Jefferson County’s Hall injured in 37-0 loss to Science Hill

BY BRIAN HAMILTON JOHNSON CITY – Jefferson County and Science Hill came into the game tied for first place in Class 6A Region 1 at 3-0 apiece. The Hilltoppers sent the Patriots home with a 37-0 win, however, and knocked them into second place, thanks in part to Jefferson County owning the head-to-head over Dobyns-Bennett. “We played a complete game on both sides of the ball, which we needed,” Science Hill head coach Stacy Carter said. “I’m proud of them.” Science Hill took an early 2-0 lead in the first quarter when Jefferson County threw the ball out of the …

William Blount

William Blount’s playoff hopes dashed with 48-21 loss to Dobyns-Bennett

BY BRIAN HAMILTON MARYVILLE – William Blount saw its playoff hopes fade on Friday night, as Dobyns-Bennett came to Maryville and handed the Governors a 48-21 defeat. The Indians outgained William Blount 571-253 in total yards. “Losing is contagious and winning is contagious,” William Blount head coach Philip Shadowens said. “It’s a confidence thing and right now, we don’t have the mental attitude to keep fighting when things go bad.” Both teams remained scoreless for the majority of the first quarter, but Dobyns-Bennett would take a 7-0 lead on a 35-yard touchdown pass from Jack Carson to Ben Phillips, capping …

Maryville Rebels

Maryville routes winless Hardin Valley 61-3

BY BRIAN HAMILTON KNOXVILLE – Maryville jumped out on Hardin Valley early, taking a 28-3 lead in the first quarter and a 45-3 lead at halftime. The Rebels would win the game by a score of 61-3, despite a running clock in the second half. Maryville amassed 398 total yards on 50 plays, while holding Hardin Valley to just 76. “Our goal was to play fast and play with purpose and I thought we did that early on,” Maryville head coach Derek Hunt said. “Obviously, Hardin Valley isn’t having the kind of year they’d like to have, but doesn’t need …

Pigeon Forge

Pigeon Forge hangs on against Austin-East 24-14

BY BRIAN HAMILTON KNOXVILLE – Pigeon Forge came away with a 24-14 win at Austin-East on Friday night, as the Tigers overcame a slow start to gain control and seal the game with an interception late in the fourth. Pigeon Forge fumbled on the first drive and them fumbled the snap on their next offensive play. The Tigers were lucky to survive the damage only trailing 6-0 with 8:38 left in the first. Ayden Littles ran for a 6-yard touchdown in the second quarter to put Pigeon Forge in front 7-6, which was the halftime score. “We had so many …

Cosby falls to Unaka 54-12 in region finale

BY BRIAN HAMILTON COSBY – The Eagles’ defense played well early, but Unaka’s high-octane offense was too much to handle in the end, as Cosby lost its final region game by a score of 54-12. Devonte Wigfall intercepted Unaka quarterback Landon Ramsey on the Rangers’ first drive to give Cosby good field position for their first possession. The Eagles drove to the Unaka 5-yard line, but turned the ball over when quarterback Tyler Turner fumbled a handoff, which the Rangers recovered. Unaka capitalized on the turnover when Ramsey hit Caleb Lydick for a 68-yard touchdown to take an 8-0 lead. …