The William Blount Governors defeated the Heritage Mountaineers 34-27 in The Battle of the Bell on James D. Lillard Field at Jack Renfro Stadium on Thursday, Oct. 2, 2025, in Maryville, Tenn. (Photo by Danny Parker)
BY NOAH TAYLOR
MARYVILLE — Nate Basler couldn’t stop thinking about the pain.
As Heritage was driving goal-ward in the final minute of a one-score game at Jack Renfro Stadium Friday, the William Blount defensive back felt a familiar stinging in his shoulder.
He hadn’t felt it all season, but in the biggest moment of the Governors’ Battle of the Bell bout with the Mountaineers, it was coming back.
“There were moments (I thought about taking myself out),” Basler said. “But I had to put the team over myself.”
Pain gave way to euphoria after Thomas Bowers barrelled towards Basler at the 1-yard line. Bowers went low. Basler went lower, stopping him short of the end zone in a heroic, final stand to seal a 34-27 William Blount triumph as time expired.
“I just couldn’t let my brothers down,” Basler said. “Not in a moment like this.”
Triple F Elite Sports Training is a Professional Athletic Development Facility located in Knoxville, TN helping youth and adults achieve their athletic potential. Click on the logo for more info or to schedule your visit today!