Walker Valley Grinds Out Win in Defensive Battle, Defeats Cleveland 55–37
The No. 5-ranked Walker Valley Mustangs leaned on defense and patience on offense Friday night, pulling away from Cleveland for a 55–37 victory in a rivalry matchup at Walker Valley High School.

The opening half was a slow, physical battle as both teams worked to find rhythm offensively. Walker Valley held a 10–4 lead at the end of the first quarter, setting the tone with defensive pressure and controlled possessions. Cleveland responded with improved movement in the second quarter, but the Mustangs maintained their edge and took a 21–16 lead into halftime.
Walker Valley gained separation after the break behind a strong individual performance from Zach Davis, who finished with 23 points. Davis provided consistent scoring throughout the night and helped steady the Mustangs during key stretches as they gradually pulled away.

Isaac Sausville also delivered a big night, knocking down timely shots and giving Walker Valley an offensive boost when momentum was needed. His contributions complemented a balanced approach from a Mustangs team that remained composed despite being without point guard Ashton Davis, who did not play due to injury.

For Cleveland, Braylon Beavers and Dee Lovelace each turned in solid performances. Beavers led the Raiders with 13 points, while Lovelace added 10, helping Cleveland stay competitive during stretches of the game.

Coming into the matchup, Walker Valley was led by Turner Clayton, Isaac Sausville, and Zach Davis, a trio that continues to define the Mustangs’ identity. Clayton was recently invited to the BCAT All-Star Game in Nashville, recognizing him as one of the top seniors in the state of Tennessee. Earlier this week, Davis was also honored for reaching the 1,000-point milestone in his career.

Clayton’s season numbers coming into this game — averaging 18 points, five rebounds, two assists, and two steals per game while shooting 57 percent from two, 34 percent from three, and 74 percent from the free-throw line — reflect a level of efficiency that places him firmly in the conversation among the state’s top guards. Davis has been just as reliable, averaging 19 points, six rebounds, two assists, and two steals per game while shooting 59 percent from two, 35 percent from three, and 77 percent at the line. Together, their production makes a strong case for both to be considered among Tennessee’s Mr. Basketball candidates.

The win improves Walker Valley to 19–2, and the Mustangs’ defensive discipline and patience on offense proved to be the difference over four quarters. Walker Valley closed the game with authority, scoring 24 points in the fourth quarter to gradually extend the lead and seal the victory. As the season continues, this Walker Valley team continues to grow and solidify its identity while making a strong push toward the Glass House.

— Jacob Mason, ESPN Cleveland 101.3

The 17–3 Cleveland Lady Raiders earned a rivalry win Friday night, pulling away from a young but resilient Walker Valley squad to secure their second victory over the Lady Mustangs this season.

The game opened with energy on both sides, as the teams traded baskets throughout the first quarter. Walker Valley matched Cleveland’s pace early, and the opening period ended tied 12–12, reflecting the competitiveness of the rivalry matchup.

Cleveland began to take control in the second quarter, and one of the biggest differences was the Lady Raiders’ ball movement and chemistry. Crisp passes, unselfish decision-making, and players consistently finding the extra pass led to quality looks on the offensive end. As the defense tightened, Cleveland capitalized on those opportunities to create separation, building a 24–14 halftime advantage and never relinquishing control the rest of the way.

Arriyah Huffman set the tone offensively, pouring in 18 points in the first half and finishing the night with 22 points. Her scoring punch helped Cleveland create breathing room early and forced Walker Valley to play from behind. Laney Copeland also had a strong night shooting the ball, contributing 11 points as part of a balanced offensive effort.

Walker Valley continued to compete despite the deficit. Makenna Goode led the Lady Mustangs early, scoring nine points in the first half, but Cleveland’s defensive consistency and team cohesion made it difficult for Walker Valley to mount a sustained comeback.

Cleveland’s chemistry was evident throughout the night, with much of the roster having played together since middle school. That familiarity showed on both ends of the floor, particularly in spacing, communication, and trust in one another during key stretches of the game.

Under the leadership of head coach Bianca Hensley, Cleveland once again displayed its defensive identity and composure. Ranked 45th in the state by MaxPreps, the Lady Raiders’ only losses have come against elite competition, and performances like this continue to build momentum as postseason play approaches.

The victory improves Cleveland’s record to 18–3, keeping the Lady Raiders firmly on track in their push toward a return trip to the Glass House.

— Jacob Mason, ESPN Cleveland 101.3

STATESVILLE, N.C. — The motorsports world is in mourning following the tragic news that former NASCAR champion Greg Biffle, his wife Cristina, and their two children were among seven people killed in a plane crash on Thursday morning.
The accident occurred at approximately 10:15 a.m. at Statesville Regional Airport, located about 45 miles north of Charlotte. According to preliminary reports from the FAA and local authorities, the Cessna C550 business jet—registered to a company owned by Biffle—had just taken off for Sarasota, Florida, before attempting an emergency return to the airport. The aircraft crashed and erupted into flames upon impact at the end of the runway.
A Legacy of Excellence
NASCAR released a formal statement expressing deep devastation over the loss of the 55-year-old veteran driver. Biffle was a cornerstone of the sport for over two decades, becoming the first driver in history to win championships in both the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series (2000) and the NASCAR Xfinity Series (2002).
During his tenure in the Cup Series, primarily driving the No. 16 Ford for Roush Fenway Racing, Biffle secured 19 victories and finished as the championship runner-up in 2005.

Bradley Central High School’s band and colorguard brought home top honors at the Volunteer Classic Competition held Saturday, October 18, at Heritage High School.

Competing against all Class 4A bands in the region, the Bradley Colorguard earned first place in their division, while the Bradley Band secured an impressive third-place finish overall.

