High School Sports Saturday with Tate Mathews

Welcome to another week of High School Sports Saturday, host Tate Matthews breaks down an action-packed opening weekend. Sponsored by the historic Jimmy Kelly’s Steakhouse, the broadcast sets the stage for the season with a look ahead to Saturday's biggest matchups, including BGA vs. St. Michael Catholic and Riverdale taking on Knoxville Catholic. We also sit down with a stellar lineup of guests, featuring Upperman High School Head Coach Adam Caine, Fairview High School Head Coach Chris Hughes, and The Tennessean's high school sports reporter Tom Kreager to get their expert insights on the Mid-State headlines and early-season victories. The heart of the show dives deep into Friday night's most thrilling game recaps and standout individual performances across the region. We cover all the major box scores, from Amari Sanders' explosive 98-yard kickoff return for Franklin Road Academy to Jackson Themm's clutch double-overtime field goal for Shelbyville. Listeners will get the full rundown on massive week-one wins, including Antioch's commanding ground game against Mt. Juliet, Blackman's decisive victory in Coach Will Hester's debut, and McCallie's nail-biting overtime victory against Lipscomb Academy. Plus, Tate shares a quick update on where to find deep-dive historical football interviews on The Tate Matthews Podcast YouTube channel.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tate Is Joined By Tom Kreager of The Tennessean to break down a wild Week 1 of Tennessee high school football. After surviving a Friday night plagued by extreme heat and cramping, the guys recap standout performances, surprising finishes, and look ahead to a packed Saturday slate. Segment Highlights: Heavyweight Clashes: An analysis of DGG's dominant, massive offensive line against Brentwood Academy, and the looming question of whether Baylor is in a league of its own. Goal Line Controversy: Breaking down Lipscomb Academy's overtime loss to McCallie, highlighted by the highly debated coaching decision to run a shotgun snap from the goal line. The Pearl-Cohn Project: A sneak peek at the season-long embedded documentary series following Pearl-Cohn, featuring a fantastic anecdote about Hall of Fame coach Maurice Fitzgerald moonlighting on the chain gang. Friday Night Standouts: Shoutouts to Ravenwood's impressive win, Kirkwood's Miles Redding putting up monster numbers in Montgomery County, and Quincy Mitchell's explosive 200-yard, three-touchdown performance at Chapel Hill. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tate Is Joined By Coach Chris Hughes, head coach of the Fairview Yellow Jackets, to break down the team's gritty 21-7 season-opening road win over East Hickman and look ahead to an exciting Week 2 matchup. Despite early penalties and a "sloppy" second half, Coach Hughes highlighted the resilience of his notably young squad.Week 1 Victory Breakdown Aerial Attack: Quarterback Isaac Burgos made a splash in his first start under the Friday night lights, throwing for 137 yards and two touchdowns. Ground Game: Running back Julius Carter continued his dominance with 13 carries for 114 yards, sparked by an explosive 68-yard run in the first quarter that put the Yellow Jackets on the board. Defensive Youth: Facing a bruising, pull-heavy single-wing offense, Fairview's young defense—which started eight underclassmen—stepped up. Junior Bryson Harrison (13 tackles), freshman Rellan Langford (12 tackles), and sophomore safety Trace McCoy (10 tackles) led the physical charge. Scout Team Reality: Coach Hughes candidly shared the brutal challenge of prepping for East Hickman's unique offense, noting he had to use his starting offensive line on the scout team just to give his defense a realistic look in practice. Looking Ahead: Centennial Cougars The Matchup: Fairview returns to the nest to host the 5A Centennial Cougars, presenting a drastically different athletic challenge and a major test of roster depth. House Money: Embracing the underdog mentality against a larger Williamson County school, Coach Hughes noted his team is excited to prove themselves and is "playing with house money." Covering the Spread: The segment wrapped with playful banter about the show's new betting lines. Coach Hughes joked about owing Patrick after missing a 42-point projection due to penalties, but promised they would try to cover the spread against Centennial. What specific adjustments are you making to your scout team preparation this week to better simulate Centennial's speed and spacing?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tate Is Joined By Coach Adam Kane of the Upperman Bees to break down their thrilling season-opening victory over the Webb School. Coach Kane details the gritty, down-to-the-wire win in Baxter and shares his immense respect for opposing coaching legend George Quarles.Segment Highlights & Key Takeaways: Ground-and-Pound Identity: Coach Kane discusses Upperman's unapologetically physical offensive strategy. By leaning on a heavy offensive line and Ole Miss tight end commit Colton Johnson, the Bees dominated the time of possession, holding the ball for 35 of the game's 48 minutes and wearing down the defense. Backfield Dominance: A standout performance from the workhorse duo of Jude Fitzpatrick and Gavin Fraser, who combined for 39 carries, 251 yards, and two touchdowns to power the offense. Old-School Mentality: Kane emphasizes a commitment to winning over padding passing stats, sharing his blunt advice to college recruits: if you can't block, you can't play at this level. Looking Ahead: A preview of next week's tough matchup against the reloaded Greeneville Green Devils, complete with a humorous anecdote about a late-night text from a fellow coach playfully ruining his Thursday evening with a scouting report. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

