Prep football fans across the area are in luck this season. Many of the best traditional rivalries - those games that bring a little extra energy on Friday nights - are scattered across different dates, making it possible for any fan who isn't tied to a specific team to experience them all. Besides those heated rivalry games, there also are plenty of intriguing matchups sure to entertain.
So if you're up for a few road trips, plan on arriving early to sample some of the local tailgate menus and claim a good seat for the action.
Here's your road map to the Chattanooga area's can't-miss games this season:
Tonight, Brainerd at Howard: An old-school rivalry within the city that typically produces lots of big-play excitement and heavy hits. Brainerd has a sophomore class loaded with athletes, and Howard has shown a stingy defense in preseason scrimmages. Both bands add to the atmosphere, and this season both teams look to be playoff contenders, so getting off to a good start will be a key.
Aug. 24, Heritage at Ringgold: As football in Catoosa County has improved, so has the intensity of its rivalries. While Ringgold's Tigers hold a 9-1 overall edge in the series, the Generals won last year and the past three games have been decided by a total of 10 points.
Aug. 31, Red Bank at Signal Mountain or Dalton at Northwest Whitfield: With both Red Bank's and Signal Mountain's programs back on their feet, this is a rivalry that could become one of Hamilton County's best. The Lions reached the semifinals last year and return loads of talent, while Signal Mountain has been rebuilt and looks to challenge their neighbors for the region title.
Meanwhile, one of northwest Georgia's top rivalries is always a standing-room-only affair even though Dalton's Catamounts have dominated the series. There are few rivalries in this area that get as heated as this one, and this year's game should pit teams of equal talent.
Sept. 7, Marion County at South Pittsburg, 8: It's the second-oldest rivalry in the state and by far the most heated. The two schools are separated by just eight miles and have won more state championships and produced more all-state players than any other area teams, so the level of play is top-notch and the dislike between the two sides can be felt hanging on every play.
Sept. 14, Bradley Central at Cleveland: Similar to the previous week's choice, it's one of the area's most contentious in-county rivalries. There also should be plenty of star power on both sides, including Bears all-state quarterback Dylan Stadifer and sophomore receiver Tray Curry, a future FBS recruit expected to have a breakout season. Cleveland counters with defensive end Victor Dodd, who has an extremely quick first step and will look to get into the Bears backfield all night.
Sept. 21, Trion at Gordon Lee: Georgia's oldest continuous rivalry always features a packed stadium and students at their most exuberant. There are no secrets between the two rivals, as each will try to run the ball offensively and try to stop it on defense. There is always a surprise or two before, during or after the game.
Sept. 28, Northwest Whitfield at Ridgeland: These teams may have exchanged offenses from last year as Northwest's Bruins, with arguably the area's most physical running back in Dominique Sistrunk, will look to pound the Panthers. Ridgeland has scrapped the wing-T for a spread offense and by this week should be rolling behind senior quarterback Tanner Hill.
Oct. 5, Soddy-Daisy at Bradley Central: Whoever is operating the scoreboard may have sore fingers by the time this one ends. Both offenses are fast-paced and the two quarterbacks - Bradley's Standifer and the Trojans' Gavin Chambers - each threw for more than 2,000 yards last year.
Oct. 12, Baylor at McCallie: A word of advice - arrive at Spears Stadium very, very early. Tailgaters will be set up by midafternoon, if not sooner, giving the city's oldest and best rivalry a small-college feel around the campus. The entertainment begins with the two packed student sections hurling witty insults back and forth, and once the game begins the level of play and the sheer number of future college athletes makes it impressive and entertaining.
Oct. 19, Notre Dame at Chattanooga Christian, 7: If you like points and getting to catch a glimpse of future college players, this game is well worth your time. Led by Mr. Football finalist Cam Wynn, the Fighting Irish averaged 43 points on their way to reaching the Division II-AA state-title game last year. CCS offers arguably the area's best running back, as senior Mondo Ellison finished among the state leaders with more than 1,700 yards last year. There should be plenty of back-and-forth big plays by both teams in this region showdown.
Oct. 26, Tyner at Central: It's not a region game, but it always produces highlight plays and some of the hardest hits of any matchup. Tyner has a wealth of talent back from last year's Class 2A state runner-up team, and Central is one of the few teams in the county who can match the Rams athlete for athlete.
Nov. 2, Northwest Whitfield at Heritage: This game has decided playoff positioning the past two seasons and very well could do so again this time around. Both teams have new starters in key spots, so by game 10 they should be at their best.
Contact Stephen Hargis at shargis@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6293. Follow him on Twitter @StephenHargis.