Behind the Mic

Rob Forgey

Ringgold High School
Voice of the Tigers since 2020

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE THE “VOICE” OF RINGGOLD’S FOOTBALL PROGRAM?

My family has been deeply involved with Ringgold for three generations. My mother, the band director during pregnancy, ensured that I was born into the program. I wouldn’t trade this experience for anything, and I’m honored to serve my community through Ringgold.

DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL CATCHPHRASE OR SIGNATURE SAYING?

Absolutely! In Ringgold we “WOOOO” in Ric Flair style for the big plays. There is nothing like our fans getting involved for all to hear. I’m also partial to my touchdown call: “TOUCHDOWN TIGERS!”

HOW DO YOU ENERGIZE AND EXCITE THE CROWD?

Our fans are awesome. All I need to do is show up and go to work. I might tactfully insert a few question marks at the end of a call when necessary. I’m quite connected to the fans because I’ve always been one. I simply express my genuine excitement, and we mutually feed off each other’s energy. It’s hard to be bored at Don Patterson Field.

WHAT IS THE MOST UNFORGETTABLE PLAY YOU HAVE EVER CALLED?

2025 game against Sonoraville. We were down 35-7 going into the 3rd. Not one fan left, and the boys played lights out. I growled Grady Haddock’s name in my Tony the Tiger voice all night. The boys showed incredible grit, and Blue Nation was on their feet the entire second half.

ANY OTHER FAVORITE GAMES OR MEMORIES?

The “Eaker Squeaker.” My cousin, Landon Eaker, was our kicker from 2018-2022. In 2021, we had a big region game away at North Murray. It was an epic battle, and Landon got an opportunity at a 44-yard game winner from the worst angle as time expired. He drilled it.

WHAT IMPACT DO YOU HOPE TO HAVE ON THE CROWD AT EACH GAME?

I just get to be the biggest fan with a microphone. It’s a really easy gig. Our coaches field a team that’s impossible not to love. We have a sideline full of dancers and cheerleaders. Our band is legendary and has been for decades. You truly get your money’s worth with Ringgold on Friday night.

IF YOU COULD GIVE ONE PIECE OF ADVICE TO A FAN WHO WANTS TO STEP INTO YOUR SHOES, WHAT WOULD IT BE?

Surround yourself with like-minded individuals who you enjoy spending time with. My wife, Lindsay, manages the Jumbotron, while my cousin, Matthew Allen, and my great friend, Travis Ownbey, serve as my spotters. We have a great time and get to witness the hard work and dedication of young athletes. It’s incredibly rewarding.

Jody Barr

Chattanooga Christian School
Voice of the Chargers since 2021

HOW DID YOU BECOME THE ANNOUNCER?

I’d been doing PA work in basketball and baseball for over 20 years, and I think that the job I did in basketball persuaded them to allow me to do football as well.

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE THE “VOICE” OF CCS’ FOOTBALL PROGRAM?

The most important aspect of my job is to publicly recognize the achievements of those we come to see and even those who are behind the scenes that contribute to the success of the program. I always want to say the right thing at the right time with the right voice. I want people to leave each game with the impression that CCS does things the right way – from the teams we field to the guy in the booth.

HOW DO YOU ENERGIZE AND EXCITE THE CROWD?

I celebrate touchdowns, first downs, sacks, and turnovers with consistent phrasing and emphasis. When people expect it, they are much more likely to applaud, stomp their feet, and just get loud. Another thing is playing great music. If you don’t have a good selection of music with which the crowd can relate, you’re going to have a lot of dead time on your hands. I also make sure that the music carries positive messaging rather than just having clean lyrics.

WHAT IS YOUR PREGAME RITUAL?

