Jan. 3
Eagles take Hub
City Second
Chester County broke a three-game streak of defeats by winning its first two games last week in the Hub City Classic, presented by Area Relief Ministries, at Oman Arena in Jackson. The Eagles, however, were not as fortunate in the championship game of the eight-team tournament, falling to a Haywood, giving CCHS second place.
Jan. 10
Surging Eagles destroy
R-side, edge Middleton
Chester County boys’ basketball is now above .500 and looking for many more victories following a weekend that saw them destroy a district opponent and narrowly defeat a traditional high school basketball powerhouse for the second time this season.
Jan. 17
Surging Eagles Rip Lexington
The Eagles of Chester County High School are on a roll, having won four games in a row, and six of its last seven contests. Along the way CCHS moved up from fifth in District 14-AA into a current tie with North Side and McNairy Central for second place in the league standings.
Jan. 17
Exciting Eagles hold off Adamsville
Adamsville spotted Chester County 12 points in the first half, then stormed back to take the lead early in the fourth period. However, the CCHS combo of Jusino Prather and Cortez Thomas scored 21 of the Eagles’ 23 points in the fourth quarter to overcome the visiting Cardinals 77-74 at Eagle Gym.
Jan. 31
Eaglettes mashed
on road, hold-off McNairy at home
A dominant opponent beat the Chester County Eaglettes on the road Jan. 22, but the CCHS ladies came back to beat district rival at home Friday Dec. 25.
Prior to games of this week, the Eaglettes were in second place in the district 14-AA standings, tied with Lexington for the top spot with three games to play.
Feb. 7
Lions down Columbia
The Freed-Hardeman University Lions (4-20, 2-14 AMC) nearly led wire to wire en route to defeating Columbia College (11-12, 6-10 AMC) 76-70 on Saturday afternoon in Columbia, Mo.
In the first half, FHU shot 43 percent from the field and 57 percent from three, behind a solid 34
Feb. 14
CCJHS Volleyball Wins Tournament
Chester County Junior High School volleyball team captured the Silver Bracket Championship of the 2019 Junior High Invitational Volleyball Tournament at Freed-Hardeman University on Saturday, Feb 9.
Feb. 21
Alverson qualifies for National Meet
Freed-Hardeman University track and field and cross country star Tyler Alverson qualified for the 2019 NAIA Track and Field National Championships this May after posting a 1:11:51 half marathon at the Rock ‘n Roll New Orleans Half Marathon Feb. 9. His time was over a minute and a half faster than the “A” qualifying standard for the marathon championship race.
Feb. 28
Smith shining in Memphis
University of Memphis sophomore Baylee Smith has been named the American Athletic Conference Player of the Week for the second time in her career after leading the Tigers offensively the weekend ending Feb. 17.
The Chester County native put together a eight-for-10 effort at the plate with five extra base hits and six runs driven in through four games. She finished with two doubles, two triples, and a home run. Against FIU, Smith was a home run away from hitting for the cycle.
Mar. 7
And the BEAT goes on!
Lady Lions win another AMC Title
The No. 1 ranked Freed-Hardeman University Lady Lions’ basketball (31-2, 25-2 AMC) captured the American Midwest Conference Tournament Championship on Monday night by defeating No. 3 Columbia College (29-4, 21-4 AMC) 60-53.
Mar. 14
Lady Lions get One Seed at NAIA National
Freed-Hardeman University’s Lady Lions’ basketball team is the defending national champions of the NAIA Division 1 Women’s Basketball tournament. And with a record of 31-2, plus their recent regular season and tournament championships in the American Midwest Conference, they are at the very least among the favorites to win it all again this season.
Mar. 21
CC tennis romps over Lexington, McNairy
Chester County’s two biggest rivals were no match for the Eagles and Eaglettes in high school tennis last week. CCHS won easily over Lexington 6-1 for the guys and stomped McNairy 7-0. The CCHS girls won over Lexington 5-2 and McNairy 7-1.
Mar. 28
Walk-off hit carries CCHS to opening win
Chester County took it March 18 season-opening game in dramatic fashion, with a 7-6 walk-off victory over Adamsville. The game, at Eagle Field, was tied at six with CCHS batting in the bottom of the seventh when Alex Ingram singled on a 1-0 count, scoring the winning run.
April 4
Chester teams sweep All-Comers meet
Chester County’s second-year track and field teams are making a name for themselves across west Tennessee. The Eagles’ Track team won first place in the USJ All Comers meet last weekend
April 11
Bates again powers Eaglettes
Megan Bates continues her power hitting, launching another home run for the Chester County Eaglettes softball team when they defeated Scotts Hill 6-1 April 1. CCHS won twice and lost once last week, all coming in District 14-AA games.
