Skip to main content
Friday, November 6, 2026Nov 6
Subscribe
All Sections
Search
More

This story is exclusive to subscribers.

Snap judgments: McCallie faces different path in playoffs this season

Staff file photo / McCallie receiver Keeyshawn Tabuteau holds on to the football with one hand while preparing to hold off a Tyner defender with the other during a preseason jamboree matchup on Aug. 15 at Finley Stadium. Tabuteau and the Blue Tornado, TSSAA Division II-AAA’s two-time reigning state champions, are trying to win their way back to Finley for next month’s BlueCross Bowl.
Staff file photo / McCallie receiver Keeyshawn Tabuteau holds on to the football with one hand while preparing to hold off a Tyner defender with the other during a preseason jamboree matchup on Aug. 15 at Finley Stadium. Tabuteau and the Blue Tornado, TSSAA Division II-AAA’s two-time reigning state champions, are trying to win their way back to Finley for next month’s BlueCross Bowl. Staff file photo / McCallie receiver Keeyshawn Tabuteau holds on to the football with one hand while preparing to hold off a Tyner defender with the other during a preseason jamboree matchup on Aug. 15 at Finley Stadium. Tabuteau and the Blue Tornado, TSSAA Division II-AAA’s two-time reigning state champions, are trying to win their way back to Finley for next month’s BlueCross Bowl.

By Stephen Hargis, Patrick MacCoon, David Paschall 11 min read

McCallie has won five of the past six TSSAA Division II-AAA football state championships by successfully navigating various routes.

This could be the toughest journey of them all.

The Blue Tornado opened their quest for a third consecutive crown by scoring the first 56 points of Friday night’s 59-20 demolishing of Father Ryan in a first-round game at Spears Stadium. To reach the championship contest at Finley Stadium, they would need to win their quarterfinal matchup at Briarcrest Christian near Memphis and then potentially a semifinal showdown at rival Baylor.

Baylor must do its part to set up the rematch by defeating Knoxville Catholic at Heywood Stadium for the second time in a two-week span.

“It’s a challenge, but the road trips are business trips, and the kids seem to enjoy it,” McCallie coach Joel Bradford said. “When it comes to playoff time, it doesn’t matter where they play. It’s all about the do-or-die mentality and executing on a high level.