I think it is an overall attitude. For example, a kid comes home from school (Smith Co, Trousdale, Gordonsville)
and says Dad I am quitting basketball. Dad says, OK get your home work
Same kid goes home and says Dad I am quitting football, Dad says WHAT!! call your your mother we have a crisis.
The same would be reverse in Pickett co, Red Boiling Springs, Upperman etc...... were basketball is king.
There is lot of emphasis put on football in these communties.