Here are four prep football games involving Chattanooga-area teams to watch Friday night during the 10th week of the 2026 regular season for TSSAA and GHSA programs.
McMinn County (5-3, 3-1) at Rhea County (6-2, 4-0): Rhea County senior offensive lineman Tyler Garrison has helped pave the way for the Golden Eagles to average 8.3 yards per carry this season heading into another key game for TSSAA Region 3-5A. Garrison’s blocking has also helped spring one of the area’s biggest breakout performers in sophomore Troy Brown, who has averaged 21.5 yards per carry and has touchdown runs covering 87 and 99 yards.
Rhea County beat McMinn County 34-6 last year, led in part by Jaxton Schmitt‘s efficient 7-of-9 passing for 202 yards. Schmitt has averaged 80 yards passing and rushing per game this year and has 26 touchdowns to two interceptions dating to the start of last season.
McMinn County’s Luke Lawson has averaged 237 passing yards per game this year and spreads the ball around well, with four receivers for the Cherokees having accumulated more than 200 yards.
The Cherokees are going up against one of the area’s stoutest defenses, too, as the Golden Eagles have given up an average of just 11.6 points per game and have not allowed a touchdown at Bill Horton Field since the second week of the season.