School officials and band directors Mr. Palus and Ms. Garner praised the students for their hard work, dedication, and outstanding performances. “Our musicians and colorguard truly showcased their talent and commitment,” the school said in a statement.

The victories mark a proud moment for Bradley Central, highlighting the strength of the school’s music program and the talent of its students.

Bradley County Schools announced a new clear bag policy that will take effect Thursday, September 25, 2025, at all athletic events, a move officials say is designed to strengthen safety for students, families, and fans.

Director of Schools Dr. Linda Cash, along with Safety and Security Director Zech Pike and Operations Supervisor Johnny Mull, shared details of the policy during an interview this week.

“This is about safety,” Dr. Cash said. “We’ve had some reports of possible weapons being brought in with backpacks. While none of those reports were confirmed, we believe that if students are talking about it, it’s a call for us to take action. This policy is a proactive step to ensure peace of mind at our games.”

The new policy requires fans to use a clear bag no larger than 12” x 6” x 12” or a small clutch purse no bigger than 5” x 7.” One-gallon Ziploc-style bags will also be allowed. Diaper bags and medical supply bags are permitted but will be subject to inspection. Backpacks—including large clear backpacks—will not be allowed.

Pike emphasized the practical benefits for law enforcement and school officials. “There’s a lot of planning that goes into these games,” he explained. “This policy eliminates one more concern and helps our officers focus on keeping everyone safe.”

Mull added that he expects the policy to be well received by fans. “Other districts have implemented similar security steps, and people were actually relieved. I believe our community will appreciate us being proactive.” He encouraged fans to arrive a little earlier at first, as the inspection process may take more time initially.

The school system will share the policy widely through social media, automated calls, and posted signage at venues. Officials also noted that schools may soon make branded clear bags available with team logos.

Dr. Cash concluded, “We want our games to be fun, competitive, and safe. This policy helps us do just that.”

A coach at Rhea County High was arrested on Friday for public intoxication after he was banned from school property.

The arrest report says on September 19, deputies were called to the football stadium at Rhea County High over a report that Jon Lovingood was being disruptive as he walked behind members of the school band during the game.

After arriving, deputies learned from administrators that Lovingood is a coach who had been suspended for unknown reasons earlier in the day and was banned from all school property.

Deputies said as they could smell alcohol on Lovingood while they were walking with him to an area to attempt a field sobriety test.

The report says that Lovingood admitted to drinking three hours before the game and said he also took his prescribed medication.

Due to the observations made during the sobriety test and the ban placed on Lovingood, deputies arrested him on charges of criminal trespassing and public intoxication.

The Crimson Tide will square off with Auburn, Mississippi State and Tennessee annually with all other opponents rotating as part of a nine-game Southeastern Conference schedule

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Alabama football's annual opponents along with the Crimson Tide's future home/away schedules for the 2026-29 seasons are set, the Southeastern Conference office announced Tuesday evening.

Alabama's annual opponents will be Auburn, Mississippi State and Tennessee. Annual opponents were determined based on traditional rivalries, neutral site games and historical long-time series. Additional considerations for annual opponents included competitive fairness, geography and alignment with future non-conference home/away commitments. The league's annual opponents will be evaluated after each four-year cycle to maintain a continued competitive balance.

The remaining six league games come from a rotating pool of the other conference teams. The rotating schedule ensures that each school will play every other SEC opponent at least once every two years and at least twice (home and away) over a four-year period.

With nine conference games, eight schools will play five home games each season and eight schools will play four home games. The home/away determination was made with the intent of providing seven home games for each school while balancing existing home/away commitments to annual non-conference rivalry games.

Annual Opponents
Auburn, Mississippi State, Tennessee

2026
HOME: Auburn, Georgia, South Carolina, Texas A&M
AWAY: Kentucky, LSU, Mississippi State, Tennessee, Vanderbilt

2027
HOME: Florida, Mississippi State, Missouri, Tennessee, Texas
AWAY: Arkansas, Auburn, Ole Miss, Oklahoma

2028
HOME: Auburn, Kentucky, LSU, Vanderbilt
AWAY: Georgia, Mississippi State, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas A&M

2029
HOME: Arkansas, Ole Miss, Mississippi State, Oklahoma, Tennessee
AWAY: Auburn, Florida, Missouri, Texas

ATHENS, Ga. --- The Southeastern Conference schedules for Georgia and the league's 15 other teams during the 2026-29 seasons have been announced on ESPN2/SEC Network on Tuesday night.

In addition to the conference opponents and game sites, the Bulldogs also learned who their three annual SEC opponents would be.  Georgia will take on Auburn, Florida and South Carolina every season and the league will evaluate those annual opponents after each four-year cycle to maintain continued competitive balance.

The 2026 Bulldog schedule will mark the first time that Georgia has faced Oklahoma since the Sooners joined the SEC in 2024.  The Bulldogs own a 1-0 all-time record over Oklahoma after UGA beat OU 54-48 in double overtime to win the College Football Playoff Semifinal at the 2018 The Rose Bowl.  Due to EverBank Stadium renovations in Jacksonville, the Georgia-Florida matchup will be in Atlanta for the first time in history next year.

Georgia will make trips to both Texas A&M and Texas for the first time in 2027.  This will be the seventh time the Bulldogs have played the Aggies and the first in College Station.  The Bulldogs beat Texas twice in 2024 (regular season, SEC Championship Game) and this will be the teams' eighth meeting in history.  The Georgia-Florida game will be held in Tampa, Fla., in 2027 before returning to Jacksonville for 2028-29 matchups.

The Bulldogs will have another first in 2028 as they make a trip to Norman, Okla., to face the Sooners.  In 2029, Georgia will face LSU on the road for the first time since 2018 while also playing host to Texas and Texas A&M.

