Two of the state’s top squads will square off Oct. 30 in the first Covenant Health Classic, which sold out quickly
The Knoxville Smokies and Boyd Sports announced on Sept. 22 the inaugural Covenant Health Classic, a high-school football showcase that will feature a matchup between Knoxville Catholic High School and Baylor School of Chattanooga at 7 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 30, at Covenant Health Park.
Mark Packer (right), host of the Rivalry Thursday and Rivalry Friday high-school football broadcasts, interviews Knoxville Catholic head coach Philip Shadowens during the Sept. 22 press conference.
Tickets for the game were made available on Sept. 24 and sold out in less than 12 hours. Knoxville Catholic agreed to move the home game to the Smokies’ baseball stadium. The contest will be the season finale for the Fighting Irish.
“We’re thrilled to host the inaugural Covenant Health Classic and welcome football to Covenant Health Park for the first time,” said Chris Allen, president and CEO of Boyd Sports. “This is an idea we’ve been working toward for a long time, and we’re excited to finally bring it to life.”
The game will be streamed live on WBIR+ and the Rivalry Thursday YouTube channel.
“Our Catholic High community is so excited to be a part of this historic event in Knoxville,” said Dickie Sompayrac, KCHS president. “We are grateful to Chris Allen of Boyd Sports and Randy Boyd for their vision in making this happen. Our students are so thrilled for this opportunity.”
Baylor has started the season 7-0 and is currently ranked No. 1 in Division II, Class AAA. The Red Raiders are led by five-star running back and 2027 Tennessee football commit David Gabriel Georges, a two-time reigning Division II-AAA Tennessee Titans Mr. Football Award winner. Baylor’s roster also features Marshall Manning, son of legendary Tennessee quarterback Peyton Manning. Marshall serves as the team’s backup quarterback behind senior starter Keegan Croucher, who is committed to Ole Miss.
Knoxville Catholic senior players Mack Bartholomew (left) and Liam Patterson and (from left) head coach Philip Shadowens, school president Dickie Sompayrac, and athletics director Jason Surlas take part in the press conference.
Knoxville Catholic is off to a 6-1 start and is currently ranked fifth statewide in II-AAA. The Irish feature a strong secondary headlined by 2028 Alabama commit Braylen Gibbs, while three-star quarterback Mack Bartholomew, who is committed to East Tennessee State, leads the Knoxville Catholic offense.
After the game was announced for the Smokies’ stadium, KCHS moved its Senior Night recognition for football, cheerleading, dance teams, and band from Oct. 30 to Oct. 2, when the Irish defeated Ensworth 20-14.