I take everything to the press box around 5 p.m., turn on the power, test the mic and scoreboard, and set the time for 90:00. Then, I make my way down to the visitor locker room to get their starters. I start the music and the clock at 5:30, grab a bite to eat from Charger Town, and then meet with my scoreboard keeper/spotter. I don’t deviate from this routine because it leaves me plenty of time to work out any bugs. Everything is done on a strict time schedule.

ANY FAVORITE GAMES OR MEMORIES?

I got to coordinate a flyover at the end of the national anthem last year. Not only was the experience amazing for the crowd, it also was the first time I’d personally coordinated something with that many moving pieces and that exciting. It was amazing, and it went off right on cue.

WHAT IMPACT DO YOU HOPE TO HAVE ON THE CROWD AT EACH GAME?

Two things: keeping the crowd informed and keeping them cheering. Football games are a social event for most people, so they are not always paying attention to the events on the field. When good things are happening or the team needs our support, I take it as my job to make sure everyone is tuned in.

Drew Box

Grace Academy
Voice of the Golden Eagles since 2014

HOW DID YOU BECOME THE ANNOUNCER?

My wife is the cheer coach at Grace, so during games in prior years, I was the spotter for the previous announcer. When he left the school to pursue a different career, I was offered the position.

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE THE “VOICE” OF GRACE ACADEMY’S FOOTBALL PROGRAM?

It’s been an honor to give back to the school that gives so much to my family. I graduated from Grace in ‘03. My wife has taught there for 20 years. My step-daughter graduated in ‘22. My daughter will be a freshman this fall, having been there since she was in the daycare.

WHAT IS THE MOST UNFORGETTABLE PLAY YOU HAVE EVER CALLED?

Our first season as an eight-man team, we hosted a second-round playoff game against Franklin Christian Academy (FCA), a team we beat in week eight on the road with a touchdown on the final play of the game. FCA’s opening play of the playoff game was a 77-yard end around that the runner fumbled through the end zone from the 2-yard line. My announcement of the events, ensuring to include that the fumble resulted in a touchback and turnover to the Golden Eagles, boosted our crowd’s momentum and helped the Golden Eagles cruise to a 44-28 victory en route to a state title.

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT BEING PART OF FRIDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL?

My announcing “style” mimics that of the PA for Georgia Tech when I was growing up. When I watch football, I can hear his voice and how he would be announcing each play. That’s special for me because with every announcement I make, I’m reminded of my time with my grandfather when we attended Georgia Tech football games.

HOW DOES IT FEEL KNOWING YOU’VE HELPED CREATE MEMORIES THAT ATTENDEES WILL CHERISH FOR YEARS TO COME?

It’s always cool to hear mamas in the crowd go wild when their son’s name is announced after a play.

IF YOU COULD GIVE ONE PIECE OF ADVICE TO A FAN WHO WANTS TO STEP INTO YOUR SHOES, WHAT WOULD IT BE?

The biggest advice I’d give to future announcers would be to understand the game to the best of your abilities. There’s plenty that happens on the field outside of runs, throws, and tackles. The average fan wants all the details. Why the flag? Why didn’t that TD count? What are the refs talking about? It’s our job to accurately relay what’s happening without adding any opinions or commentary.

Eddie Allison

South Pittsburg High School
Voice of the Pirates since 2023

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE THE “VOICE” OF SOUTH PITTSBURG’S FOOTBALL PROGRAM?

I feel it is an honor to help the program in any way I can. It is important to me to create an exciting, welcoming, and professional game-day atmosphere. South Pittsburg is a program rich in tradition and winning, and I am proud to be a part of the program.

DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL CATCHPHRASE OR SIGNATURE SAYING?

I often say, “It’s football time at the Pitt!” I announce this as the players are bursting through the run-through sign. At this time, the fans are all on their feet, and the atmosphere is electric. It’s like no other place I’ve ever been. It’s truly special.

HOW DO YOU ENERGIZE AND EXCITE THE CROWD?

I believe my excitement is contagious. It’s impossible to watch our big playmakers and not be enthusiastic. I energize the crowd by matching the emotion of the game and using my voice to build anticipation at the right moment.

