Prep football 2024: Character-shaping loss has Bartlett High primed for a big season
Bartlett head coach Chris Smith questions a call by the referees late in the second quarter of play against Collierville in the Class 6A, Region 8 contest at Bartlett High School, Friday, Sept. 1, 2023. (Greg Campbell/Special for The Daily Memphian file)
As far as debuts go, Bartlett High School’s 2023 season-opener could hardly have been less auspicious.
The Panthers were making their debut under Chris Smith, fresh off a highly successful coaching stint at Haywood High in Brownsville. Smith brought with him a high-octane, fast-break offense — and the promise of some exciting football for the Bartlett faithful.
That faith was sorely tested though after Memphis University School ran out to an easy 37-0 victory. With a quarterback making his first varsity start and with the team’s best receiver injured, Bartlett’s attacked fizzled like a wet firecracker; the Panthers turned it over seven times as MUS scored all of its points in the first half before turning things over to the back-ups.
With another tough game against Lausanne coming up next — and a brutal Region 8-6A schedule following in short order — things could have gotten real ugly real fast. Instead, Bartlett reflected. And regrouped.
Topics
TSSAA High School Football Bartlett High School Chris Smith Geron Johnson Subscriber OnlyAre you enjoying your subscription?
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John Varlas
John Varlas is a lifelong Memphian who has covered high school sports in various capacities for over 20 years.
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