Historical Firsts

2023

The Tennessee High Vikings hosted Greeneville at the historic Stone Castle in Bristol, the site of the Devils first score and first win of the 2023 season, their 10th perfect regular season in school history.  Senior quarterback Corbin Cannon found senior receiver/running back Carson Quillen for a 9 yard touchdown.  Quinton Brandon's PAT gave the devils the 7-0 lead, which they built into a 28-0 lead at halftime.  With reserves finishing the fourth quarter, Tennessee High added a late touchdown to make the final score Greeneville 28, Tennessee High 7.

2022

Greeneville hosted Knox Central High School to open the 2022 season.  Damien Short helped Greeneville to the 49-7 victory by scoring the first touchdown of the season, one of three that he had that night.  Short punched the ball in from four yards out and Cooper Graham added the extra point.  A Mason Laws pick-six for 64 yards brought the crowd to their feet in the second quarter, and the Devils rolled on to the win.

2021

The 2021 season began on the road against 5A powerhouse Knoxville Central.  The Bobcats managed to drive down for a field goal to take a 3-0 lead, and the devils fumbled the ensuing kickoff.  But the defense answered and forced Central to punt.  Brady Quillen then capped off an 11 play 81 yard drive with a two yard run for the score.  The Devils scored more points in the regular season than any other team in the state.

2020

The 2020 season was a season of many firsts.  Due to the COVID-19 global pandemic, all athletics were halted when the 2018-1029 school year was dismissed early in the spring.  No practices were allowed until August.  As the moratorium on practice was set to be lifted, some players tested positive and athletics was put on hold.  As a result, the Powell season opening game was cancelled.  The first game was against Daniel Boone on August 28, with Nick Iezzi grabbing a 79 yard fumble recovery for the first score of the season.  But the first win would have to wait as Boone won the game 35-34 at Burley Stadium.  Another first was the forfeit by Union County due to an assistant coach testing positive for the coronavirus.  Greeneville was unable to fill the empty date, and after an open date, dropped their second game of the year to Science Hill.  The Devils got on their first on-the-field win at Austin East on September 18.  It was also the first win for new head coach Eddie Spradlen.

2019

The 2019 season started two hours later than scheduled due to thunderstorms and lightning.  Finally taking the field at Powell, the Devils got off to a sluggish start.  The first score was a 37-yard field goal by senior kicker CeJ Jones.  Powell got the 19-17 win, but the Devils regrouped for a road win the following week at Daniel Boone.

2018

The Devils opened on the road at Dobyns Bennett and scored on their first drive of the game, a 5 play, 61 yard drive.  Cade Ballard punched it in from two yards out.  Enforcing a silly rule, the officials sent Greeneville kicker CeJ Jones off the field because his pants didn't extend below his knees, and Greeneville had to go for the two point conversion.  Cade Ballard threw to Jacques Gillespie for the conversion.  They went on to a 43-3 win for the first win in Kingsport since 1961.

2017

The first score of the season came on August 18 on Greeneville's first possession against Dobyns Bennett in the season opening game. The Indians had jumped out to a 7-0 lead on a 69-yard touchdown run on the second play of the game. Greeneville answered with an 11 play, 93-yard drive which took 6:15 and culminated with a 7-yard touchdown run by the quarterback Cade Ballard. Eli Shepherd's extra point was good and the Devils tied the game. Greeneville went on to win 35-21.

2016

Greeneville's first score of 2016 came on their first possession on the road at Anderson County on August 19. The 8 play, 40-yard drive took 3:35 and was capped by a 1-yard sneak by quarterback Cade Ballard. Ethan Ellis' extra point kick was good and GHS had the 7-0 lead. They went on to win the game 55-9.

2015

On August 21, Greeneville opened their season at home against Anderson County. After a punt on their opening possession, and a very short punt by Anderson County, Greeneville started with good field position at the AC 34-yard line. A penalty stalled the drive and Greeneville settled for a 38-yard field goal by Ethan Ellis. The Mavericks tied the game in the second quarter before the Devils scored their first touchdown of 2015, an 8-yard touchdown run by Desmond Dabbs that capped a 14 play, 70-yard drive. Greeneville won the game 38-9.

2014

Greeneville opened on the road on August 29 at Morristown West, and saw the Trojans hold a 7-0 lead at halftime. Greeneville had the first possession of the second half, but threw an interception that was returned for a touchdown. Morristown West was up 14-0. But the Devils rebounded with a 5 play, 80-yard drive. It was a 37-yard touchdown run by Desmond Dabbs and the extra point by Ethan Ellis that pulled GHS back into the game. Greeneville tied the game late in the 3rd quarter, but the Trojans scored with under two minutes to go to win 21-14.

