Cardiac Kids Turn Chaos Into a Classic: Double Overtime Drama Seals 20th Straight

It was billed as the heavyweight fight of the season so far, with each of these two unbeaten programs colliding in Sevierville. Sevier County, the reigning Class 5A champions, riding a 19-game win streak, and Greeneville, proud, dangerous, and ready to end it. The stadium was packed and electric, the stands shaking, the atmosphere intense with anticipation. What unfolded was every bit the battle fans expected, a back-and-forth war that stretched all the way into double overtime before the Cardiac Kids once again found a way.

Early on, it looked like the streak was in jeopardy. Quarterback Cooper Newman had thrown just one interception through the first month of the season, but Greeneville’s defense forced him into two rare mistakes in the first half. The Devils capitalized both times. First, Caden Baugh zipped a 14-yard strike to Taren Claridy on a slant to take the lead. Then, after another interception gave them a short field, Baugh called his own number and exploded for a 55-yard rushing touchdown. In a blink, Sevier County was down 14–0, and their home crowd sat stunned, watching the unthinkable unfold.

The Bears needed a spark, and it came in the second quarter. Newman dropped back and launched a bomb to Parker Newman, who streaked downfield and hauled in the longest catch of his night, a momentum-changer that silenced Greeneville’s sideline. That explosive gain set the stage for Sevier’s first score, as Bryson Headrick finished the drive by breaking free for a 44-yard touchdown grab that cut the deficit in half. Suddenly, the Bears were back in it.

Then came the play that flipped the game entirely. Just before halftime, Greeneville lined up for a field goal that could’ve pushed their lead back to double digits. But Headrick knifed through the line and got a hand on it, the ball bouncing wildly into open grass. Wyatt Maples was ready, scooping it clean and sprinting 67 yards the other way for a stunning touchdown. The stadium erupted, purple-clad fans rocking as the game swung violently. From staring at 17–7, Sevier instead went into halftime tied 14–14, and the Cardiac Kids had new life.

The second half turned into a grind. Nathan Patterson became the workhorse, pounding the ball up the middle and chewing up yardage with physicality. Nearly all of his 96 yards came after halftime as he wore Greeneville’s front seven down. Early in the fourth quarter, linebacker Joey Galazin was rewarded for his relentless night on defense with a one-yard plunge into the end zone. The Bears surged ahead 24–17, and momentum was theirs.

Greeneville refused to go away. Baugh answered like a warrior, flashing the dual-threat ability that has carried the Devils all year. He struck again late in regulation, finding Claridy on a double move that beat coverage and silenced the home crowd. With the extra point good, it was 24–24, and overtime was unavoidable.

The first possession looked like ended it. After Sevier’s field goal try went wide, Greeneville pounded its way to the goal line. On third down at that goal line, Baugh surged forward, but the ball popped loose. In the wild scrum, it was Headrick who dove on it, clutching the game-saving recovery with everything he had. The streak lived, and the game pressed into a second overtime.

Greeneville opened with a short field goal, taking a 27–24 lead. On Sevier’s possession, it took just one play. Newman faked to Patterson, flipped the ball into Headrick’s hands on an end-around, and Headrick slipped a tackle and sprinted into the corner of the end zone. The stadium shook as the scoreboard flashed 30–27. The Bears’ preserved their 20th straight victory.

The stats painted the picture of grit and drama. Newman finished 15-of-24 passing for 139 yards, with one touchdown and two interceptions, adding 53 rushing yards on seven carries. Headrick filled the sheet with 59 receiving yards and a touchdown through the air, a 10-yard rushing touchdown to win it, a blocked field goal, and the critical fumble recovery in overtime. Patterson delivered 24 carries for 96 yards and a bruising score in the second half. Maples’ 67-yard blocked field goal return before halftime was the defining swing of the night. Galazin added 21 tackles on defense and the one-yard rushing touchdown that briefly put Sevier ahead. For Greeneville, Baugh was sensational with 155 rushing yards and a touchdown, plus 94 passing yards with two touchdown strikes to Claridy, who caught both of the Devils’ receiving scores.

When it was finally over, both sidelines had given everything, but only one team stood. Sevier County had once again turned chaos into survival, enduring every haymaker and still finishing on top. The streak continues at 20, and the Cardiac Kids added another unforgettable chapter to their legend. Miracle after miracle they just find a way to win.

---

Standout Player Impact

Cooper Newman (@coopernewman7) – 15-of-24 passing, 139 yards, 1 TD, 2 INT; 53 rushing yards. Shook off early turnovers and steadied the offense, delivering the deep ball to Parker Newman that set up the first touchdown.

Parker Newman (@ParkerN0491033)– 6 receptions, 49 yards. His long second-quarter grab was the spark that flipped momentum and led to Sevier’s opening touchdown drive.

Nathan Patterson – 24 carries, 96 yards, 1 TD. A second-half bulldozer who wore Greeneville down and tied the game with a bruising score.

Bryson Headrick (@BrysonHeadrick0) – 4 receptions, 59 yards, 1 receiving touchdown; 10-yard rushing touchdown; blocked FG; game-saving fumble recovery in OT. The all-around hero who made plays in every phase of the game.

Wyatt Maples(WyattMaples13) – 67-yard blocked field goal return touchdown, 1 reception. His scoop-and-score before halftime flipped the entire night and sent Sevier into the locker room tied.

Joey Galazin(JoeyGalazlin47) – 21 tackles, 1 rushing touchdown. Defensive enforcer who lived in Greeneville’s backfield, then punched in a one-yard score to give Sevier the lead in the fourth quarter.

Preston Huske( PrestonHJuskey44)y – 13 tackles, 1 tackle for loss. Anchored the middle and came up with stops that stalled Greeneville’s drives.

Jaxon Perry( JaxsonPerry43) – 13 tackles, 1 sack. Added pressure from the edge and cleaned up plays in space.

Zach Banks – 9 tackles, 1 pass breakup, 48 return yards. Provided coverage support and field position that kept Sevier steady.

Alexis Martinez(Alexismart35) – 5 carries, 19 yards. Offered depth and change of pace in key moments.

Aiden Ottolini – 3-for-3 on extra points, 1-of-2 on field goals, long of 27. Kept Sevier on pace on a night where every point mattered.

.