Team History and Awards
Carter High School, established in 1915 in Strawberry Plains, Tennessee, fields athletic teams known as the Hornets, with school colors green and white.
The Hornets football program has made 19 playoff appearances with a championship record of 4–19. Playoff years include 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005, 2002, 2000, 1999, 1993, and 1986. The program has yet to win a state championship, but it has remained a steady competitor in Class 4A and 5A across the decades.
Team Highlights and Star Players
- Garrett Reynolds (OL, Class of 2005): NFL offensive lineman who played for the Atlanta Falcons, Detroit Lions, and St. Louis Rams.
- Mark Sherrod (Class of 2008): Professional soccer player, forward in Major League Soccer with the Houston Dynamo and San Jose Earthquakes.
- Antonio “Tank” Dobson (RB, Class of 2010): Standout at Carter who went on to play college football and track at Tennessee.
- Notable coaches: Hooper Eblen, who later had a gymnasium named after him at Austin Peay State University.
Meet the Team – 2025 Roster Snapshot
Head Coach: Todd Helton
Assistant Coaches: Russell Mayes, plus additional staff to be confirmed
Offense (Juniors and Seniors)
- Rejuan Womble (Sr., QB/OLB) – 6’1″, 173 lbs
- Justin Burris (Sr., WR/DB) – 6’0″, 175 lbs
- Antonio Hutchinson (Sr., WR/DB) – 6’2″, 173 lbs
- Walter Williams (Sr., WR/DB) – 6’1″, 172 lbs
- Noah Lyons (Sr., WR/FS) – 6’3″, 183 lbs
- Shamarrian Freeman (Sr., WR/DB) – 5’11”, 177 lbs
Defense (Juniors and Seniors)
- Jabarry Saffell (Sr., RB/LB) – 5’10”, 176 lbs
- Killian Love (Sr., C/LS) – 5’11”, 230 lbs
- Diego Galvez (Sr., K) – height not listed
- Ethan Gideon (Jr., QB/DB) – 6’0″, 174 lbs
- Jamil Smith (Jr., WR/RB/DB) – 5’10”, 173 lbs
- Waco Upshaw Jr. (Jr., RB/MLB) – 5’10”, 181 lbs
- Armani Bond (Jr., RB/OLB) – 6’0″, 170 lbs
- Kymani Lawrence (Jr., DE/TE) – 6’0″, 170 lbs
- Lewis Elliott-Brown (Jr., RB/LB) – 5’9″, 161 lbs
- Yashon Love (Jr., TE/LB) – 5’9″, 171 lbs
- AJ Workman (Jr., OL/DE) – 6’1″, 187 lbs
- Cayden Turner (Jr., OL/DT) – 6’2″, 277 lbs
- Jayden Dubose (Jr., OL/DE) – 6’5″, 267 lbs
- De’Eric McAfee (Jr., OL/DL) – 5’11”, 198 lbs
- Marqus Williams (Jr., OL/DL) – 6’0″, 211 lbs
2025 Season Schedule
- Aug 22 – at Northview Academy, W 57–19
- Aug 29 – vs Grace Christian Academy, L 24–21
- Sep 5 – vs Union County*, W 63–26
- Sep 12 – at South-Doyle*, W 37–30
- Sep 19 – vs Anderson County*, L 58–28
- Sep 26 – at Heritage*, 7:00 PM
- Oct 3 – vs Fulton*, 7:00 PM
- Oct 17 – vs Austin-East, 7:00 PM
- Oct 24 – at Alcoa*, 7:00 PM
- Oct 30 – at Gibbs*, 7:30 PM
(* District games)
