NEWPORT-Each year, the historic Jefferson County-Cocke County series usually brings out the best in a Fighting Cocks football team.

This week, leading into the 36th installment in the gridiron war between these border counties, is no different headed into Friday night's affair (7:30 p.m., Radio: WLIK 1270-AM).

A spirited week of practice thus far has the Fighting Cocks ready to attempt to knock off the Patriots for the second straight season, a feat which the school has never accomplished. Cocke County's win over the Patriots last fall was the first since 1998.

"We've had a good week of practice," Cocke County third-year coach Greg Hacker said. "It's been an intense week at practice.

"By beating them last year, the excitement has carried over from then and our guys have been pretty focused this week," Hacker said.

For the full story, see the September 27 edition of the Newport Plain Talk.