Stephen Hargis

Stephen has covered sports in the tri-state area for the Times Free Press for more than 35 years and was named Sports Editor in February of 2015 after 10 years as assistant sports editor, where he oversaw the prep sports staff. Stephen is among the most decorated writers in the TFP newsroom, having won more than 60 awards at the state, regional and national level ranging from investigative work to feature and news writing. Stephen was named one of the top 10 sports writers in the nation at the Associated Press Sports Editors' conference in Kissimmee Fla., in 2012, and has been recognized by the Society of Professional Journalists with Green Eyeshade southeast regional awards three times. He received an Associated Press national award for a season-long story following the Taft Youth Center football team, was named the state's top overall sports writer by the AP Media Editors as well as Tennessee Sports Writers Association three times and has also been named the state's top prep writer 19 times by the TSWA. Stephen is a lifelong Chattanooga area resident and has two children, Riley and Lauren.

Contact Stephen Hargis at shargis@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6293.

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Dynamite Dozen No. 5: Baylor’s Cam Sparks has versatile skills

by Stephen Hargis ·August 18, 2024

For a while, the only question was which side of the ball would be his future.

Staff photo / Baylor's Cam Sparks, shown during a regular-season game at McCallie last September, has received offers from multiple college football programs. Sparks has contributed on offense, defense and special teams for the Red Raiders, and he could make the same impact at the next level of the game.

Hargis: ‘It’ factor will create the memorable moments this season

by Stephen Hargis ·August 18, 2024

There is a certain set of traits possessed by Friday night icons that create memorable moments and produce special seasons.

Staff photo by Olivia Ross / Chattanooga Christian School's football team runs through drills at practice in late July.

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Tyner could return to contender status with experienced defense

by Stephen Hargis ·August 18, 2024

For all the hurdles the Rams faced last season, and there were many on the heels of their 2022 Class 2A state championship, they still managed a winning record within their new 3A region and narrowly missed hosting a first-round playoff game after a six-point league loss at unbeaten Meigs County.

Staff file photo by Robin Rudd / Christian Mainor has a much more experienced football team as he enters his second season as Tyner's head coach.

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Bledsoe County has experience, talent for historic season

by Stephen Hargis ·August 18, 2024

The consensus among opponents and supporters alike is that the Warriors could be ready to make a memorable run. The program's best finish was a pair of quarterfinal appearances (1972, 1983), and Tabor has guided the team to the second round of the playoffs in four of his five seasons.

Staff file photo by Robin Rudd / Bledsoe County senior Jonathon Thomas, left, returns as the team's starting quarterback this year.

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Chattanooga Christian on solid footing for DII-AA success

by Stephen Hargis ·August 18, 2024

A program that had experienced significant change with three head coaches in as many years has been stabilized by Reynolds' steady approach.

Staff file photo by Matt Hamilton / Malik Lee (10) brings a blend of power and speed to the backfield for Chattanooga Christian as the Chargers look to challenge in a tough region in Division II-AA.

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Polk County looks for bounce-back season

by Stephen Hargis ·August 18, 2024

If ever the "slow and steady wins the race" motto applied to a prep football program, it would be Polk County. More often than not since Davis has been in charge at his alma mater, the Wildcats have overcome a lack of team speed (and not having the splash plays that result from that element) to produce successful seasons.

Staff file photo by Robin Rudd / Polk County football coach Derrick Davis will look to guide his alma mater to a rebound season after last year's disappointing 4-7 showing.

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Cleveland has talent at skill positions to take next step as team

by Stephen Hargis ·August 18, 2024

Entering his second season in charge, the next step in the process for Tygard and his staff is to advance past the first round of the playoffs, something the program hasn't accomplished in a decade. But for that to happen, if Cleveland is to return to its former status as a state power, the team must first reclaim its own county.

Staff file photo by Matt Hamilton / Running back Isaiah Davis, a Richmond University commitment, will be part of a talented group of skill position players trying to help Cleveland move up in the region standings.

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Marion County primed to challenge for deep playoff run

by Stephen Hargis ·August 18, 2024

All the pieces are in place for a deep playoff run as the Warriors look to build on last year's unbeaten regular season by becoming one of the top contenders in Class 2A.

Staff file photo by Robin Rudd / Marion County senior Sam Pickett will be leaned on heavily at running back this season after compiling more than 1,000 yards of offense last year.

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McCallie’s expectations remain high despite significant changes

by Stephen Hargis ·August 18, 2024

There are significant roles to fill if McCallie is to repeat as state champion, but the coaching staff is not among those.

Staff file photo by Olivia Ross / McCallie junior receiver Keeyshawn Tabuteau, right, who has multiple offers from SEC programs, brings elite speed to the offense.

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Grace Academy continues building toward return to region play

by Stephen Hargis ·August 18, 2024

The long climb back to rejoining a TSSAA region is nearly complete.

Staff file photo by Olivia Ross / Grace Academy linebacker Andrew Huggins will be counted on to be a defensive leader for the Golden Eagles this season.