High School Sports Saturday kicks off the start of the Tennessee high school football season with host Tate Matthews who dives straight into the excitement of Week 1, previewing marquee televised games, breaking down The Tennessean’s newly released preseason Top 1–136 rankings, and examining the transition from summer jamborees to regular-season game weeks across Middle Tennessee. Tate is joined by Dickson County head coach Jeff Tomlinson to discuss the grand opening of their new $7.2 million facility and their historic home-opener rivalry against Columbia Central. Ravenwood head coach Ricky Rodriguez calls in to break down the Raptors' preparation, the emergence of new starting quarterback Brooks Brown, and their showdown against Mississippi powerhouse Madison-Ridgeland Academy. Finally, Tom Kreager of The Tennessean provides expert insight into top-ranked contenders, major matchups like Baylor vs. Brentwood Academy and Oakland vs. CPA, and the significance of Pearl-Cohn hosting Montgomery Bell Academy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tate is joined by Tom Kreager of The Tennessean to break down the kickoff of the Tennessee high school football season, highlighted by the release of The Tennessean’s preseason top 1-136 rankings and an action-packed Week 1 slate.Key Discussion Points: The Tennessean Preseason Rankings:Tate and Tom dive into the newly released preseason rankings, reacting to early feedback and social media buzz. They discuss notable top-10 teams—including Brentwood Academy (#1), Battle Ground Academy (#2), Riverdale (#3), and Oakland (#4)—while evaluating high expectations for Riverdale, potential sleeper teams like Springfield, and key contenders like Ravenwood. Televised & Marquee Week 1 Matchups: Baylor vs. Brentwood Academy on ESPN2 featuring elite running back talent. Nolensville vs. Lebanon (MyTV30), BGA vs. St. Michael Catholic, and the CPA vs. Oakland Saturday showdown. The physical, hard-fought matchup between Beech and Green Hill. Pearl-Cohn Hosting Montgomery Bell Academy (MBA):A historic home matchup for Pearl-Cohn, highlighting major facility and stadium renovations, support from Metro Nashville Public Schools (MNPS), and the significance of MBA making the trip to play at Pearl-Cohn. Coaching Notes & Storylines:A look at the coaching landscape across the state, including George Quarles' return, legendary coach Gary Rankin, and thoughts on preseason jamborees wrapping up as regular-season game prep begins. Facility Upgrades:A shoutout to Warner Athletic and the ongoing turf installation project for Eagleville High School. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tate is joined by Ravenwood High School football head coach Ricky Rodriguez to preview the Raptors' upcoming season and Week 1 matchup. Offseason & Weather Challenges: Coach Rodriguez discusses managing weather delays, heat index thresholds, and the return to school as the team prepares for the regular season. New Starting Quarterback: With multi-year starters Femi Babalola and Maverick Chance graduating to play college football, Coach Rodriguez highlights new QB1 Brooks Brown, praising his off-field leadership, growth, and work ethic. Key Players & Leadership: Discussion includes standout running back Caden Pace—expected to shoulder a heavy load in the backfield and serve as the team's vocal leader—along with highly recruited junior defensive lineman Aiden Woodruff. Scrimmage Takeaways: A recap of their recent weather-delayed scrimmage at Mount Juliet High School, noting strong performances from their newly rebuilt offensive line. Week 1 Matchup: A preview of their Friday night home opener against Mississippi powerhouse Madison-Ridgeland Academy (MRA), coached by Herb Davis (father of Ravenwood OC Hayden Davis), including pregame tailgate festivities and the strong community atmosphere at Wilson Pike. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tate is joined by Coach Jeff Tomlinson, head coach of the Dickson County Cougars, to discuss the team's upcoming Week 1 season opener and major program milestones. New $7.2M Sports Complex Unveiling: After spending all of last season on the road, Dickson County returns home to open a renovated stadium featuring a new turf field, surrounding track, end-to-end bleachers on both sides, a jumbotron scoreboard, party lighting, and new tennis courts. Historic Opener vs. Columbia Central: The Cougars open their season by renewing a 50-plus-year tradition against Columbia Central, kicking off a four-game homestand that also includes matchups against LaVergne, Creek Wood, and Henry County. Preseason Scrimmage Takeaways: Coach Tomlinson highlighted the team's progression over three scrimmages, emphasizing the focus on cleaning up pre-snap penalties and staying healthy heading into Week 1. Key Roster Highlights: Linebacker Core: Two-year returning starters Quincy Blue, Hunter Webb, and Eli Overton lead an experienced defensive front. Offensive Weapons: Junior quarterback Caden True (12-for-13 with 4 touchdowns across the first two scrimmages) steps in as QB1 alongside returning Region Receiver of the Year Ellis Hamrick. Administrative Support: Recognition of principal Cap Perez, athletic director Jay Powlas, and central office administrator Joey Holley for managing facility logistics so the coaching staff could focus on the team. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With high school football season right around the corner, Tate Mathews delivers comprehensive preseason previews, coaching insights, and expert recruitment breakdowns from across Middle Tennessee. The show features in-depth interviews with Josh Colbert of the Performance Therapy Institute on preseason conditioning and injury prevention, Oakland Patriots Head Coach Kevin Creasy coming off a 15-0 state championship run, Brentwood Bruins Head Coach Clint Finch, and The Tennessean’s Tom Kreager highlighting top regional prospects and upcoming team rankings.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Tennessean's Tom Kreager joins the show to discuss major headlines across the Middle Tennessee high school football scene as teams prepare for Week 1. Kreager highlights Springfield's 5-star recruit Jermontae Morris (Compton/Cobbs), the annual "Dandy Dozen" list and honorable mentions, regional predictions, and key scrimmage updates. Plus, a sneak peek at upcoming statewide player rankings and big week-one match-ups on the horizon.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Head Coach Clint Finch of the Brentwood Bruins joins the show to share an inside look at how the Bruins are gearing up for the 2026 high school football season. Coach Finch praises his team's hard work throughout off-season training and preseason scrimmages, highlighting the dramatic physical transformation and impressive pocket presence of junior quarterback Gavin Strang. He also breaks down the depth of the Bruins' receiving corps, key defensive improvements and turnover focus, and the unique challenges of a road-heavy early schedule before heading into a home-field second half.