WHAT IS THE MOST UNFORGETTABLE PLAY YOU HAVE EVER CALLED?

As the PA announcer, one play that comes to mind is when the Pirates were playing Red Bank in 2025. The Pirate defense sacked their quarterback and forced a fumble. The fumble was then picked up by one of our players. When he was about to be tackled, he pitched the ball laterally to another player. We then ran it in for a touchdown, and the stadium erupted instantly.

WHAT IMPACT DO YOU HOPE TO HAVE ON THE CROWD AT EACH GAME?

The fans come to support the players, cheerleaders, band, coaches, and the school. Knowing that I have helped create a memory that the fans carry with them is humbling and meaningful. I try to create an atmosphere that provides clear and unbiased information to the fans, and to promote good sportsmanship.

IF YOU COULD GIVE ONE PIECE OF ADVICE TO A FAN WHO WANTS TO STEP INTO YOUR SHOES, WHAT WOULD IT BE?

Make sure to turn off the microphone between plays, especially when the game gets intense. That’s all I’m going to say about that.

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT BEING PART OF FRIDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL?

Winning – it makes my job easier. Winning fills the stands and keeps the fans coming back for more. There is something special about the atmosphere at Beene Stadium as family, students, alumni, and fans come together to support the orange and black. The history and tradition at South Pittsburg are second to none.

Gary Ownbey

Bradley Central High School
Voice of the Bears since 1990

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE THE “VOICE” OF BRADLEY CENTRAL’S FOOTBALL PROGRAM?

It’s a very humbling honor knowing that hundreds, if not thousands, are listening to your call locally and around the world on the internet. I take it very seriously for every game and try to prepare with stats and information about both schools, no matter who the opponent may be.

DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL CATCHPHRASE OR SIGNATURE SAYING?

“God bless and go Bears!”

HOW DO YOU ENERGIZE AND EXCITE THE CROWD?

You have to remember that you are their eyes when they cannot be there. My mentor was the legendary Corky Whitlock, who was broadcasting sports for 53 years before passing away. He said to never forget about being descriptive to fans that are not there and maybe have never been there and to mention as many names as possible because there are grand- mothers and granddads hanging on to every word to hear their athlete’s name called. You have to maintain excitement in your delivery, even though the game may be totally out of hand, one way or the other. I’ve been on both ends of some of those.

WHAT IS YOUR PREGAME RITUAL?

Hours of research and preparation get me fired up even days before the game. On game day, I like to stay away from difficult tasks or projects and just think about what this game means to our team and fans. No two games are ever the same, with every game standing alone in our great history of over 100 years of football at BCHS.

WHAT IS THE MOST UNFORGETTABLE PLAY YOU HAVE EVER CALLED?

Two quickly come to mind. The first was a 94-yard kickoff return by Boo Carter in 2023 in a blowout win over local rival Walker Valley, and Reggie Hubbard’s 99-yard return of an interception against McMinn County just last season. Both were record-setters.

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT BEING PART OF FRIDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL?

There is nothing like the opening game of the season with all the excitement about what to expect. The roar of the crowd and the aroma from the grills wafting through the air. It really gets the adrenaline flowing.

IF YOU COULD GIVE ONE PIECE OF ADVICE TO A FAN WHO WANTS TO STEP INTO YOUR SHOES, WHAT WOULD IT BE?

My best piece of advice is to never try to emulate another announcer. Just be yourself. You don’t have to have any pet phrases, but some will come to you over time, and people will begin to recognize those as your unique call.

Hank Bramblet

McCallie School
Voice of the Blue Tornado since 2000

HOW DID YOU BECOME THE ANNOUNCER?

I was in my first year at McCallie when the previous announcer (the legendary Ed Lewis) retired. Our head of school knew that I had done some announcing in college and asked me if I would be interested in taking over. I have been in the booth ever since.

