Bears upset state-ranked Science Hill

Quarterback Watson accounts for over 200 yards of offense in region, road win The red-hot Sevier County Smoky Bears went on the road to knock off previously unbeaten and eighth-ranked Science Hill 21-3 Friday night. The Bears (4-1, 2-0) now find themselves tied with Kingsport Dobyns-Bennett for first place in Region 1-5A with non-region, county rival Seymour on the docket for Friday night. Sevier County limited the talented Science Hill offense to less than 200 total yards on the night and got another big game from junior quarterback Corey Watson, who has led the Bears to three straight wins after taking over duties from Phillip Chaney. Chaney, a two-year starter, was injured in the season-opening win over William Blount. Watson then moved from receiver to quarterback, and after a non-region loss to Halls in his first start, Watson has gotten a better grasp on the Bears’ offense and is improving with each outing. The good news for Watson and the rest of the Smoky Bears is that Chaney is expected to return to the lineup in the near future. Watson is also counted on to make an impact in other areas of the team. He played over 90 snaps in a recent game against Karns. So Chaney’s impending return, and the versatile Watson’s return back to his usual roles, should make the Bears’ entire team that much more formidable. Besides being one of the team’s top offensive playmakers, Watson is a legitimate candidate to earn All-Region honors as a cornerback, and is a constant presence on the Bears’ special teams unit. “Watson’s done a very good job,” said Sevier County head coach Steve Brewer. “I’m pleased with how everyone on the team has responded to (Cheney) being out. But having Phillip back will certainly strengthen our offensive team.” Watson, who is a more dangerous runner than Chaney, rushed for 65 yards and passed for 123 yards in the Bears’ win over Science Hill. Watson called his own number on a 14-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter and completed a 54-yard touchdown strike to James Feezel in the first quarter. Sevier County’s other score came on a Daniel Cotter seven-yard run late in the game. The Science Hill score was the result of a 21-yard second quarter field goal. Smoky Bears appear on state football poll Following an impressive road win over then undefeated Science Hill, Sevier County made its first appearance of the season on the Associated Press Tennessee Prep Football Poll. The Smoky Bears received 18 votes to rank number 13 in the 5A poll. Riverdale (5-0) is the top ranked 5A team with 148 points and East Tennessee powerhouse Oak Ridge (4-0) is ranked second with 137 points. Upcoming Bears’ opponent Dobyns-Bennett (4-1) is ranked number five with 65 points. William Blount, who the Bears scored their first win of the season over, is ranked number 12 after upsetting then-third ranked Ooltewah last week.