Sevier withstands Jr. Cyclones

By Staff Reporter

KINGSPORT — A valiant 22-point, fourth-quarter comeback effort wasn’t enough to propel T.A. Dugger past John Sevier on Tuesday night inside of J. Fred Johnson Stadium.

The Warriors held off the Junior Cyclones, 32-30.

Sevier (4-1) controlled the game on the ground, with a pair of runners, Jacoby Thompson and Blake Rodgers, topping the century mark.

Alijah scored their first touchdown on a 24-yard run in the first quarter while Rodgers broke loose for a 54-yarder in the second stanza for a 16-0 advantage.

The Cyclones got on the board thanks to a 2-yard touchdown run by Landon Kane, pulling them within eight at the half.

John Sevier managed a 32-8 cushion after Thompson scored on runs of 48 and 42 yards in the third quarter.

TAD started its comeback with an 8-yard touchdown run by Bryce Richardson early in the fourth. The Cyclones’ biggest play came moments later when Trevor Waycaster returned a fumble 67 yards for a score, putting the margin at 32-22.

Kane got them closer with 55 seconds remaining on a 40-yard touchdown pass to Josh Authur, then ran in the two-point conversion.

John Sevier sealed the win by recovering the ensuing onsides kick.