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Oakland Patriots Head Football Coach Kevin Creasy joins the show to provide a detailed report on how the defending champions are looking in preseason practice. He breaks down recent scrimmage performances against Lipscomb Academy and McCallie, discusses the development of sophomore quarterback Cam Morton and versatile weapon Dante Cameron, and highlights an elite defensive unit led by linebackers and safeties like Adrian Peebles and Colin Mitchell. Coach Creasy also previews Oakland's tough early-season schedule, including upcoming matchups with CPA, Clarksville, and a special road trip to Centerville, Ohio.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tate welcomes in Josh Colbert, founder of the Performance Therapy Institute, to talk about pre-season athlete health, proper hydration, and how to prevent common sports injuries before they start. Plus, Josh shares some hilarious and unexpected real-world injury stories from the clinic.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tate talks to Tom Kreger about recent high school football scrimmages, focusing on the matchup between Lipscomb Academy and the Oakland Patriots. The conversation highlights standout player transfers, upcoming games broadcasted on ESPN, and ongoing evaluations of player eligibility and transfer paperwork by Rutherford County officials.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tate Talks with Blackman High School head football coach Will Hester on August 1st to recap the Blaze’s recent scrimmage against Montgomery Bell Academy (MBA). Coach Hester characterizes the low-scoring contest as a defensive-dominated scrimmage, noting that while both teams executed some good plays, there remains significant room for offensive improvement before the season kicks off in three weeks. The conversation highlights Blackman's solid tackling performance, the ongoing healthy competition between their two promising quarterbacks, and the team's shift toward practicing game-day headset communication. Looking forward, Coach Hester details their upcoming scrimmage against Hendersonville, touching on the routine challenges teams face as school starts back up, while both agree that Middle Tennessee continues to be a hotbed for high-caliber quarterback talent.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tate speaks with Franklin Admirals head football coach Josh Atkins following a successful scrimmage against Riverdale to kick off August. Coach Atkins highlights early offensive execution—specifically praise for the offensive line, a converted fourth-down 40-plus yard touchdown run by quarterback Ryder Greg, and the return of broad receiver/tight end Bronx Brusscato—while acknowledging defensive communication growth against Riverdale's speedy receivers. The discussion emphasizes the team's strong running back tandem of Joseph "JoJo" Penaya and sophomore Corey Cook, as well as unique team bonding, such as an ongoing tradition with kicker Henry Ruth, who earns a ketchup sandwich for every touchback. Looking ahead to next week's scrimmage against Rockvale and their season opener against LaVerne in 20 days, Coach Atkins stresses sharpening execution and focusing on incremental improvements to build a complete, disciplined squad.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This episode of High School Sports Saturday centers on the kickoff of the Tennessee high school football preseason, highlighting recent scrimmage performances and key storylines heading into the new season. Coach Will Hester of the Blackman Blazes discussed his team’s defensive battle against Montgomery Bell Academy, while Coach Josh Atkins of the Franklin Admirals recapped their strong offensive line play and running depth against Riverdale. Additional scrimmages included a 0–0 tie between Lipscomb Academy and Oakland. Tom Kreger of The Tennessean offered insights on regional results, player rankings, and high school transfer policies. The show also covered two upcoming nationally televised matchups on ESPN2—Brentwood Academy vs. Baylor and Battle Ground Academy vs. St. Michael Catholic—along with the “Dandy Dozen” countdown of top regional prospects, which culminated with Keshawn Bowman ranked number one. Kreger further addressed ongoing Rutherford County compliance checks related to student-athlete transfer documentation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This episode of High School Sports Saturday broadcast live from the new Williamson County Schools (WCS) Innovation Center in Franklin, Tennessee, opens with WCS District Director of Athletics Coach Patrick Whitlock, who introduces the expanded Fall Media Day lineup—now featuring girls' volleyball and soccer alongside football—while highlighting the center's career-focused vocational programs (including flight simulators, cybersecurity, culinary arts, and hospitality management), the "Outside the Lines" (OTL) student media initiative, student transfer policies, and the importance of hiring quality coaches to build strong school athletic culture. First-year Centennial High School head coach Coach Chad Broadrick then details assembling his coaching staff, transitioning from defensive coordinator, and reshaping the Cougars' offense following the loss of key 2025 playmakers Mitchell Granger and Malachi Steel by leaning on five returning senior offensive linemen ahead of preseason scrimmages against Lebanon, Independence, and Father Ryan. Next, Nolensville High School head coach Coach Scott Stiddem provides an outlook on his second season leading the Knights, detailing the return of 14 starters (seven on offense and seven on defense), extensive stadium upgrades featuring new turf with heat-reducing green rubber pellets, LED lights, and a video board, his strong support for multi-sport athletes, and a challenging early schedule starting with a Thursday night season opener against Antioch on MyTV30. Nolensville senior defensive lineman Jake Centell follows, explaining how his background as a three-time state-placing wrestler enhances his leverage, hand-fighting, and physical conditioning on the field, while discussing his summer weight training regimen, interest in aviation, and college recruiting process. Senior quarterback Ryan Newell then discusses taking over as Nolensville's starting signal-caller alongside a close-knit group of classmates who have played together since middle school, explaining how his commitment to play Division I baseball at Bowling Green State University and his childhood experience in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu assist his vision and quick decision-making under pressure as the team pursues a state championship. Finally, The Tennessean high school sports columnist Tom Kreager wraps up the broadcast by reviewing the start of full-pad practices across Middle Tennessee, analyzing the commitment of five-star offensive lineman David Sanders Jr. to the University of Tennessee, spotlighting Christ Presbyterian Academy's (CPA) passing attack led by quarterback Bo Bryan and wide receivers Maximus Curry and Maddox Porter, and previewing The Tennessean's annual "Dandy Dozen" series profiling the region's top high school football talent.