playing a different opponent.

McKenzie Youth Soccer League Hosts Jamboree

McKENZIE (April 17) — McKenzie Youth Soccer League kicked off its season with the annual jamboree on Saturday, April 17.

Rebel Soccer Tops Gibson County, Falls to South Gibson

McKENZIE (April 13, 15) — The McKenzie High School Rebel soccer team hosted a pair of games last week, defeating district foe Gibson County 2-0 on Tuesday and falling to Class AA South Gibson 3-0 on Thursday.

Huntingdon Sweeps McKenzie in Home-Away Series

McKENZIE/HUNTINGDON (April 12-13) — McKenzie and Huntingdon played a pair of high school district baseball contests in a home-away series last week. The Mustangs came out on top both days, topping the Rebels on the road 13-3 on Monday and edging out an 8-7 walk-off win at home Tuesday.

Lady Rebels Rout Big Sandy, 23-0

BIG SANDY (April 12) — The McKenzie High School Lady Rebels earned a road win against district softball foe Big Sandy Monday, shutting out the Lady Red Devils 23-0 in three innings.

Westview Sweeps Rebels in Home/Away Series

McKENZIE/MARTIN (April 15-16) — McKenzie High School was swept in a pair of non-district baseball contests against Westview last week. Thursday, the Rebels hosted and tied the game going into the sixth, but the Chargers had a big inning to claim an 11-6 victory. Friday, Westview hosted and took an early lead for a 10-2 win.

Fillies Claim 4-3 Victory Over Lady Rebels

McKENZIE (April 15) — McKenzie High School Lady Rebels hosted Huntingdon Thursday for a district softball contest.

Timothy Earl Newsome

HUNTINGDON - Mr. Timothy Earl Newsome, 68, of Huntingdon, Tennessee, died Saturday, April 17, 2021, at his home. Funeral services are Tuesday, April 20, 2021, at 11 a.m. in the Chapel of …

Lady Tigers Top Lady Bulldogs, 8-2

GLEASON (April 9) — The Gleason Lady Bulldogs hosted Hollow Rock-Bruceton Central Friday for a non-district softball contest and were defeated, 8-2.

Bethel University Football

Wildcats Fall at Lindsey Wilson

COLUMBIA, Ky (April 9) — The Bethel Wildcats closed the season with a 49-7 loss at number three ranked Lindsey Wilson Friday night in Columbia, Kentucky. After beginning the season with three straight wins, the Wildcats suffered several key injuries and finished 3-4 on the year. Lindsey Wilson moved to 7-0 and move on to the upcoming NAIA playoffs.