HOLLOW ROCK, Tenn. — Emotions ran high at Joe T. Herndon Stadium Friday night, as Central Tigers fans mourned the loss of a local legend, welcomed a senior back from basic training, and capped the night off with a season-opening win against Scotts Hill.
In Memory of Coach Smothers
Before the game, Central football players and cheerleaders lined up along the eastern end-zone to pay tribute to Coach Buddy Smothers, who passed away last week.
A photo of Smothers was displayed outside the press box, where he spent nearly 40 seasons as the ‘Voice of the Tigers’.
Announcer Michael Graves read a tribute that included audio snippets of Smothers’s voice from previous broadcasts.
“Coach Smothers was more than the person behind the microphone, he was part of the traditions of Central and part of the lives of generations of Tigers,” Graves read.
He spoke of Smothers’s tenure as a teacher and coach at Central, his vast knowledge and recollection of school history, and, of course, his time as broadcaster.
“Tonight, [Coach Smothers’s] voice may no longer come from the press box, but it will always be part of Central,” Graves said. “It will continue to to live on in the stories we tell, the games we remember, and every Friday night when the Tigers take the field.”
Afterwards, a recording of Coach Smothers’s final touchdown call and his final sign off played over the loudspeaker. A moment of silence followed. Players and cheerleaders then released a number of blue and white balloons, which floated up past the Friday night lights and the water tower bearing the words “Tiger Pride”.
A Soldier’s Welcome
Central High School senior Parker Finley joined the National Guard back in May and spent his summer vacation in basic training at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri.
The school recognized his return home during the coin toss. Finley walked to the center of the field with the night’s captains and milti-time hall-of-famer Patrick Willis.
Following the toss, Finley presented Central’s captains with the game ball.
Big Win Over Scott’s Hill
The game got off to a slow start for both teams.
Scotts Hill struck first on a safety in the opening quarter to take a 2-0 lead, as well as the only points scored in the first half.
Central’s offense came alive in the second half, scoring a touchdown and two-point conversion in the third and fourth quarters.
Central junior running back Korbin Brown carried the load on the ground, rushing 13 times for 85 yards and a touchdown. Freshman quarterback Easton Bullington completed 6 of 14 passes for 93 yards and a touchdown, with the scoring strike going to senior Carter Lowe, who hauled in three catches for 73 yards.
Scotts Hill sophomore Khaidyn Bedwell led all rushers with 22 carries for 112 yards and a touchdown. The Lions scored their lone touchdown in the fourth quarter but were unable to convert the two-point attempt, finishing with 8 points.
Central’s season continues at home on Friday, August 28 against Gleason’s Bulldogs.
