KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — South-Doyle is looking for its first winning football season in nearly half a decade, and the Cherokees made a change this offseason in hopes of moving in the right direction. After finishing 2025 4-6, South-Doyle hired former Powell defensive coordinator Zack Gibson as its new head coach. The numbers show why the move could make an immediate impact. The Cherokees allowed just shy of 30 points per game last season, while Gibson's Powell defense surrendered just under 17 points per game.
‘I’m speechless’: Johnny Knoxville tours new weight room at South-Doyle High School That defensive philosophy will be paired with a South-Doyle team that returns its starting quarterback and a talented senior class more than a dozen players strong. The biggest focus this fall is playing physical. "To bring over a defense that Powell had, a strong defense, and being able to incorporate that into our athletes that we have, it's just a good thing to have," senior Jeremiah Smith said. Senior Reed Reynolds said the emphasis on physicality has already made an impact on the defensive side of the ball. "It definitely helps our defense because I've learned a lot on the defensive side of the ball this year, especially during summer," Reynolds said. "I feel like a lot of it will be through physicality." For Gibson, physicality is more than just a football strategy. It's part of the identity he wants South-Doyle to build. "It's a personality trait," Gibson said. "Physicality is — I've made sure to make it a point of emphasis with the kids and the coaches. That physicality is important to me. Having that just grit to you, where you can get out and just bang in with people, put your hands on somebody, put your face on somebody." Gibson said that mindset starts with practice habits and taking care of teammates, but it ultimately has to carry over to Friday nights. "It's got to be physical on Friday nights when the lights come on," Gibson said. "It's a physical football game."
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South-Doyle will open its season Friday, August 21, at Austin-East. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WATE 6 On Your Side.