The Chuckey-Doak Black Knights are poised for a breakout year with a lot of returning talent and are set to begin the 2026-27 season.
Last season was a step in the right direction for the Black Knights. Two years prior Chuckey-Doak went 6-22 (1-9) after losing one of the most decorated senior classes and missed the Region 1-2A Tournament. The Black Knights went 17-14 (5-5) last season and finished 4th place in the regular season standings and in the District 1-2A Tournament. The season ended with an 88-55 loss at Gatlinburg-Pittman in a return to the Region 1-2A Tournament.
Head Coach Sam Broyles described the excitement heading into the season with opening night just five days away. “Seeing these boys and how excited they are, they feel like they can win. And they can. They just have to learn how to play together one game at a time.”
Chuckey-Doak will only feature one senior suiting up in black and gold in Lower Afton this year. Recent Tusculum commit, Ryland Grindstaff, will enter his senior year after an All-District season last year. Grindstaff’s talent and leadership will play a big role in key moments during Chuckey-Doak’s season.
“He’s our captain. He gives you everything he’s got in practice. He’s one of the best practice players too,” Broyles said.
A trio of juniors fill step into upperclassmen roles. Hudson Cox, Cobe Love, and Chance Malone will round out the group of upperclassmen with Grindstaff.
As the story has been in the past, Chuckey-Doak’s roster is littered with underclassmen. 11 of Chuckey-Doak’s 15 rostered players consist of sophomores and freshmen.
The sophomore class will feature some familiar names. Logan Malone, Knox McAmis, Landon Baker, Avery Parkey, and Jake Broyles. The half a dozen freshmen will consist of Skylar Nelson, Brody Myers, Conley Woodby, Mikey Karriker, Jackson Southerland, and Cooper Broyles.
“It’s a big step for these underclassmen because they’re learning each and every day. The football boys are back and it’s going to take a while for them to pick up things that we’re doing,” Coach Broyles said.
The Black Knights will share the District 1-2A conference with West Greene, South Greene, Happy Valley, Unicoi County, and Johnson County. Chuckey-Doak finished 4th last season and look to improve upon last year’s finish.
Chuckey-Doak’s schedule features North Greene, KACHEA, Providence, University High, Cloudland, Claiborne, Washburn, and Gatlinburg-Pittman as non-district opponents.
“We’re taking it one game at a time. KACHEA is that first Hall of Fame game then Providence after that. The goals for this team is to take it one game at a time and we want to make it back to the District Tournament finals. If you can get into that game, you get a bye into the regionals. First and second get that bye. That helps. Because if not, you’re going on the road if you finish third and fourth. Our conference is going to be tougher than what people realize this year,” Broyles stated.
Chuckey-Doak is hosting a Thanksgiving Tournament this season. The Black Knights will host the inaugural Captain D’s Thanksgiving Tournament held on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday of Thanksgiving week. The tournament will feature Hancock County, Johnson County, KACHEA, ACTS, and University High.
The Knights will return to the Big H BBQ Christmas Bash held at Cherokee High School and the Happy Valley Christmas Tournament during the holiday break.
The season begins on Tuesday night with KACHEA visiting Lower Afton for JV and varsity action.
Chuckey-Doak is coached by Sam Broyles with assistant Turner Bailey.
