Sevier County ready for 2026 after triumph, defeat in recent state games

SEVIERVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) - You could argue Sevier County is in its golden age. The Smoky Bears went a perfect 15-0 in 2024 and won their first state championship in 25 years. Last season, Sevier County lost just one regular-season game, won the district title and punched its ticket to state.

However, unlike in 2024 when the Smoky Bears left celebrating, in 2025, they walked off the field falling just short of back-to-back state championships after a one-touchdown loss to Page in the 5A title game.

After experiencing both triumph and defeat, the Smoky Bears feel they are prepared for anything that comes their way.

"Seeing both sides of it is a big thing," said senior Parker Newman. "Obviously, when it first happened, I was so frustrated. No one wants to lose, but now we've grown from it. I've watched the game probably 30 times, so now I realize I'm thankful to see both sides of it and how it feels. I think it gives a different outlook on that process. It's really hard to get there and I do think we have the group to do it."

One player that gives the Smoky Bears confidence to get back to the championship game is senior quarterback Cooper Newman. The reigning 5A Mr. Football award winner threw for 3,705 yards with 48 total touchdowns.

However, the UConn commit said that despite his personal accolades, his goal for his final year with the Smoky Bears is to rewrite the ending of last season.

"We won it and it's like you want to go win it again," said Newman. "You get back all the way that far and then you lost, so that hurts. We don't want to have that feeling again. But then at the end of the day, we are going to take it one step at a time. We're going to use that for fuel to fire us and hopefully win some games this year."

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Sevier County kicks off the season vs. Farragut on Saturday, August 22.

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