Jake Garrett, a football coach and teacher from Trussville, nearly went home with a boatload of cash on “Jeopardy!” this week, but one savvy bet dashed those hopes after an impressive performance. At least everyone knows he met Chuck Norris.

The Cahaba Elementary School educator faced off against Melissa Klapper, a professor from Marion Station, Penn., and returning champion Kelly Barry, a marketing communication specialist from Seattle. He started strong, providing the correct response on the first clue in the “State of the Airport” category and winning a quick $600.

He actually went into the first commercial break with $3,400 and the lead. But the break meant we got to know Garrett a little bit, and host Ken Jennings inquired about a certain celebrity encounter. “I assume in your job as a coach, you occasionally meet famous people in the world of athletics, but I want to hear about the movie star/athlete you met.”

Garrett said that while in college he attended a political speech where someone brought none other than Chuck Norris. He said at the end of the event, Norris went through a line to shake people’s hands.

“He gets to me and stops like he wants to talk,” Garrett said. “Well, I’m 22 years old. I have no idea what to say to Chuck Norris. And the only think I could think of was to say was ‘My roommate has the Total Gym.’”

Jennings asked if Norris was impressed. Garrett responded, “He just kinda hit me on the arm and moved on.”

As the game continued, Garrett had a strong showing before “Final Jeopardy,” amassing an impressive $12,400, though he entered the final round in second place behind Melissa Klapper’s $24,400. It would all come down to the final category: Countries of Africa.

The clue: At one time a province of the Roman Empire, this kingdom is known to Arabic scholars as Al-Maghrib Al-Aqsa, “The Far West.”

Reigning one-day champ Kelly Barry provided the correct response, Morocco, and only had $8,200 entering the round — but she bet $8,000.

Garrett also answered correctly — and he even bet it all to double his total to $24,800 and take the lead! But, folks … this was a heartbreaker of the highest order. Like many “Jeopardy!” champs, Melissa knew the perfect bet to make even when low in confidence about the final clue. She answered correctly, and she wagered $401, giving her one more dollar than our Trussville coach/teacher.

So our guy didn’t walk away with $25,000, but second place finishers do get $2,000. Garrett played a great game and represented his home state well, as have many on the celebrated quiz show.

More Alabama on “Jeopardy!”:

‘Jeopardy!’ champ Lucy Ricketts on her Alabama roots, Alex Trebek and show secrets

‘Jeopardy!’ twice tested your Alabama knowledge this week: Do you know it?

Alabama ‘Jeopardy!’ clue for football fans only: Do you know it?

‘Jeopardy’ contestants stumped by another Alabama clue: Help them out!

‘Jeopardy’ contestants could not guess this Alabama music clue: Can you?