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Gordonsville High School Cross Country

Lucy Manor, Elise Smith, Sydney Yancy and Kylie Chiapperini

The Gordonsville Middle School and High School Cross Country teams competed in the Green Hills Invitational on August 26th 2023.

Three girls competed in the two mile run with the following finishes – Elise Smith, 21st with a time of 15:53.22, Kylie Chiapperini, 67th with a time of 18:56.18 and Sydney Yancy, 113th with a time of 24:11.71. Lucy Manor competed in the 5000 meter. She finished 48th with a time of 24:03.86

Kaleb Kincaid, Aiden Austin, Layn Parchman, Derek Rivera and Caden Smith

Kaleb Kincaid competed in the two mile run. He finished 114th with a time of 16:41.08. Four boys competed in the 5000 meter with the results as follows – Aiden Austin finished 213th with a time of 25:22.61, Derek Rivera finished 216th with a time of 26:27.29, Caden Smith finished 224th with a time of 28:41.70 and Layne Parchman finished 226th with a time of 29:16.88.

SC Lady Owls Soccer week one

Chloe Gill beating an Upperman defender to set up a goal

The Lady Owls soccer team played the season opener on the road at Upperman on Tuesday August 15, 2023.  The game got off to a slow start as everyone was finding their space and rhythm.  Nine minutes into the match Briley Grisham passed to Aubrey Felice who quickly took it to the net for the first of her three goals for a natural hat trick, she would get assists from Chloe Gill and another from Grisham.

The Lady Owls defense played well and the middle was strong and kept the ball at the feet of the forwards.  The fourth goal came from an attempt from Grisham that was finished by Kacie Chiapperini for her first high school goal.  Briley Grisham however would be score from a pass by Addie Cripps a few minutes later. Two minutes later Brooklyn Sensabaugh would set up Aubree Spain for Spain’s first high school goal.As the seconds ticked off the first half Grisham would pass to Addie Cripps who scored to finish the half.  Smith County 7, Upperman 0.  

The second half saw Senior Brooklyn Sensabaugh score and then within three minutes. Kacie Chiapperini would finish it with the ninth goal, which invoked the mercy rule with 27 minutes left on the half.

On Friday August 18 the Lady Owls hosted Greenbrier for the home opener.  The game has a late start due to traffic for Greenbrier.  It was a very physical game that tested every position but the Lady Owls showed up and continued to get better.  It only took six minutes for Aubrey Felice to kick off the scoring with an assist from Aubree Spain, another six minutes and Felice would score again, this time with the assist going to to Freshman Goalkeeper Catie Belle McCarter.  With 11 minutes left in the half Greenbrier did manage to slip a goal through making it 2-1 Lady Owls.

With less than 5 minutes left on the clock Felice would meet with a pass from Addie Cripps to score her second hat trick on the season.  Halftime score was Smith County 3, Greenbrier 1.

The second half saw a goal from Briley Grisham with assist from Aubree Spain who would also assist Brooklyn Sensabaugh with the last goal of the game.  Smith County won 5-1 and stayed undefeated.

The next game will be the District opener at home vs Cannon County.  Then the weekend will be the Smokey Mountain Cup in Gatlinburg. (photos and article submitted by Vivian Schaffers)

Briley Grisham gets the ball from a Greenbrier defender

Smith County High School Football 2023 season preview

Head Coach: Matt Dyer (3rd Season, 17-8 Overall, 7-1 Region, 3-2 Postseason)

2022 Overall: 11-2 (1st in Region 5-3A)
Playoffs: Beat Sycamore 41-0 in the first round. Defeated Fairview 28-6 in the second round. Lost to East Nashville 27-40 in quarterfinals.
Season Notes: The Owls captured their first region championship in five years last season. Smith County will turn to freshman Riley Martin under center with all-around leader Peyton Hix anchoring both sides of the ball as the competition will be tough in a loaded Region 3-2A.

2023 SCHEDULE
Thu Aug. 17 – at Gordonsville (on DTC3)
Fri Aug. 25 – at DeKalb County
Fri Sep. 1 – Liberty Creek
Fri Sep. 8 – at Macon Co.
Fri Sep. 15 – Trousdale Co*
Fri Sep. 22 – at East Robertson*
Fri Sep. 29 – Upperman
Fri Oct. 6 – at Jackson County*
Fri Oct. 13 – Westmoreland* (on DTC3)
Fri Oct. 27 – Monterey* (on DTC3)

Luke Dycus of DTC Sports goes one-on-one with Owls’ head football coach Matt Dyer about the upcoming 2023 high school football season.

