Sevier County junior Parker Newman (6) will be one of the standout players to watch in Friday’s Class 5A BlueCross Bowl state championship in Chattanooga. (Photo by Danny Parker)
BY JESSE SMITHEY
Tradition is tradition, and Parker Newman was happy to play his part.
This time around, though, the junior linebacker/wide receiver’s experience took hold.
When members of the Sevier County High School football team dyed their hair blonde again recently in advance of the Class 5A BlueCross Bowl, Newman remembered how long it took for his normal hair color to return.
“This time, I cut my hair (short) because I had blonde hair for seven and a half months,” Newman said. “And I looked like an idiot.”
On or off the field, just call Newman and his companions a year the wiser, knowledge that has come more in handy during the 2025 playoffs than a beautician’s chair, though.
The Smoky Bears will look to defend their Class 5A state championship at 7 p.m. Friday against unbeaten Page (13-0) at Finley Stadium in Chattanooga. The game will air in the Knoxville market on WKNX The Knox.
Sevier County beat Page, 27-20, in last year’s BlueCross Bowl Championship.
Here’s what you need to know about the rematch…
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