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Baylor-McCallie rivalry has produced state’s top prep football programs

Staff photo by Olivia Ross / McCallie's Enrique Jaimes Leclair is unable to catch a pass as host Baylor's Josh Hampton defends during a TSSAA Division II-AA East Region game at Heywood Stadium in 2022. McCallie, No. 1 in The Associated Press state rankings for DII-AAA this week, will host No. 2 Baylor on Friday night in the annual regular-season meeting between the Chattanooga rivals.
Staff photo by Olivia Ross / McCallie's Enrique Jaimes Leclair is unable to catch a pass as host Baylor's Josh Hampton defends during a TSSAA Division II-AA East Region game at Heywood Stadium in 2022. McCallie, No. 1 in The Associated Press state rankings for DII-AAA this week, will host No. 2 Baylor on Friday night in the annual regular-season meeting between the Chattanooga rivals. Staff photo by Olivia Ross / McCallie's Enrique Jaimes Leclair is unable to catch a pass as host Baylor's Josh Hampton defends during a TSSAA Division II-AA East Region game at Heywood Stadium in 2022. McCallie, No. 1 in The Associated Press state rankings for DII-AAA this week, will host No. 2 Baylor on Friday night in the annual regular-season meeting between the Chattanooga rivals.

By Stephen Hargis 9 min read

Every rivalry is rooted, at least somewhat, in jealousy.

Certainly there are levels of respect — however begrudgingly that is admitted — but a downright dislike and the burning desire to outshine someone who essentially mirrors you are the ingredients that fuel the best rivalries.

(WATCH: Baylor, McCallie both release hype videos ahead of Friday night’s rivalry game)

Baylor versus McCallie is not only the best prep sports rivalry in the Chattanooga area, but the devotion to outdo one another has actually driven the Red Raiders and Blue Tornado to become the two best high school football programs in all of Tennessee.

The pressure felt by the players and coaches involved on both sides has essentially helped produce a pair of diamonds when it comes to their on-field product.