BEAN STATION-They're safely through to the Region 1tournament. Both the Cocke County Big Red and Lady Red stepped up their game onTuesday at Clinchview in Bean Station, finishing runners-up to JeffersonCounty, with Morristown East finishing third on the girl's side and IMACTournament champion Morristown West finishing third on the boy's side to roundout the teams that will represent District 2-AAA in the Region 1-AAA Tournament next Monday, September 21, also at Clinchview starting at 8 a.m..

"It's a different course, a good course," saidCocke County head coach Blake Briggs. "You really have to use your ironshere. I think we did alright. We can always be better. But, we got into theRegion, and that's what counts."

The play was intense, as one would expect in post-seasonplay. And, it came down to three separate play-offs to determine medalists andAll-District members on the boy's side. And in contention for the boy's goldmedal was Cocke County junior Chase Atkins, who tied with Jefferson County'sLogan Hance with the day's low score of 73.

Prior to their playoff, Atkins seemed none the worse forthe wear, breaking off a huge smile as he and Hance prepared to tee off on HoleNo. 10. Atkins hit a perfect tee show straight down the fairway while Hance'stee shot went left, forcing him to make his second shot through some trees.With Hance's second shot careening off a tree, Atkins suddenly found himself inperfect position for victory, and he did not disappoint. Atkins faced a 12-footputt to win. But, the putt would have to be made from the top of the far sideof the green. Striking it too hard, and the putt would have wound its way tothe bottom of the green, giving Hance the edge. Instead, Atkins struck it trueand into the cup for victory. Atkins then received a huge hug and pat on theback from coach Briggs.

"That was a great putt," said coach Briggs."a pressure putt. Chase had a great day and brought home that gold medalfor Cocke County. I was real proud of him."

Jacob Quinton carded a 75 for the Big Red, followed byZach Briggs on 77, Jacob Norris on 80 and Kurt Brooks on 88.

Drew Jenkins and Nathan Hodge both carded 74s forJefferson County, followed by Jorda Jennings on 77 and Spencer Homes on 85,giving Jefferson County the seven-stroke victory over the Big Red, 298-305.Morristown West carded a 313 led by Anthony Damico's 75 to give the Trojans thethird and final team spot in the Region Tournament. Morristown East finishedthird on 331, followed by Sevier County on 358, Seymour on 360, Cherokee on 384and South Doyle on 408.

Cocke County's Chase Atkins took the gold medal whileHance finished with the silver. Sharing the bronze medal were JeffersonCounty's Nathan Hodge, and Drew Jenkins and Morristown West's Anthony Damico.All five were named to the All-District Team.

Morristown East may have missed out on a team trip to theRegion, however all but one of their players qualified for the RegionTournament as individuals, including Jacob Long, Dustin Williams, Thomas Silerand Drew Elliott. The fifth and final individual spot went to Sevier County'sTripp Mitchell.

On the ladies' side, the Lady Red played solid, butsimply could not keep pace with Jefferson County, who could very well be statechampion this year. The Lady Red was led by Lexi Clevenger's 82, followed byCassidy Gibson on 86 and Victoria Barrett on 88. The Lady Patriots were led byjunior Kendall Martindale phenomenal 66, followed by Lauren Hodge on 79 andRebecca Williams on 91 giving the Lady Red a 23-stroke victory over the LadyRed, 145-168. Morristown East finished third on 181, led by Courtney Harville's89.

Making the All-District team were Jefferson County'sKendall Martindale, gold medalist, Sevier County's Katie Mitchell, silvermedalist, and Cocke County's Lexi Clevenger, South Doyle's Sara Howard andJefferson County's Lauren Hodge.