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE THE “VOICE” OF MCCALLIE’S FOOTBALL PROGRAM?

It is hard to put into words how much it means to me as someone who attended McCallie and never missed a football game. I take pride in helping us have the best possible game-day environment and to pass on our traditions to future generations.

DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL CATCHPHRASE OR SIGNATURE SAYING?

Fortunately, I get to say “Touchdown McCallie!” quite a bit. I always do a big introduction of the electronic clock operator, which has become a tradition. But I’m probably best known for being creative with all of the different announcements and ad reads during the game. One year, the concession stand sold Chick-fil-A market salads, and I made it my personal mission to sell them out every game. I still hear about that one all the time.

WHAT IS THE MOST UNFORGETTABLE PLAY YOU HAVE EVER CALLED?

It has to be when McCallie overcame a 13-point deficit against Riverdale in the last 1:35 at Chattanooga’s fantabulous Max Finley Stadium, including scoring on a 47-yard desperation heave as time expired.

ANY OTHER FAVORITE GAMES OR MEMORIES?

It is always fun announcing wins over Baylor. The year we brought the game back to campus for the first time in 15 years (2014) was wild. I walked into the stadium two hours before the game (after doing a three-hour pregame tailgate show), and there wasn’t an empty seat in the house.

IF YOU COULD GIVE ONE PIECE OF ADVICE TO A FAN WHO WANTS TO STEP INTO YOUR SHOES, WHAT WOULD IT BE?

The PA announcer is like seasoning for the game. Not enough seasoning and your meal is bland. Too much and it is ruined. But just the right amount takes everything to the next level.

HOW DO YOU ENERGIZE AND EXCITE THE CROWD?

We are fortunate to have great crowds that always bring a lot of energy on their own, so my job is easy in that regard. I try to match my voice and energy to the crowd to add to the excitement but not overwhelm the crowd. But in a big moment – touchdown, turnover, key 3rd down – you just have to let it rip.

Derek Lusk

Boyd-Buchanan High School
Voice of the Buccaneers since 2020

HOW DID YOU BECOME THE ANNOUNCER?

I started fall of 2020, which was an interesting time for high school football – and of course for the rest of the world. Boyd-Buchanan partnered with Finley Stadium to host our home games that season, so my PA announcing debut was in a big stadium with a great public address setup … I think the athletic administration thought of me because my dad, Steve Lusk, served as the PA announcer during the late ‘90s and early 2000s.

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE THE “VOICE” OF BOYD-BUCHANAN FOOTBALL PROGRAM?

The voices of Boyd-Buchanan football really belong to Chris Barnett and Randy Smith, the play-by-play announcers for our radio broadcasts and livestreams, but it is a real joy to get to be the voice inside the stadium on Friday nights. Boyd-Buchanan high school football is such a unifying force for our school community and it’s really cool to play a part in making the atmosphere as fun and exciting as it is.

DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL CATCHPHRASE OR SIGNATURE SAYING?

One exciting catchphrase that always seems to get the crowd excited is when the Bucs get a first down and I get to announce a “Warren & Griffin first down!” Also, when the Bucs run onto the field pregame, I always let everyone know, “It’s time for Buccaneer football!”

HOW DO YOU ENERGIZE AND EXCITE THE CROWD?

When the Bucs are on defense, it’s always important to let the crowd know when we need a big 3rd down or 4th down stop. I’ll be sure to announce those downs with more energy. We can also bring energy to the crowd with a timely song just before a kickoff or after a change of possession when the Bucs are taking the field.

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT BEING PART OF FRIDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL?

There is so much excitement around high school football for many school communities, and Boyd-Buchanan is no exception. It’s fun to be a small part of that experience for the players, cheerleaders, band members, and the student section. It’s a unique experience to assemble as a large group and pray together in the stadium before the game, stand for the national anthem together, and then all rally behind a common goal in encouraging the football team to a victory.

