NEWPORT-Parrottsville can finally shed the monkey off its back.

After many years of trying, only to be awarded with frustration, the Parrotts claimed the 2012-13 Cocke County Elementary Tournament championship in come from behind fashion with a 28-27 win over Centerview Elementary on Saturday afternoon.

It was a victory years in the making for the Parrotts, according to longtime coach Donnie Jackson.

"It’s been a long time," Jackson said after Saturday’s thrilling victory. "Several years we’ve gotten here and not been able to win.

"Right now its so good for me, because I’ve been here so many times and lost," Jackson said.

For the full story, see the February 19th edition of the Newport Plain Talk.