Chattanooga Catholic football team has undefeated season

2015 marks squad’s first no-loss season in 50 years and fifth overall dating back to 1949

By Anthony Jackson

The Chattanooga Catholic football team recently completed a perfect season, going 11-0 in 2015.

The Catholic Rams are a middle school football program composed of students from two Chattanooga schools: Our Lady of Perpetual Help and St. Jude.

OLPH has one of the richest football traditions of any middle school in Tennessee, dating back to 1948. In its 67 years, OLPH has a winning percentage of over 73 percent and has claimed 24 championships. 2015 was the Rams’ first undefeated season in 50 years. The Rams have 17 one-loss seasons since 1966, making the undefeated campaign all the more special.

Catholic is coached by brothers Billy and Bucky Dearing. Coach Bucky Dearing stated “it was a memorable season. The players believed in themselves and put in an incredible amount of hard work.”

Team captain Dallas Brown led the conference with more than 2,000 yards of offense and 24 touchdowns. Other standouts included Brendan Greene (defense), Reeve Mullinax (offense), and Maverick Tucker (line). The coaches offered high praise for the camaraderie among the players, who come from what traditionally have been “rival” schools.

“It speaks volumes about the character of these young men, their families, and the schools,” said Bucky Dearing.

The Rams have four previous undefeated seasons, the first in 1949 (2-0-1). The 2015 Rams are now included on that short list.

Coach Billy Dearing said, “We will never forget this season. We were blessed with a great group of players, parents, and supportive schools.”

Defensive end Bradley Summitt, Catholic’s emotional leader, said, “Our team worked hard since May to get to this point. We were always motivated and ready to play. Sad to see the season end, but so glad to have been a part.” ■

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