By Michael Lindsay
Few football teams in Tennessee are more familiar with each other than Stone Memorial and Cumberland County, who face off at CCHS Friday evening.
“These kids have grown up together and played sports on the same teams their whole lives,” said CCHS head coach Noah Repasky. “They know each other, and it means a little more. It’s a bragging rights game; you see these guys at the store and in town.”
Located just 4 miles apart, Cumberland County and Stone Memorial share a hometown community, friendships and family ties throughout the two rosters.
“As much as I’d like to downplay it and say it’s only a region game, it would be tone-deaf of me to not realize that this game means a lot to a lot of people,” said SMHS head coach Derik Samber. “In this community, this one gets talked about more than anything. Our kids have played with these guys and are sometimes even related to CCHS guys.”
Known as “The Battle of Big Mountain,” Stone Memorial owns the rivalry since the school opened in 2006. The Panthers hold a 12-2 all-time record against the Jets, including a 10-game winning streak dating back to 2011. The teams didn’t meet in 2020 due to COVID-19.
Cumberland County’s last win came in 2010, a 32-27 victory.
This year, Stone Memorial enters at 6-0 and 2-0 in Region 4-4A play. The Panthers are currently ranked No. 9 in the Associated Press Class 4A poll.
“Stone is playing well right now, and it’s a good time to do it,” Repasky said. “They’re explosive on offense and tackling well on defense. It’ll be a big test for us, and I’m excited.”
Cumberland County enters at the opposite end of the spectrum, as the young Jets team is currently 0-6 overall and 0-2 in region play.
“Throw the records out the window,” Samber said. “They’ve been close and competitive in a lot of football games. They’re a young football team, but certainly a capable and one we can’t overlook.”
Last season was one of the closest games in recent memory as Stone Memorial defeated Cumberland County, 21-9.
“It shows that they’re a competitive football team,” Samber said. “That’s certainly something I’ve reminded our guys of; they were up on us for almost until halftime.”
Stone Memorial is led by the dynamic play of senior quarterback Hunter Heavilon, who has 997 yards and 12 touchdowns through the air this season along with 487 yards and 6 rushing touchdowns. Heavilon completes 68.2% of his passes.
Heavilon’s favorite target is senior all-state receiver Kaleb Flowers, who has 9 total touchdowns on the season. Flowers also returned a 95-yard pick-six last week at York Institute.
“We’re going to have to tackle, cover well and win the special teams battle,” Repasky said. “They’ve got some really good players we have to account for.”
Cumberland County will lean on young players in their quest for a victory over Stone.
“Our offensive line needs to have a good night, Repasky added. “Our freshman quarterback, Noah Potter, will have to continue growing up and have to throw the ball in tight man coverage. We’ve got to tackle better and adjust to their formations. Hopefully, Marcus Pedde can make a few plays in the passing game. Our sophomore mike linebacker Jordan Probst needs to have a good night. Our corners and secondary need to play well: Colton Nichols, Adam Packett and Dalton Bowman.”
Samber sees his team’s experience as an advantage in multiple areas.
“I don’t worry about this team being up for a game,” he said. “From trap games in the past or away games, our kids to this point have shown maturity and shown up to play.”
For Stone Memorial to pick up a win at Jet Stadium, a few keys are emphasized by Samber and his coaching staff.
“For every game, protecting the football and winning the kicking game,” Samber said. “For Cumberland County specifically, I think they’re really good and physical up front on both sides. We’re going to have to hold our own in that battle. Their running back (Drayton Hairston) really presents a challenge and is up there with the best ones we’ve seen this year.”
Repasky and the Jets need a strong start Friday.
“This group hasn’t played a good four quarters,” he said. “Last week I think we played three quarters. We’ve been starting slow, so our emphasis has been starting fast. It’s a lot of different things for a lot of young guys.”
Upper Cumberland Reporter will stream Friday’s Battle of Big Mountain Presented by Social Brew at https://www.facebook.com/UpperCumberlandReporter2. Postgame content will be available at www.uppercumberlandreporter.com.
Kickoff for No. 9 Stone Memorial at Cumberland County is scheduled for 7 p.m.