2013

On August 30 Greeneville hosted their old IMAC rival, Morristown West, and got their biggest margin of victory every over the Trojans. The 40-0 win began on the first possession for Greeneville. Trevor Wright intercepted a Trojan pass on the first drive that gave the Devils the ball at their own 22-yard line. It took Greeneville 9 plays to cover the 78-yards. The drive included a fake punt on fourth down and a fourth down conversion when Greeneville pulled MW offsides. And 18-yard run by D. J. Haney put Greeneville out front.

2012

Greeneville traveled to the newly built Memorial Stadium and Steve Spurrier Field to face the Science Hill Hilltoppers on August 17. Johnson City jumped out to a 20-0 lead before Greeneville got on the board on a 50-yard touchdown pass from Zach Finchum to Hayes Culbreath. The extra point was good by Lincoln Taylor. Science Hill kept the lead and won 49-21.

2011

The Hilltoppers jumped out to a 6-0 lead on August 19, but Greeneville roared right back, scoring on their first possession of the game. Tanner Stewart's 51-yard run started the drive, and Taylor Shuffler punched it eight plays later to tie the game. Ben Ogle's PAT put Greeneville ahead and they never looked back en route to a 26-18 win.

2010

Greeneville's 15-0 season that led to their first State Championship began on August 20 with a 34-7 win over Jefferson County. A 13 play drive that covered 80-yards was the first possession, and it was an 18-yard pass from William Carmichael to Brennan Hollowell was the first score. Ben Ogle's PAT made it a 7-0 lead.

2009

Caine Ballard's first play as head coach resulted in a touchdown and began Greeneville's first run to the State Championship game.  The season opening win over Jefferson County came on August 21. The one play drive was a 56-yard pass from Wes Quarles to Rob Wright. Ben Ogle added the extra point. 

2008

A 35-yard kickoff return by Landon Morrison gave Greeneville good field position, and a catch by Zach Fillers on fourth down kept the drive alive, as Greeneville scored on a 5-yard touchdown run by Trevon Hall. The PAT by Ryan Hughes was good and Greeneville led.  But the second half was all Jefferson County, as they Patriots went on to a 42-28 win on August 22. 

2007

New Coach Steve McCurry's first game was August 24 at Jefferson County, but it took the Devils nearly the entire first quarter to score.  Jordan Greenway found Grant Jones for the touchdown pass and Chad Castainca nailed the PAT to give the Devils a 7-0 lead.  The night ended with Greeneville on top 21-7. 

2006

A season opening win on August 26 began with tackle in the endzone by Daniel Bannach for a safety and a 2-0 lead over Anderson County.  Jordan Greenway ran in for Greeneville's first touchdown on the next possession and Adam Hughes tacked on the PAT.  Greeneville won the game 16-0. 

2005

The Devils headed to Clinton on August 26 to face the Anderson County Mavericks, who jumped out to a 21-0 lead. Greeneville didn't score until late in the third quarter, a 42-yard touchdown pass from Jordan Greenway to B. J. Washington. The Mavericks won the night, 28-12.

2004

Greeneville traveled to powerful Knox Central on August 20 and limped back with a season opening loss 31-14. Brandon Gash's 7-yard touchdown run and Garren Parkins' PAT tied the game in the middle of the first quarter after a 16 play drive. 

2003 

August 21st at Burley Stadium saw the Knox Central Bobcats come to town. Their 97-yard kickoff return for a touchdown set the tone, although Greeneville did answer with a 4 play, 91-yard drive and an 8-yard touchdown run by Brandon Gash. It was set up by an 82-yard pass from Chase Greenway to Michael Lollar down to the 8-yard line. Garren Parkins with the extra point kick. Knox Central won 31-19.

2002

On August 30, Greeneville hosted Chuckey Doak in the traditional in-county opening game, and Greeneville sprinted to a 56-6 win. Cody Baugh found Joe Watson on the opening drive and Matt Johnson added the PAT and Greeneville led 7-0 with 8:58 left in the first quarter.

2001

Construction and renovation of the GHS building, coupled with the newly finished football facilities at Tusculum College, led to Greeneville and Chuckey Doak opening their season at Pioneer Field on August 24. It was the first game played in the new stadium. With the change in game site, Greeneville had only 3 home games out of the 12 games they played that year. Travis Collins scooped up a Black Knight fumble and Greeneville started at the Chuckey Doak 14. Cody Baugh got his first start, but it was Thomas Lister who ran in for the first score. Rustin Jones added the extra point and Greeneville went on to a 28-0 win.

