Local Grid Iron Recaps

Rebels rise to the top, Buffs and Knights fall, Huskies had the “bye” week

REBELS END HAPPY VALLEY WINNING STREAK OF 11 STRAIGHT REGULAR SEASON GAMES; TAKE FIRST PLACE IN REGION 1-2A

Elizabethton – In a gritty battle that tested their resilience, the South Greene Rebels secured a crucial 21-6 victory over the previously undefeated Happy Valley Warriors, climbing to the top of the District 1-2A standings.

The Rebels faced adversity early, including a turnover and an injury to star running back Nash Rader. But sophomore Tripp Neas stepped up in a big way, scoring all three of South Greene’s touchdowns to lift his team. Neas credited his offensive line for his success, saying, “They’re the whole reason I scored three touchdowns.”

Despite a scoreless first half, South Greene’s defense held strong against Happy Valley’s potent rushing attack. Neas opened the scoring in the third quarter, and a 35-yard catch by Trey Gentry set up his second touchdown, giving the Rebels a 14-0 lead. Neas capped off his performance with an 18-yard touchdown to seal the win.

The Warriors responded with a late touchdown, but South Greene recovered the onside kick to close out the game. With the win, South Greene improved to 5-1 (2-0) and now controls its own destiny atop the Region 1-2A standings. They will face Eagleton Academy this week in another pivotal matchup. Listen to the game on 99.5FM WGRV or 103.1FM WIKQ.

NATE BURLESON RETURNS TO HAMPTON LINE UP, FUELS BULLDOGS EMOTIONAL RETURN TO THE FIELD, TAME THE BUFFS

Mosheim – In a game with significant playoff implications, the Hampton Bulldogs (2-4, 2-1) dominated the West Greene Buffaloes, securing a 38-0 victory on Friday night. Hampton’s ground game, led by Dominque Burleson, proved unstoppable, with Burleson rushing for 199 yards and two touchdowns. The Bulldogs jumped out to a 16-0 first-quarter lead, quickly establishing their dominance, and extended it to 32-0 by halftime.

West Greene (2-4, 1-2) struggled to generate any offense, managing just 16 yards in the first half. Despite an interception by Leland Payne and a few promising moments, the Buffaloes couldn’t capitalize on their opportunities. Burleson’s final touchdown in the second half capped off the Bulldogs’ impressive win. West Greene coach Evan Monroe acknowledged Hampton’s strong performance, saying, “We didn’t play well tonight. Hampton is better than their record.”

The Buffaloes now face West Ridge, a game that was added to the schedule last week as both teams were originally scheduled with the “bye” week this Friday.

#5 JOHNSON COUNTY TOO STRONG FOR YOUTHFUL KNIGHTS IN MOUNTAIN CITY

Mountain City – The Chuckey-Doak Black Knights faced a tough challenge on the road against No. 5-ranked Johnson County, suffering a 59-7 defeat in a game dominated by Longhorns’ running back Juan Mejia. Mejia was unstoppable, racking up 172 rushing yards and five total touchdowns, including two on receptions, as Johnson County built a 46-0 halftime lead.

Despite the lopsided score, Chuckey-Doak’s youthful squad, led by a starting lineup full of freshmen and sophomores, showed resilience in the second half. Freshman quarterback Kiptyn Ball led an 85-yard scoring drive, connecting with Dominic Hahnlan for a 16-yard touchdown in the third quarter. Ball completed six passes for 65 yards on the drive, with key catches by Skylar Davis and Mason Henderson.

While Mejia showcased his talent in the first half, the Black Knights’ Davis, another freshman, made two early interceptions to give his team a chance. Chuckey-Doak coach Billy Kaylor remains optimistic, seeing signs of growth in his young team despite the six-game losing streak.

Chuckey-Doak has a “bye” week before hosting Unicoi County on Friday, October 25th.