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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Meigs County loaded, built to contend for Class 3A state title

by Patrick MacCoon ·August 9, 2025

The Tigers have the makings of a state championship contender this fall with the amount of experience and talent they return.

Staff file photo by Robin Rudd / Meigs County senior quarterback Tuff Ricker is one of the state's most impactful two-way playmakers after scoring 35 touchdowns and adding 12 tackles for loss last season for the Tigers.

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McMinn Central’s super-charged offense not short on firepower

by Patrick MacCoon ·August 9, 2025

The Chargers have averaged nearly 30 points per game over the past three seasons and once again are expected to produce fireworks.

Staff file photo by Robin Rudd / McMinn Central senior Jake Goodin, right, is one of the area's top threats at receiver after compiling more than 1,000 yards last season.

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Central’s next wave of players ready to make their own legacy

by Patrick MacCoon ·August 9, 2025

The Purple Pounders won five straight games last season before falling just short against Sequatchie County in a playoff second-round shootout.

Staff file photo by Robin Rudd / Central junior Tevin Jackson, right, is a key player this season for the Purple Pounders, who reached the second round of the playoffs in 2024.

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Howard expects to be more competitive with nonregion schedule

by Patrick MacCoon ·August 9, 2025

With their roster exceeding 30 players for the first time in years and an advantageous schedule in place, the Hustlin' Tigers have a very realistic chance for their first winning season since 2020.

Staff file by Robin Rudd / Howard is taking aim at first winning season since 2020, a realistic goal for the Hustlin' Tigers this year against a nonregion schedule.

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Soddy Daisy senior class loaded with experience, playmakers

by Patrick MacCoon ·August 9, 2025

Owensby's bunch was one of the area's best success stories last fall, when the Trojans put together their first nine-win season in 20 years.

Staff file photo by Robin Rudd / Soddy Daisy quarterback Tucker Ross scored 16 touchdowns last year for the Trojans, who had their first nine-win season since 2004.

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Chattanooga Prep makes leap from 1A to 3A after breakout year

by Patrick MacCoon ·August 9, 2025

The Sentinels had a breakthrough season in 2024, when they were ranked as high as fifth in Class 1A after a 6-1 start.

Staff file photo by Matt Hamilton/ Chattanooga Prep senior running back Marquis Gardner showed his versatility last season with 20 touchdowns and 1,500 total yards.

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Ooltewah working to move ‘in the right direction’ with new coach

by Patrick MacCoon ·August 9, 2025

Over the past six seasons, the Owls have averaged only 14.5 points per game.

Staff photo by Matt Hamilton / Ooltewah senior Jay Horne is expected to play a key role on both sides of the ball in Matt Moody's first season as head coach of the Owls.

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Brainerd can build on defense’s hard-earned experience

by Patrick MacCoon ·August 9, 2025

Brainerd's defense has loads of potential after the Panthers earned their stripes as youngsters last season.

Staff file photo by Matt Hamilton/ Sammy Seamster is preparing for his third football season as Brainerd's head coach.

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Walker Valley built for success with returning talent, key transfers

by Patrick MacCoon ·August 9, 2025

The most versatile playmaker in Region 4-5A is back to inflict more damage.

Staff file photo by Robin Rudd / Walker Valley's Roman Eulo, left, scored 20 touchdowns and produced 1,000 yards last season for the Mustangs.

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Rhea County offense returns trio of key playmakers

by Patrick MacCoon ·August 9, 2025

The Golden Eagles gained steam as the season wore on last year, becoming one of the area's toughest teams by the time the playoffs rolled around.

Staff file photo by Matt Hamilton / Austun Fugate (11) is a jack of all trades for Rhea County, with the junior contributing on offense, defense and special teams.