Bates had two hits and drove in three runs in the victory over Scotts Hill. Kaylie McKinley was the winning pitcher.
April 18
Hunts four-RBI day spells victory for CCHS
Colton Huntt had three hits and drove in four runs on Thursday to power Chester County to a 14-7 high school baseball victory over Peabody of Trenton. The contest was played in Henderson.
Colton Huntt came to the ballpark and meant business on Thursday, driving in four on three hits to lead Chester County Eagles Varsity past Peabody 14-7 on Thursday.
April 25
Lion baseball wins AMC regular season title
The Freed-Hardeman Univesity Lions baseball program (36-13, 23-4 AMC) became the American Midwest Conference Regular Season Champions and earned the No. 1 overall seed in the conference tournament on May 1-4 with an 11-3 win over Park (19-19, 11-16 AMC) on Saturday afternoon in Parkville, Mo.
May 2
Eaglettes topple “the Hill”
Chester County Eaglettes’ softball sailed to an easy victory over Scotts Hill 10-3 on Tuesday, April 23. Kaylie McKinley commanded the circle for the Eaglettes, lasting seven innings, allowing five hits and three runs while striking out four.
May 9
Lions win second straight AMC baseball title
The Freed-Hardeman University Lions baseball team (43-14, 30-4 AMC) erased a three-run deficit in the bottom of the fifth inning Saturday in Joplin, Mo., to defeat Columbia (29-21, 21-10 AMC) 11-6 and win their second straight American Midwest Conference title.
May 16
Late rally advances CC in region
Chester County came from behind with a five-run seventh inning to defeat South Gibson 5-4 Monday in the first round of the region baseball tournament in Medina. The victory matches the Eagles with McNairy Central in the region title game, the same matchup as a week earlier when CCHS and the Bobcats met for the district championship.
May 23
Freed-Hardeman wins Regional,
returning to NAIA W.S. in Idaho
The Freed-Hardeman University Lions baseball team (47-15) is headed back to Idaho after defeating Oklahoma Wesleyan (46-11) 5-4 in the winner-take-all game on Thursday in the Henderson Bracket of the NAIA National Tournament Opening Round.
May 30
Lions’ season ends in W.S. rematch
The Freed-Hardeman University Lions (47-17) baseball season came to an end Saturday, May 25, after falling 10-2 to Southeastern (52-11) in a rematch of last year’s NAIA World Series title game.
June 6
Howard named CCHS boys’ coach
Chester County High School has selected Kody Howard to become its next head coach of boys’ basketball. On May 29 the Independent was informed of this decision by CCHS Athletic Director Clay Murley.
June 13
Alverson Finishes 16th Of 60 At Nationals
On Saturday, Tyler Alverson of the track and field team finished 16th out of 60 runners in the men’s marathon at the NAIA track and field national championships in Gulf State Park in Orange Beach, Alabama.
June 20
Chester County Independent Award
Bates, Prather continue long tradition of excellence
Two distinguished students, athletes and 2019 graduates of Chester County High School have been chosen to receive the annual Chester County Independent Award. Megan Bates and Jusino Prather were chosen for the award for this year.
June 27
Dixie teams still vying for state berths
In Dixie Youth Baseball, the age 9-10 AAA boys’ team earned the runners-up trophy in the District Tournament and are headed to the state tournament beginning July 11 at Sweetwater. Chester County is currently vying for a state ticket by playing in the age 11-12, O-Zone, district at Scotts Hill.
In girls softball action, Chester County won the district championship the past weekend in the Dixie Ponytails, age 11-12. They now play in the state July 12 at Linden. The only team eliminated at this point is the age 9-10 Dixie Angels.
July 4
Estes named ABCA Regional Coach of the Year
Freed-Hardeman University Lions baseball coach Jonathan Estes was named the American Baseball Coaches Association NAIA Regional Coach of the Year, the organization announced Tuesday June 30.
In his 10th season at the helm of the Lions, Estes lead his team to 47 wins in a year that included an AMC Regular Season and Conference championships, a host bid for the opening round of the NAIA National Tournament, which they won, and an appearance in the Avista-NAIA World Series in Lewiston, Idaho, for the second consecutive year.
July 11
Five local teams head out of town for state games
Five diamond teams from the local Chester County Dixie Youth Association head out of town this weekend to play at state tournaments in various locations in Tennessee.
The CC 11-12 boys take the field in the state tournament Thursday through Sunday at Fairview. On a similar schedule at Sweetwater, the age 9-10 guys play in the state tournament.
