Oak Ridge coach Joe Gaddis and the Wildcats defeated West, 31-28, in the 5A quarterfinals on Friday, Nov. 20, 2020. (Photo: Tanner Walker/5Star Preps)
By JESSE SMITHEY
Joe Gaddis couldn’t contain himself.
The moment was too big. The emotion, too organic and pure to harness any longer.
So as the final seconds slipped away on his Oak Ridge football team’s upset win at 5A favorite West on Friday night, Gaddis hopped about the visiting sideline, pumping his right fist incessantly in celebration toward the Oak Ridge faithful.
He and the Wildcats had heard all week about how they weren’t supposed to win.
But when Gaddis’ jubilant jaunt ended, the score went final: Oak Ridge 31, West 28.
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