1999

It was Mike Zeller's first game as head coach and one name was called again and again on August 27th at Burley Stadium - Alex Brice. He intercepted the first pass by Chuckey Doak to give Greeneville the ball at the Black Knight 45. Two plays later he ran it in for 29-yards and a score. On the next snap for Chuckey Doak, Brice ripped the ball away from the running back and went in 20-yards for the score. Ben Hunter was good on his extra points.

1984

The Devils were shut out in their season opener against South Greene, losing 0-7.  The first score of the year had to wait until the second week, when the Devils beat Cherokee 21-12.  Todd Harrison found Marty Story open for a 61 yard touchdown pass.

1971

It was a tough year for the Devils, who were nagged by injuries all season. But it began with a 28-6 win over Newport. Jimmy Lawless had a 35-yard run and caught a 24-yard pass from Tommy Greenway for the first two scores. Lowell Andrew hit all four extra point kicks on the night.

1970

A 2-8 season began on September 4 with a 12-0 win over Newport. Mark Williams scored the first TD for the Devils on a 46-yard run. Steve Blue added the other score from 4-yards out.

1969

Greeneville opened the season on September 5 with a 26-12 win over Cocke County. Adrian Gillespie scored the first two TDs. 

1968

The streak of seven season opening wins over Newport came to an end as the Devils fell 6-14 on September 6. An 83-yard punt return for a touchdown by Johnny Craven with 3:40 left in the game saved GHS from a shutout.

1967

It was an opening game win for a new coach as Wayne Anthony came to GHS. The Devils topped Newport 21-6 with Tommy Thomas sneaking in for the first score and Wayne McCamey adding the PAT kick.

1966

Bill Long's single season as head coach started with a win. GHS continued their dominating run over Newport in season opening games with a 27-6 win on September 2. Benny Rippetoe had a 9-yard TD run to get things started. He scored another TD later and passed to Terry Wexler for another score in the win.

1965

The Devils of 1965 got a 14-13 win over Lynn View on August 27. Greeneville fell behind 0-7, but Wayne Horton recovered a Lynx fumble and Billy Smith dove in for the touchdown. Jimmy Lowe added the extra point to tie the game. Smith scored again and Lowe added the PAT kick for the final margin of victory.

1964

Newport was again the victim of a 34-6 win by the Devils in their season opener. But Greeneville had to stage a 21 point fourth quarter in order to put the game away. Berkeley Bell scored the first touchdown on a one-yard dive in the first quarter. GHS went on to win the Big 7 that year.

1963

Ronnie Overbay had another banner season opener against Newport as the Devils rolled to a 50-6 win. Overbay's run of 16-yards was the first score, and he added another 19-yard TD and a 91-yard kickoff return. Richard Hamlin added the extra points.

1962

Another season opening win over Newport 20-0 started the year on August 31. Ronnie Overbay opened the game and the season with an 85-yard kickoff return for a touchdown.

1961

The 9-2 1962 season began on September 1 with a 18-0 win over Newport on September 1. David McCaslin scored on a 29-yard run to put GHS out front, with Leroy Gray and Kent Bewley adding to the score total.

1960

Don Riley's first game as head coach was a 26-6 win over Newport. Grady Barefield got things going with a 1-yard run and John Bullington added the extra point. Barefield scored the second TD and Jack Trantham put the game out of reach with a 70-yard punt return. Kent Bewley added the final TD.

1959

The Devils shut out Sevier County for the second strait year to open the 1959 season, 12-0. Jack Trantham put the Devils in scoring position with a 45-yard catch, and Thomas Burger punched it in to give the Devils their first score.

1958

Greeneville opened with a 20-0 win over Sevier County in a defensive game. The scoring finally began with Freddie Overbay finding Bill Ed Scruggs on a five-yard pass with Grady Barefield adding the extra point.

1957

For the third straight year, Greeneville was shut-out of their opening game against Erwin, but the Greene Devil defense held the Blue Devils to a scoreless tie. It was Jere Disney's year to shine, and in the second game against Newport he scored 31 of the team's 37 points and had 291-yards rushing. Newport only had 22 total-yards. Disney's 80-yard run was the first score en route to a 37-0 win.

1956

Like the season before, the first score of 1956 would have to wait until the second game, as the Devils lost their opener to Erwin 0-13 in their first ever Big 6 Conference game. The second week saw GHS host Bristol, and Jack Reaves scored on a 59-yard run for their only score of the game. GHS 6, THS 13.

1955

Coach Leonard Coffman's debut against Erwin was a 0-14 loss, so the first score had to wait a week for Greeneville to travel to the Stone Castle for a 14-0 win over Tennessee High. Charles Brooks recovered a fumble to set the Devils up at the Bristol 30. 