HOW DOES IT FEEL KNOWING YOU’VE HELPED CREATE MEMORIES THAT ATTENDEES WILL CHERISH FOR YEARS TO COME?

The kids on the field create the memories for their teammates, classmates, parents, and friends. All I am doing is showing those guys some well-earned recognition by calling out their names in front of their friends and family. I do take pride in working to help create a first-class atmosphere at Boyd-Buchanan football games; an atmosphere that is full of excitement lends itself to a great sense of camaraderie and unity. If that makes for memorable nights for our school community, then I am honored to play a small role in that.

Brian Gossett

Marion County High School
Voice of the Warriors since 2025

HOW DID YOU BECOME THE ANNOUNCER?

I started out as the PA announcer back in 2020 for our local little league football teams. I was asked to join the high school radio broadcast team in 2023 as a color commentator. At the end of the 2024 season, our longtime PA announcer was moving on, and I was asked if I would like to be the PA announcer moving forward.

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE THE “VOICE” OF MARION COUNTY’S FOOTBALL PROGRAM?

It’s amazing! Just to have the opportunity to be involved with our historic football program in any capacity means everything.

DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL CATCHPHRASE OR SIGNATURE SAYING?

As soon as the pregame clock hits 0:00 – “The local time is 7 p.m., and it is officially Friday night in Marion County!” Then I crank up the kickoff music, and the fans go crazy!

WHAT IS YOUR PREGAME RITUAL?

I will go through my notes and announcement sheets thoroughly to make sure I don’t miss anything. I’ll go on top of the press box and watch as the people start coming in. Then I usually have my son grab me a Dr. Pepper and a candy bar from the concession stand for a little boost.

WHAT IS THE MOST UNFORGETTABLE PLAY YOU HAVE EVER CALLED?

Oh my, there are a lot. Zaiden Humphrey’s 62-yard touchdown run last year in the quarterfinals against Gordonsville was special. The game was tied 14-14 early in the 3rd quarter. Zaiden broke free, and we scored 28 unanswered points!

ANY OTHER FAVORITE GAMES OR MEMORIES?

The Grundy County game last year was one of the most electric atmospheres I have been a part of. We were coming in 6-1 and they were 7-0. We ended up pulling away and winning 41-20. Another memorable game was actually from last year’s Jasper Middle School team. We were playing in the Sequatchie Valley Conference championship game against our rival South Pittsburg, and I was asked to announce. The score was 0-0, and Isaiah Berry made a goal line stand right before the half. We ended up winning 24-0!

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT BEING PART OF FRIDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL?

The crowd, the lights, and hearing that train whistle at every home game!

HOW DOES IT FEEL KNOWING YOU’VE HELPED CREATE MEMORIES THAT ATTENDEES WILL CHERISH FOR YEARS TO COME?

It’s great! I’ve had players come up and tell me it made them get pumped up on the field, and fans will say how the atmosphere is better than any other stadium. That’s my goal!

Kevin Wilson

Red Bank High School
Voice of the Lions since 2025

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE THE “VOICE” OF RED BANK’S FOOTBALL PROGRAM?

An incredible honor is an understatement. Red Bank has one of the most iconic public school football programs in Southeast Tennessee, with an incredible amount of history and tradition. Others have referred to me as the “voice” of the Lions, but I hesitate to refer to myself as that. There have been several well-respected men in our community who have had that title before me, and I feel like I’ve still got a lot of work to do if I ever want to be worthy of that title.

HOW DO YOU ENERGIZE AND EXCITE THE CROWD?

Quite honestly, my job in that regard is pretty simple. Our boys play an exciting brand of football with great athletes all over the place. I simply get to reflect the emotion of our crowd with my voice. I get to teach and coach several of these boys, too, so my excitement is as genuine as our crowd’s.

WHAT IS THE MOST UNFORGETTABLE PLAY YOU HAVE EVER CALLED?

