Hilltoppers vs. Indians — TSSAA Region 1-6A Championship
Friday, October 30, 2026 — 7:00 PM
J. Fred Johnson Stadium, Kingsport, Tennessee
Science Hill (7-1, 3-0 Region 1-6A) at Dobyns-Bennett (6-3, 3-0 Region 1-6A)
Science Hill head coach: Stacy Carter | Dobyns-Bennett head coach: Joey Christian
Why This Game Matters
Winner takes the Region 1-6A championship outright. Both teams enter 3-0 in region play, and both have had this date circled since August. Science Hill can clinch the title with a win in Kingsport. Dobyns-Bennett is playing for a third consecutive region crown — and for the right to deny the Hilltoppers on its own field.
Science Hill's only loss this season came against Maryville, 42-7. Dobyns-Bennett's three losses came by a combined six points before the Tribe ripped off six straight wins.
“That's our goal every year. That's the standard we play to… and for… every year.” — Dobyns-Bennett coach Joey Christian, on playing for the region title
Last Week
• Science Hill 42, West Ridge 14. Marcus Jones returned from shoulder surgery with three touchdown catches for 104 yards, and Pearson Harrison went 9-for-11 for 293 yards and five touchdown passes.
• Dobyns-Bennett 28, Bearden 7. On senior night, the Tribe scored on its first four possessions. Emmitt Starnes ran for 104 yards on 19 carries before leaving in the third quarter with an elbow injury; Kedrick Harris added 87 rushing yards.
Players to Watch
• Kiantai Harris, Science Hill RB. The junior owns the program single-game rushing record — 367 yards on 25 carries against Morristown West — topped 1,000 yards by late September, and scored five touchdowns three ways against Jefferson County.
• Pearson Harrison, Science Hill QB. 9-for-11, 293 yards, five touchdowns against West Ridge. Efficient, and dangerous when he gets time.
• Marcus Jones, Science Hill WR. Three touchdown catches in his first game back from shoulder surgery. His return changes the Hilltoppers' ceiling.
• Emmitt Starnes, Dobyns-Bennett RB. The Tribe's ground-game leader — but he left the Bearden game with an elbow injury. His status Friday is the biggest question on the Dobyns-Bennett side.
• Tyree Thomas & Isaiah Colcough, Dobyns-Bennett DBs. Thomas returned an interception 70 yards for a score against Jefferson County; Colcough took one back 40 yards for his second pick-six of the season.
Keys to the Game
• Starnes' status. Dobyns-Bennett's offense runs through its ground game, and Starnes is its lead back. If the elbow keeps him out or limits him, the Tribe's whole formula changes — and Kedrick Harris and the rest of the backfield carry a heavier load.
• Weather the opening storm. Dobyns-Bennett is a fast-starting team: four scoring possessions to open the Bearden game, and a 21-0 lead just 3:18 into the Jefferson County game. Science Hill cannot afford to chase this one from behind at J. Fred Johnson.
• Harris vs. the Tribe front. Science Hill's best weapon is a junior running back with a 10.89-second 100 meters and a program record. Dobyns-Bennett's defense has made its living on takeaways — the Hilltoppers must protect the football and let Harris wear the game down.
• Harrison's efficiency vs. ball-hawking DBs. Harrison was nearly perfect against West Ridge. Dobyns-Bennett's secondary has already turned two interceptions into touchdowns this season. One mistake in the passing game could swing the region title.
The Bigger Picture
For Science Hill, this is the game the season has pointed to: win in Kingsport and the Hilltoppers are region champions outright, with a home playoff road ahead. For Dobyns-Bennett, it is about the standard Christian talks about — a third straight Region 1-6A title, earned against the best team on the schedule, on senior-night momentum and in front of a home crowd.
Both teams are already playoff-bound. Friday night is about the banner, the seeding, and the statement. Region titles are not shared in the record book the way they are in the standings — and only one team leaves J. Fred Johnson Stadium with this one outright.
Records, results and quotes verified from MaxPreps schedules and TriCitiesSports coverage through Week 10. Science Hill region wins: Jefferson County 56-9, Morristown East 58-0, West Ridge 42-14. Dobyns-Bennett region wins: Morristown East 35-7, West Ridge 49-23, Jefferson County 45-19. Starnes' injury status for Oct. 30 was not confirmed in published reports at preview time.