Sevier County boys, girls pick up win over West in season opener

BY BRIAN HAMILTON SEVIERVILLE – The Sevier County boys jumped out to an early lead over West on Tuesday night and cruised to a 74-60 win in the season opener. The Smoky Bears got on the board first, but Will Biven nailed a three to put West ahead 3-2. Sevier County missed multiple layups early in the game, but the Rebels were unable to take advantage due to two early charging calls. “It’s one thing to miss (layups), but you’ve got to get fouled,” Sevier County head coach Ken Wright said. “You can’t just be there and shoot three or …

TKA wins shootout over Grace Franklin 55-36

BY BRIAN HAMILTON SEYMOUR – The King’s Academy survived a shootout with Grace Franklin on Friday night, winning 55-36 after seeing its lead trimmed to five points in the fourth quarter. “Our defense has been the backbone of this team all season,” TKA head coach Jonathan Sellers said after the game. “Grace scored a couple more points than we’re used to giving up usually, but those guys are going to get it fixed and they’re going to be ready to go next week.” TKA drew first blood on the first offensive possession when Elijah Williams-Smith found Marshaun Bowers for a …

Seymour

Seymour season ends at Anderson County 39-21

BY BRIAN HAMILTON CLINTON – Seymour saw its season come to an end on Friday night at Anderson County. The Eagles held a 21-14 lead midway through the third quarter, but was unable to score in the second half, as the Mavericks scored 25 unanswered to win 39-21. Anderson County received the opening kick and drove 65 yards to paydirt, as Cody Miller found Walker Martinez for a 28-yard touchdown with seven minutes left in the first quarter. Seymour finally put together a successful drive late in the first quarter, going 75 yards and capping the drive with an 18-yard …

Gatlinburg-Pittman edges Chuckey-Doak 40-35

BY BRIAN HAMILTON AFTON – Gatlinburg-Pittman built an 28-0 lead early in the game and nearly watched the lead slip through its fingers, as the Highlanders hung on for a 40-35 win. Brady Hammonds found Carlos Orr for an early touchdown to put Gatlinburg-Pittman ahead 7-0 with 9:30 left in the first quarter. Orr then broke free for a 49-yard touchdown on the next drive, giving the Highlanders a 14-0 lead with 7:34 left in the first. Tom Hickman thwarted another possible Highlander scoring drive, as he intercepted Hammonds with 16 seconds left in the quarter. Gatlinburg-Pittman led 14-0 at …

Pigeon Forge hangs on for 21-20 win over West Greene

BY BRIAN HAMILTON PIGEON FORGE – Pigeon Forge built an early lead and was forced to hold on for a 21-20 win against West Greene to advance to the second round of the Class 3A playoffs. West Greene got on the board first when Ethan Turner returned a fumble 51 yards for a touchdown, giving the Buffaloes a 7-0 lead after one quarter. A 6-yard touchdown run by Brady Maples tied the game at 7-7 in the second quarter, followed by a 13-yard Aiden Howard touchdown run, which put the Tigers ahead 14-7 at halftime. West Greene came out and …