1954

Willis "Snuff" Brooks' 56-yard touchdown run got things going for Greeneville as they beat Tennessee High 25-14. Jimmy Reynolds added a 92-yard kickoff return.

1953

Greeneville only had 3-yards of total offense for the entire game, but Gene McCray's score on defense prevented the shut-out. McCray picked up a blocked kick and ran 6-yards for the score. Erwin won the game 25-6.

1952

It was the first time a football game had been played in August, and it just took two minutes into the game before Willis Brooks scored and Jimmy Reynolds added the extra point as Greeneville rolled to a 39-0 opening win over Jonesboro. Greeneville outgained Jonesboro 487-yards to 72-yards.

1951

While Erwin jumped out to a 19-0 lead, the Devils battled back, sparked by the first touchdown of the year by Claude Riddle, who went in from 12-yards out. Jimmy Demo added another score, but the Blue Devils held on to beat GHS 19-12.

1950

The Devils beat Evertt High of Maryville in their 1950 opener, 28-0. Harmon Long scored from three-yards out to start the romp. 

1949

Greeneville hosted Everett High School from Maryville in front of more than 3,000 fans - the largest crowd ever at home. Jimmy Dugger scored on a 2-yard run for the first score, and added touchdowns of 22 and 11-yards later in the game en route to the 32-7 win.

1948

Greeneville hosted Erwin on September 10 and Don Baughard scored the first two touchdowns of the season and even added the extra point in Greeneville's 13-7 win over the Blue Devils.

1943

World War II interrupted many schools' athletic schedules, and GHS was unsure of their schedule when school began. They hoped to schedule a game against Newport, but no records are found. The first recorded game is against Science Hill, which Greeneville lost 0-6. Both Tennessee High and Morristown decided not to field teams that year. Greeneville's first score came in their second matchup with Johnson City, a 6-25 loss. 

1942

Greeneville hosted Erwin on September 11, 1942. Gene "Patch-eye" Warden scored, and Red Mason added the extra point despite a bad snap. GHS 13, Erwin 0.

1941

Coach Ty Disney returned to Greeneville and led the Devils to one of their best winning stretches in school history. The first game of the 1941 season was at home against Newport. James King scored on an 11-yard run for the only touchdown of the game as GHS won 6-0.

1939

The first of 1939 came from right halfback Dale Black against the Shoemaker Blue Devils of Gate City, Virginia. Greeneville won 19-0.

1938

Greeneville hosted Happy Valley on September 2. Dale Black put the Devils on the board first with a score capping a 52-yard drive. GHS 20, Happy Valley 7.

1937

Greeneville was shut out of their first two games against Jefferson City (0-0) and Boones Creek (0-19). Their first score and their first win came over Rogersville on October 1. Fred Stanberry scored the first touchdown on a lateral pass in the second quarter. Millman Stroud added the second score in the fourth quarter. 

1934
Coach Buddy Hackman's first game was a win over Happy Valley 12-0 at home.  Johnny Bible, halfback, was the most consistent ground gainer of the night, and he scored the first touchdown of 1934 on a 25-yard dash off tackle in the first three minutes of play. 

1933

Hosting Jacksboro High School from Campbell County, Greeneville started the season with a 39-0 win. Fullback Johnson scored on the fifth play of the game and GHS won 39-0.

1932

It was the last regularly scheduled day game as Greeneville had new lights installed at the field. They hosted New Market on September 16. Archie Bullen scored Greeneville's only touchdown as he reversed field four times on a 42-yard scamper. Fred Johnson added the extra point. GHS won 7-0.

1931

Greeneville lost their season opener to Erwin 0-31 but rebounded the next week as they hosted Mosheim on September 22. Captain Frank Johnson passed to Anderson for a 20-yard score. Archie Bullen also had a 70-yard punt return for a touchdown as Greeneville won 25-0.

1925

Greeneville opened the season on October 2 at home against Elizabethton in a game played on a muddy field. Captain "Bug" Clendennon scored three of the eight touchdowns, including the first of the game. Buster Roberts and Bunk Morrow both returned interceptions for touchdowns as Greeneville rolled to the 52-0 win.

1924

The Devils were shut-out in their opening game against Erwin on September 27, but came back to get a win against Newport on October 6.  

1923

Greeneville picked up a late game against Knoxville High to start the season, but they were shut-out 0-39. The lost their second game to the Tusculum College varsity squad, but Bug Clendennon scored the first touchdown of the season on a handoff from Buddie Morgan. Greeneville lost 6-12.