Chattanooga’s High School Football Teams Are Making Noise in the State Rankings

Three weeks into the season, it’s clear the Chattanooga area is putting together one of its strongest fall football showings in years. The Tennessee Sports Writers Association released its latest statewide prep poll on Monday, September 7, and ten Chattanooga-area teams earned a spot in the rankings, a reflection of just how deep the talent runs across our local programs this year.

A Season That Started Strong and Hasn’t Let Up

The area’s ranking count has stayed near the top of the state all season. Eleven Chattanooga-area teams opened the year ranked in the TSWA’s preseason poll, and that number actually grew to a dozen after Week 1 as local programs kept piling up statement wins. Two of the area’s own were unanimous preseason No. 1 selections in their classifications: South Pittsburg in Class 1A and Baylor in Division II-AAA, both entering the season as defending state champions.

South Pittsburg has backed that vote up. The Pirates have held the top spot in Class 1A through all three polls released so far this season, staying undefeated along the way.

Local Teams on the Move

Sale Creek has been one of the season’s better local storylines. The Panthers opened at No. 10 in the Class 1A preseason poll and have steadily climbed since, sitting at No. 6 after Week 3 at 2-0 on the season.

Tyner delivered one of the area’s loudest statements in Week 1, rushing for 335 yards and averaging more than eight yards per carry in a 34-27 home win over Silverdale Baptist. That performance vaulted Tyner to No. 2 in the Class 3A poll, while Silverdale dropped to No. 5 in Division II-AA following the loss.

Marion County also opened the season well-regarded, entering as the preseason No. 3 team in Class 2A, part of a strong showing for the area’s smaller-classification programs alongside Sale Creek and South Pittsburg.

Why This Matters for Local Football

Ten ranked teams in one region isn’t a coincidence, it’s a sign of the coaching, development, and community investment happening across Chattanooga-area football right now, from Class 1A programs like South Pittsburg and Sale Creek all the way up to Division II-AAA powerhouses like Baylor. Whatever classification your program plays in, this is clearly a strong year to be part of Chattanooga football.

Outfitting Chattanooga’s Ranked Programs, and Everyone Chasing Them

Whether your team is fighting for a top-10 spot or building toward one, having the right gear matters. The Athletic Shop works with football programs across the Chattanooga area on custom uniforms built through official Adidas and Under Armour uniform builders, along with practice gear, coaches’ apparel, and booster club spirit wear to support a program through a full season, and a full playoff run.

If your booster club is looking for an easier way to fund gear and spirit wear for the stretch run, our online team store builder lets parents and fans order directly, no cash collection required.

Get Your Program Ready

Whether you’re a coach, athletic director, or booster club leader, we’d love to help outfit your team for the rest of this season or get a head start on next year. Start your quote today.

FAQs About the Latest TSWA Poll

Q: How many Chattanooga-area teams are ranked in the latest poll?
A: Ten area teams earned rankings in the Tennessee Sports Writers Association poll released September 7, following Week 3 of the season.

Q: Which local teams were preseason No. 1 selections?
A: South Pittsburg (Class 1A) and Baylor (Division II-AAA) both entered the season as unanimous preseason No. 1 teams and defending state champions.

Q: How is South Pittsburg doing this season?
A: The Pirates have remained the No. 1 team in Class 1A through all three polls so far and are undefeated on the season.

Q: Does The Athletic Shop outfit teams across multiple classifications?
A: Yes. We work with football programs of every size and classification across the Chattanooga area, from small-school programs to Division II powerhouses.