Gordonsville High School Football 2023 season preview

Head Coach: Stephen Jackson (2nd Season)

2022 Overall: 11-2 (7-0 Home, 4-2 Away)
Region 4-1A: 9-4 (2nd in Region 4-1A)
Playoffs: Defeated Lookout Valley 49-8 in the first round. Beat South Pittsburg 14-7 in the second round. Lost to Clay County 6-41 in the quarterfinals.
Season Notes: With the departure of 20 seniors, the upcoming season will present an opportunity for new talent to emerge and step into leadership roles for the Tigers. Gordonsville is poised to break the cycle and get back on top of Region 4-1A this season.

2023 SCHEDULE
Thu Aug. 17 – Smith County (on DTC3)
Fri Aug. 25 – Watertown (on DTC3)
Fri Sep. 1 – at Trousdale Co.
Fri Sep. 8 – at Jo Byrns*
Fri Sep. 15 – at DeKalb Co.
Fri Sep. 22 – at Monterey
Fri Sep. 29 – Forrest
Fri Oct. 6 – at Red Boiling Springs*
Fri Oct. 20 – Bledsoe Co.
Fri Oct. 26 – Clay County*

Coach Stephen Jackson speaks with Luke Dycus of DTC Sports about the excitement and expectations for the 2023 Tigers season.

The 2023 Lady Owls Soccer begin season play this week

2023 Lady Owls Soccer team

The 2023 Lady Owls Soccer team is preparing to kickoff their season this week. There have been many changes since last season. The region was reconfigured and our district saw Watertown move on and Cannon County return. The Lady Owls are no longer District 7A but instead are now 5A and Region 3. District 5A is made up of Smith County, York, Jackson County, and Cannon County.

Head Coach Nicholus Bussell has had some staff changes for the Lady Owls over the off season.  Assistant Coach Kit Jenkins, who was also the head coach for the boys side, has left the squad to take the position of vice principal at Smith County High School.  The pair had been one another’s assistant coaches for the past seven years.  Coach Kit’s presence on the player sideline will be greatly missed.  Coach Bussell and assistant coach Lisa Reece have welcomed two familiar faces to the staff, Shyenne Newton and Mallory Dillon.  Shyenne played for the Lady Owls from 2016-2018, she was 7A all district first team in 2018. This is her second year working as a paraprofessional at Smith County High School.  Mallory Dillon played for the Lady Owls from 2016-2019, she was co-captain her senior year, 7A all district second team in 2018 and first team in 2019.  This will be her first year of teaching English at Smith County High School.  Both of these ladies were part of the first back to back district championship teams in 2017 and 2018.

Heading into the 2023 season the Lady Owls have a much smaller squad than we are used to seeing, with 20 on the roster.  For the first time we see this squad be equal parts of each end of the County with 10 players from each school. Another level of the motto this team holds dear, One Team.

On August 1st Smith County hosted Livingston for a scrimmage. It was a great opportunity for both teams to work through and find areas to strengthen.  The Lady Owls were preparing for the annual playday at Portland on the fifth.  However, the playday was abruptly canceled the night before. Being too late to to find a spot in another tournament, we saw the creation of a Black and Gold game.

On August 10th the Lady Owls held the first Black and Gold game, which is sure to become an annual tradition. With the help of the boys side including player positions as well as officiating, two sides played 30 minute halves.  It was educational for the team and fun for everyone on and off the pitch.

August 15 the Lady Owls will travel to Upperman for the season opener.  August 18th Smith County will host Greenbrier for the home opener and then kickoff district play hosting Cannon County on the 22nd.

For updates and times plus other content follow the team on the facebook page Smith County High School Lady Owls Soccer, and of course watch for news about the team and season here as well.

SCHS Soccer Summer Kids Camp 2023

The Smith County High School Owls and Lady Owls hosted the annual kids soccer skills camp this past week.  Over 80 campers attended three days of fun and learning, coached by the Coaching staff and players of the high school teams. 

Kids from kindergarten to 8th grade were grouped into teams by grade and skill so that they got the specific attention and tools for their level.  They were taught proper kicking, throw in, and offense/defense techniques.  They also got to learn how the game is played in real time with scrimmages.

The future looks bright for Soccer in Smith County.  The coaches noted much potential and promise in the campers this year. The SCHS players saw from a new perspective the legacy they will be leaving for the program.  Each camper is invited to be honored at the SC Lady Owls game on September 26 vs York.  The game is at 6 pm and the campers get free entry and will be recognized in the opening walk out. 

Coaches and staff are especially appreciative to everyone who took part and supported the camp and the future of these young athletes.

