The Tellico Plains Bears rode a stellar defensive effort to a 20-12 win over Oliver Springs on Friday night and advanced in the TSSAA Class 2A state playoffs.

The Bobcats got inside the Bears 20 yard line three times in the second half but the Bears denied the Bobcats points each trip.

Tellico also saw junior running back Deion O'Dell return to have a big game after missing last week's season finale against Midway with a shoulder injury. O'Dell had over 100 yards in three categories: rushing, passing, and kick returns. The junior had an 88-yard kickoff return for a touchdown and a 74-yard touchdown run in the closing minutes to seal the game.

The Bears will hit the road next week and travel to play Hampton at 7 p.m. The team is accepting donations to take a charter bus for the trip that will cover nearly 400 total miles. To make a donation, contact Tellico Plains High School at 423-253-2530.

For more on Friday night's game, pick up Sunday's edition of The Advocate & Democrat.