For the 23 teams participating in the annual Best of Preps football jamboree, it's a dress rehearsal before the curtain raises to open the regular season next week. For prep football fans, it's a chance to whet their appetites during the three-day event, which begins Thursday at Finley Stadium.
The jamboree, presented by Chattanooga Sports, features 23 teams from Hamilton, Bradley and Marion counties, as well as newcomer Murfreesboro Blackman.
Thursday's schedule features seven 20-minute quarters of action, with the final two days of the event having eight quarters each. Admission will be $10 each day.
Among the teams featured Thursday will be last year's TSSAA Class 1A state champion, South Pittsburg, taking on Signal Mountain and Silverdale Baptist, which returns 15 starters from its nine-win team last season.
Friday's matchups are highlighted by three-time reigning Division II-AAA state champion McCallie taking on Boyd Buchanan — which is now guided by Gary Rankin, the state's career wins leader, who was hired as head coach of the Buccaneers during the offseason. As for McCallie, the Blue Tornado also will take on Cleveland, while Chattanooga Christian — the Chargers' roster is led by Boo Carter, one of the nation's top junior prospects — will face Brainerd and Marion County, both of which hired new head coaches during the offseason.
Saturday's action begins with back-to-back games for Tyner against Central and Red Bank, and then Blackman — which features one of the state's fastest-paced offenses — will make its Best of Preps jamboree debut against Red Bank. The Blaze will also take on Baylor, which boasts several college prospects — including offensive lineman Brycen Sanders, who has committed to Ole Miss, and Duke-committed defensive lineman Tony Boggs. The Red Raiders are guided by Erik Kimrey, who led Hammond School of Columbia, South Carolina, to 12 state titles in 17 years and worked as an assistant at the University of South Carolina last season.
Spectators should note that per Finley Stadium restrictions, only one clear plastic bag no larger than 12 inches by 6 inches by 12 inches or a one-gallon clear, resealable plastic storage bag per person will be permitted. Fans will also be allowed a small clutch purse not to exceed 4.5 inches by 6.5 inches. No other bags will be allowed inside Finley Stadium.
All items, including clear bags and clutch purses, are subject to search at the gates.
Other prohibited items include no outside food or beverages, no stadium seats with arms and no weapons of any kind, including pocket knives. The following items are permitted: cushions or seats without arms or pockets and small bags with medically necessary items. Diapers and nonmedical necessary items for babies and young children should be carried in a clear bag. An infant or child must accompany a diaper bag.
Contact Stephen Hargis at shargis@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6293. Follow him on Twitter @StephenHargis.
At Finley Stadium; all times p.m.
Signal Mountain vs. Lookout Valley, 6
East Ridge vs. Lookout Valley, 6:30
South Pittsburg vs. Signal Mountain, 7
East Ridge vs. Sale Creek, 7:30
South Pittsburg vs. Silverdale Baptist, 8
Chattanooga Christian vs. Marion County, 9:30
East Hamilton vs. Notre Dame, 9
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