The McCallie offense was once again on full display Friday, rolling up 530 total yards in a 58-27 Division II-AAA East/Middle Region win at Pope John Paul II.
Senior quarterback William Riddle threw for 305 yards and four touchdown to help the Blue Tornado (10-0, 5-0) finish a regular season unbeaten for the first time since 2001. The win was also the 156th at McCallie for head coach Ralph Potter, surpassing by one the victory total by his father, the late Pete Potter.
"I loved and respected my dad, so it's definitely an accomplishment that's appreciated," said Potter, who has guided his alma mater to consecutive state championships in 2019-20 and three titles overall. "I really appreciate (assistants) Mike Newman and Chris Richardson, who have been with me for every game, as well as every coach I've worked with.
"But really this is about these kids, who accomplished something pretty special by making it through a regular season undefeated against a really tough schedule. Now we need to get some guys healthy and be ready to make another run in the playoffs."
Top-ranked McCallie will have a bye in next week's first round then will host the winner of Father Ryan and Memphis University School in the quarterfinals. The Blue Tornado outrushed Pope John Paul II 225-32, led by Ontario Price's 185 yards and two touchdowns, while Xavier Gaillardetz had seven catches for 184 yards and two scores.
Maryville 42, Bradley Central 14: The second-ranked Rebels (10-0, 5-0 Region 2-6A) built a 35-7 first-half lead and rolled to the region championship, their 22nd consecutive league title, 141st straight region win and 50th win in a row over Chattanooga-area competition.
Seventh-ranked Bradley (8-2, 4-1) scored first on an 80-yard run by J'Alan Terry, but it was all Maryville after that.
South Pittsburg 42, Copper Basin 8: The Pirates (6-2, 3-0) secured their sixth Region 3-1A championship in a seven-year stretch, building a 35-0 lead by halftime. Keshaun Hill had three of the Pirates' four interceptions in the first half, returning one 35 yards for a score. Senior De'Andre Kelley ran for 169 yards and two touchdowns, including an 80-yarder, and also had a touchdown catch. Richard Hunter completed five of six passs for 103 yards and three scores, including two to twin brother Reginald.
Staff file photo by Robin Rudd / South Pittsburg's football team gave fans of the Pirates reason to cheer Friday night, beating Copper Basin to wrap up a region title.CAK 35, Silverdale Baptist 0: The Warriors earned the second seed in Division II-AA East, outgaining the Seahawks 413-112 in total yards. J.D. Dunn ran for 245 yards on 30 carries for Christian Academy of Knoxville (7-2, 5-1). Bryson Qualls led Silverdale Baptist (8-2, 4-2) with 12 tackles, and Brody Lamb had eight.
Rhea County 42, Coffee County 21: After Coffee County tied the game late in the second quarter, the Eagles countered with four unanswered touchdowns. Ethan Davis followed up a big game with another heroic effort, rushing for 252 yards and five scores on 29 carries as Rhea outrushed Coffee County 398-87.
McMinn County 18, Ooltewah 0: Jayden Miller totaled 203 yards - throwing for 132 and a touchdown to Luke Hensley and rushing 16 times for 71 yards. The Cherokees outgained the Owls 359-50 in total yards, including 227-17 on the ground.
Red Bank 60, Sequoyah 7: The Lions forced four turnovers, with junior linebacker AD Crutcher returning two fumbles for scores to help earn the top playoff seed for Region 3-4A, the program's first since 2018.
East Hamilton 45, Hixson 0: Juan Bullard ran for 205 yards and four scores, Jeremiah Flemmons threw for a pair of scores and Mel McFarland led the defense with 12 total tackles - six for loss and two sacks - as East Hamilton coach Grant Reynolds got his 150th career win.
Boyd Buchanan 56, Knoxville Grace 20: Malachi Powell ran for two touchdowns, threw for one and also had two interceptions on defense for the Buccaneers (4-5, 2-4).
Signal Mountain 29, Brainerd 10: Logan Farr ran for 130 yards and three touchdowns, had 42 receiving yards and also returned an interception for a score to help the Eagles secure the third playoff seed from Region 3-3A. Aiden Adkins had 12 tackles and a sack for the Eagles (6-4, 3-2).
Father Ryan 24, Baylor 20: Father Ryan scored twice in the final three minutes for its first DII-AAA East/Middle win of the year. Caleb Hampton ran for 218 yards to lead Baylor (6-4, 1-4), which is sixth in the region but still advances to the playoffs.
Bledsoe County 48, Polk County 7: Cadillac Siever ran for 174 yards and three touchdowns, and Gunnar Sweat added 92 rushing yards and a pair of scores to help lead the Warriors to the Region 3-2A win that secured the fourth playoff spot and ousted the Wildcats.
Tyner 44, Tellico Plains 6: Zashun Hubbard had two touchdown catches, both covering more than 30 yards, while Jarius Cameron had a 50-yard scoring reception. Javell Woodruff and Deonta Taylor each added scoring runs, and Rashun Hinton had a pick-six for the Rams.
Cleveland 56, Hardin Valley 9: Drew Lambert threw a pair of touchdown, both covering more than 50 yards, and Leo Paleili returned a fumble for a score to help the Blue Raiders (6-4, 2-3) secure the third playoff seed from Region 2-6A.
Walker Valley 34, Howard 0: Ryan Lay threw for 233 yards and four scores, including one to Aiden Gibson, who had six catches for 126 yards.
Grace Academy 44, Franklin Christian 28: A 20-point third quarter helped the Eagles pull away to improve to 10-0 in their first season competing in eight-man football. Senior Cooper Knecht threw for 187 yards and three touchdowns, ran for 113 yards and a score and led on defense with 10 tackles.
Other area scores:
Sale Creek 62, Lookout Valley 6
Soddy-Daisy 35, East Ridge 14
Sweetwater 28, McMinn Central 23
White County 49, Sequatchie County 7
Grundy County 14, Community 0
Contact Stephen Hargis at shargis@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6293. Follow him on Twitter @StephenHargis.