Chattanooga Christian’s artificial turf field in the shadows of Lookout Mountain will once again serve as the host for the annual Great Clips Tennessee-Georgia Football Classic, presented by Stump on Sports.
The 14th version of the border battle will take place on Saturday, June 10. Opening ceremonies and player introductions will begin at 7 p.m. with kickoff slated for 7:30. Stump Martin, the live television show host of Stump On Sports for more than 33 years, said the contest has been a memorable experience for everyone who has been involved.
The game has produced stars that went on to play and star in college and professional football.
“Atlanta Falcons All-Pro Defensive End, Vic Beasley of Adairsville, was a standout on the Georgia squad in 2010,” Mr. Martin said. “The lure of this game is that it has attracted not only stars, but the young men who have given everything they have on the gridiron and will be playing their final game on June 10.”
The annual contest started at Ridgeland High School in 2004. As always, the game features recent graduates from Southeast Tennessee against their counterparts from Northwest Georgia.
“We’re proud that more than 1,000 athletes have suited up to play in the Gridiron Classic during its history,” Mr. Martin said. “I saw the Lions Club game when I was 12 years old where graduated Chattanooga city stars played Hamilton county stars, including some North Georgia schools. I wanted to grow up and play in the game, but it ended. The Gridiron Classic is also played in the summer after graduation and designed from the Lions Club game.”
Team Tennessee will be coached by Central’s Cortney Braswell. Coach Braswell will be the first alumni to serve as the head coach in the Gridiron Classic.
The Baylor graduate played in the game in 2005 when Tennessee lost 29-7 at Raymond James Stadium in East Ridge. Coach Braswell is 1-4 as a coach and player in the series.
Heritage head coach EK Slaughter and Coach Jeremy New will flip-flop duties for the Gridiron Classic.
Coach Slaughter will serve as offensive coordinator and Coach New, regarded as one of the top assistants in the area, will act as head coach of Team Georgia.
Coach Slaughter is leading the charge for a school being built in Thomas Borge, Nicaragua, in memory of former Heritage/Jacksonville State band member, Katie Beth Carter, who died in a Labor Day crash in 2016.
The veteran coach guided Tennessee to an impressive 31-14 victory in 2009 at Ridgeland.
The Volunteer State currently holds a 10-3 advantage in the all-time series and has won five straight, including last year’s 21-10 win at Chattanooga Christian.
Ticket prices are $10 per person at the gate for those 10 and older. Kids 9 and under are free.
For more information email stumponsports@aol.com or call 423-421-2595