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tate speaks with Tom Kreager of The Tennessean about the upcoming local high school football season. After exchanging birthday wishes for Kreager and Coach Floyd Walker, the two discuss the transition into full-pad practices on Monday and highlight key area prospects. They analyze University of Tennessee commit DGG, comparing his physical, high-powered play style to a shorter Derrick Henry, and review Battle Ground Academy's offense led by quarterback Boo Bryan and wide receivers Maximus Curry and Maddox Porter. Additionally, Kreager provides an update on the release schedule for The Tennessean's "Dandy Dozen" player rankings before joining the media day proceedings.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tate speaks with Nolensville Knights head coach Scott Stidham alongside student-athletes Jake Jake Sentell and Ryan Newell to preview the program's upcoming season. Coach Stidham highlights the team's returning starters on both offense and defense, as well as offseason facility upgrades including new turf, a updated track, a video board, and LED lights. The players reflect on how competing in secondary sports—such as wrestling for Jake Sentell and baseball and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for Newell—translates to on-field football performance through physical toughness, leverage, quick decision-making, and team leadership. The group concludes by discussing their preseason preparations, upcoming scrimmages, early schedule challenges, and their collective goal of contending for a state championship.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tate is joined by Coach Chad Broadrick of the Centennial Cougars for a live remote interview at the WCS Fall Media Day. Broadrick reflects on his transition into the head coaching role since his mid-January hire, discussing the challenges of assembling his coaching staff and praising the team's booster club for their exceptional fundraising efforts. Looking ahead to the season, he addresses the team's need to adapt after losing major offensive firepower from the 2025 roster, noting that they will rely heavily on a talented sophomore class and a starting lineup of five senior offensive linemen rather than attempting high-scoring shootouts. Finally, Broadrick outlines the team's preparation strategy, detailing upcoming scrimmages against Lebanon, Independence, and Father Ryan, while previewing a challenging Week 1 matchup against a revamped Stewarts Creek team.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tate is joined by WCS Athletics Director Patrick Whitlock to Kick Off the Expanded Fall Media Day at the Brand-New Innovation Center The conversation highlights how this year's event has expanded beyond the standard nine football programs to also spotlight the district's highly competitive girls' volleyball and soccer teams, offering more student-athletes valuable public speaking and media experience. Additionally, the discussion explores the impressive real-world vocational opportunities the new facility offers students—ranging from aviation simulators and culinary arts to hands-on sports broadcasting with the OTL group—while touching on the critical importance of building a positive community culture to retain top-tier coaching talent in today’s competitive high school sports landscape.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Join us for a jam-packed weekend edition of High School Sports Saturday! With the 2026 fall sports season right around the corner, we are breaking down everything you need to know about Middle Tennessee athletics. In This Episode: Coach James Counce (Rockvale Rockets Football): Entering his second year at the helm, Coach Counce discusses closing the competitive gap in a brutal Region 3-6A. We dive into the importance of building team toughness, what to expect from his southpaw quarterback, and how the Rockets are preparing for their opening scrimmages against Beech and Franklin. Garth Bouldin (High School Power Hour): Garth drops by to announce the highly anticipated return of the High School Power Hour! The Friday night staple is back for its second season starting August 14th. We talk about the challenges of mid-state scheduling, battling weather delays, and expanding the show's footprint to highlight even more local sports programs. Tom Kreeger (The Dandy Dozen): It is the 20th anniversary of the Dandy Dozen! Tom breaks down the 2026 list featuring standout Middle Tennessee recruits, including top-tier SEC and Big Ten commits. We also take a fun, honest look back at the biggest "misses" in the Dandy Dozen's two-decade history. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tate Matthews welcomes Tom Kreager (TK) of The Tennessean to the show to discuss the highly anticipated release of the 2026 Dandy Dozen. Marking the 20th anniversary of the prestigious list, which first began in 2007, TK breaks down the elite twelve mid-state high school athletes who made the cut. The duo previews the alphabetical roster, featuring heavy hitters like Antioch's 4-star Colorado quarterback commit Andre Adams, Upperman's Ole Miss commit Colton Johnson, and an explosive trio of receivers from Brentwood Academy. TK also provides behind-the-scenes details of the players' recent indoor photoshoot held at Franklin Road Academy (FRA). Later in the segment, Tate and TK review a special anniversary piece: "The 10 Biggest Misses of the Dandy Dozen.". They reflect on historical evaluation misses, discussing players who were completely left off the list—like Goodpasture's Keenan Reynolds, who later finished fifth in the Heisman voting—and players who were ranked far too low, such as Donta Hightower, Graham Barton, Marcel Reed, and Alontae TaylorSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tate is joined by Garth Bolden to officially preview the highly anticipated second season of the High School Power Hour! Broadcasting on 104.5 The Zone, the premier mid-state high school sports show is back and bigger than ever. Garth breaks down the show's expanded coverage footprint for the upcoming season, previewing key football storylines, coaching changes, and detailing the program's transition into year-round high school sports broadcasting.