Must-see Knoxville area high school football games to watch in 2023
The Tennessee high school football regular season is a little over two weeks away. From rivalry games to intriguing matchups here are the 10 can't-miss games this 2023 football season.
Knoxville Central at Fulton
Date: Aug. 18
Why chosen: A rivalry game in the first week of the season is a treat for all Knoxville area football fans. Last year, Central beat the Falcons 41-21 at home. Frank Johnson IV, now a senior, should be a big playmaker as he looks to repeat his performance last year where he had four touchdowns. Fulton will be the host this time around and has won four of the last five home contests against the Bobcats. Central, however, leads the all-time series 36-20-2.
Knoxville Halls at Gibbs
Date: Aug. 25
Why chosen: Gibbs’ second game of the year will be much anticipated not only because it faces rival Halls. It will be the first time the Eagles play a true home game since the 2021 season. Gibbs’ stadium was delayed in construction, which caused the team to play home games at Carson-Newman University and other venues in 2022. This year's first home game will be a memorable return for Gibbs fans.
Fulton at Gatlinburg-Pittman
Date: Sept. 15
Why chosen: Gatlinburg-Pittman and Fulton haven’t matched up since 2014 and the Falcons lead the series 8-4, winning the last five games. The Highlanders have a chance to break the streak behind an offense led by senior quarterback Brady Hammonds who had 2,941 passing yards and 36 touchdowns last year. Fulton’s defense should pose a challenge under new defensive coordinator Larry Headrick who returns seven starters.
RETURNING PLAYERS TO WATCH: QB | WR/TE | RB | OL | DL | LB | DB | K/P
Farragut at Bearden
Date: Sept. 21
Why chosen: Farragut and Bearden are one of the most divisive rivalries in the Knoxville area. Last year, these teams played each other's final game of the regular season where Farragut won 28-21. The Admirals have won the last four meetings and lead the season series 42-22. Bearden may be able to pick up a win this year under returning quarterback Drew Parrott who as a sophomore threw for 2,100 yards and completed 64% of his passes.
Clinton at Oak Ridge
Date: Sept. 22
Why chosen: You’ll be hard-pressed to find too many teams in the state that have faced each other as many times as Oak Ridge and Clinton have. The Wildcats and Dragons will play for the 72nd time in September and have played every year since 1970. While Clinton hasn’t won since 2009, it has a chance to beat Oak Ridge behind senior safety D’Mon Marable, a Purdue commit.
Bearden at Maryville
Date: Sept. 29
Why chosen: Last year, Bearden fell 28-10 to Maryville in the second round of the Class 6A playoffs. This revenge game may look different as Bearden has its own star running back with senior transfer Jaheim Merriweather, a Purdue commit, to counteract the exploits of the Rebels’ Gage LaDue, an Air Force commit, who had 27 carries for 194 yards and three touchdowns in the last matchup.
Alcoa at West
Date: Sept. 29
Why chosen: It is practically a guarantee that when Alcoa and West meet, it will be an instant classic. In 2021, Alcoa eeked out a 21-20 win in double overtime at West's field. Last year, West had vengeance, beating Alcoa 29-26 on Alcoa’s field after Ryan Scott, who has an offer from Wake Forest, intercepted a game-winning touchdown pass to seal the win. Both teams won state championships last year and this should be a third awesome clash.
Anderson County at West
Date: Oct. 6
Why chosen: West plays another state champion from last year when it faces Anderson County. Both the Rebels and the Mavericks went undefeated in their seasons. Anderson County graduated star quarterback Walker Martinez, now at Carson Newman, and replace him with one of the Knoxville area’s top quarterbacks in senior Izaiah Hall who transferred from Jefferson County.
Maryville at Alcoa
Date: Oct. 20
Why chosen: Maryville and Alcoa is always a must-see event because it is one of the longstanding football rivalries in the state. Maryville leads the series 66-25-3 but last season, Alcoa beat the Rebels 27-14. This was the Tornadoes' first win over them since 2018. Maryville will be itching to get payback against their longtime rivals.
Powell at West
Date: Oct. 6
Why chosen: The Panthers end its regular season with a chance at payback against West who defeated them 28-21 in the Class 5A semifinals. These two teams are the past two state champions in Class 5A and both graduated their most potent offensive players. It is best to prepare for a battle of defensive forces led by Powell senior defensive end Steven Soles Jr., who has an offer from Alabama, and West senior defensive lineman CJ Smith, a three-star.
Toyloy Brown III is a Knox News sports reporter. Email tbrown@usatoday.com. Twitter @TJ3rd_.
This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: TSSAA football: Top Knoxville area matchups in 2023 season
