Quick strike
Diaz, Sanders give Pioneers early jolt
Chris Diaz worked relentlessly to be in the best shape possible for his final season of high school football, and his discipline of cutting out fast food and sticking to a workout regimen showed as he led East Ridge’s defense in last Friday’s season-opening rout of Sale Creek.
The Pioneers’ game plan had Diaz at end — the 5-foot-9, 210-pound senior can play middle linebacker as well — as he totaled a career-high 14 tackles (seven for loss) with two sacks.
“It felt good for my brothers to see me ball out,” said Diaz, who is also an offensive lineman. “I have lost 55 pounds since last year, and I really dedicated myself to the game. After we had morning workouts (as a team), I would work hard with a trainer from Realistic Results who helped me and a lot of our guys out. I wanted to be in the best shape possible because I wanted to make my senior year the best year and go all out.”
Senior quarterback Cameron Sanders said he hopes younger teammates notice how Diaz and the class of 2021 have worked to pick up where last year’s seniors left off. Sanders starred on offense last week as he rushed for 164 yards on five carries — three of them touchdowns — and on defense, he returned an interception for a touchdown and broke up a pass while playing strong safety.
East Ridge’s home game against Bledsoe County is one of several in the Chattanooga area this week that was moved up to tonight from Friday, when there are thunderstorms in the forecast. The Pioneers lost 14-13 last year to the Warriors, who are coming off a 40-7 opening win at Whitwell.
“I am not satisfied with a big game. I want more, and so do my teammates,” said Sanders, a college prospect who had football-related practices or workouts three times a day during the preseason.
“We have been working and dedicating this season for one another. These are all my brothers out here. We are a team and stick together through it all. This season I am stepping out of my comfort zone a little and being a vocal leader. I want my guys to know that I have their backs and will always pick them up.”
Sanders, Diaz and the rest of the seniors will now try to lead the way to 2-0 — and bigger goals beyond.
“Leadership is kind of a lost art with kids these days,” said East Ridge coach Tim James, who is in his 30th season at the school. “It’s no longer popular to be the leader and take the helm. But this group was fortunate they had a great class before them. That’s what you want in a program, perpetuating leadership.
“Chris and Cameron certainly are ones the younger kids can learn from. They have worked hard and earned their positions as leaders on this team, and I am excited for them both that they get to showcase their abilities.”