Knoxville Central’s Kaden Long having breakout season under center

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — As fall break has arrived, no high school quarterback in East Tennessee has posted bigger numbers than Knoxville Central junior Kaden Long.

The 11th grader has taken a significant leap from his sophomore season, throwing for nearly 2,000 yards in just seven games, a major jump from the 797 yards he compiled all of last year. He’s also averaging over 100 rushing yards per game with 10 scores to go along with his 17 passing touchdowns.

Long is coming off another standout performance in a 24-21 win over McMinn County, where he threw two touchdown passes and ran for what proved to be the game-winning score.

The breakout season, Long said, is the result of both experience and trust in his teammates.

“My line has been blocking their butt off since Week 1,” Long said. “I can’t ask for anything better. They’re playing lights out. I feel a lot more comfortable out there compared to last year, and I can use my legs a lot more, which opens up the pass game.

“I’ve got guys on the perimeter like Javaston Badgett, Torin McAfee, Bryce Johnston, guys I know I can get the ball to and they’re going to make a play.”

The Bobcats entered fall break with a 5-2 record. They return to action Thursday, Oct. 16, with a road game at Halls.

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