105th meeting between Science Hill, D-B to determine Region 1-6A champ

Dobyns-Bennett coach Joey Christian didn't shy away from admitting it — there's always something extra in the air whenever the Indians and Science Hill collide on the gridiron. "Let's don't kid ourselves," said Christian, a part of the rivalry since he joined the D-B coaching staff in 2003. "As coaches, we treat this week as we've treated every other week. We're not going to bounce around and be crazy and act like we're trying to slay some magic dragon or anything like that." Far as the teams are concerned, a Region 1-6A championship hangs in the balance. Both teams will host a first-round playoff game, but the winner is home for the second round as well. Science Hill on Offense There is one burning question leading into this rivalry game: How healthy is Kiantai Harris? Harris has been slowed in recent weeks with a hamstring injury, and it remains to be seen how effective he will be against the Indians. Sophomore Sage Milhorn and freshman Knox Necessary got a majority of the carries last Friday against West Ridge. "We need all three of them with Kiantai right now," Carter said. "We're going to have to lean on those two younger ones, the sophomore and freshman, for sure, and see how it goes with Kiantai." With Harris limited to just three plays last Friday night, the return of wide receiver Marcus Jones was just what the doctor ordered. Jones was expected to miss the entire season following shoulder surgery over the summer, but the junior recovered ahead of schedule and was cleared to return last week. He caught four balls for 104 yards and three touchdowns, providing Science Hill's passing game with the deep threat it has lacked all season. Pearson, a junior, entered last week's game with just 589 passing yards to his credit, but he threw for over 200 yards and five touchdowns against West Ridge while completing 9 of 11 pass attempts. The offensive line has been a strength for Science Hill all year long, anchored by senior Sawyer Necessary. But Carter said he has not been pleased with the run blocking the last two games and is looking for the unit to bounce back this week. "I wasn't that pleased with how we played on the front, and I think we need to do better at that if we're going to beat a D-B," he said. D-B on offense Senior quarterback Levi Chappell and junior running back Kedrick Harris have made their mark this year. But the Indians will play Friday's game without their top rusher, senior Emmitt Starnes. Christian remains hopeful to have Starnes back on the field for the playoffs. Through nine games, Starnes was on the brink of 1,000 yards rushing, currently at 941. Harris is second at 643, averaging 9.1 per carry, and Chappell third with 417. Chappell also has 1,131 yards and 13 TDs passing with six interception, having completed 85-of-148 attempts. As for who will complement the two in D-B's backfield this week, that's the "million dollar question" according to Christian. E.J. Sonpon could see more touches this week. Sonpon had 37 yards on seven carries against Bearden, just ahead of Chappell's 30 while Harris gained 87. "Kedrick doesn't get tired a lot, but he'll have to play both sides of the ball," Christian said. "You talk about kids you trust, Kedrick is at the top of my list. He's a warrior we know we can depend on. But we'll try to relieve him and let him get his tank filled up now and then." Tyree Thomas is the Indians' top receiver at 291 yards and six touchdowns on 26 catches. Brayden Blakley has 14 catches for 259 yards, and Tate Wernke 13 receptions for 189. Science Hill on Defense After the first two drives, the Hilltoppers did a great job bottling up West Ridge's intricate run game last Friday. Linebackers Hayden Smith, Matherne and Keramidas have developed into a formidable unit, and the secondary - led by safety Ben Hull - has become a strength for the Hilltoppers. The biggest improvement for Science Hill this season has been developing the ability to bottle up running quarterbacks. The Hilltoppers were gashed by Morristown West's duo of running QBs early this season, but they have fared better in the back half of the season. The challenge for Science Hill this week will be hemming in Chappell, a savvy passer with enough speed to make defenses pay if they get out of position. Carter said Chappell's ability to scramble was a major factor in D-B's win over Science Hill last season. "You better be cognizant of where he's at all the time," Carter said. "He hurt us last year with his legs. I've watched that game many times to see how we lost that game." D-B on defense The Indians' defense will also feel Starnes' absence. He ranked second behind Harris in total stops at 61, with five for loss and two quarterback hurries. Harris has 66 stops to his name with two TFL and a sack. "Isn't it ironic that your two leading rushers are your two leading tacklers," Christian pointed out. Dre Gardner-Hawk and Luke Brandon, who have 51 and 33 tackles respectively, both lead in the Tribe with nine tackles for loss. Brandon, Tyree Thomas and Jack Tremaine have three sacks apiece, and Dominique Coclough's two interceptions are the team high. Brandon had seven stops with two in the backfield against Bearden, as D-B had a shutout going until the closing seconds. Friday's game at J. Fred Johnson Stadium, where Science Hill has won six straight after D-B's memorable 37-34 win in 2012, kicks off at 7 p.m. DOBYNS-BENNETT VS. SCIENCE HILL Series record: D-B leads, 65-34-5 At Kingsport: D-B leads, 35-16-3 At Johnson City: D-B leads, 30-18-2 First meeting: 1921 (SH, 14-0) Current streak: D-B 2 (2024-25) Longest D-B streak: 19 (1995-2012 & 1998 playoffs) Longest SH streak: 6 (twice; 1961-62 & 1967-70; 2013-17 & 2014 playoffs) Most points: 91 in 2016 (SH, 56-35) Fewest points: 0 (3 times; 1921, 1928, 1939) Biggest win: 60 points in 1926 (D-B, 60-0) Closest win: 1 point in 1951 (SH, 13-12); 1982 (D-B, 13-12) Last time they played: Oct. 31, 2025 Levi Chappell threw for 90 yards with 2 touchdowns while rushing for 103 yards and another score, as D-B clinched its second straight Region 1-6A title with a 28-25 win at Kermit Tipton Stadium. Zayden Hayes (9 yards) and Zabian Goodwin (16 yards) caught Chappell's TD passes, while Emmitt Starnes (TD) and Luke Lundy combined for 114 yards rushing. Lane Clement passed for 272 yards and 2 TDs for Science Hill, 67 yards to Tyler Holder and 38 yards to Branson Newberry (5 catches for 93 yards). Nalique Anderson ran for 52 yards and 2 TDs, but Noah Raines' late interception sealed it.