The senior group answered 0–10
The preseason account named Aaron Sanders, Todd Bollinger, Ray Jones, Mike Mantlo and Tommy Hulsey among the players expected to change the direction of the program. Buddy Corlew’s emphasis was defense after two frustrating seasons.
Greenbrier opened by beating Cheatham County, Macon County and Trousdale County. At Lafayette, Hulsey scored twice and Mantlo intercepted a pass on Macon’s final drive. One week later, Ray Jones made seven tackles, assisted on six more, intercepted a pass and recovered a fumble against Trousdale County.
Two 28–0 wins put the Bobcats at 5–4
Three losses followed the 3–0 start. Greenbrier recovered against Stewart County as Hulsey ran for 156 yards on 15 carries and scored three touchdowns. After a White House loss, the Bobcats went to Page and won 28–0 behind Sanders’ 102 rushing yards, Mantlo’s run and touchdown pass, Hulsey’s score and Ray Jones’ touchdown.
That result moved Greenbrier to 5–4. Before Portland, the Bobcats accepted an invitation to the 32nd Tobacco Bowl, scheduled for November 9 at 1 p.m. on John Kerr Field in Hartsville. The announcement first listed DeKalb County as a possible opponent; the eventual matchup was Haywood.
The bowl
Haywood scored three times in the first half and won 30–6. Mike Mantlo scored Greenbrier’s touchdown on an 18-yard third-quarter run. The statewide bowl record agrees on the opponent, site and final.
The school honors record adds one Greenbrier distinction: David Nichols was the Tobacco Bowl Defensive MVP.
The names attached to the rebound
Aaron Sanders — first-team All-Mid-State and All-District 10-2A. Tommy Hulsey — All-Mid-State honorable mention and All-District. John Love and Michael Mantlo — All-District. David Nichols — Tobacco Bowl Defensive MVP.