Smith County Mens Soccer are 2023 7A District Champions

The Smith County Owls Soccer Team became the 7A District Champions after a perfect District run.  York hosted the District Tournament this year.  The Semi-final games were played on Tuesday May 9th. Smith County won against York 7-0 to advance to Thursday’s game. Senior Captain Tanner Pierson scored twice. Once with an assist from Senior Gavin Huddleston and once on a Free Kick.  Senior Rylan Bates also would net two goals, both were assisted by Huddleston.  Senior Christian Santiago scored with the assist to Pierson who also would assist with a goal from Senior Orman Vanegas.  Sophomore Jarrain Smith added to the score sheet with an assist from Huddleston.  Keepers, Senior Jonathan Santiago and Sophomore James Bunn would keep a clean sheet for the Owls.  

Thursday, May 11th Smith County and Watertown traveled back to Jamestown for the District Championship.  This is the last season for Watertown in this district as next season they move on due to size.  Smith County had previously beat Watertown twice in regular season district play and we all know the third time can be anyone’s game.  However, this one would also go to the Owls with a score of 5-0.  Watertown really struggled to get past Smith County’s midfield and defenders.  The few times they did manage to get in range Senior Keep Jonathan Santiago denied entry to the goal, keeping a clean sheet for the game.  All five scores came from Senior Captain Tanner Pierson with assists from Rylan Bates, two from Jarrain Smith and two from Gavin Huddleston.  

Post game District Awards were held.  Smith County Owls took the title for 7A District Champions, while Watertown took home the runner-up title.  Smith County Head Coach Kit Jenkins earned Coach of the Year.  Very well deserved by Coach Kit, he is an exceptional leader and mentor on and off the pitch.  Sophomore Lolo Ortiz was awarded midfielder of the year.  Lolo has played big for the Owls this season, he is tough, fast, smart and all in all the time.  Senior Captain Tanner Pierson was awarded District MVP.  Tanner loves the game, is a confident leader, leads by example with a work ethic and dedication.  He is an encourager to his team and makes sure they receive credit when due.  The first and second team members from the Smith County side were: Senior Captain Bolt Ortiz, Senior Gavin Huddleston, Senior Orman Vanegas, Senior Rylan Bates, Senior Goalkeeper Jonathan Santiago, and Sophomore Adyn Elliott.  This is just a sampling of the talent on this team, it is full of hard workers and potential, they all should be very proud of their accomplishments.

As Region play begins, Watertown will travel to Merrol Hyde on Tuesday May 16th and Smith County will host KIPP Nashville on the same night for the Region Semi-finals.  The Championship game will be played on Thursday May 18th in the location determined by the outcome of Tuesday’s games.  (Article and photos submitted by Vivian Schaffers)

District award winners left to right, Tanner Pierson, Orman Vanegas, Jonathan Santiago, Bolt Ortiz, Gavin Huddleston, Adyn Elliott, Rylan Bates, and Lolo Ortiz.

SC Owls Mens Soccer Kicks off District Play

SC Defenders at York: L-R Captain Bolt Ortiz, Gerardo Olvera, Lolo Ortiz and Adyn Elliott.

The Smith County Owls launched District play last week. They won back to back fixtures against York and Jackson County.  After losing eight talented Seniors from last season, finding new chemistry was a major goal to start the season.

The Owls hosted Livingston Academy for the Home/Season opener and won the Varsity match 2-0.  Jarrain Smith and Captain Tanner Pierson scored for the Owls while Senior goalkeeper Jonathan Santiago kept a clean sheet.  The JV also won 1-0 at this meeting. The goal coming from Terence Davis and Goalkeeper James Bunn keeping a clean sheet as well.

The team traveled to Gatlinburg for the Smoky Mountain Cup.  The conditions were tough this season and the team did not bring a trophy home.  However, It was definitely a beneficial trip.  Playing higher levels always reveals the weak points and this is necessary to be able to correct and get stronger. Spending the tournament together will go a long way in building bonds and creating the family environment.

Off the heals of the Cup trip, Smith County hosted Friendship Christian who looked like a new squad this year.  The Owls were rough for wear after the rigors of the trip and down a couple of vital leaders due to injury, they still managed to hold Friendship to a 0-0 tie.  The defense stepped up for their Captain Bolt Ortiz who was missing from the back line and they helped the keepers hold on to those clean sheets.  None of the SC players found their way to scoring, but it definitely was not for a lack of effort.

The Owls were supposed to play in a tournament at White County but the storms made the fields unplayable and White County had to cancel all games.

