A lighter schedule produced plenty of excitement in Week 8 of East Tennessee high school football, with Grace Christian Academy surviving a two-point thriller against Sevier County and Austin-East and Karns delivering impressive victories. With many Knoxville-area schools enjoying an open week, Thursday and Friday’s games gave several teams an opportunity to take center stage.

Grace Christian survives 50-48 thriller

The week’s biggest showdown lived up to expectations Thursday as Grace Christian edged Sevier County 50-48 in a Rivalry Thursday matchup. The high-scoring contest was one of the area’s closest games of the season. The Rams now look toward an Oct. 15 matchup with Christian Academy of Knoxville.

Austin-East bounces back

After falling to Sweetwater the previous week, Austin-East responded Friday with a 50-29 victory at Gatlinburg-Pittman. Quarterback Landon Lightfoot helped spark the Roadrunners’ offense, accounting for a rushing touchdown and throwing three first-half touchdown passes, according to PrepXtra game updates.

Karns dominates on the road

Karns made the most of its Thursday trip to Morristown, defeating Morristown East 42-13. The Beavers bounced back from their loss to Halls the previous week.

More Week 8 area scores

  • Kingston 42, Scott 14
  • Seymour 41, Northview Academy 0
  • The King’s Academy 47, Nashville Collegiate Prep 8
  • Rockwood 42, Cumberland County 0
  • Sweetwater 63, Campbell County 14
  • Tennessee High 49, Morristown West 14
  • Jefferson County 42, Daniel Boone 0
  • Pigeon Forge 35, Johnson County 0
  • Jellico 62, Unaka 12
  • McMinn Central 43, Sequoyah 0
  • Tellico Plains 51, Harriman 14

Looking ahead

With the regular season winding down, the schedule picks up again next week. One matchup to circle is Thursday’s Christian Academy of Knoxville visit to Grace Christian, with both teams seeking momentum for the postseason.

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