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The going looked tough for Cocke County and Cosby early in Friday night’s contests, but by night’s end, both teams gave the people of Newport a reason to celebrate.

Cocke County 27, Cherokee 20

Early in the first quarter, after going 5-5 on an opening drive that resulted in a touchdown for Cherokee, quarterback Landon Jeffers was clicking and his team was driving.

Then, Jeffers rolled towards the sideline with Cocke County linebacker Carson Devotie hot on his trail.

Devotie got a hold of the quarterback, tossed him to the ground, and in the process knocked the ball free.

Jacob Roberts managed to recover it, keep his feet and march into the endzone for the first Cocke County score of the day.

The touchdown was the first of four consecutive for the Fighting Cocks; the forced fumble was the first of four forced turnovers by Devotie on the day.

He finished with an interception, five tackles and three sacks, each of which resulted in a fumble recovered by the Cocke County defense. The Fighting Cocks forced six turnovers on the day in total.

Cocke County held Cherokee scoreless on 11 consecutive possessions following the opening touchdown.

At quarterback, freshman Spencer Moore had a solid debut, completing nine of his 18 passes for 168 yards and a touchdown.

Sophomore running back Daniel Price took his 21 carries for 118 yards and a touchdown.

Sophomore receiver Eli accounted for 91 or Moore’s 168 air-yards, including a 60-yard scoring snag in the first.

Carson Hopson also ran one in for Cocke County, bullying his way into the endzone from a yard out, and then punching in the two-point conversion himself as well.

Cherokee clawed their way back in the second half, including turning a late fumble from the Fighting Cocks into a touchdown with two seconds remaining, but Cocke County held on for the 27-20 victory.

Cocke County hosts Gatlinburg-Pittman next Friday at 7 p.m. G-P defeated Seymour 56-13 in their opener.

Cosby 28, Cumberland Gap 14

After scoring the opening touchdown of the day, an 11-yard carry from quarterback Devonte Wigfall, Cumberland Gap responded.

Hunter Stirgill ran in the Panthers’ first touchdown on the day, and on the Eagles’ next play of offense, Wigfall’s pass was intercepted.

The Panthers capitalized, marching down the field for another score from Stirgill, putting Cumberland Gap up 14-6 at the half.

Cosby came out of the locker room with an answer.

Wigfall, who played wide reciever for the Eagles last season, ran in his second touchdown of the day just five plays into the second half.

Running Back Cyler Davis ran in two of his own for Cosby in the second half, and the Eagle defense held the Panthers scoreless, giving them the 28-14 comeback victory.

The win is the first for Cosby head football coach Levi Cooper.

Cosby returns to action on Friday as they host Cherokee (NC). Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. ET. Cherokee lost to Smoky Mountain (NC) 34-13 in their opener.