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By C.Y. Peters

The Mountain Empire Chapter of the National Football Foundation held its 11th annual Hall of Fame Induction and Scholar-Athlete Awards Ceremony this past week, celebrating the very best in area high school football — and Carter County was well represented.

Four local standouts — Noah Young of Cloudland, Caleb Campbell of Elizabethton, Reece Sauer of Happy Valley, and Jake Taylor of Unaka — were among the 14 football student-athletes recognized with Top Scholarship Awards for their excellence both on the field and in the classroom. These young men have not only been leaders for their respective teams but also embody the true spirit of student-athletes, balancing rigorous academics with athletic success.

The evening’s top individual honor, the Top Scholar and Future Leader Hall of Fame Award, went to Science Hill’s Baylor Necessary. Necessary, a 2024 All-State linebacker, racked up an incredible 130 tackles, 16 tackles for loss, four sacks and two interceptions during the season, while also excelling academically.

Another highlight of the night was celebrating former area star Dylan Sampson, who was recently selected 126th overall by the Cleveland Browns in the NFL Draft. Sampson’s journey from local high school standout to professional athlete is an inspiration to many, and his contribution of more than 550 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns this past season helped solidify his draft stock.

The ceremony also recognized three new Hall of Fame Legends: Samuel Bartholomew (Dobyns-Bennett), James Stewart (Morristown East and Tennessee Vols) and Thomas Jones (Powell Valley and University of Virginia), all of whom have left a lasting mark on the game at the high school, collegiate and professional levels.

For Carter County, seeing four of its own honored alongside such incredible talent is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the athletes, coaches and communities that continue to build strong football traditions year after year.