Here’s a look at TSSAA Region 3-1A for the 2024 football season.
REGION 3-1A OUTLOOK
Team to beat: Any one of three teams — Chattanooga Prep, South Pittsburg and Whitwell — have the talent to get hot and take the region’s top spot. Although South Pittsburg has been the league bully for decades, there are simply too many questions facing a young and very inexperienced team right now. That means Chatt Prep, which can match the Pirates in speed and athleticism but also returns 11 starters on each side of the ball, could be in for a massive leap forward. Last year, the Sentinels lost four games by six points or less, including by one point in the first round of the playoffs, and their defense, which held six opponents to 13 points or less, could be the strongest unit among all teams in the region.
Watch out for: Whitwell could be in line for a magical run similar to the one it made to win the Class 1A state title in 2018. The Tigers bring back 13 total starters from last season, and they have enough skill position talent to match any region foe. The key factor could be hosting five of their last six opponents in the regular season, including Chatt Prep, South Pittsburg and Sale Creek in region play.
Best game: When the Tigers host the Sentinels on Oct. 25, it could decide the region championship. At the very least, it will likely determine which of the two teams hosts a first-round game in the playoffs.