Knoxville Smokies, Boyd Sports Announce Inaugural Covenant Health Classic
SL Knoxville Smokies

Knoxville Smokies, Boyd Sports Announce Inaugural Covenant Health Classic

Published on September 22, 2026 under Southern League (SL)
Knoxville Smokies News Release


KNOXVILLE, TN - The Knoxville Smokies and Boyd Sports announced today the inaugural Covenant Health Classic, a high school football showcase that will feature a matchup between Knoxville Catholic High School and Baylor School on Thursday, October 30, at 7 p.m. at Covenant Health Park.

The inaugural Covenant Health Classic will bring two of Tennessee's top high school football programs together for a Thursday night showdown at the home of the Knoxville Smokies. "We're thrilled to host the inaugural Covenant Health Classic and welcome football to Covenant Health Park for the first time," said Chris Allen, President and CEO of Boyd Sports. "This is an idea we've been working toward for a long time, and we're excited to finally bring it to life."

Tickets for the Covenant Health Classic will start at $10 and go on sale to the general public at 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, September 24. The game will also be streamed live on WBIR+ and the Rivalry Thursday YouTube channel. "Our Catholic High community is so excited to be a part of this historic event in Knoxville," said Dickie Sompayrac, President of Knoxville Catholic. "We are grateful to Chris Allen of Boyd Sports and Randy Boyd for their vision in making this happen. Our students are so thrilled for this opportunity."

Baylor enters the matchup with a 5-0 record and is currently ranked No. 1 in the Tennessee High School Football Super 25 rankings. The Red Raiders are led by five-star 2027 running back and Tennessee football commit David Gabriel Georges, a two-time reigning Division II-AAA Tennessee Titans Mr. Football Award winner. Baylor's roster also features Marshall Manning, son of legendary Tennessee quarterback Peyton Manning. Manning serves as the team's backup quarterback behind senior starter Keegan Croucher, who is committed to Ole Miss.

Knoxville Catholic enters the matchup at 4-1 and is currently ranked No. 10 in the Tennessee High School Football Super 25. The Irish feature a strong secondary headlined by 2028 Alabama commit Braylen Gibbs, while three-star quarterback Mack Bartholomew, who is committed to East Tennessee State, leads the Knoxville Catholic offense.

The matchup will mark the first-ever Covenant Health Classic, providing fans the opportunity to watch two highly ranked programs compete under the lights at Covenant Health Park.

Knoxville Catholic vs. Baylor

Thursday, October 30 | Covenant Health Park

Tickets: Starting at $10 | On Sale: Thursday, September 24 at 8:30pm

Streaming: WBIR+ and the Rivalry Thursday YouTube channel.

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