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tate is joined by Rockvale Rockets Head Football Coach, James Counce, as he enters his second year at the helm. Coach Counce breaks down his strategy for closing the gap in one of the state's most brutal regions. He shares insights from their early spring practices, the ongoing mission to boost the team's overall "football IQ," and their recent 7-on-7 work against BGA and Nashville Christian. With a veteran roster of 33 seniors and a dynamic southpaw quarterback, the Rockets are gearing up to be a highly physical force this fall. Coach Counce also reflects on the coaching philosophy passed down from his Hall of Fame father, James Counce Sr., and his time playing under Francis "Boots" Donnelly at MTSUSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to another episode of High School Sports Saturday with Tate Mathews! As the fall sports season quickly approaches, we have an absolutely packed lineup of interviews for you today. Here is what we have on tap for this week's show: Coach Bruce Hatfield drops by to share the latest updates from the Tennessee Athletic Coaches Association. Coach Chris Keylon, the new head football coach at East Robertson, sits down with us to discuss his vision for his team's upcoming season. Patrick Whitlock, Williamson County's District Athletic Director, outlines an exciting professional development day tailored for local coaches. Tom Kreager, our go-to sports journalist, wraps things up with a fresh news update to give you a complete, comprehensive look at what is happening across the region's athletic landscape. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tate Is Joined By Tom Kreager of the Tennessean to dive into the latest Middle Tennessee high school football action, kicking things off with a recap of the Riverdale 7-on-7 tournament and a nod to the school's fresh Warner Athletic turf field. The guys highlight the Tennessee Titans' upcoming "car wash" media day at Nissan Stadium, a massive event designed to hype up the season by hosting over 60 local schools for interviews and photos. Kreager also breaks down Knoxville Catholic's self-imposed, one-year restrictive probation stemming from a recruiting violation, while acknowledging the unique challenges of playing in their highly competitive division. To wrap things up, they tease the highly anticipated 20th-anniversary drop of the "Dandy Dozen" list coming next week, setting the stage for an exciting high school football season ahead.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tate Is Joined By District Athletic Director Patrick Whitlock to discuss Williamson County's strategic focus as high school athletics return from the dead period. Their conversation highlights an upcoming professional development day designed to equip coaches with crucial off-the-field skills, featuring presentations on the TSSAA recruiting rule by Joe Blair and mental health and failure management by Ben Zobrist's nonprofit, Champion Forward. Whitlock also previews the highly anticipated WCS Media Day scheduled for July 25th at the Innovation Center, which will provide all nine high school football programs, alongside volleyball and girls' soccer teams, a professional platform to engage with local media ahead of the rapidly approaching fall season.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tate Is Joined By Chris Keylon, the newly appointed head football coach for the East Robertson Indians. Throughout the segment, Coach Keylon details his journey back to his Middle Tennessee roots following coaching stints at Pine Richland in Pennsylvania and Harrison High School in Arkansas. He outlines his core vision for the team's identity, emphasizing a commitment to fielding the toughest, most physical roster—a coaching philosophy heavily inspired by his college roommate, Coach Walt Wells. While maintaining this aggressive, downhill approach, Keylon also plans to introduce a more active passing game to capitalize on the talents of Chason, the team's returning Mr. Football finalist quarterback. As they prepare for a challenging season, the coach expresses enthusiasm for their upcoming scrimmages against Gordonsville, White House, and Greenbrier, which will serve as an initial test of their newly installed physical style.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tate Is Joined By Bruce Hatfield to discuss the Tennessee Athletic Coaches Association (TACA) and its extensive benefits for educators across all sports. Following personal shoutouts to his family and fellow coach Dan "Pops" Winfrey, Hatfield highlights how TACA supports its members through initiatives like a $2 million classroom and field insurance policy, free admission to T W S S A A state championship games, student-athlete scholarships, and assistant coach awards. Hatfield also details the organization's history since its founding in 1983 by Coach Cartwright, its affordable membership fees of $52 for individuals or $45 for groups of 15 or more, and the highly anticipated East-West All-Star Classic football game held in Clarksville. The segment concludes with excitement over the All-Star event's return to the DoubleTree Hotel and a heartfelt "Commando pride" shoutout to their mutual friends, Janice "Yaya" and George Welch.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to the 4th of July episode of High School Sports Saturday With Tate Mathews! This show kicks off with an energetic Fourth of July greeting, celebrating America's 250th birthday. Tate quickly sets the agenda for the morning's broadcast, announcing upcoming interviews with newly appointed Rutherford County Athletics Director Coach Greg Wyant, Nolensville volleyball coach Brett Young, and regular guest Tom Kreager from The Tennessean. Tate lists numerous local athletes and coaches who recently earned mid-state and all-state honors in boys' and girls' lacrosse, baseball, and softball. Wrapping up the block, he issues a vital reminder for student-athletes to hydrate as the state's mandatory two-week athletic "dead period" comes to a close. Next, Tate speaks with Greg Wyant, the newly appointed Athletic Director for Rutherford County Schools. Wyant reflects on his transition to this county-wide administrative role after a 34-year career coaching and directing athletics at local high schools like Riverdale and Siegel. A major focal point of their conversation is the critical importance of middle school athletic programs. Wyant emphasizes that developing foundational skills at the middle school level—and retaining