The SEC announced in August it would play a nine-game conference schedule starting with the 2026 season.  In the new format, each SEC school will play every other SEC school at least once every two years, and every opponent home and away over four years.

Under the new format, each school will play three annual opponents focused on maintaining many traditional rivalries and each team's remaining six games will rotate among the remaining conference schools.  The SEC will continue with a single-standings, non-divisional structure.  The rotating schedule is designed so that a team will play every other conference opponent at least once every two years and twice (once at home and once away) over a four-year period.

With nine conference games, eight schools will play five home games each season and eight schools will play four home games.  Home/away determination was made with the intent of providing seven home games for each school while balancing existing home/away commitments to annual non-conference rivalry games.

To meet the scheduling priorities established by the conference and its members, the 2026 conference schedule includes cases where schools play at the same venue in back-to-back years. This has occurred in the past when the SEC has changed football scheduling formats.

In addition to the conference opponents, SEC teams are required to schedule at least one additional high quality non-conference from the Atlantic Coast, Big Ten or Big 12 conferences or Notre Dame each season.

The complete 2026 SEC football schedule to include dates of games will be announced later this year.

The No. 5 Bulldogs (3-0, 1-0 SEC) play host to No. 17 Alabama (2-1, 0-0) on Dooley Field in Sanford Stadium on Saturday.  ABC will televise the matchup at 7:30 p.m.

*2026 SEC Schedule *order and dates of games will be determined at a later point
Auburn
vs. Florida (Atlanta, Ga.)
@ South Carolina
Missouri
Vanderbilt
Oklahoma
@ Alabama
@ Arkansas
@ Ole Miss

*2027 SEC Schedule
@ Auburn
vs. Florida (Tampa, Fla.)
South Carolina
LSU
Mississippi State
Tennessee
@ Kentucky
@ Texas A&M
@ Texas

*2028 SEC Schedule
Auburn
vs. Florida (Jacksonville, Fla.)
@ South Carolina
Alabama
Arkansas
Ole Miss
@ Missouri
@ Vanderbilt
@ Oklahoma

*2029 SEC Schedule
@ Auburn
vs. Florida (Jacksonville, Fla.)
South Carolina
Kentucky
Texas A&M
Texas
@ LSU
@ Mississippi State
@ Tennessee

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Opponents and sites for the next four seasons of Tennessee's Southeastern Conference football schedule were unveiled by the league office Tuesday night during its 2026-29 show.

The SEC announced in August it would play a nine-game conference schedule starting with the 2026 season. In the new format, each SEC school will play every other SEC school at least once every two years, and every opponent home and away over four years, making it the most fair and balanced schedule in the history of the Conference.

Under the new format, each school will play three annual opponents focused on maintaining many traditional rivalries and each team's remaining six games will rotate among the remaining conference schools. The Vols' three annual opponents include Alabama, Kentucky and Vanderbilt.

In 2026, Tennessee will welcome Alabama, Auburn, Kentucky, LSU and Texas to Knoxville, and the Vols will travel to Arkansas, South Carolina, Texas A&M and Vanderbilt.

The attractive home slate will see Alabama and Auburn visit Neyland Stadium in the same season for the first time since 2004. It will be the Tigers' first game in Knoxville since 2013.

In addition, Tennessee will host LSU in Neyland Stadium for just the second time in 10 years. The Volunteers and Texas will meet in the regular season for the first time ever. All three previous meetings occurred in Cotton Bowls – 1951, 1953 and 1969. Tennessee hosts the Longhorns in 2026 and will return the trip to Austin in 2028.

The Vols will play Texas A&M in College Station for just the second time and first since 2016. UT will make familiar treks to Vanderbilt and South Carolina and face Arkansas in Fayetteville for the second time in three years.

The SEC will continue with a single-standings, non-divisional structure. Schedule dates for the 2026 SEC slate will be announced later this year.

In addition to the conference opponents, SEC teams are required to schedule at least one additional high quality non-conference opponent from the Atlantic Coast, Big Ten or Big 12 conferences or Notre Dame each season.

The Vols' 2026 non-conference schedule is already set and will be played the first three weeks of the season. Tennessee hosts Furman (Sept. 5) and Kennesaw State (Sept. 19) and will travel to play Georgia Tech in Atlanta Week 2 (Sept. 12).
Current season ticket holders can renew their 2026 tickets at AllVols.com. Fans interested in purchasing future new season tickets can fill out the 2026 season ticket interest form.

Tennessee's 2026 through 2029 SEC opponents are below:

2026 SEC Opponents
Home (5): Alabama, Auburn, Kentucky, LSU, Texas
Away (4): Arkansas, South Carolina, Texas A&M, Vanderbilt

2027 SEC Opponents
Home (4): Florida, Ole Miss, Mississippi State, Vanderbilt
Away (5): Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, Missouri, Oklahoma

2028 SEC Opponents
Home (5): Alabama, Arkansas, Kentucky, South Carolina, Texas A&M
Away (4): Auburn, LSU, Texas, Vanderbilt

2029 SEC Opponents
Home (4): Georgia, Missouri, Oklahoma, Vanderbilt
Away (5): Alabama, Florida, Kentucky, Ole Miss, Mississippi State

AUBURN, Ala. — Bruce Pearl, Auburn’s all-time winningest men’s basketball coach, is stepping away from the sidelines less than six months after leading the Tigers to another Final Four appearance.

Pearl, 65, revealed his decision in a 14-minute video posted to social media, saying the time had come to “pass the torch” after more than three decades as a head coach. His son, 38-year-old Steven Pearl, who has served on Auburn’s staff for all 11 seasons of his father’s tenure, will succeed him as head coach.

“I just feel when I can’t give 100 percent, it’s time,” Pearl said.

