The Elizabethton Cyclones junior varsity football team staged a thrilling comeback on October 9, 2023, defeating the Science Hill Hilltoppers 35-28 at Kermit Tipton Stadium. After falling behind early, the Cyclones demonstrated resilience and determination, securing their first victory of the season.
The match commenced in dramatic fashion for the Cyclones, as Science Hill’s special teams executed a flawless play. The Hilltoppers returned the opening kickoff 80 yards for a touchdown, placing Elizabethton in a 7-0 hole within the first 19 seconds.
Despite the early setback, the Cyclones responded effectively. Quarterback Brycen Blevins connected with running back Legend Pate on a short screen pass, which Pate turned into a 12-yard touchdown. Kicker Carson Thompson successfully converted the extra point, leveling the score at 7-7 midway through the first quarter.
The momentum shifted back to Science Hill on the subsequent kickoff when a mishandled ball was recovered by Ben Williams. He sprinted 70 yards untouched, restoring the Hilltoppers’ lead to 14-7. Soon after, Science Hill extended its advantage when quarterback Pearson Harrison found Davis Crowe for a 26-yard touchdown pass, making it 21-7 after the extra point by Bryson Phillips.
Refusing to back down, Elizabethton mounted a strong response in the second quarter. Pate scored again on a 20-yard run, narrowing the gap to 21-14. The Cyclones continued to press, and just before halftime, Pate plunged into the end zone from four yards out, tying the game at 21-21 after Thompson’s successful kick.
With renewed energy, Elizabethton took control in the second half. They executed a six-minute drive, culminating in a 12-yard touchdown run by Blevins, giving the Cyclones their first lead of the night at 28-21. Thompson’s extra point extended the lead.
The Cyclones’ defense held strong, stopping Science Hill on a critical fourth-and-19 early in the fourth quarter. However, a special teams error soon allowed the Hilltoppers to tie the game again. Blevins’ punt attempt went awry, enabling Levi Torbett of Science Hill to return the ball 40 yards for a touchdown, leveling the score at 28-28 with just over four minutes remaining.
In a final push, Elizabethton’s offense regrouped. Leaning heavily on Pate, who had an outstanding performance, the Cyclones regained the lead with a six-yard touchdown run from Pate, marking his fourth touchdown of the night. Thompson’s fifth successful extra point solidified the Cyclones’ lead at 35-28.
The Cyclones’ defense held firm in the closing minutes, ensuring the victory and delivering a measure of revenge after the varsity team had lost to Science Hill three nights earlier. With this win, Elizabethton’s junior varsity team improved to a record of 1-0, while the Hilltoppers faced a tough defeat in a game marked by early momentum changes.
Through their remarkable comeback, the Cyclones displayed not only athletic skill but also a significant level of mental toughness, exemplified by Pate’s four-touchdown effort and the pivotal defensive plays in the second half.
