Late Defensive Stand Propels East All Stars to Victory

Clarksville, Tenn. – Early signing day was nearly two weeks ago, but there's always one final event for seniors in Tennessee: The East-West All-Star Game.   Some of the top talent across the state gathered for a final scrimmage-type game to showcase their abilities and conclude the 2025 season before preparing for college ball.   The West had the better team on paper, but the East fought extremely hard and eventually won on a late defensive stand.   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/connersmith04/status/1999958070206812464?s=20 </div></figure>   After a [player_tooltip player_id='966033' first='Brandon' last='Goliday'] touchdown to open the game, the East took over. They quickly marched down the field behind some electric runs from App State quarterback signee [player_tooltip player_id='1254853' first='Bronzden' last='Chaffin'].   The Upperman signal caller finished the drive by calling his own number and scoring the go-ahead touchdown.   Shortly after that, the East got the ball again with a chance to extend its lead.   They did just that when Walker Valley quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='540015' first='Chase' last='Stephens'] connected with his own wide receiver, [player_tooltip player_id='1871502' first='Sawyer' last='Boyd'], for a deep touchdown strike.   With the rosters looking uneven, this came as a surprise to most people who had a good understanding of the game. However, it didn't matter.   The East came to play and punched their opponent in the mouth early.   Halfway through the second quarter, Team West got the ball with excellent field position and a chance to cut the deficit before halftime.   They ran a double-reverse flea flicker trying to catch the East off guard, and it worked perfectly.   A deep ball sailed down the field and into the hands of Bowling Green State wide receiver signee [player_tooltip player_id='1630972' first='Cade' last='Brooks'] for the score.   That touchdown reception should have tied things, but a missed PAT earlier in the game loomed large heading into the intermission, where Team East led 14-13.   The second half was a defensive slugfest, but it was the West who ended the scoring drought with a 44-yard field goal from [player_tooltip player_id='1648916' first='Tommy' last='Bauchiero'], giving them a 16-14 advantage.   With a massive momentum swing, how would the East respond? Just as they had all day when facing adversity.   Chaffin led his unit down the field once more and found paydirt for the second time of the day before converting the two-point try. After surrendering the lead for the first time since the opening drive, Team East led 22-16.   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/connersmith04/status/1999951107985182729?s=20 </div></figure>   With under two minutes remaining, Team West took over with a perfect opportunity to take the lead.   As they started to push the East's defense back, something had to give.   It turns out, it was the West's offense. Marion County linebacker [player_tooltip player_id='1282609' first='Mason' last='Mays'] sacked Jaden Thomas, and the pigskin squirted out, being recovered by the defense.   From there, Chaffin just kneeled it out as Team East reigned victorious, 22-16.   Player of the Game    Chaffin did not have many opportunities to throw the ball, completing two of five passes for 22 yards, but was electric on the ground. He toted the rock 17 times for 104 yards and two touchdowns.   The Upperman quarterback was a much-needed spark for Team East, ultimately leading them to victory.    Other Notable Players   DL [player_tooltip player_id='1282327' first='Jerry' last='Martin'] – Smyrna   Smyrna defensive lineman [player_tooltip player_id='1282327' first='Jerry' last='Martin'] was a nightmare for the West all day long. He recorded eight tackles, two for a loss and two sacks, but consistently found his way into the backfield.   Martin is an undersized player, but he produces at an extremely high level and brings outstanding leadership to any team he is a part of.   WR [player_tooltip player_id='966033' first='Brandon' last='Goliday'] – Antioch   Goliday was a problem for the East, even if his numbers don't back it up. He was targeted eight times, catching four passes for 47 yards and a score.   What won't show on the stat sheet is that he was open too many times to count, including a couple of deep balls where the quarterback couldn't get it to him.   The Antioch wideout is a matchup nightmare for anyone and will prove to be a steal for Arkansas State.   DE [player_tooltip player_id='820950' first='Zach' last='Groves'] – East Robertson   The Tennessee Volunteer had a productive day on the defensive front, totaling multiple tackles and two quarterback pressures.   [player_tooltip player_id='820950' first='Zach' last='Groves'] has been that guy all season long, and now proving to be a big-time player for the final time against high school competition.   <figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/09/mford.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1908486" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Rhea County RB Mason Ford. Taken by City Scope.</figcaption></figure>   RB Mason Ford – Rhea County   Rhea County running back Mason Ford was impressive against a loaded Team West front seven that boasted a plethora of Division I signees.   He toted the rock just six times but accounted for 48 yards on eight yards per carry, including a 19-yard run that set up a go-ahead touchdown.   Ford doesn't have a home, but he can be a solid running back at the next level.

Clarksville, Tenn. – Early signing day was nearly two weeks ago, but there's always one final event for seniors in Tennessee: The East-West All-Star Game.