While speculation had swirled about a possible U.S. Senate run, Pearl dismissed that idea, confirming instead that he will remain with the university as an ambassador and special assistant to the athletic director. “Auburn has given me the opportunity to stay here and be Auburn’s senator,” he explained, adding that he wants to devote more time to his family.

Pearl leaves behind a remarkable legacy. He guided Auburn to its only two Final Four trips, including the 2019 run that featured wins over Kansas, North Carolina, and Kentucky before a one-point loss to Virginia in the national semifinal. This past season, the Tigers earned the No. 1 overall seed in the NCAA Tournament, won a program-best 32 games, and reached the Final Four again before falling to Florida.

In 2024, Pearl shared the Associated Press Men’s Coach of the Year honor with St. John’s coach Rick Pitino — the first tie in the award’s history.

His Auburn record stands at 246-125, though 14 wins were vacated following NCAA violations tied to former assistant Chuck Person. Pearl had also faced controversy at Tennessee, where he went 145-71 from 2005-11 before being dismissed after NCAA sanctions. Still, he made six NCAA appearances there, including the program’s first Elite Eight in 2010.

Before his SEC career, Pearl won the 1995 NCAA Division II national title at Southern Indiana, then took Milwaukee to the Sweet 16 in 2005. Auburn hired him in 2014 despite an active show-cause penalty, and he rebuilt the program into a national contender with six NCAA Tournament berths in the last seven years.

Steven Pearl, who played for his father at Tennessee and later worked in medical sales, joined Auburn’s staff in 2014 and was promoted to associate head coach in 2023. He has already led the Tigers in games, serving as acting head coach during his father’s suspension in 2021-22.

“There is nobody better prepared to continue our culture of faith, family, and Auburn values,” Bruce Pearl said of his son.

Athletic director John Cohen said a thorough search process reaffirmed that Steven was the clear choice to lead the program. “His defensive coaching, recruiting skills, and strong relationships with players made him the obvious fit,” Cohen said.

Pearl departs as one of the most influential figures in SEC basketball, with Commissioner Greg Sankey crediting his “dynamic leadership and relentless energy” for raising the sport’s profile across the league.

Tennessee remained at No. 15 in both the Associated Press Top 25 and AFCA Coaches polls for the third consecutive week following the Volunteers' 56-24 win over UAB.
Tennessee (3-1, 0-1 SEC) plays its first road game of the season next Saturday when it travels to Starkville to face Mississippi State (4-0, 0-0), who is receiving votes in both polls. It's the first meeting between the two teams in Davis Wade Stadium since 2012.
Ten SEC teams are in the polls with three of those 10 still remaining on the Vols' schedule - No. 17/16 Alabama (Oct. 18), No. 7/10 Oklahoma and No. 18/20 Vanderbilt.

Kickoff Saturday in Starkville is 4:15 p.m. ET/3:15 p.m. CT on SEC Network.
Associated Press Top 25 (Sept. 21)
1. Ohio State (52)
2. Miami (7)
3. Penn State (5)
4. LSU
5. Georgia
6. Oregon (1)
7. Oklahoma (1)
8. Florida State
9. Texas A&M
10. Texas
11. Indiana
12. Texas Tech
13. Ole Miss
14. Iowa State
15. Tennessee
16. Georgia Tech
17. Alabama
18. Vanderbilt
19. Michigan
20. Missouri
21. USC
22. Notre Dame
23. Illinois
24. TCU
25. BYU
AFCA Coaches Poll
1. Ohio State (61)
2. Penn State (3)
3. Georgia (1)
4. LSU
5. Oregon (1)
6. Miami (1)
7. Texas
8. Florida State
9. Texas A&M
10. Oklahoma
11. Ole Miss
12. Indiana
13. Iowa State
14. Texas Tech
15. Tennessee
16. Alabama
17. Georgia Tech
18. Michigan
19. Missouri
20. Vanderbilt
21. Notre Dame
22. USC
23. Illinois
24. BYU
25. TCU

OAK RIDGE — Cleveland’s tough schedule continued Friday night, and so did its frustrations. Facing a fifth consecutive ranked opponent, the Blue Raiders fell 35–7 to No. 5 Oak Ridge, dropping to 0–5 for the first time in the program’s 60-year history.

The loss surpasses the team’s 0–4 start in 1997, when Cleveland recovered to win five of its last six. First-year head coach Chris Brown now faces another challenge next week as unbeaten Tyner Academy, ranked No. 4 in Class 3A, visits Benny Monroe Stadium.

Oak Ridge (5-0, 1-0 Region 2-6A) didn’t take long to flex its strength. Quarterback Blaine Stansberry hit Will Pressley on a 43-yard touchdown strike in the opening quarter, then the Wildcats erupted for three more passing scores in the second. Stansberry connected with Malik Howard and Damillyan Porter on 24-yard tosses, and Pressley hauled in another from 20 yards out to make it 28–0 at halftime.

Porter added an eight-yard rushing touchdown in the third quarter, triggering the mercy-rule running clock. Cleveland finally broke through later in the period when junior quarterback Kason McGowan found Kyree Scott on a 26-yard touchdown pass. Sloan Bolaños added the extra point for the Blue Raiders’ lone score.

McGowan was responsible for nearly all of Cleveland’s offense, completing 15 of 23 passes for 133 yards and a touchdown, while also leading the team in rushing with 18 yards. Scott caught four passes for 50 yards, and Kyreece Westfield added seven grabs for 62.

Oak Ridge, meanwhile, spread the wealth. Stansberry finished with 200 passing yards and four touchdowns, while Porter powered the ground game with 113 rushing yards and also caught a TD. Pressley scored twice on three receptions for 75 yards, and both Howard and Jareel Jemerson topped 50 receiving yards apiece.

