Bryce Hanley, Breeden Gilbert lead the way for Greenback

Greenback’s dynamic tandem of Bryce Hanley and Breeden Gilbert go way back.

The teammates, who lead the Cherokees (12-1) into Thursday’s 11 a.m. Class 1A state championship game against Cornersville (13-1) at Tennessee Tech University, have had each other’s backs since they started playing football as 6-year-olds.

“Our junior class has had a great tradition of winning,” said Hanley. “We were like 86-5 in rec-league ball – that’s where it all started.”

Greenback coach Greg Ryan said the two are cornerstones of a strong junior class that has helped the Cherokees to their third state championship game in a row.

“They’ve played together for several years and there’s a lot of competition in that class,” said Ryan. “They're not all still on the football team, but are something like 26 kids who have played sports together in that class.”

Hanley starts at quarterback and linebacker. Gilbert plays running back and linebacker.

Ryan said the duo is emblematic of Greenback’s entire junior class.

“Before they got to high school they had won championships in every league. They’re used to winning. They’re born winners.”

Ryan added there’s a lot of good-natured, one-upmanship ribbing that goes with that.

“They encourage and push each other to be better football players. But they’ll also rip each other, saying ‘hah, hah, hah I’m better than you.’ Breeden and Bryan are two of them right in the middle of that.”

Gilbert said the competition within the team is a big reason the Cherokees are back in Cookeville.

“That’s a huge factor,” he said. “We’re all really competitive.”

Ditto, offered Hanley, whose father Brian was a star running back on Greenback’s only state championship team in 1987.

“We always try and one-up each other,” he said. “It’s just friendly competition that is good for the team.”

Both players have posted gaudy numbers this season – on both sides of the ball.

Hanley has completed 124 of 205 passes for 2,314 yards with 22 touchdowns and just five interceptions. He has also rushed for 490 yards and seven TDs.

“Bryce is very, very smart,” said Ryan. “From day 1, he has understood what we’ve asked him to do.”

Gilbert has rushed for 1,062 yards and has 1,598 all-purpose yards. He also leads the Cherokees with 27 touchdowns and 164 points.

Ryan said you won’t find a better all-around football player at any level than Gilbert.

“It’s crazy what he can do,” said Ryan. “He punts, he’s the best long snapper we’ve got and he starts at middle linebacker. He can throw the football, run it and catch it.”

On defense, Hanley leads the team with 157 total tackles and 19 tackles for losses. Gilbert is right behind with 151 total stops and 15 TFL.

After suffering decisive losses to Dresden (62-27) and Nashville Christian (42-14) in the last two state championship games, Ryan said the Cherokees are ready for a different ending.

“We’re hoping that old saying, ‘the third time’s a charm,’ holds true,” he said. “We absolutely feel blessed to have had three chances. This time we hope to take advantage of it.”