Patrick MacCoon

Patrick MacCoon is an avid sports lover who joined the Chattanooga Times Free Press January 2, 2019. He covers prep sports along with the Chattanooga Football Club and Chattanooga Lookouts. Patrick is a fan of Atlanta professional sports and began reading newspapers at an early age to analyze the MLB box scores. He is a graduate from Red Bank High School and the University of Tennessee (Knoxville).

Contact Patrick MacCoon at pmaccoon@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6311.

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Grundy County two-way star Vince Bryant has helped lead turnaround

by Patrick MacCoon ·October 15, 2026

Vince Bryant has played a major role in rebuilding Grundy County High School's football program, which struggled to stay competitive just a few years ago.

Contributed photo / Grundy County senior Vince Bryant has scored 57 touchdowns in his prep career, with 23 of those coming this fall for the Yellow Jackets.

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Bradley Central makes volleyball state tourney for first time since 1995

by Patrick MacCoon ·October 15, 2026

Christie McElhaney, the veteran head coach of Bradley Central's volleyball program, sat back with tears of joy in her eyes as she watched the Bearettes celebrate Thursday night.

Staff photo by Patrick MacCoon / Bradley Central volleyball players celebrate on their home court Thursday night after securing the program's first TSSAA state tournament trip since 1995 with a four-set win over Stewarts Creek in a Class AAA sectional.

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Ridgeland’s power shows up again in first round of GHSA softball playoffs

by Patrick MacCoon ·October 14, 2026

One of this season's most powerful lineups in Georgia High School Association softball resides at Ridgeland.

Staff photo by Matt Hamilton / Ridgeland's Jordyn Thomas grooves a double during a first-round series against visiting White County in the GHSA Class AAAA softball playoffs Wednesday in Rossville, Ga.

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Kaleighly West, Alli Stevens deliver pitching gems to lead Dade County to GHSA first round sweep

by Patrick MacCoon ·October 12, 2026

After allowing two line drives off Jefferson County's bats to begin the first round of the GHSA Class 2A state playoffs, Dade County junior ace Kaleighly West was automatic.

Staff Photo by Seth Carpenter/ Dade County's Kaleighly West (16) pitches to a batter for Jefferson County as the scoreboard shows the Wolvervines up 9-0 during the first round of the 2026 GHSA Fast-Pitch Softball Tournament at home on Monday, Oct. 12, 2026.

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Tyner overpowering top-ranked Nashville Christian leads this week’s prep football surprises

by Patrick MacCoon ·October 12, 2026

Surprises happen every week on the high school football field, and the Times Free Press staff is all over them. Here are four notable surprises from this past week's action:

Staff Photo by Seth Carpenter/ Tyner head coach Christian Mainor's team found payback for last year's road loss to Nashville Christian, as the Rams played a near perfect second half in this past Friday's 44-28 home victory over Division II-A's top-ranked Eagles.

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Griffin Patterson’s 10-catch night helped Ooltewah snap skid

by Patrick MacCoon ·October 11, 2026

The Times Free Press has selected Ooltewah senior receiver Griffin Patterson as its prep football player of the week.

Staff File Photo / Ooltewah senior receiver Griffin Patterson has averaged nearly 125 total yards per game this season, and helped the Owls bring an end to a five-game series skid against East Hamilton in a 38-14 home win Friday.

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Chattanooga’s Erlanger Park is finalist for international design award

by Patrick MacCoon ·October 10, 2026

Erlanger Park is the home of the Chattanooga Lookouts, but it was built to be more than a place to watch baseball.

Staff File Photo by Seth Carpenter / Fans wait outside Erlanger Park on April 14, opening day for the home of th Double-A Southern League's Chattanooga Lookouts.

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Baylor wins 22nd girls’ golf state title; Ooltewah breaks through for first

by Patrick MacCoon ·October 9, 2026

Two girls' golf programs from the Chattanooga area closed the season Friday by making some history at Sevierville Golf Club. Each did so in its own way.

Contributed photo / Baylor senior golfer Katie Grace Tuder won the TSSAA Division II-AA girls' individual state title while helping the Lady Red Raiders win the program's 22nd team state title Friday at Sevierville Golf Club.

Led by Young brothers, East Ridge powers past Signal Mountain

by Patrick MacCoon ·October 9, 2026

Chad Barger was finished talking to his football team Friday night, but he added one more message loud enough for his players and others to hear.

Staff photo by Patrick MacCoon / East Ridge senior Jerl Young (2) rushed for four touchdowns to bring his season total to 27 after Friday's 40-29 home win over Signal Mountain.

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This week’s Chattanooga-area prep football games to watch

by Patrick MacCoon, Lindsey Young ·October 8, 2026

Here are four prep football games involving Chattanooga-area teams to watch Friday night during the eighth week of the 2026 regular season for TSSAA and GHSA programs.