White County Middle School Warriors Soccer 2026 Preview

The spring season is quickly approaching, and the White County Middle School Warriors soccer team is preparing for what head coach Justin Rittenberry believes could be one of the most competitive years yet.

Rittenberry brings nearly a decade of coaching experience into his final season with the middle school program.

“I have been coaching soccer for 10 seaons over the past 9 years,” he said, adding that he has spent three seasons with the White County High School boys program and just wrapped up his first season with high school Warriorette soccer team. “This will be my 6th and final season with the White County Middle School boys soccer program.”

Joining Rittenberry on the sidelines this year is assistant coach Ben Knupp, who has taken charge of working with the goalkeepers and defensive unit while also assisting with conditioning.

During preseason practices, the Warriors have zeroed in on fundamentals. There has been a focus on sharpening passing skills with both a player's strong and weak foot, while also spending time on footwork and ball control in general. The focus, Rittenberry said, is building a solid foundation that will carry them through a demanding schedule.

One of the team’s biggest strengths is experience. The Warriors return 16 players who already understand the expectations within the program. Many of those athletes have competed at the varsity level, giving the Warriors valuable experience against district opponents.

Rittenberry is looking to a few key players to set the tone. Eighth graders Kolt Pryor and Colton Ballew are expected to take on leadership roles, with Pryor having served as a captain last season.

“Both of them have been encouraging their teammates and are pushing their teammates to give their all,” Rittenberry said, adding that seventh grader Brantley Whiten is another player the coach believes can elevate the team with his consistent play.

The road ahead won’t be easy. Rittenberry describes this year’s schedule as one of the toughest he has put together, due in part to strong competition within the district. In addition, White County will be facing somea new opponents in Sequatchie County and Mt. Juliet.

The Warriors’ goals are clear: break through against top district teams and be known as the hardest-working squad on the field. A successful season, in Rittenberry’s view, would mean reaching the semifinals—or even the district championship.

Don’t miss a moment of Warriors soccer this spring. Subscribe to Main Street Journal – Sparta to get game recaps, photos, player features, and complete coverage all season long.