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Grace Christian defeats Sevier County (Tenn.) despite otherworldly catch from Bryson Headrick

hunterby: Hunter Shelton10/11/25HunterShelton_

Bryson Headrick reeled in a high school football catch-of-the-year candidate on Friday night.

Defending 5A state champs Sevier County (Tenn.) suffered its first loss of the season on Friday night as Grace Christian picked up a 33-31 win. Sevier, the No. 19 team in the state, per the Massey Ratings, took a 17-14 lead into halftime, thanks in-part to an incredible catch from Headrick that you have to see to believe.

Junior quarterback Cooper Newman evaded pressure, rolled out to his right and heaved a deep ball down the sideline to a wide-open Headrick, who had already burned the Grace Christian secondary. What looked like a costly drop quickly turned into magic as Headrick managed to rainbow flick the ball with his left heel over his head and into his hands while never breaking stride for a 67-yard play:

Newman ended the drive with a 3-yard touchdown run, Sevier County’s first of the evening. Newman also threw for a touchdown in the first half. A 36-yard field goal gave the Smoky Bears a 3-point lead as the game went into halftime.

That wasn’t enough, though. Grace Christian, the No. 61 team in the state, kept punching as Jace Ballard and Ajabeon Stinson each found the end zone multiple times. Ballard ran in a touchdown to put the Rams up two scores with less than eight minutes to play in the fourth quarter.

Newman and Headrick connected on a 40-yard touchdown to bring Sevier County within two, but GCA mustered one final stop and picked up a monumental victory, snapping a 21-game winning streak for the Smoky Bears.

Headrick’s circus catch and impressive play on Friday night was unfortunately not enough to stave off defeat. Now 6-1 on the year, Sevier will look to bounce back when it takes on Tennessee High next week. Grace Christian, now 5-2, will look to ride the high on the road when it faces CAK.

How to Follow Tennessee High School Football

For Tennessee high school football fans looking to keep up with scores around the Volunteer State, staying updated on the action is now easier than ever with the Rivals High School Scoreboard. This comprehensive resource provides real-time updates and final scores from across the Volunteer State, ensuring you never miss a moment of the Friday night frenzy. From nail-biting finishes to dominant performances, the Rivals High School Scoreboard is your one-stop destination for tracking all the Tennessee high school football excitement across the state.