In the lush backdrop of East Tennessee, football has woven itself into the fabric of community life for decades. In Sevierville, the Smoky Bears have been a symbol of resilience and determination for 100 years, culminating in a historic second state championship title. This remarkable journey began in 1925, a year that marks the humble beginnings of a program that has seen its share of triumphs and trials.Gary Wade, a former player, recalls the early days vividly. His father, weighing just 118 pounds, played halfback for a team famously dubbed the “scoreless wonders” due to their inability to score in an entire six-game season. Wade’s memories serve as a poignant reminder of how far the program has come since those challenging beginnings.
Fast forward to the 1960s, when Wade and his teammate Steve Atchley were part of a burgeoning powerhouse. “From 1961 to 1966, we started to build a reputation,” Atchley reflects. During this era, the Smoky Bears clinched the Knoxville Interscholastic League Championship in both 1963 and 1964, proving their mettle. However, the path was not always smooth. In 1966, the team faced probation, and for nearly two decades, a winning record seemed a distant dream.
The revival began in 1992 when Steve Brewer took the helm of the program. Under his guidance, the Smoky Bears made significant strides, culminating in a thrilling state title run in 1999. “That season was exhilarating,” Brewer recalls. “At one point, we were 4-3, but we finished strong, winning four straight games, including the championship against Glencliff.” The victory was more than just a trophy; it was a long-awaited celebration for a community that had been waiting for decades.
The Smoky Bears faced another heart-wrenching moment in 2015 when they fell short in the state title game. However, their resilience paid off in 2024, the centennial year of the football program. The team not only achieved an undefeated season but also claimed their second state title by defeating Page 27-20.
The championship game was a showcase of determination and skill. After falling behind 7-0 in the first quarter, the Smoky Bears rallied back. Quarterback William Wiebush made a critical fourth-down conversion, scoring a touchdown that set the tone for the rest of the game. The team’s defense was equally impressive, forcing three turnovers that resulted in 10 crucial points.
As the game progressed, Sevier County began to dominate. A blocked field goal returned for a touchdown by Bryson Headrick exemplified the Bears’ tenacity, giving them a 17-7 lead at halftime. Despite a valiant effort from Page, the Smoky Bears maintained their composure and secured the win, culminating in a historic moment for the program.
Coach Todd Loveday, who leads the team with unwavering dedication, praised his players for their hard work and resilience. The victory was not just a win on the field but a celebration of a century of football history in Sevierville. The Smoky Bears finished the season with a perfect 15-0 record, a feat that had never been accomplished in the playoff era.
Adding to the celebration, country music icon Dolly Parton, a proud alumna of Sevier County High School, congratulated the team on their success. In a heartfelt video, she said, “Congratulations are in order for the 5A football state championship! Go Bears!” Her connection to the team runs deep, as her great-nephew, lineman Nolan Parton, played a key role in their success.As the Smoky Bears bask in the glory of their recent triumph, the journey from those early days of struggle to the pinnacle of state championship glory serves as an inspiring narrative of perseverance. The legacy of the Smoky Bears is not just about the victories on the scoreboard; it is about the community, the players, and the spirit of a town that has embraced this sport for a century. The future looks bright for Sevier County football, and the Smoky Bears will continue to make their mark in the annals of East Tennessee sports history.
Sources:
Leave a Reply