Each football season, most teams either host or participate in a jamboree on the Friday before the first game of the season.
That has been the case for Cocke County and Cosby, as CCHS hosted the Gateway to the Smokies Football Jamboree for the previous few seasons.
That included a nightcap matchup between Cocke County and Cosby, and it also gave a glimpse into multiple middle school programs across the area.
But things will look a little different this year, as CCHS and Cosby will travel to Cherokee High School in Rogersville to take part in their jamboree on August 16th.
And unlike wrapping up the night with their varsity matchups, Cocke County and Cosby will play the first quarter this time — starting at 6 p.m. ET — before their junior varsity programs take the field for the second quarter.
The third quarter will feature a varsity matchup between Cherokee and Morristown West, while the fourth quarter will be between the junior varsity editions of those same two teams.
Per the flyer from Cherokee Athletics, admission for the event will be $5 per person, or tickets can be purchased via GoFan.
The stadium is located behind the school, which is listed at 2927 Highway 66 South in Rogersville.
There will be no passes or a pass list for this jamboree, and all seats will be general admission.
As far as the football aspect is concerned, this game will offer local fans the first glimpse at the 2024 Cocke County Fighting Cocks and the 2024 Cosby Eagles.
CCHS head coach Scotty Dykes enters his sixth season at the helm for his alma mater, while Levi Cooper goes into his second year leading Cosby.
For each program, this offers the chance to prepare for road environments in the 2024 season — a part that is especially relevant for a Cocke County team that will be traveling six times out of 10 regular-season games.
“We’ve got six road games this year, so we’ll get a chance to do it early and let some young guys play,” said Dykes. “Just want to get a good series or two for starters and get them out.”
“We’ll treat it like a road game,” added Cooper of Cosby’s approach. “The positive of a jamboree — maybe you just get to play a quarter with your varsity, but we’ll get two over there — you let them see what it’s like getting on a bus, scheduling all that.
“Guys that are new and haven’t been on a road trip, they will pack their bags and do all those things, and we’ll do a trial run of a Friday night on the road.”
As far as personnel is concerned, fans can expect Devonte Wigfall to take the snaps for Cosby, while Spencer Moore Jr. will be under center for Cocke County.
Some other big names for CCHS will include Raeshon Palmer, Daniel Price and Ethan Fine, while Cosby will feature names such as Trevor LaRue, Chase Joyce and a notable newcomer in offensive lineman Brett Korn.
But since the varsity matchup won’t last long, both coaches may be as focused on logistics as they are on the action itself.
“It’s essentially a dress rehearsal,” said Cooper in summary. “Make sure everyone’s uniform fits the right way, go through warmups and get to play a little bit.
“But I think the better part of the experience is all the logistical stuff that goes into it, and getting them familiar with playing on the road.”
“I think it will be a good environment,” added Dykes. “It’s one of those things that lets you know football will be right around the corner.
“We’ve got a great fan base, and hopefully we give them a glimpse at what’s coming this year.”
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