On October 23, the Cumberland Gap Panthers and Claiborne Bulldogs faced off under perfect Tennessee skies for Friday night football. The evening began with Covenant Health Claiborne presenting the game ball to the head official while showcasing their new medical helicopter, a crowd-pleasing moment. Once the game began, both teams played a nearly even first half. The Panthers struck first with a second-quarter run by Noah Meyers, followed by a successful two-point conversion from Colson Nash, making it 8-0. Claiborne answered with a Colton Brewer touchdown and his own conversion to tie it at 8-8. A Cumberland Gap interception set up the Bulldogs’ next score as Noah Burke ran in a QB keeper, though they missed the conversion, leading 14-8 at halftime.
Both bands entertained the large crowd during halftime at Bulldogs Field. Momentum shifted when Claiborne attempted an onside kick, giving the Panthers possession near midfield. Gabe Daniels broke free for his first touchdown, tying the game at 14 after a failed conversion. Soon after, Meyer scored on a keeper, and the conversion was good, making it 22-14. A turnover on downs led to Daniels’ second rushing touchdown, extending the lead to 30-14. Hudson Cadle then intercepted Burke’s pass and returned it for a touchdown, with Meyer adding the conversion for a 38-14 lead. Late in the fourth, Meyer connected with Nash on a third-and-thirteen, followed by a Hunter Sturgill rushing touchdown, with the conversion pushing the scoreboard to 44-14. Claiborne’s six-game winning streak ended, and Cumberland Gap moved within one win of hosting a playoff game.
After the game, Coach Nick Nash said, “We made some slight adjustments at the half that got our offense back on track.” Nash added, “It was the typical Claiborne versus Cumberland Gap rivalry game.”
