On August 21, the football season kicked off with plenty of excitement for fans, including the Claiborne Bulldogs and their cheerleaders. Their home opener was against Grainger High School’s Grizzlies. The first quarter ended scoreless, but Grainger broke through in the second with two touchdowns and conversions—first to go up 8-0, then another by Parrot to make it 16-0. A strong Grainger drive was stopped when Jason Dyer intercepted a Parrot pass on first and goal. Claiborne’s offense still couldn’t find momentum, and their next drive ended as the halftime clock ran out. Both bands performed during the break, and Claiborne opened the second half with the ball, but a Noah Burke punt ended their drive. Grainger added to their lead when Josh Larowe scored and Parrott made the conversion for 24-0. In the fourth, Brandon Church found the end zone, and Axel Vences kicked the extra point to make it 31-0. Claiborne lost Colton Brewer to injury, but by game’s end, Coach Lee got good news that Brewer was improving. The Zone also spoke with his father, Pete Brewer, a CHS coach, who reported nothing was fractured or broken. Grainger’s offensive and defensive lines dominated all night, sealing a 31-0 win and a good return trip across Clinch Mountain. Next, the Bulldogs head to Church Hill to face Volunteer. Photos by The Zone – AE.