One that stands out the most was what I believe was a kick return last year by Marcus Jones. He is such an incredible athlete. There were at least three times everyone in the stadium thought he was going to be tackled, but he was just too elusive for the coverage team.

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT BEING PART OF FRIDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL?

There’s nothing quite like the experience of high school football. There is no other extracurricular event in our school that brings together so many of our students. To get to be a small part in working with our football team, band, and cheerleaders at the same event, not to mention helping to put on an entertaining show for our student spectators and community members, is a huge honor and privilege.

HOW DOES IT FEEL KNOWING YOU’VE HELPED CREATE MEMORIES THAT ATTENDEES WILL CHERISH FOR YEARS TO COME?

That thought is a little surreal, to be honest. The goal every night is to highlight our students as much as possible. The more enjoyable the experience is for everyone, the more positive our community feels about Red Bank and our students. If that process results in lasting memories, then I guess we’ve accomplished our goal to the fullest.

IF YOU COULD GIVE ONE PIECE OF ADVICE TO A FAN WHO WANTS TO STEP INTO YOUR SHOES, WHAT WOULD IT BE?

Preparation and passion are the keys to success. Polish comes with experience, but mistakes can be minimized through preparation and forgiven by the crowd if you’re demonstrating passion in every call. If you make it about you, you’re missing the point of the opportunity you’ve been given. It’s about the students first, the school second, and then the crowd. You are not on that list. You are a playing a small part in a huge showcase for students who are putting in a whole lot more time and effort behind the scenes than you are. Make sure they get the spotlight they have earned and deserve.

Corey Limburg

Walker Valley High School
Voice of the Mustangs since 2020

HOW DID YOU BECOME THE ANNOUNCER?

I have been the PA announcer for Walker Valley Lady Mustang Softball for the last 15 years. Because of this, I was asked to do some radio broadcasts with the late Dewayne Williams from WCLE in Cleveland. At the time, he was the PA announcer for the football team. He asked me to fill in for some games. I enjoyed it, and Dewayne retired. The rest is history.

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE THE “VOICE” OF WALKER VALLEY’S FOOTBALL PROGRAM?

Walker Valley is a special place. My wife has been there for her whole career and is the instructional coach and head softball coach. I currently serve as the principal at their feeder middle school, Ocoee Middle. As the PA announcer, it’s an honor to be able to be a part of the Friday night experience and see so many former students not only on the football field, but in the band and the spirit squads. Walker Valley and Ocoee Middle School mean the world to me. It really is a family experience, and one that I’m honored to be a part of.

DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL CATCHPHRASE OR SIGNATURE SAYING?

I suppose the most unique saying is just before the ball is kicked off: “Mustang fans, get on your feet and make some noise. It’s time for Mustang football!”

WHAT IS THE MOST UNFORGETTABLE PLAY YOU HAVE EVER CALLED?

My most memorable football call was after an upset of Powell in the first round of the TSSAA playoffs in 2020. It was the first home playoff win for the Mustangs in a long time, and a really meaningful game for the community. Being able to say over the PA system, “That will do it. Your final score is 21-16, and your Mustangs are moving on!” is something I won’t forget.

WHAT IMPACT DO YOU HOPE TO HAVE ON THE CROWD AT EACH GAME?

I hope that I enhance the experience in a professional way. I want to help bring excitement and to bring concise and consistent information regarding players and plays. I hope the crowd can take away that the PA announcer is really passionate about Walker Valley High School and has made the game experience fun and exciting.

HOW DOES IT FEEL KNOWING YOU’VE HELPED CREATE MEMORIES THAT ATTENDEES WILL CHERISH FOR YEARS TO COME?

It’s an honor to be a small part of these game-day experiences. I don’t ever want to be the thing people remember. I want them to remember the plays, the crowds, the halftime shows, and the time with family. Being able to add to that is really humbling.