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.

Red Bank receiver Ben Craig shining early in his senior season

by Patrick MacCoon ·September 17, 2026

For Red Bank senior Ben Craig, putting on his blue-and-white football uniform means more than preparing for Friday night.

Staff Photo by Seth Carpenter / Red Bank senior receiver Ben Craig (7) races ahead of East Ridge's defense to score the first touchdown during the Lions' 28-21 victory last Friday. Red Bank bounced back from an 0-2 start by winning its TSSAA Region 3-4A opener against the previously unbeaten Pioneers.

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Prep notebook: Rhea County volleyball team making program history

by Patrick MacCoon, Lindsey Young ·September 16, 2026

Confidence is building quickly within the Rhea County volleyball team, which has emerged as one of the most promising in the Chattanooga area this year.

Staff Photo by Patrick MacCoon / Rhea County senior libero Ella Kelley makes a dig in a 3-0 home win over Bradley Central on Monday. The Lady Golden Eagles are 16-8 overall and 4-0 in TSSAA District 5-3A play this season.

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Baylor volleyball extends rivalry win streak to 12 with sweep over GPS

by Patrick MacCoon ·September 15, 2026

While GPS provided a stiff challenge at home, Baylor extended its win streak to 12 straight in the rivalry series on the volleyball court.

Staff photo by Patrick MacCoon / Baylor sophomore Gabby Minton (1) starred with nine kills and six blocks in Tuesday's hard-fought 3-0 region sweep over GPS. The Lady Red Raiders have now won 12 straight over the Bruisers dating back to 2020.

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NBA star Ace Bailey gives back to Chattanooga

by Patrick MacCoon ·September 14, 2026

The most popular basketball jersey worn around Chattanooga in 2026 is the No. 19 purple jersey for the Utah Jazz.

Staff Photo by Seth Carpenter/ Utah Jazz forward Ace Bailey signs a young fan's jersey during the Ace Bailey Basketball Camp at East Hamilton High School on Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026.

Chatt Prep uses total team effort to stun Milan in revenge victory

by Patrick MacCoon ·September 12, 2026

Chattanooga Prep linebacker Malik Rawlings did a backflip on the football field shortly after Saturday's win over Milan.

Staff Photo by Patrick MacCoon / Chattanooga Prep senior running back Cedric Baulding powers his way to the end zone on an 8-yard touchdown rush in the second quarter of Saturday's 28-14 win over Milan at Howard's Reggie White Field.

Rhea County 2-0 in region play after defense smothers Soddy Daisy

by Patrick MacCoon ·September 11, 2026

Rhea County senior Zeke Romero flew around the football field Friday night, when the defensive captain led the Golden Eagles to a pulverizing shutout of Soddy Daisy.

Staff photo by Patrick MacCoon / Rhea County senior Zeke Romero (22) meets the Soddy Daisy ball carrier during the Golden Eagles' Region 3-5A home win on Friday night in Evensville, Tenn.

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

by Patrick MacCoon, Lindsey Young ·September 10, 2026

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

Staff File Photo by Matt Hamilton / Calhoun senior running back Hudson Chadwick and the Yellow Jackets, off to a 1-2 start, will try to get back on track Friday night when they visit Dalton (3-0).

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Tyner tackle Carmello Peoples has paved path for Rams to run wild

by Patrick MacCoon ·September 10, 2026

Carmello Peoples is a big guy who doesn't take his assignment lightly on Friday nights, when Tyner's 6-foot-6, 300-pound left tackle looks to lead his team in the trenches.

Contributed photo / Tyner senior left tackle Carmello Peoples (54), a TSWA all-state selection last season, has helped the Rams run to a 3-0 start this year that has them ranked second in the TSSAA Class 3A state poll.

Heritage senior Brylee Pritchett delivers walk-off hit vs. Ridgeland

by Patrick MacCoon ·September 10, 2026

Heritage coach Reagan Armour calmly called time in the bottom of the seventh inning, then approached home plate to talk to Brylee Pritchett.

Staff Photo by Patrick MacCoon / Heritage celebrates after a walk-off RBI single by senior Brylee Pritchett (8) in Thursday's 7-6 home victory over Ridgeland. The three-time defending state champion Lady Generals improved to 11-1 overall on the season.

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Prep notebook: NBA guard Ace Bailey coming home for youth camp

by Patrick MacCoon, Lindsey Young ·September 9, 2026

One of the NBA's youngest rising stars is returning home this week to give back to his community.