those athletes—is essential for building highly competitive high school feeder programs across the county's rapidly growing athletic landscape. The discussion also covers the strategic expansion of the county's athletic administration, specifically highlighting the hiring of Jenna Jones as the new athletics compliance director. Wyant explains that he and Jones will divide administrative and compliance responsibilities to better support all of the county's schools, ensuring they adhere strictly to TSSAA regulations while advocating for smaller schools. As the interview wraps up, Wyant confirms he will also maintain his seat on the TSSAA Legislative Council, which provides a strategic advantage for Rutherford County by keeping them on the front lines of state-wide athletic policies and best practices. Tate is also joined by Brett Young, the head volleyball coach for the Nolensville Lady Knights, on this segment the two discussed how local teams navigate the summer dead period. Coach Young emphasized the importance of resting his heavily scheduled club players, noting that after the break, the team will resume practice in mid-July. He detailed that preseason camps are slated for early August, with the Lady Knights’ first official match scheduled for August 17th. The conversation then shifted to the high level of competition in Williamson County and Nolensville's promising roster. Coach Young shared his excitement about returning eight of his top nine rotation players from last year, praising the skills of senior ETSU commit Taylor Collins and the team's two returning setters, Avery Ethridge and Sadie Demming. They also touched on the formidable local volleyball landscape, recognizing the historic strength of Brentwood and Ravenwood while agreeing that Franklin looks to be the district favorite this year. Tate is finally joined by Tom Kreager of The Tennessean for a festive 4th of July edition of High School Sports Saturday. After kicking things off with some holiday grilling banter about Kreager's brisket and messy mac-and-cheese, the energetic duo quickly pivoted to the highly anticipated return of high school football. They highlighted the upcoming 7-on-7 tournament week starting on Monday, specifically pointing out major local events and competitions scheduled at Lebanon and Riverdale high schools. The conversation then shifted to a recently published article ranking Tennessee's top ten high school athletes of all time. The two sports minds eagerly debated the ever-changing list and broke down a few notable inclusions: #1 Wilma Rudolph: They offered immense respect for the Clarksville track legend, acknowledging her incredible Olympic achievements and unparalleled legacy despite her untimely passing. #10 Steve Spurrier: They shared a fun historical nugget about the Science Hill standout, noting he chose to play for Florida instead of Tennessee because UT's single-wing offense didn't suit his forward-passing style. Mookie Betts: The segment wrapped with unanimous agreement that the Nashville-area native is not only on a first-ballot MLB Hall of Fame trajectory, but is also undeniably the best bowler in baseball.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tate is joined by Tom Kreager of The Tennessean for a festive 4th of July edition of High School Sports Saturday. After kicking things off with some holiday grilling banter about Kreager's brisket and messy mac-and-cheese, the energetic duo quickly pivoted to the highly anticipated return of high school football. They highlighted the upcoming 7-on-7 tournament week starting on Monday, specifically pointing out major local events and competitions scheduled at Lebanon and Riverdale high schools. The conversation then shifted to a recently published article ranking Tennessee's top ten high school athletes of all time. The two sports minds eagerly debated the ever-changing list and broke down a few notable inclusions: #1 Wilma Rudolph: They offered immense respect for the Clarksville track legend, acknowledging her incredible Olympic achievements and unparalleled legacy despite her untimely passing. #10 Steve Spurrier: They shared a fun historical nugget about the Science Hill standout, noting he chose to play for Florida instead of Tennessee because UT's single-wing offense didn't suit his forward-passing style. Mookie Betts: The segment wrapped with unanimous agreement that the Nashville-area native is not only on a first-ballot MLB Hall of Fame trajectory, but is also undeniably the best bowler in baseball. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tate was joined by Brett Young, the head volleyball coach for the Nolensville Lady Knights, on this segment of High School Sports Saturday. Following brief Fourth of July pleasantries, the two discussed how local teams navigate the summer dead period. Coach Young emphasized the importance of resting his heavily scheduled club players, noting that after the break, the team will resume practice in mid-July. He detailed that preseason camps are slated for early August, with the Lady Knights’ first official match scheduled for August 17th. The conversation then shifted to the high level of competition in Williamson County and Nolensville's promising roster. Coach Young shared his excitement about returning eight of his top nine rotation players from last year, praising the skills of senior ETSU commit Taylor Collins and the team's two returning setters, Avery Ethridge and Sadie Demming. They also touched on the formidable local volleyball landscape, recognizing the historic strength of Brentwood and Ravenwood while agreeing that Franklin looks to be the district favorite this year.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tate talks to Greg Wyant, the newly appointed Athletic Director for Rutherford County Schools. Wyant reflects on his transition to this county-wide administrative role after a 34-year career coaching and directing athletics at local high schools like Riverdale and Siegel. A major focal point of their conversation is the critical importance of middle school athletic programs. Wyant emphasizes that developing foundational skills at the middle school level—and retaining those athletes—is essential for building highly competitive high school feeder programs across the county's rapidly growing athletic landscape. The discussion also covers the strategic expansion of the county's athletic administration, specifically highlighting the hiring of Jenna Jones as the new athletics compliance director. Wyant explains that he and Jones will divide administrative and compliance responsibilities to better support all of the county's schools, ensuring they adhere strictly to TSSAA regulations while advocating for smaller schools. As the interview wraps up, Wyant confirms he will also maintain his seat on the TSSAA Legislative Council, which provides a strategic advantage for Rutherford County by keeping them on the front lines of state-wide athletic policies and best practices. