FRIDAY, AUGUST 18, 2006

COALFIELD — The Yellow Jackets kicked off Tennessee's 2006 football season with an impressive shutout win over Cumberland Gap last night.

The Jackets jumped to a 32-0 first-half lead, then held on for the shutout, posting a final score of 46-0.

Coalfield is a preseason favorite to win Region 2-A this season. The Yellow Jackets, whose coaching staff this year includes both former Oneida co-head coach and defensive coordinator Keith Henry and former Oneida line coach Jared Henry, will face the Indians in Week 2 of the regular season. Coalfield has won four consecutive games against Oneida.

Coalfield's win over the Region 1-AA Panthers was its second in as many years. Last year' the Yellow Jackets handed Cumberland Gap its only loss of the regular season, a 21-19 defeat in Week 0. This year's game was not nearly as close, however, as a strong Yellow Jacket team made its bid as a Class A contender.

Last night's game here was the only game in the state. Many teams will kick off the 2006 season tonight, including both Oneida and Scott High. The Indians will host Wartburg, while the Highlanders will host York Institute. Kickoff in both games is set for 7:30 p.m. Scott High will conduct a special pregame ceremony, scheduled to begin at 7:10 p.m., to retire the football jersey of Marine Cpl. Rusty Washam, who was killed earlier this year in Iraq.

Other games in Regions 2-A and 2-3A being played tonight include South Pittsburgh at Greenback (7:30 p.m.), Jellico at Oakdale (7:30 p.m.), Sunbright at White House Heritage (7:30 p.m.), Monterey at Harriman (7:30 p.m.), Catholic at Smith County (8:30 p.m.) and Austin-East at Red Bank (7:30 p.m.).