On the softball front, Chester County has teams heading to McEwen, age 5-6 coach-pitch, Friday through Monday. Their first contest is Friday versus Fairview.
The Dixie Darlings, coach-pitch ages 7-8, travel to Waynesboro, and take on take on Collinwood in their initial game.
Dickson is hosting the Dixie Belles, girls’ softball ages 13-15, with Chester County opening against Madison Central Friday at 4 p.m. CC has a strong squad in this age group hoping for a championship and World Series bid in Alexandria, La.
July 18
Belles claim STATE CHAMPIONSHIP!
The Chester County Dixie Belles, girls’ softball, age 13-15, claimed another state championship Sunday, defeating Fairview 11-1 in the title game at Dickson. They now advance to the Dixie Softball World Series July 26, in Alexandria, La.
July 25
Two win State Championships
Two Chester County Dixie Softball teams are headed to the World Series following their victories in state to At Dickson, Chester County Dixie Belles, girls ages 13-15, defeated Fairview 11-1 to win the Dixie Belles state tournament on July 15. They are now headed to the World Series in Alexandria, La.
At Waynesboro, Chester County Dixie Darlings, girls’ softball coach-pitch age 7-8, advanced to the Dixie World Series in Eufala, Ala., beginning this weekend. The Darlings defeated Collinwood in a spine-tingling state championship game 4-3. Team members include: Brooklyn Goff, Makinley Christy, Chara Dalton, Eppie Rowsey, Madyn Leath, Milly Knipper, Josslyn Hensley, Avery Cooper, Brynli Young, Erby Anne Murphy, Addie Jones and Lizzie Patterson. Coaches are Andy Rowsey, Darian Leath, Matt Knipper and Jera Fawcett.
Aug. 1
Freed-Hardeman, Bethel, Martin Methodist
to renew rivalries in Mid-South Conference
The presidents of Bethel University of McKenzie, Freed-Hardeman University of Henderson and Martin Methodist College of Pulaski announced their schools’ transfers to the Mid-South Conference of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics. Teams will first compete in their new conference in the 2020-21 academic year.
Aug. 8
Season Preview of Eagles
The Chester County High School Football Team will start their 2019 season at 6 p.m. Aug. 16 at Riverside High School, and Coach Steve Robinson is ready to see what this year brings for his team.
“It’s been a really good turnout this summer,” he said.
Aug. 15
CCHS Boys’ Golf Has A Bright Year
On Aug. 1, The Chester County High School Boys’ Golf team showed their skills as they began their Fall 2019 season. The Chester County Boys Golf Team placed second in the WTGJA High School Preview tournament on Aug. 1 at Chickasaw Golf Course.
Aug. 22
JH Wins Big in First Game
Junior High Football Coach Chad Hanna still can say he is proud of his team last week even though they lost in the jamboree, because the team was successful in their first game against Bolivar. The junior varsity won 24- 0 and the varsity won 34-6.
Aug. 29
Eagles force a safety but lose against Wildcats
Friday night, the Chester County Eagles tried hold down the Fayette Ware Wildcats, but couldn’t come out with a win being defeated 9-35.
Sept. 5
CCJHS football team loses by one possession
Last week the Chester County Eagles Junior High Football team played the Hardin County Tigers in an attempt to have a win against one of the better football teams this season but lost 12- 20.
Sept. 12
CCHS has female on the field; Minor looks to become a major player on defense
The Chester County Football team now has a female football player, Sarai Minor.
Minor, a ninth grade student at Chester County High School found the love of football during third grade. She mentioned how she tried other sports, but nothing interested her like football.
Sept. 19
CCJHS Girls’ Soccer Team Makes Final Four
After an intense game Monday, Sept. 16, the Chester County Junior High School Girls’ Soccer team came out with a win against Dyersburg. The 3-1 win landed them in the final four in the post season.
Sept. 26
CCJHS Girls’ Soccer win third place in region
The Chester County Junior High Girls’ Soccer team won third place in the West Tennessee Region Saturday. The Chester County Junior High Girls’ Soccer team won third place in the West Tennessee Region Saturday.
Last Monday, Sept. 16, the girls landed in the final four of the region after winning against Dyersburg. This led them to playing Medina on the evening of Thursday, Sept. 19. The girls put up a good fight to win against Medina, but could not pull off a win after losing 1-0. The girls had close attempts at scoring in the second half, but could not find a way to get the ball in the net.
Oct. 3
First Place in Division for Marching Eagles!
Homecoming marked the Marching Eagles’ first performance of “Watching You” in full uniform and was definitely a show worth watching!