The Wildcats totaled 324 yards of offense to Cleveland’s 165, and will now prepare for a crucial showdown with Bradley Central (4-1, 2-0) next Friday in a battle of Region 2-6A contenders.

Final Score
Cleveland 7
No. 5 Oak Ridge 35

OOLTEWAH — Walker Valley didn’t deliver its sharpest performance Friday night, but the ninth-ranked Mustangs still had little trouble putting away Ooltewah in Region 3-5A action, rolling to a 41–6 victory.

Head coach Drew Akins admitted the effort felt flat despite the lopsided final score. “We were sluggish and not as crisp up front as we should’ve been,” he said. “We’ve set a standard for how we want to play, and tonight didn’t meet it. We made plays, but too many of them came around mistakes instead of through clean execution.”

Quarterback Chase Stephens turned in another efficient outing, connecting on 18 of 23 passes for 254 yards and four touchdowns. His scoring throws went to Reece Davis, Luke Hayden, and Sawyer Boyd, who hauled in two TDs on the night. Running back Cason Cunningham added a short rushing score, while kicker Christopher Malick knocked through two field goals and all five of his extra points.

Walker Valley jumped out to a 24–0 halftime lead, scoring on all four of its first-half possessions. Stephens hit Davis on an 8-yard toss to open the scoring, Cunningham punched in a two-yard run, Malick drilled a 34-yard field goal after a blocked punt, and Hayden caught a 15-yard strike just before the break.

Ooltewah capitalized on a Mustang fumble early in the third quarter, as Luke Wood found Griffin Patterson for a 17-yard touchdown, but the Owls failed on their conversion attempt. That was their only highlight of the night, as Walker Valley answered quickly with a Malick field goal and back-to-back touchdown passes from Stephens to Boyd to put the game out of reach.

The Mustang defense sealed the win with an interception return deep into Owl territory by Michael Wood, setting up Boyd’s second touchdown grab.

Walker Valley (4-1, 2-0 Region 3-5A) now turns its attention to Soddy-Daisy (3-2, 0-2), which visits “The MAC” next Friday after dropping consecutive region games.

Final Score
Walker Valley 41
Ooltewah 6

Bradley Central overcame a sluggish start Friday night to extend its winning streak, grinding out a 21–10 victory over longtime rival Red Bank at Bear Stadium.

The Lions controlled the first half and held a 10–7 advantage at the break, but Bradley’s defense dominated after halftime, holding Red Bank to negative yardage in the final two quarters while the offense punched in two more touchdowns to seal the win.

Head coach Damon Floyd admitted his squad’s poor practices during the week carried over into the first half. “We didn’t execute early, and it showed,” he said. “But our guys refocused in the second half, and the defense gave us the spark we needed. The offensive line also stepped up after Kenyon [Phelps] went down, and we had several players contribute in the running game.”

The victory improves Bradley’s all-time edge in the series to 31-29-3 and sets up a major Region 2-6A test this week against undefeated Oak Ridge, ranked No. 5 in the state.

Game Recap
Red Bank opened with a methodical 71-yard drive capped by a 24-yard field goal from Mark Kleiner. After an interception stopped Bradley’s first series, the Bears broke through in the second quarter when Brayden Carroll powered in from six yards out.

The Lions answered before halftime. Quarterback Austin Jones connected with Marcus Jones on a 17-yard scoring strike to give Red Bank a 10–7 edge at the half.

Bradley took control after the break. Carroll capped a 12-play drive with another touchdown run in the third quarter, putting the Bears ahead for good. Later, sophomore Jeremiah Brownlow forced a fumble that set up Carroll’s third touchdown, sealing the win in the fourth quarter.

Carroll posted his second straight three-touchdown performance, rushing for 60 yards and adding 43 receiving yards. Phelps led the team with 89 yards before exiting with an ankle injury, while Paden Parker-Price added 80 yards on 10 carries. Quarterback Tucker Cook went 12-for-19 for 124 yards despite two interceptions.

Defensively, Bradley’s “Black Hole” unit suffocated the Lions, allowing just 136 total yards. Anthony Perez and Andrew Carroll recorded multiple tackles for loss, while Tulane commit AJ Westfield notched three stops behind the line.

Final Score
Red Bank 10
Bradley Central 21

The Bears (4-1, 2-0 Region 2-6A) now prepare to host Oak Ridge (5-0, 1-0), which cruised past Cleveland 35–7.

Chattanooga FC has made more history tonight.

Following a historic comeback to defeat Crown Legacy FC 4-2 on Friday night, combined with other results in the league throughout the weekend and this week, CFC has officially clinched an MLS NEXT Pro playoff spot in only the club's second year competing in the league.

CFC is the second independent team in league history to advance to the playoffs after the now defunct Rochester New York FC that competed in the inaugural season in MLS NEXT Pro in 2022.

"This is a historic day for Chattanooga FC," said Sporting Director Sebastian Giraldo. "The work and sacrifices from our athletes, coaches, staff and supporters have led us to this incredible moment. Together, we're proving that Chattanooga belongs on this stage, and the best is still ahead."


"Our mentality has always been about securing a playoff spot as early as possible and then winning every game we can this year," said Chattanooga FC Head Coach Chris Nugent.

"We know that playoff games are huge here in Chattanooga. We've seen that in the past in previous leagues. We've seen that with the women's team, that a playoff game garners even more attention for the city and community."

"I know the fans enjoy it. The players enjoy it. It's something we spoke about from day one of making the playoffs and getting ourselves in a position to compete. In five, ten years this will hopefully have laid the groundwork for something even bigger and better here. It's exciting times with the direction we're going in and where we could end up."

Riding a three-match winning streak, the Boys in Blue will now be aiming to finish as high as possible in the Eastern Conference standings.

