Football - Chattanooga Times Free Press

Final scores and photos from Friday’s Chattanooga-area prep football games

Check out the final scores and photos from Friday night's Chattanooga-area high school football games.

By Staff Report September 11, 2026

Staff Photo by Seth Carpenter / East Ridge football players try to push through the defense during Friday night's home game against Red Bank.

Falcons forced to turn to third quarterback option for season opener

Cooper Rush will be the starting quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday, when they visit the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 2026 season opener for both teams.

By CHARLES ODUM / The Associated Press September 11, 2026

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Cooper Rush passes during a preseason exhibition game against the host Indianapolis Colts on Aug. 22. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)

Dominance of Baylor, McCallie has some D-II teams considering independence

A move that could potentially shake up the entire framework for the TSSAA’s private-school membership could be presented to the state’s high school sports governing body as early as next week.

By Stephen Hargis September 10, 2026

Staff Photo by Stephen Hargis / Players for Baylor, left, and McCallie meet at midfield for the coin toss before last year's regular-season meeting, which was the first matchup of two Chattanooga programs ranked among the nation's top 25 prep football teams.

Falcons starting QB leaves practice with injury days before opener

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Tua Tagovailoa left practice with an oblique injury Thursday, three days before the team's season opener against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

By The Associated Press September 10, 2026

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Tua Tagovailoa warms up for a preseason exhibition game against the host Indianapolis Colts on Aug. 22. (AP Photo/Zach Bolinger)

New Titans coach Robert Saleh certain QB Cam Ward is ‘special’

Robert Saleh came to Nashville believing in Cam Ward, and watching him up close has only made the new head coach of the Tennessee Titans an even bigger believer.

By TERESA M. WALKER / The Associated Press September 10, 2026

Tennessee Titans coach Robert Saleh walks to the field before a preseason exhibition game against the Seattle Seahawks on Aug. 23 in Nashville. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)

Video: Tennessee vs. Georgia Tech, Alabama-Kentucky & Huge HS Showdowns | TFP Weekend 6-Pack

Tennessee vs. Georgia Tech, Alabama-Kentucky & Huge HS Showdowns | TFP Weekend 6-Pack

By David Paschall, Stephen Hargis September 10, 2026

Seahawks open 2026 NFL season by winning Super Bowl rematch

The reigning Super Bowl champions were in a hole through three quarters of the 2026 NFL season opener Wednesday night in Seattle.

By JOSH DUBOW / The Associated Press September 9, 2026

Seattle Seahawks cornerback Josh Jobe, top right, celebrates with teammates including safety Julian Love (20) after intercepting a pass in the end zone during the 2026 NFL season opener against the visiting Seattle Seahawks on Wednesday night at Lumen Field. (AP Photo/Stephen Brashear)

Physical Williams a large part of UGA’s talented tight end group

At 6-foot-7 and 255 pounds, Georgia sophomore tight end Elyiss Williams is quite the physical specimen.

By David Paschall September 8, 2026

University of Georgia photo / Georgia 6-foot-7, 255-pound tight end Elyiss Williams is an obvious mismatch issue for Bulldogs opponents.

Vols won’t be so ‘simple’ defensively at Georgia Tech

Tennessee's defense provided plenty of impressive moments under first-year coordinator Jim Knowles during this past Saturday's 56-9 drubbing of Furman inside Neyland Stadium.

By David Paschall September 8, 2026

Tennessee Athletics photo / Defensive tackle Xavier Gilliam (2) set the tone defensively during Tennessee's 56-9 win over Furman last Saturday, but the Volunteers are expecting a much tougher challenge this weekend at Georgia Tech.

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Five things to know about UTC opponent Eastern Kentucky

Eastern Kentucky has played two games this season, both on the road, both against teams that beat the Colonels by at least 24 points.

By Gene Henley September 8, 2026

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