Skip to main content
Friday, October 30, 2026Oct 30
Subscribe
All Sections
Search
More

This story is free to read.

Chattanooga Christian works to gain ground in Division II-AA

Staff photo by Robin Rudd / Chattanooga Christian running back Traveon Scott breaks through Christian Academy of Knoxville's defense on the way to a 70-yard touchdown in a state playoff game on Nov. 8, 2019. It was his second score of the game and helped the host Chargers earn the first postseason win in program history.
Staff photo by Robin Rudd / Chattanooga Christian running back Traveon Scott breaks through Christian Academy of Knoxville's defense on the way to a 70-yard touchdown in a state playoff game on Nov. 8, 2019. It was his second score of the game and helped the host Chargers earn the first postseason win in program history. Staff photo by Robin Rudd / Chattanooga Christian running back Traveon Scott breaks through Christian Academy of Knoxville's defense on the way to a 70-yard touchdown in a state playoff game on Nov. 8, 2019. It was his second score of the game and helped the host Chargers earn the first postseason win in program history.

By Stephen Hargis 2 min read

CHATTANOOGA CHRISTIAN CHARGERS

Head coach: Mark Mariakis (22-21 in four years here; 112-103 overall)

Returning starters: 6 offensive; 5 defensive

Key players: QB Sam Hall (6-0, 170); RB Traveon Scott (6-1, 200); RB JaMichael Baxter (5-6, 170); RB Javorus Havis (6-1, 205); DE Jordan McClendon (6-0, 185); LB Davorus Havis (5-11, 225); OL Jacob Barham (5-8, 180); LB Cole Headrick (6-2, 190); LB Luke Bowman (6-2, 185); DE Vahn Kaye (6-0, 185).

Team strengths: There is good team speed and depth at the skill positions.

Team concerns: There isn’t as much depth along both the offensive and defensive lines as Coach Mariakis would prefer, especially with such a daunting schedule.

Breakout candidate: Sophomore Zion Irvin played quite a bit last year, which should give him some added confidence to be an even bigger part of the offense at running back this season as well as on defense at cornerback.

Season outlook: The program took a big step forward last year, hosting a playoff game for the first time and also earning its first postseason victory. It also marked the fifth time in the past six years the Chargers reached the playoffs.

The carryover of confidence, plus having 11 total starters and plenty of other players who picked up notable experience, should continue to push them toward contending for the top spot in their Division II-AA region.

They scored 30-plus points five times last year, and the potential is there for more of the same with no shortage of speed in the backfield. However, the Chargers must find a solid rotation of linemen – only one starter returns up front on offense – to help spring those athletes into the open field.

After a brutal back-to-back first two weeks against 2019 DII-AAA state champion McCallie, followed by Baylor – one of this year’s favorites in DII-AAA – the remaining schedule includes difficult road trips to Knoxville’s Grace, which won the region last year, and rival Boyd Buchanan, among the favorites in this year’s league race.

photo Staff photo by Robin Rudd / Chattanooga Christian quarterback Sam Hall, center, sets his feet to pass during a home game against Christian Academy of Knoxville on Nov. 8, 2019.