"It's important that the club has always shown the ability to match where it is league-wise and then succeed," continued Giraldo.

"That's where we are right now. We've entered the highest level ecosystem in the U.S. and we're competing and being very successful, and I think we need to keep showing that Chattanooga can be successful at this level. This is an accomplishment that deserves great celebration."

Eight teams in each conference qualify for the 2025 MLS NEXT Pro Playoffs. The club with the most regular season points in each conference (#1 seed) will earn hosting rights for rounds 1, 2 and three. The next three (3) teams with the most points in each conference (#2, #3 and #4 seeds) will have protected hosting and selection rights in Round 1.


CFC has four regular season matches remaining. The team returns to Finley Stadium on Sunday, September 21 at 3:00 p.m. ET for the third and final installment of the Battle of the Independents against Carolina Core FC. Tickets are as low as $10 and on sale now.

"We need our fans," Giraldo continued. "We have two more home games. We need everything out of them. It's been an absolute joy and pleasure to play in front of them. We need everything we got for the last two games here."

The 2025 MLS NEXT Pro Playoffs will feature 15 single elimination matches over the course of four consecutive weekends, with three rounds beginning the weekend of October 17 and culminating with MLS NEXT Pro Cup the weekend of November 7.

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — The Chattanooga Lookouts are making sure fans have a way to remember AT&T Field as the team prepares for its final season at the downtown ballpark.

The club announced that the first 1,000 fans at the playoff game on Wednesday, September 18, will receive a special commemorative ticket marking the end of an era before the Lookouts move to their new home at Erlanger Park next season.

Fans are encouraged to secure their seats early, as tickets for the Thursday night showdown against the Birmingham Barons are available now for purchase online.

Redshirt junior QB Gunner Stockton and junior PK Peyton Woodring have collected Southeastern Conference weekly honors after the Bulldogs’ 44-41 overtime win over No. 15 Tennessee in Knoxville.

Stockton, a native of Tiger, Ga., made his first career road start and went 23-for-31 for a career-high 304 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions. He added 13 carries for 38 yards and a score.

Late in the fourth quarter on 4th-and-6 at the Tennessee 28 with Georgia down 38-30, Stockton delivered a perfect strike to London Humphreys in the corner of the end zone before hitting Zachariah Branch for a two-point conversion to tie the game and send it to overtime. The Bulldogs piled up 502 total yards and went 5-for-5 in the Red Zone.


Woodring, a native of Lafayette, La., drilled all three of his field goals and was 3-for-3 on PATs to help clinchGeorgia’s third win over the year. He put Georgia up 27-21 near the end of the third period with a 48-yard field goal as the back and forth battle continued in Neyland Stadium. Woodring also handled eight kickoffs and all those were touchbacks.

Following an off week, the No. 5 Bulldogs (3-0, 1-0 SEC) play host to No. 14 Alabama (2-1, 0-0) on Dooley Field in Sanford Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 27. ABC will televise the matchup at 7:30 p.m.

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — AT&T Field hosted a different kind of ballgame this weekend as local first responders traded in their uniforms for softball jerseys, competing in a tournament that raised money for children in need.

For more than 15 years, the “Guns and Hoses” boxing series has supported the Forgotten Child Fund and YMCA Y-CAP program, both of which serve kids across the Chattanooga area. This year, organizers decided to expand the effort beyond the boxing ring.

“Not everybody wants to get in the ring and take a punch for charity,” explained board member Robert Batty. “This was our way to give people another way to contribute while still making an impact.”

Teams made up of officers, firefighters, and coaches squared off on the diamond, with Chattanooga Police Chief John Chambers suiting up alongside his department. By the end of the day, the CPD squad captured the championship trophy.

Even without the hardware, other teams considered the day a success. Catoosa County Fire Battalion Chief Rodney Johnson said the cause outweighed the scoreboard.

“Raising money for kids is what it’s all about,” Johnson said. “But to do it here, playing alongside brothers and sisters at the Lookouts’ stadium, that’s something special — a childhood dream for many of us.”

Courtesy: GoMocs.com
The Chattanooga women’s soccer team celebrated its alumni with a 4-2 win over Belmont in the final non-conference matchup of the season Sunday afternoon at Finley Stadium.

A contingent of former players from the Mocs 30 seasons gathered for the game and were recognized at halftime.

The Mocs improve to 6-2-1 and snapped the Bruins unbeaten streak at four games, dropping Belmont to 2-2-4 overall.

Reese Wilson picked up her first goal, heading in the shot off a free kick from Zoey Mize in the 21st minute. Belmont didn’t take long to knot it up with a goal in the 24th minute.

Freshman Emma Reeves entered the game and less than a minute later scored her first collegiate goal and put the Mocs up 2-1. Paige Thomas sent a pass in from the deep left corner. Belmont’s keeper stretched out to make the grab, but it was just out of her reach and Caroline Richvasky gathered it in for the shot.


The keeper was able to make the stop but Reeves picked up the ball and fired off a shot through the defense for the score. The Mocs led heading into halftime with a commanding 15-1 shots lead.

In the second half, Belmont leveled the score in the 62nd minute on long pass into the box. The Mocs offense, however, surged back.

Paige Thomas picked up a pass down the right side and eluded the defense to get to the middle of the field. She fired off a shot from 25 yards out that hit off a Belmont defender to redirect the ball into the left side of the net for what would prove to be the game winner in the 74th minute.

Chattanooga sealed the win with a penalty kick by Clarissa Salinas two minutes later. Ella Attaway, on her way to pick up a rebounded shot, was pushed down in the box for the penalty in the 76th minute. Salinas booted her shot into the bottom right corner for her second goal of the season.

