Bristol, Tennessee, September 1, 2025
News Summary
The Elizabethton Cyclones achieved their first victory of the season with a thrilling 26-21 win over the Tennessee High Vikings at Stone Castle. The Cyclones started strong, building a 14-0 lead by the second quarter. Despite a competitive second half, Elizabethton held on for the win. Upcoming, they will host West Ridge for their home opener next Friday.
Elizabethton
The Elizabethton Cyclones earned their first victory of the 2025 season with a 26-21 win over the Tennessee High Vikings on Friday night. The game was contested at the historic Stone Castle in Bristol, Tennessee, marking the Cyclones’ first win as they now improve to a 1-1 record, while Tennessee High falls to 0-2.
Elizabethton established a strong start in the game, quickly building a lead of 14-0 midway through the second quarter. The scoring began with senior running back Jaiden Wallin, who pushed into the end zone with a 1-yard run with just 5:54 remaining in the first quarter. Kicker Will Bowers successfully converted the extra point, putting the Cyclones ahead 7-0.
Adding to the score early in the second quarter, just minutes later, Justius Wallin, Jaiden’s cousin, ran for another touchdown, this time covering 3 yards. Bowers converted the extra point again, extending Elizabethton’s lead to 14-0.
The Vikings managed to respond just before halftime, as quarterback Jack Richardson connected on a 52-yard touchdown pass to receiver Riley Price, trimming the Cyclones’ lead to 14-7 after Dishner’s successful extra point.
In the third quarter, Elizabethton extended their lead to 20-7 when quarterback Rhett Slagle threw an 8-yard touchdown pass to Justius Wallin. However, a mishandled snap later in the quarter resulted in a safety for Tennessee High, which cut the Cyclones’ lead to 20-9.
The nail-biting fourth quarter commenced with a flurry of scoring. Tennessee High’s Dayne Musick caught a 51-yard touchdown pass from Richardson, bringing the game closer at 20-15. Elizabethton quickly replied with another touchdown, as Slagle powered in for a 3-yard run, making it 26-15 despite both teams’ failed extra attempts.
In a final effort, Richardson and Tennessee High struck back once more, as he found Barron Harkleroad for an impressive 80-yard touchdown, narrowing the final score to 26-21. Despite this, Elizabethton’s defense held strong during Tennessee High’s last drive forcing an incompletion on a crucial fourth-down attempt to secure the victory.
This match marked Elizabethton’s first meeting with Tennessee High in nearly nine years. Upcoming, the Cyclones will host West Ridge for their home opener next Friday at Citizens Bank Stadium, with kickoff slated for 7:30 p.m.
The game statistics highlighted offensive contributions from both teams, with Elizabethton registering 338 offensive yards compared to Tennessee High’s 353. The Cyclones secured 17 first downs against the Vikings’ 5. Quarterback Slagle completed 17 of 26 passes for 236 yards and one touchdown, while Richardson managed 7 of 14 passes for 213 yards and three touchdowns. In rushing stats, Elizabethton recorded 102 yards on 39 attempts, whereas Tennessee High achieved 140 yards on just 26 attempts.
Statistics Summary
| Statistic | Elizabethton | Tennessee High |
|---|---|---|
| Final Score | 26 | 21 |
| Total Offensive Yards | 338 | 353 |
| First Downs | 17 | 5 |
| Passing Yards | 236 | 213 |
| Touchdowns by Pass | 1 | 3 |
| Rushing Yards | 102 | 140 |
FAQ
What was the final score of the game?
The final score was Elizabethton Cyclones 26, Tennessee High 21.
Where was the game held?
The game took place at the historic Stone Castle in Bristol.
What is the current record for each team?
Following this game, Elizabethton has a record of 1-1, while Tennessee High is now 0-2.
When is Elizabethton’s next game?
Elizabethton will host West Ridge for their home opener next Friday at Citizens Bank Stadium, with kickoff at 7:30 p.m.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Spring Sports Season Kicks Off in East Tennessee
Tennessee High Lady Vikings Upset Elizabethton in Semifinals
Additional Resources
- MaxPreps: Elizabethton vs Science Hill
- Wikipedia: Elizabethton Cyclones
- Johnson City Press: Science Hill vs Elizabethton
- Google Search: Elizabethton Cyclones
- Herald Courier: High School Football
- Google Scholar: Elizabethton Cyclones Football
- WCYB: Elizabethton Football 2025
- Encyclopedia Britannica: High School Football
- WJHL: Cyclones Practice
- Google News: Elizabethton Cyclones 2025
Author: STAFF HERE BRISTOL WRITTER
The BRISTOL STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBristol.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Bristol, Sullivan County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion, NASCAR races at Bristol Motor Speedway, Border Bash concert series, and the Hot Bristol Night Car Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Bristol Chamber of Commerce, Believe in Bristol, and the Birthplace of Country Music, plus leading businesses in healthcare, manufacturing, and entertainment that power the local economy such as Ballad Health, Strongwell, and Bristol Motor Speedway. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREChattanooga.com, HEREKnoxville.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
