Science Hill, West Ridge preparing for crucial Big East clash

Sometimes you've just got to tip your cap to the other team. That was the conclusion Science Hill coach Stacy Carter came to after watching the tape of last Friday's 42-7 loss to Maryville. The Hilltoppers were unable to control the line of scrimmage on offense, and the Rebels made them pay. "That's probably the best defense in the state," Carter said. "We probably could have played better than we did. We didn't get hardly any movement (up front), and the rain really hurt any RPO stuff." While the offense struggled to move the ball, the defense proved to be a bright spot for Science Hill. The unit has improved throughout the season and more or less held its own against Maryville. "They didn't push us around on the front, but you can't stay on defense that long with your offense playing that bad," Carter said. "Even the secondary coverage was pretty good." Carter pointed out defensive backs Carter Larson and Jack Staggs as well as linebackers Mackey Keramidas and Zack Matherne for their particularly strong performance. With Maryville in the rearview mirror, the Hilltoppers are turning their attention to Friday's road game at West Ridge, which is crucial for playoff seeding. The 'Toppers need to win on Friday to lock up a home playoff game before turning their attention to Dobyns-Bennett. "It's more important than any game right now because it's for home field advantage," Carter said. "It's a big deal." There's an old saying that familiarity breeds contempt, but that doesn't apply when it comes to Science Hill and West Ridge. West Ridge's coaching staff is littered with guys who either played for Carter or coached on his staff at Science Hill or Sullivan South. In a sense, Friday's game will have the feel of a family reunion, but both sides will be highly motivated to earn bragging rights when the ball is kicked off. "We'll get their best shot," Carter said. Science Hill on Offense This week's matchup isn't going to be a guessing game for Science Hill. The Wolves are likely to line up in a 5-2 or 4-3 front with corners in man coverage and dare the Hilltoppers to throw the ball on them. Science Hill will likely counter by bringing in tight ends Jacob Horne, Matherne and Keramidas to help open up running lanes for Kiantai Harris and the rest of Science Hill's backs. This tactic was successful when Tennessee High loaded the box against the Hilltoppers earlier this season. When it comes time to pass the ball, it will be up to the receivers to beat man coverage, and from there, Pearson Harrison will have to make quick decisions with rushers coming at him. "They'll blitz us," Carter said. "They're going to come after us." Luckily for Harrison, he'll have another weapon at his disposal this week. Wide receiver Marcus Jones, who suffered a shoulder injury over the summer and was thought to be lost for the season, has recovered more quickly than expected and will see his first action of the season on Friday night. Science Hill on Defense The task for the Hilltoppers this week is to stop West Ridge's intricate running attack. The Wolves didn't attempt a single pass against the Hilltoppers last season, and Carter expects more of the same this year. "It's almost impossible to simulate it in practice," Carter said. "That makes it really hard." West Ridge is a bit banged up along the offensive line, but that didn't slow down the Wolves any last week as they ran wild on Morristown East. Kingston McConnell, Kallon McConnell, Dalton Clark, Hayden Musick and Peyton Martinez were road graders, clearing the way for running back Brody Fields, who ran for five touchdowns. Carter also raved about West Ridge quarterback Justice Hilton, who has rushed for 1,000 yards already this season. "If you look at their rushing yards, they put up big numbers against almost everybody they've faced," Carter said. "They're going to slow it down, play it clean, try to possess the ball and keep you off the field." SCIENCE HILL VS. WEST RIDGE Series record: SH leads, 5-0At Johnson City: SH leads, 3-0At Blountville: SH leads, 2-0 First meeting: 2021 (SH, 40-21)Most points: 61 in 2021 (SH, 40-21)Fewest points: 41 in 2023 (SH, 27-14)Biggest win: 42 points in 2022 (SH, 49-7)Closest win: 13 points in 2023 (SH, 27-14) Last time they played: Oct. 24, 2025Lane Clement threw for 149 yards with 3 touchdowns and ran for another, leading the Hilltoppers to a 28-14 win at Kermit Tipton Stadium. Nalique Anderson rushed for 109 yards, while Clement's TD passes went to Branson Newberry (27 yards), Jabriel Fain (19 yards) and Marcus Jones (54 yards). Ethan Amyx ran for 185 yards, including his 64-yard TD, to lead the Wolves. Justice Hilton ran for 64 yards and a TD.Note: Science Hill went 28-7 against Sullivan Central, 10-3 against North and 7-12 against South prior to their 2021 consolidation.