The momentum was on the Mocs side with UTC outshooting the Bruins 24-4 with 14 shots on goal. Caroline Ekern inched closer to the lead for wins all-time at Chattanooga with the 29th of her career, one behind Stacey Matthiessen (’07). She had one save in the match while Belmont’s Sydney Jones had 10.

Thomas led the Mocs with seven shots, six on goal, Richvalsky contributed five while Dillard fired off four.

Chattanooga returns to action Thursday, Sept. 18 against Wofford at Finley Stadium in the Southern Conference opener for both teams. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m. and admission is free.

Chattanooga picked up its second win over Belmont in the series history (2-6-1). The Mocs finish the non-conference season at 6-2-1. UTC was 6-2 against non-conference foes in 2023.


Chattanooga recorded more than 20 shots for the first time this season led by Paige Thomas with seven.

Reese Wilson and Emma Reeves each scored their first collegiate goal in the win.

Paige Thomas recorded the game winner, her third this season, and her sixth of the season – second most in the SoCon.

Belmont had only allowed three goals before today’s game. Four is the second-most UTC has scored this season.

Caroline Ekern has 29 career wins. She is one behind Stacey Matthiessen (’07) for the program record.

Courtesy: UT Sports
Tennessee football remained No. 15 in both the Associated Press Top 25 and AFCA Coaches poll following an overtime battle against Georgia on Saturday in Neyland Stadium.

The Volunteers (2-1, 0-1 SEC) are one of eight SEC teams in the top 15 of both polls, including Georgia, who moved up to No. 3 in the Coaches poll and No. 5 in the AP.

It's the 23rd consecutive week that Tennessee has been ranked in the AP Top 25. The Vols are in the Coaches rankings for the 51st straight week dating back to Sept. 11, 2022.

Tennessee compiled 496 yards of total offense in a 44-41 overtime loss versus the Bulldogs. That represented the most by UT against Georgia since recording 519 yards on Oct. 10, 2015.


Quarterback Joey Aguilar, making his first SEC start, tied Peyton Manning for the most passing yards ever by a Vol against the Bulldogs, completing 24-of-36 for 371 yards and four touchdowns. Manning fired for 371 yards on Oct. 12, 1996.

Redshirt junior Chris Brazzell II was Aguilar's top explosive target, hauling in six passes for 177 yards and three touchdowns.

For the season, Brazzell has 20 catches for 364 yards and five touchdowns. He is tied for the FBS lead in receiving scores and ranks second in the country in receiving yards.

The Biletnikoff Award candidate's performance representing the most receiving yards by a Vol since Jalin Hyatt's infamous 207 yards against Alabama on Oct. 15, 2022.

Junior linebacker Arion Carter is off to a hot start in 2025. After gathering a career-best 14 tackles, Carter is the SEC leader in tackles through three games with 27. Edge rusher Joshua Josephs is tied for the league lead in sacks with three, tallying one apiece in all three of the Vols' contests this season.

Tennessee steps out of conference play when it welcomes UAB (2-1) to Neyland Stadium for a 12:45 p.m. kickoff Saturday on SEC Network. The Blazers defeated Akron, 31-28, Saturday night. Neyland Stadium is sold out for the 23rd consecutive game.

Associated Press Top 25 (Sept. 14)

1. Ohio State (55)

2. Penn State (5)

3. LSU (2)

4. Miami (3)

5. Georgia

6. Oregon (1)

7. Florida State

8. Texas

9. Illinois

10. Texas A&M

11. Oklahoma

12. Iowa State

13. Ole Miss

14. Alabama

15. Tennessee

16. Utah

17. Texas Tech

18. Georgia Tech

19. Indiana

20. Vanderbilt

21. Michigan


22. Auburn

23. Missouri

24. Notre Dame

25. USC

AFCA Coaches (Sept. 14)

1. Ohio State (62)

2. Penn State (3)

3. Georgia (1)

4. LSU (1)

5. Oregon

6. Miami

7. Texas

8. Illinois

9. Florida State

10. Texas A&M

11. Ole Miss

12. Oklahoma

13. Iowa State

14. Alabama

15. Tennessee

16. Texas Tech

17. Indiana

18. Utah

19. Georgia Tech

20. Michigan

21. Notre Dame

22. Missouri

23. Vanderbilt

24. South Carolina

25. Auburn

Allisha Gray and Rhyne Howard scored 20 points apiece to help the Atlanta Dream beat the Indiana Fever 80-68 on Sunday in Game 1 of the best-of-three first-round playoff series.

Naz Hillmon, who was the AP Sixth Person of the Year, added 16 points and nine rebounds for the third-seeded Dream. Atlanta can advance to the semifinals with a win in Game 2 on Tuesday in Indianapolis.

Brionna Jones made a tiebreaking layup and Gray hit a pull-up jumper before Howard hit a 3-pointer that gave Atlanta a 47-40 lead almost four minutes into the second half and the Fever trailed the rest of the way.


Kelsey Mitchell led No. 7 seed Indiana with 27 points. Odyssey Sims scored 10 points and Aliyah Boston grabbed 12 rebounds to go with eight points and five assists. The Fever were missing Caitlin Clark, who is sidelined for the playoffs with a groin injury she suffered in the middle of July.

Indiana was also missing Sophie Cunningham (knee), Aari McDonald (foot) and Sydney Colson (knee).
Mitchell made a free throw that cut Indiana’s deficit to 10 points with 3:32 left in the fourth quarter but Hillmon, who scored 14 second-half points, answered with a three-point play and Atlanta led by double figures there on.

The Dream, under first-year coach Karl Smesko, doubled their win total from last year, shattered the club record for wins in a season (30) and finished with their highest win percentage (.682) in franchise history.

CLEVELAND, Tenn. — Walker Valley took a brief moment to shake off an early lull Friday night, then unleashed a first-half avalanche that buried Chattanooga Central 49-0 at “The MAC.”