However, as great as we sounded in our home stadium with all our loyal fans cheering us on, the real triumph of the weekend was at the Peabody Invitational Competition in Trenton, Tenn. Our Marching Eagles gave us a terrific performance and brought home First Place for all categories in the 3A division.
Oct. 10
CCHS Volleyball in district tournament
The Chester County volleyball team started off the district tournament strong Monday night against Bolivar. They did so well that Bolivar didn’t even win a single set.
“We needed that game under our belt,” Head Coach Susan Humphry said.
Oct. 17
Austin Warren competes in state tournament
Last week the Chester County Boys’ golf team competed in the regionals but fell short and only earned runner-up. However, Austin Warren placed second in individual scores with a 71. Austin played in the state tournament this week on Tuesday and Wednesday. If he won, he is the division I state champion.
Oct. 24
CCHS Girls’ Soccer Dominate in District
Last week, The Chester County Girls’ Soccer Team triumphed over all their opponents in the District tournament.
They entered the tournament being ranked first in the district which earned them a first round bye. Then, in the semifinals, on last Tuesday Oct. 15, they shutout South Side 14-1. In the end, they defeated the Lexington Tigers Thursday night to claim the District Title for Chester County and beat them 7-1.
Oct. 31
Boys’ Cross Country to Compete at State; Girls fall at Regionals
The boys’ team placed first out of 12 teams in the region with an impressive team score of 24. The Eagles were ahead of the team in second place by a huge number of 58 points. Medalists were Zach Belew-12th, Carter Welch-seventh, Tucker Allen- sixth, Gideon McManus-second and Evan Allen first.
Nov. 7
Girls’ Soccer Competes at State this week
The Chester County High School Girls’ Soccer team will play in Murfreesboro at the Richard Siegal Soccer Complex for the State Championship Tournament this week.
Nov. 14
Lady Lions Dominate In Season Opener
The top-ranked Lady Lions (1-0) put on a show for the Homecoming crowd on Saturday afternoon by routing Blue Mountain College (1-2) 93-36.
It was a great all-around effort from the hosts, as multiple Lady Lions were able to get on the score sheet.
Freshman KJ White had a standout performance, leading all scorers with 18 points off the bench. Sophomore Chynia Brooks followed closely behind with 15 points, and Haylee Croom rounded out the double-digit scorers with 12 points. The senior was a rebound away from a double-double after pulling down nine.
Freshman Caroline Chambers had a solid debut on Saturday, pulling down a game-high 11 rebounds and adding eight points. Sophomore Alyssa LeMay finished with nine points, and junior Reagen Floyd had eight.
Nov. 21
CCJHS Girls Basketball wins close game; Boys out play their opponent
On Thursday, Nov. 14, both of the Chester County Junior High Basketball teams left with victorious against Decatur County.
Nov. 28
CC Youth Football Wins Doyle Murphy Memorial Bowl
The Chester County Youth Football and Cheer League had its first ever Doyle Murphy Memorial Bowl on Saturday Nov. 23.
The Chester County Youth Eagles was the team to walk away with the bowl trophy too.
The bowl was designed for two rounds. The first round was the Eagles versus the Jackson Cougars and the Haywood Tomcats versus the Adamsville Cardinals.
The Eagles wiped out the Cougars 22 to nothing which resulted in them facing Haywood for the championship game.
Dec. 5
Cross country runners and coach receive awards
Chester County High School had three cross country runners that earned First Team All-West Tennessee and two that earned Second Team All-West Tennessee.
The three that won First Team All-West Tennessee are Evan Allen for earning state runner-up in the Large Class race with a time of 15:32.85 this year, Tucker Allen whom finished 99th in the Large Class race with a time of 17:42.23, and Gideon McManus whom finished 20th in the Large Class race with a time of 16:37.86.
The two that earned Second Team All-West Tennessee are Zach Belew and Carter Welch.
Dec. 12
Head Referee
Henderson resident Craig Casey headed up one of the referee crews at the BCBS high school state football championships held last week in Cookeville.
Casey and other members of the crew are specially selected for the finals by the TSSAA. Casey has been refereeing for 33 years.
Dec. 19
Eagles win first game
Tuesday Dec. 10, was a wild night for the Chester County High School Eagles along with their cheering fans as they played Riverside Panthers.
Before the game even started, everyone was aware of how important the game was for the team.
Up until then, the Eagles were 0-5 and in desperate need of a win. Not only did they come out on top, but they came out on top in their first district game of the season.
Dec. 26
CCJHS Eagles avenge only loss,
end season 15-1
The CCJHS Boys Basketball Team beat Dyersburg to avenge themselves from earlier in the season and won the Dyersburg Christmas Tournament Championship on Thursday Dec. 19. The final score was 45-32.