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to another episode of High School Sports Saturday! This show covers crucial off-season updates and an inspiring comeback story. Coach Zach White of Green Hill Football shares "dead period" advice, emphasizing heat acclimation, hydration, and maintaining sprint speed to prevent soft-tissue injuries. Next, Franklin Baseball's Coach Wally Widby recounts his miraculous survival and recovery after a life-threatening eye injury from a line drive, highlighting his profound faith and his team's resilience. Finally, The Tennessean's Tom Kreager drops in to discuss recent state press awards for sports coverage. The primary takeaway for listeners is the importance of prioritizing safe summer training and recognizing the incredible power of perseverance during unimaginable adversity.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tate is joined by TK to recap a busy couple of weeks in local high school sports. The duo celebrates The Tennessean taking first place for best sports writing at the State Press Awards before breaking down the recent All-Midstate team selections for flag football, lacrosse, and baseball. Guest TK shares behind-the-scenes perspectives on crafting these honors and previews an upcoming "Best Sports Moments" piece dropping July 5th, featuring historic local championships. The most important takeaway for listeners is to stay locked in: as the summer dead period concludes, the staff is already gearing up for the start of another highly anticipated high school football season.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tate is joined by Franklin Admiral baseball head coach Wally Whidby to discuss a life-altering incident from March 2026. Coach Whidby shares the harrowing details of being struck by a foul ball, resulting in the tragic loss of his left eye. They cover his ongoing medical journey, including an upcoming prosthetic surgery, and his recent recognition as the 2026 Courage Award recipient. Sharing his deeply personal perspective, Coach Whidby emphasizes how his strong faith, enduring humor, and the Franklin community's incredible support have sustained his family. The most important takeaway for listeners is the remarkable power of resilience; despite facing sudden and devastating adversity, Coach Whidby remains an inspiring beacon of positivity who is fully prepared to return to the dugout. Link to Wally Whidby: The 2026 Courage Award Recipient https://youtu.be/rY1mYFKxjiw?si=Jbkn4eNTK9aXl6emSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tate is joined by Coach Zac White, offensive and strength coordinator for Green Hill Hawk football, to discuss athlete responsibilities during the two-week dead period. Coach White outlines essential dos and don'ts for preserving off-season progress, emphasizing the need for players to stay acclimated to the summer heat and maintain strict hydration. He advises against junk food and sugary sodas like RC Cola, warning that poor diets and inactivity quickly lead to lingering hamstring injuries upon return. To prevent this, athletes should complete full-speed sprints and utilize bodyweight workouts if gym access is unavailable. Ultimately, White’s primary takeaway is that injury prevention is paramount, reminding listeners that a player's greatest ability is their availability on the field.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to another episode of High School Sports Saturday with Tate Mathews. In this exciting edition, the show broadcasts live from the BCAT Ladies Hoops Fest at Lebanon High School, featuring a special guest segment with Coach Mark Vaughn, the head women's basketball coach at Cumberland University. Coach Vaughn joins the program to dive into the thriving culture of Tennessee sports, sharing his personal coaching journey and celebrating the massive evolution of the women's game. The conversation highlights two major developments currently shaping local sports. First, they discuss the implementation of the high school shot clock in girls' basketball, with Coach Vaughn breaking down how the rule elevates late-game strategy, improves player basketball IQ, and seamlessly prepares athletes for the collegiate level. Second, they shine a spotlight on exceptional local talent and thriving programs within Wilson County and the Mid-State area, identifying elite players who are turning the heads of college scouts and showcasing why the region has become a premier destination for basketball.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this energetic sports segment broadcast live from the B-Cat Lady Hoops Fest at Lebanon High School, the host sits down with Mark Vaughn, the Head Women's Basketball Coach for Cumberland University. As Coach Vaughn prepares to enter his third year leading the Phoenix, he shares a mix of personal milestones and deep insights into his program's culture and future.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This lively broadcast from the B-Cat Hoopfest features a dynamic and candid conversation with Head Women's Basketball Coach Cory Barrett of Lebanon High School and Coach Wes Shappley of Bartlett High School. The coaches dive deep into the evolution of high school women's basketball, and the business of running a program.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tate talks with Corey Barrett, head coach of the Lebanon High School Devilettes basketball team. Broadcasting from a massive girls' basketball tournament hosted at the school, Coach Barrett and the host discuss the logistics of running an event with over 100 teams, the highly anticipated introduction of the shot clock to Tennessee high school basketball, and the elite talent on display on the court. Barrett also highlights the impressive strength of Wilson County's local basketball programs and the significant economic boost the tournament brings to the surrounding community.