Junior quarterback Chase Stephens was nearly flawless, throwing for 354 yards and six touchdowns while completing 15 of 19 passes before resting in the second half. His favorite targets — Sawyer Boyd and Luke Hayden — delivered in a big way. Boyd caught seven passes for 146 yards and two scores, while Hayden hauled in three touchdown receptions among his four grabs for 120 yards.

The Mustangs’ only rushing touchdown came from Cason Cunningham, who scored from four yards out midway through the second quarter. By halftime, Walker Valley had piled up all 49 of its points, triggering a running clock for the remainder of the contest.

Defensively, the Mustangs smothered the Purple Pounders, holding them to just 94 total yards and five first downs. Eli Robinson, Thavin Scruggs, Layne Farris, and company ensured Central never threatened, as the visitors managed just three completions in 15 attempts.

Head coach Drew Akins noted his team needed to refocus after opening the season with three emotional rivalry games. “We talk about playing to a standard, not an opponent,” Akins said. “Once we got out of that laziness, we really picked it up. I thought we got better as a football team tonight.”

With the victory, ninth-ranked Walker Valley improved to 3-1 and 1-0 in Region 3-5A. The Mustangs now turn their attention to Ooltewah, which they’ll visit Friday in another key region matchup.

FARRAGUT, Tenn. — Bradley Central walked into a tough environment Friday night and walked out with a statement win, topping Farragut 24-10 in Region 2-6A play.

Senior running back Brayden Carroll was the difference-maker, punching in three touchdowns — two from a yard out and a 63-yard sprint in the fourth quarter that sealed the victory. The Bears also leaned on their “Black Hole” defense, which forced three turnovers and set up short fields for the offense.

The win was just Bradley’s fourth ever at Farragut, but it moved the Bears to 3-1 overall and 2-0 in region play. Head coach Damon Floyd praised his team’s effort in the trenches. “It’s tough to win on the road at this level, especially in region games. I was proud of how our lines battled,” Floyd said.

Bradley built a 14-0 first-half lead after Anthony Perez forced and recovered a fumble and Tay Lindsey returned an interception to the Admiral 24. Carroll cashed in both takeaways with one-yard scores. Farragut finally answered with a 41-yard field goal from Ryan McCue just before halftime.

The Admirals cut the margin to 14-10 in the third quarter when quarterback Corbin Hobson found Aaron Heatherly for a 46-yard touchdown. Farragut’s defense then forced a punt and appeared ready to swing momentum before Bradley’s defense delivered again. Jaydin Gray stripped a receiver, and Spencer Makuch recovered at the Bear 8-yard line to halt the drive.

With the game still in doubt, Floyd gambled on fourth-and-2 at his own 37. Carroll broke through the line and outran the defense for a 63-yard touchdown, silencing the Farragut crowd. Sophomore kicker Noah Canales later drilled a 27-yard field goal to finish the scoring.

Kenyon Phelps added 101 rushing yards for Bradley, while Carroll finished with 86 on eight carries. Hobson led Farragut with 174 passing yards and a score, but the Bears’ defense kept the ground game bottled up at just 68 total rushing yards.

Next up, Bradley returns home for three straight games, beginning with rival Red Bank — a series dating back to 1972, when the Lions played in the first-ever contest at Bear Stadium.

CLEVELAND, Tenn. — Maryville struck early and often Friday night at Benny Monroe Stadium, overpowering Cleveland 44-7 in a Region 2-6A contest.

The Rebels needed just two plays to build a two-touchdown lead, recovering a fumble in the end zone moments after senior Cohen Babelay’s 5-yard scoring run. By the end of the first quarter, Maryville had a 23-0 advantage and never looked back.

Cleveland’s only score came midway through the third quarter, when senior Emilio Greene jumped a pass and returned it 34 yards for a touchdown. Greene was also the Raiders’ top offensive threat, finishing with four catches for 64 yards.

Maryville’s defense smothered Cleveland all evening, limiting the hosts to 81 yards of total offense. The Rebels produced eight tackles for loss and four sacks, holding the Raiders to minus-17 rushing yards. Quarterback Kason McGowan completed 11 of 18 passes for 98 yards, but pressure from the Rebel front kept the Blue Raiders off balance.

On the other side, Maryville showcased balance. Quarterback Will Jones threw three touchdown passes — to Ivan Vananda, Mack Serr and Tony Beaufort — and also scrambled for a 17-yard score. Babelay led the ground game with 57 yards and a touchdown as the Rebels rolled up 371 total yards.

Ranked No. 4 in the latest TSWA/USA Today state poll, Maryville improved to 3-1 overall and 2-0 in region play, remaining tied with Bradley Central at the top of the standings. Cleveland dropped to 0-4 and 0-1.

The Blue Raiders face yet another test this week, traveling to No. 6 Oak Ridge, which reached the Class 5A semifinals last season and enters unbeaten at 4-0.

Final Score: Maryville 44, Cleveland 7

CLEVELAND, Tenn. — Lake Forest Middle School will host a special Military and First Responders Night this Thursday, September 11, during its home football game. Kickoff is set for 6:30 p.m. at “The Forest.”

The event will feature a recognition ceremony at the end of the first quarter, honoring the brave men and women who serve in the U.S. Armed Forces and those who protect and support the community as police officers, firefighters, EMTs, and other first responders.

To show appreciation, all military members and first responders will receive free admission with valid ID.

The evening is designed to unite the Lake Forest community in gratitude and celebration, blending the excitement of football with a heartfelt tribute to those who sacrifice for the safety and freedom of others.

Lake Forest officials encourage fans to arrive early, wear patriotic colors, and join in recognizing local heroes under the lights on Thursday night.