Trussville teacher/football coach makes 2nd “Jeopardy!” appearance

Jeopardy! fan? You’ll love this. Cahaba Elementary School teacher and Hewitt-Trussville football coach Jake Garrett made his second appearance on the show this year. Read on for what is a really cool story.

Trussville teacher + coach made it on Jeopardy!

Garrett’s first Jeopardy! appearance was back in March 2023. After being in the lead for much of the game, he fell just $1 short of winning first place.

According to The Trussville Tribune, Garrett was one of nine contestants invited back for a second chance on the show. The episode was filmed in Hollywood the last week of November and aired on Wednesday, December 20. 

Garrett’s 2nd Jeopardy! appearance in 2023

During the December 20 episode, Garrett was up against some tough competition. Though he was in third place for much of the game, he buzzed in with 13 correct answers and zero incorrect answers.

But, in true Jeopardy! style, it all came down to the final question—and it was a doozy!

What was the final question? It was: Of the 14 countries that border China, it’s the only monarchy and the only one with a population under one million.

The answer: What is Buthan?

Yeah, I didn’t get it right, either. Props to Garrett, though, because he did!

Sadly, getting the answer correct didn’t end with Garrett winning first place; he came in third. The winner had $36,400; second place had $36,000; and Garrett scored $35,800. But what an amazing job and an experience that will last a lifetime.

“It was really fun to be on the show, especially the Second Chance Competition. I got to play in a very competitive game against two incredible players. I came up a little short, but it was an amazing experience, and I would do it again in a heartbeat.”

Jake Garrett, 2023 contestant, Jeopardy!

See Garrett test his smarts on Trussville history and more in this fun YouTube video.

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