Comment on Indians, Wildcats set to collide in battle of tradition-rich programs

KINGSPORT — It’s the Model City versus the Atomic City when Dobyns-Bennett hosts Oak Ridge on Friday night. The two tradition-rich football programs will meet for the 42nd time with the Wildcats holding a 22-19 advantage in the rivalry. It’s easy to see the similarities between the two programs that have combined for 13 TSSAA recognized state championships. Oak Ridge won last season’s meeting 41-12 behind three touchdowns by quarterback Herbert Booker, but the Indians have the momentum of a three-game winning streak, including a 33-13 season-opening victory over Tennessee High. Booker has graduated, but Indians head coach Joey Christian is impressed with Mitchell Gibbons, the junior who replaced Booker behind center.