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tate is joined with BCAT Director Bruce Slatten, who discusses the remarkable evolution and scale of girls' high school basketball in Tennessee. Coach Slaton highlights the massive growth in the athleticism, strength, and overall quality of the women's game, crediting advanced weight training and excellent coaching throughout the state for closing regional competitive gaps. The tournament serves as a massive collegiate recruiting hub, drawing nearly 80 college scouts over the weekend and culminating in a staggering 510 total games played across the boys' and girls' events to give young athletes maximum exposure right before the NCAA dead period.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on High School Sports Saturday, Tate Mathews takes the show on the road, broadcasting live from the TOA Sports Performance Center in Franklin for the massive BCAT Hoops Fest! With over 150 teams packed into the facility, Tate sits down with some of the best basketball minds in the region to discuss summer development, the evolving landscape of college recruiting, and the highly anticipated arrival of the shot clock in Tennessee high school hoops. First, Coach Bruce Slatten the Executive Director, BCAT breaks down the explosive growth of the Hoops Fest, the importance of getting players exposure across all collegiate levels, and the association's successful push to finally implement the shot clock statewide. Then, Coach Jason Welch the Head Coach of the Tullahoma Wildcats, provides a look into the Tullahoma program, the grind of summer ball, and how playing multiple games in a single day builds necessary team chemistry and competitive endurance for the winter. Coach Andy Blackston of the Brentwood Academy Eagles) shares his philosophy on building a Next, winning culture, defending the standard at a powerhouse program, and his thoughts on how the new 35-second shot clock will change late-game strategies. The show wraps with Coach Eric Evans II of the Cumberland University Phoenix providing a deep dive into the college side of the game. Coach Evans discusses the relentless recruiting trail, the reality of navigating the transfer portal, and building a gritty, defensive-minded NAIA program at Cumberland.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tate welcomes in Coach Eric Evans II, who is entering his fourth year at the helm of the Cumberland University Men's Basketball program. Coach Evans opens up about the massive shift he has led at Cumberland—moving away from a heavy reliance on two-year transfers and focus instead on building a long-term culture from the freshman class on up. He breaks down what he and his staff look for when scouting high school talent, emphasizing that a player's character, behavior as a teammate, and coachability matter just as much as their point production. Tate and Coach Evans also dive into the ultra-competitive landscape of their NAIA conference, which Evans describes as a "low-major Division I league" featuring perennial powerhouses like Free Hardeman and Georgetown.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tate welcomes in Coach Andy Blackston, head coach of the Brentwood Academy Eagles, fresh off back-to-back deep postseason runs. Coach Blackston gives us an inside look at what it takes to build and maintain a championship-caliber team. From developing players who truly want to win to the meticulous process of instilling a competitive mindset, this conversation offers invaluable insights for players and coaches alike. They also discuss the unique challenges of playing in DII-AA, the recent implementation of the TSSAA shot clock, and the reality of the college basketball recruiting process.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tate sits down with Tullahoma Wildcats Head Basketball Coach Jason Welch to break down the grind of the high school summer basketball circuit. With over 80 college coaches walking the gym, they discuss the massive exposure the BCAT Hoopsfest provides and what it takes for players to push through the final days of the summer evaluation period. Coach Welch, bringing 33 years of coaching experience to the mic, also shares his candid thoughts on the TSSAA Board of Control's recent approval of the shot clock. Tate and Jason dive into how the shot clock will eliminate late-game "hack-fests," speed up the pace of play, and the logistical and financial hurdles schools will face in finding qualified operators. Plus, a look back at Tullahoma's incredible recent success, including their 28-5 and 32-5 seasons.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tate sits down with Coach Bruce Slatten, Executive Director of the Basketball Coaches Association of Tennessee (BCAT), to discuss the massive evolution of the Hoopsfest event—growing from 54 teams in 2019 to an incredible 158 teams today. They dive into the importance of the NCAA live period, what it means for high school athletes to play in front of over 70 college programs, and the hard realities of college recruiting.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to another episode of High School Sports Saturday Host Tate Mathews opens the show by honoring the newly announced All-Midstate boys' soccer and track and field teams, highlighting exceptional performances from state champions like Station Camp's soccer squad and multi-event standout track stars from Pearl-Cohn and Brentwood. In addition to celebrating student-athletes, the segment breaks down major updates from the local baseball coaching carousel, announcing that Mike McClorie is taking over at Oakland and Wayne Kendrick is heading to Riverdale, while openings at Independence and Centennial remain vacant. The episode features an impressive lineup of guest interviews, starting with newly appointed Smyrna head football coach Mark Williams, who discusses succeeding his brother Matt and keeping program continuity by retaining Ben Coon as offensive coordinator. Williamson County Schools District Athletic Director Patrick Whitlock then drops by to preview the highly anticipated 12th annual WILLCOs at The Factory in Franklin, while also touching on major upcoming TSSAA proposals regarding state basketball tournament seeding and a potential shot clock. Finally, Tom Kreager of The Tennessean wraps up the guest segments by previewing the Middle Tennessee Sports Awards at the Music City Center and breaking news on Eagleville High School breaking ground on its new multi-sport synthetic turf facilities.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tate is joined by Tom Kreager of the Tennessean for their weekly Saturday morning high school sports roundup. Brought to you by Warner Athletic—who recently broke ground on Eagleville's new turf field for 2026—the duo dives straight into the latest news and updates across the local sports scene.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.