Week 8 takeaways: Vols commitment Tee Hodge returns from injury, Fulton gets first win

Aaron Torres
Knoxville

 Here are five takeaways from Week 8 of high school football, which saw Austin-East hand Gatlinburg-Pittman its first loss and Fulton win its first game. 

UT commitment Hodge back from injury 

Tee Hodge, a Tennessee commitment, had missed Maryville's previous three games due to turf toe on his right foot. He suffered the injury in Week 2 against Cleveland and even missed Maryville's win over Alcoa in Week 3. After Maryville beat Farragut in Week 5, coach Derek Hunt said he hoped Hodge would return soon. Hodge returned for Maryville's 42-7 win over Bradley Central on Friday night. He had eight rushes for 43 yards and a rushing touchdown. Hodge is now up to 297 rushing yards and four touchdowns on the season. 

Fulton gets first win of season 

The Falcons have had a rough season, losing their first six games. But the Falcons defeated Clinton (0-8, 0-4) 36-13 on Friday. Fulton (1-6, 1-2 3-5A) tied its season high for points and running back Mac Mccovery rushed for two touchdowns. It still will be tough for the Falcons to make the playoffs, but if they beat Campbell County (4-3, 1-2) in Week 9, they may have a chance. 

Fulton Head Coach Rob Black eyes the scoreboard during a football game between Fulton and Powell at Fulton High School in Knoxville, Tennessee on Friday, September 6, 2019.

Greeneville offense is clicking 

Greeneville running back Mason Gudger rushed for 131 yards and three touchdowns in the Greene Devils' 49-0 win over Sullivan South. Greeneville (6-1, 3-0 1-4A) has scored at least 49 points in its last three games and is in second place in the region. The Greene Devils defense has also had a big season, as they've only allowed over 30 points once. Greeneville will face region rival Elizabethton (7-0, 3-0) in Week 9, with the winner taking over first place in the region. 

Greeneville's Mason Gudger (25) looks for running room in the high school football game against Powell on Thursday, August 22, 2019.

Grace Christian still undefeated in region play

Rams quarterback Cooper Riggs passed for 378 yards and five touchdowns in Grace Christian's 38-21 win over Chattanooga Christian. Each of Riggs' touchdown passes was to a different receiver as the Rams (6-1, 4-0 DII-AA) remained undefeated in region play. The Rams have also scored over 30 points in three out of their last four games. Grace Christian is in first place and has a big game with CAK (6-1, 2-1) in Week 10. 

Grace Christian Academy head coach Rusty Bradley talks with both teams after their football game at Alcoa football on Thursday, August 16, 2018.

Three big region games in Week 9

Week 9 has three big region games in the Knoxville area.

Bearden (2-5, 2-1 1-6A) travels to Farragut (3-4, 2-1) on Thursday with the winner moving to third place in the region. 

Powell (7-0, 4-0 3-5A) hosts West (7-0, 3-0) on Friday and the winner will take over first place and likely secure a No. 1 seed for the playoffs. 

Catholic (5-2, 1-2 DII-AAA) travels to Baylor (6-1, 2-1) on Friday. Catholic beat West Greene, 49-7, Friday for its third straight win.