Knoxville Prepares for New High School Football Regions: TSSAA Releases Lineup for 2025-2028 Seasons
Knoxville, TN – The Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association (TSSAA) has announced the initial region alignments for high school football, set to take effect during the upcoming 2025 season and continuing through the 2028 seasons. This announcement marks a significant change for local teams and their communities.
Who is Affected?
The new alignments affect high schools across Tennessee, comprising a variety of regions, which will see teams shifting from one classification or region to another. Schools across eight regions will have the opportunity to appeal their placement during the TSSAA Board of Control’s regular meeting scheduled for November 21, 2023. Decisions made during this meeting could lead to further adjustments in the alignments.
What Are the New Regions?
According to the TSSAA, the new region groupings feature an array of schools, providing a diverse mix of opponents for both competition and community engagement. Here’s a brief overview of the newly proposed regions:
- Region 1: Cloudland, Cosby, Hancock County, Jellico, North Greene, Sunbright, Unaka
- Region 2: Coalfield, Greenback, Harriman, Midway, Oakdale, Oliver Springs, Rockwood, Wartburg Central
- Region 3: Copper Basin, Lookout Valley, Sale Creek, South Pittsburg, Whitwell
- Region 4: Clay County, Innovation Academy of Robertson County, Jo Byrns, Red Boiling Springs
- Region 5: Cornersville, Eagleville, Fayetteville, Huntland, Moore County, Richland
- Region 6: Collinwood, Hollow Rock-Bruceton Central, McEwen, McKenzie, Perry County, Wayne County, West Carroll
- Region 7: Dresden, Gleason, Greenfield, Humboldt, Lake County, South Fulton
- Region 8: Booker T. Washington, KIPP Memphis Collegiate, Manassas, Memphis Middle College, Middleton, Oakhaven, Westwood
Each region includes schools from various areas, illustrating TSSAA’s commitment to promoting regional rivalries and competitive balance among teams.
When Will the Alignments Be Finalized?
Following the appeal process on November 21, the final decisions regarding the region placements will be communicated to schools and are expected to solidify the rivalries and schedules leading up to the regular football seasons starting in 2025. Schools are advised to prepare for potential changes in their local competition.
Why the Changes?
The TSSAA conducts these alignments to address shifts in enrollment numbers, competitiveness, and travel considerations for schools. As populations in certain areas grow or decline, these changes are necessary to ensure fair competition and viable schedules for all teams involved.
Impact on Local Schools and Communities
These changes are not just numbers; they can have a considerable impact on local sports culture and community engagement. Schools will face new rivals, which may spark enthusiasm among students, alumni, and local fans as they prepare for fresh competitions. For smaller schools, aligning with peers of similar size can enhance their chances for success on the field.
Football remains a keystone of high school culture in Tennessee, and community support is likely to be pivotal as these alignments affect upcoming matchups. Schools are urged to keep open lines of communication with their communities to foster excitement and support as the new seasons approach.
In conclusion, as the TSSAA’s alignment process unfolds, stakeholders across Tennessee should stay tuned for updates. The Board of Control’s final decisions will pave the way for a new chapter in high school football, promising to shape the competitive landscape for several years to come.
