Doug Loope wins final home game

The Harpeth High School (HHS) football team won their final home game against Jo Byrns on Friday, Oct. 11, celebrating their seven seniors and ending Head Coach Doug Loope’s home career with a landslide 48-13 victory after nearly two decades leading the program.

Loope took over the program in 2005 after serving as the Indians’ assistant coach beginning in 1991. 

Considering the Indians have won three games by more than 27 points this season, Friday's blowout was nothing new.

A big part of Harpeth's victory came down to the chemistry between senior quarterback Charlie Wilson and his top target junior Cj Turner. Wilson threw for 181 yards and five touchdowns on only 15 passes while Turner picked up 79 receiving yards and three touchdowns. The dominant performance also gave Wilson a new career-high in rushing yards.

Harpeth wouldn't let Jo Byrns keep a hold of the ball as they managed to force two fumbles. Harpeth can thank junior Cade Harper and senior Luke Summers for forcing both of them. Harpeth got some further help from senior Karson Mauk: he picked up three sacks and made eight total tackles.

The game ended with 6:12 left in the fourth quarter after Jo Byrns freshman defensive lineman Quade Pettus took a targeting foul to the head and neck area.

Pettus laid motionless on the ground for several minutes before being strapped to a bodyboard and gurney. He was transported to a local hospital to undergo further evaluation.

HHS and Jo Byrns players came together and huddled on the field in prayer. The players were informed after the game that Pettus had a minor spine injury, but was expected to make a full recovery.

At the end of the game, Coach Loope was recognized for his three decades of leadership to HHS's football program with current and former HHS players surprising him with notes of gratitude.

Harpeth is on a roll lately: they've won three of their last four contests, which provided a nice bump to their 4-4 record this season.

Harpeth will get to enjoy the win for a while: their next game is against East Hickman County at 7 p.m. on Oct. 25.

Senior night also recognized six HHS cheerleaders and seven Band of Blue members.  

Photos by Kristyn Wilson and Chris Tenpenny