Six Science Hill athletes signed scholarship papers last Wednesday. Bottom row, left to right, Merrin Gilmer, Tess Mrozek and Mia Edwardson. Top row, left to right, Carson Lodge, Braeden Elbers and Jaylan Adams. PHOTOS BY DAVE ONGIE
National Signing Day was a busy one in Washington County as eight local athletes signed scholarship papers to continue their playing careers beyond high school.
Three football players were among the signees. Jaylan Adams of Science Hill made his choice official when he signed with The Citadel last Wednesday afternoon. Earlier in the day, Daniel Boone’s Bailey Presnell and Zach Taylor both signed with Carson-Newman.
Adams – the son of Science Hill legend Gary “Shorty” Adams – passed for 1,630 yards and ran for another 1,431 during his senior season, accounting for 33 touchdowns. He finished his career with 5,722 all-purpose yards.
Presnell, a 6-foot-3, 300-pound lineman, earned a spot on the Tennessee Football Coaches Association All-State team. Taylor will bring a wealth of versatility to Carson-Newman. The 6-2, 220-pound senior saw action as a defensive end and as a tight end for the Trailblazers this past season.
Science Hill also had three soccer players sign on to play in college. Tess Mrozek signed with ETSU, Merrin Gilmer signed with Samford and Braeden Elbers signed with Carson-Newman.
Mrozek and Gilmer helped power the Lady Hilltoppers to the state tournament last year, but now they have a chance to compete against each other in four years worth of Southern Conference matches. Elbers was part of two Science Hill teams that advanced deep into postseason play. The Hilltoppers made the state finals during his freshman year before advancing to the state semifinals later in his career.
Science Hill’s Carson Lodge and Mia Edwardson also signed letters of intent last Wednesday. Lodge will continue his baseball career at Bryan while Edwardson will play softball at Walters State.
Daniel Boone offensive lineman Bailey Presnell signed to play football for Carson-Newman
Daniel Boone’s Zach Taylor will be joining his teammate Bailey Presnell on Carson-Newman’s football team.
