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Tyner returns offensive firepower, Chatt Prep reloads on defense in Region 3-3A

Staff photo by Matt Hamilton / Tyner junior Dion Edwards is one of the top college football prospects in the country for the class of 2028, and he's a big reason why the Rams are considered TSSAA Class 3A title contenders this year.
Staff photo by Matt Hamilton / Tyner junior Dion Edwards is one of the top college football prospects in the country for the class of 2028, and he's a big reason why the Rams are considered TSSAA Class 3A title contenders this year. Staff photo by Matt Hamilton / Tyner junior Dion Edwards is one of the top college football prospects in the country for the class of 2028, and he's a big reason why the Rams are considered TSSAA Class 3A title contenders this year.

By Times Free Press Staff 6 min read

Take a look at Tyner’s football roster for the 2026 season, and the Rams appear plenty capable of winning at least a dozen games for the fourth time in a 10-year span.

The reasons why their current players inspire such confidence involve both their past success and their promising future.

With a solid nucleus returning from Tyner’s 2025 team, which reached the TSSAA Class 3A semifinals, and instant-impact transfers working to mesh with that group, the Rams are in good position to challenge reigning state champion Westview, which rode stars Graham Simpson and Asa Barnes to a 15-0 record.

Coach Christian Mainor’s Rams were just a play or two from reaching the BlueCross Bowl title matchup at Finley Stadium, but their 12-2 season ended in heartbreak on a frosty night in the Great Smoky Mountains last November as Gatlinburg-Pittman held on to win 23-20. Those who return are no doubt motivated by coming so close to playing for the program’s third state title.

Meanwhile, Chattanooga Prep believes it can once again challenge for the Region 3-3A crown. The Sentinels produced some inspiring performances last fall and should be even better with added experience and gains made in the weight room.