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.

Bradley Central defense mauls Red Bank for second shutout win of season

by Stephen Hargis ·October 13, 2023

Bradley Central's defense has been the most impressive aspect of the Bears' undefeated start through eight regular-season games.

Staff photo by Olivia Ross / Bradley Central quarterback Kaleb Martin is brought down by Red Bank's Kobe Smith during Friday night's game. Martin threw two touchdown passes and ran for another score as Class 6A's top-ranked Bears rolled past 4A's Red Bank, 35-0.

Tennessee prep football roundup: Baylor races to big early lead, cruises to sixth win of year

by Stephen Hargis ·October 13, 2023

Baylor wasted no time putting away its latest victory.

Staff file photo by Matt Hamilton / Baylor's Amari Jefferson (7) scored a touchdown to help the Red Raiders to a runaway home win Friday night against Virginia's Life Christian Academy.

Georgia prep football roundup: Calhoun, Dalton roll to big wins ahead of matchup

by Stephen Hargis ·October 13, 2023

Calhoun and Dalton followed similar scripts in home wins Friday night, and they'll meet next week in a GHSA Region 7-AAAAA showdown.

Staff file photo by Matt Hamilton / Calhoun's Caden Williams helped lead the Yellow Jackets to a region win at home Friday night, 48-13 over Woodland-Bartow.

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This fall, Chattanooga area has three unique prep football anniversaries worth celebrating

by Stephen Hargis ·October 12, 2023

Memories of big years for Baylor, Cleveland and Tennessee Temple Academy endure

Staff file photo / Keith Cobb was part of a Cleveland High School backfield that helped the 1993 Blue Raiders average 45 points per game on their way to winning the program's first state championship.

East Ridge holds off Soddy-Daisy, keeps playoff hopes alive

by Stephen Hargis ·October 6, 2023

East Ridge's offense provided the early momentum toward a potential third straight win, but the defense sealed it.

Staff file photo by Matt Hamilton / East Ridge quarterback Jermaine Blackstock had a pair of touchdown runs Friday night to lead the Pioneers to a 14-8 home win against Soddy-Daisy in TSSAA Region 3-4A competition.

Top-ranked Bradley Central dominant on both sides to reach 7-0

by Stephen Hargis ·October 5, 2023

For a football program with enough speed to field multiple 4x100 sprint relay teams, fast starts are to be expected.

Staff file photo by Olivia Ross / Bradley Central senior Boo Carter (6) had three touchdown catches during the Bears' 40-7 home win Thursday night against Hardin Valley.

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Meigs senior Ethan Meadows sets tough tone for unbeaten Tigers

by Stephen Hargis ·October 5, 2023

For all the changes within the Meigs County High School football program, the one thing that remains unchanged are the results on the field.

Staff file photo by Robin Rudd / Meigs County senior Ethan Meadows, center, has made big contributions on offense and defense as a quarterback and safety this season for the undefeated Tigers. Beyond that, though, his dedication to the team has set an example that has helped the Tigers meet their high standards during a time of big changes for the program.

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East Hamilton looks for statement region win against Walker Valley

by Stephen Hargis ·October 5, 2023

It isn't often that Walker Valley has played the role of the established football program, but that's the case with Friday's matchup at East Hamilton.

Staff photo by Robin Rudd / East Hamilton quarterback Trey Crawford looks for an open receiver during a home game against Region 4-5A foe McMinn County on Sept. 8.

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Third member of Bradley Central secondary makes commitment

by Stephen Hargis ·October 5, 2023

As a student with a 4.0 GPA, Bradley Central High School senior Tito Williams is smart enough to know when not to overthink things.

Staff file photo by Matt Hamilton / Bradley Central senior safety Tito Williams, who was No. 11 on the Times Free Press Dynamite Baker's Dozen list of the area's top college football prospects this year, has committed to Big Ten program Northwestern.

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Hixson athlete earns TFP player of the week honors

by Stephen Hargis ·October 2, 2023

For a player who was expected to be a head-hunting linebacker and only a complimentary offensive player at fullback and tight end, Chase Barnard has become quite the quarterback.