On Thursday April 4, 2023 the Owls by traveled to York.  A couple of Seniors were missing due to illness but the team did not disappoint them.  Smith County came home with a 6-0 win.  Every player had their chance on the pitch. The scoring was led by off by Senior Christian Santiago and assisted by Lolo Ortiz.  The second goal came as the Owls were attacking the York box and the Dragons made an error that led to an Own Goal. Senior Rylan Bates scored next with an assist from Gavin Huddleston.  The last goal before the half was from Orman Vanegas with assist by Christian Santiago.  The Second half saw another goal by Orman with assist this time by Lolo Ortiz. The second half was also a great opportunity for the JV to get in some playing time and to find their feet.  The last goal of the game was scored by Haygen Miracle and assisted by Lolo Ortiz. Both of the Owls Keepers, Jonathan Santiago and James Bunn, looked solid in goal and they came home with no goals against.

Thursday April 6, 2023 Smith County hosted Jackson County for the another District match.  The varsity and the JV both had games.  The Varsity saw the return of Senior Tanner Pierson after a bout of illness and he wasted no time in making up for it.  The Skipper made his mark on the game by scoring on a penalty kick and then adding four more goals throughout the game with assists by Gavin Huddleston for at least two and Orman Vanegas for at least one.  Orman would score the second goal of the game with an assist to Christian Santiago.  Christian scored the fifth goal of the game being assisted by Tanner Pierson.  Senior Gavin Huddleston would score his first and the team’s 8th of the game by way of a penalty kick.

The defense led by Bolt Ortiz had a good showing, helping the goalkeeper Jonathan Santiago add another clean sheet. There were quite a few JV players who were subbed in during the course of the game giving them a chance to build strength of skill and decision making. This is vital to build the depth of the team and will be an asset as they progress through the season.  The JV played next, ending in a scoreless tie.  However, you could see the hunger to improve, to score, and improved communication.

This team keeps putting in the work and are hungry. hey could make the 20th anniversary of the team a record breaker.  They feed off of the fan support so the Owl Faithful needs to be the 12th man this season in a big way.  Next up is April 11, SC travels to Watertown for another District matchup.  Followed by York visiting the SC pitch on the 13th.  Both of these are District games and the pitch needs to be packed to cheer on our student athletes and our county.  Gates open at 5 PM and the Kick off is at 6 PM. (article and photos submitted by Vivian Schaffers)

2023 Smith County Owls Mens Soccer Team

This is the 20th anniversary for the Smith County Mens Soccer team. The first team, led by Coach Scott Apple launched 2003 with 15 members.  The current team is twice that size and has grown in skill and level of play with much success. 

The staff for the 2023 team includes Head Coach Kit Jenkins, Assistant Coach Nicholus Bussell, and Assistant Coach Jeremiah Pierson. Managers include Kailey Young, Eden Daniel, Elizabeth Rodriguez, Brooklyn Sensabaugh, Abbi Williams, Kylie Jenkins and Karma Pickett

The 2023 Home Opener was played on March 14 with Smith County hosting Livingston.  The Owls Varsity would take the win with goals by Jarrain Smith and Tanner Pierson, while Senior Goalkeeper Jonathan Santiago kept a clean sheet.  The Owls JV also won their game vs Livingston with a goal by Terence Davis and another clean sheet by Sophomore Goalkeeper James Bunn.

The team traveled to the Smoky Mountain Cup from the 17-19.  This tournament is always high level of play. It brings opportunities for the team to grow as players, bond as a family and a bonus of college scouts watching throughout the weekend.  Last season the Owls won their division at the tournament.  This year the varsity and the Jv each played three games.  Varsity played Dickson County, Oak Ridge and Henry County.  The JV played Pigeon Forge, Cocke County and Kingston.  The weather was challenging throughout the weekend but the team got some valuable experience to take into the season.

The Owls will host Friendship Christian on Thursday March 23 and then participate in the White County Tournament over the weekend.  Support these hard working student athletes this season and see what they can do. See the game schedule below.

Smith County Youth Soccer League Registration for Spring

The Smith County Youth Soccer League (ages 4-16 yrs old as of August 2022) is starting registration for the Spring 2023 season! You can register at the Chamber of Commerce, Wednesday February 1st from 5 to 7pm, Tuesday, February 7th from 5 to 7 pm , Monday, February 13th from 5 to 7pm. You can also fill out the forms and drop them off at Smith County Drug with the $45 registration fee anytime before the end of February. 

The season is expected to start in early April and will last six weeks with games on Saturdays at Crump Paris Park. For more information please check Smith County Soccer League on Facebook.