State’s Best: Top Football Programs (Class 3A)

We're in the quiet part of the high school football calendar: the offseason. During this downtime, Prep Redzone Tennessee will rank all the top programs in the state by classification.   I drew 3A, so I'll share my top 10 and explain why I made these picks, while discussing their history. The No. 1 team is the defending state champions with a lethal core of returning young bucks who will continue to terrorize this classification.   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   <figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/10/gsimpson-crop-700x460-1769637794.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-2115260" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Westview QB [player_tooltip player_id='424594' first='Graham' last='Simpson']. Photo by Westview Athletics.</figcaption></figure>   1. Westview Chargers (3A-Reg. 7)   Head Coach: Matt McConnell   Location: Martin, TN (Weakley County)   State Championships: 2 (2025, 2021)   Runner-Up: 2 (2024, 2001)   - The Westview Chargers have enjoyed great success over the past five years, winning a pair of state championships and appearing in another one. They've been the most dominant and consistent program as of late, but are just getting started.   WHS returns several key players to what should be another state championship season, along with a strong group of underclassmen. Coach Matt McConnell has done a great job of building this program, and he'll reap the benefits of it. They aren't going anywhere for a long time.   Key Players Returning: (QB) [player_tooltip player_id='424594' first='Graham' last='Simpson'], (RB) [player_tooltip player_id='1103496' first='Asa' last='Barnes'], (ATH) [player_tooltip player_id='1422977' first='Miles' last='Brown'] and (DL) [player_tooltip player_id='1032139' first='Drake' last='Hickman'].   - - - - -    <figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/12/braymaples-crop-1498x984-1769637828.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-2115262" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Gatlinburg-Pittman RB [player_tooltip player_id='1182191' first='Brayden' last='Maples'].</figcaption></figure>   2. Gatlinburg-Pittman Highlanders (3A-Reg. 1)   Head Coach: Tyler Williams   Location: Gatlinburg, TN (Sevier County)   State Championships: None   Runner-Up: 1 (2025)   - Gatlinburg-Pittman has been the second most consistent program in 3A, missing the playoffs just three times since the 1989 season. They went 14-1 in 2025 and lost some key contributors. However, they're still easily a top-two program in this class, with the foundation that's been laid and will continue to be built upon. There's a lot of young talent coming their way, so I don't see them falling off a cliff anytime soon.   Williams will lead his team to more deep playoff runs and state title games because all he does is win. In his two seasons, the former Tennessee Volunteers offensive lineman boasts a 23-5 record with the program's first state championship appearance.   Key Returning Players: (RB) [player_tooltip player_id='1182191' first='Brayden' last='Maples'], (QB) [player_tooltip player_id='2089174' first='Tyson' last='Sutton'], (DE) [player_tooltip player_id='1871036' first='Elijah' last='Valentine'] and (WR) Jackson Savarese.   - - - - -    <figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/03/Dee-Mac.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1207094" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Tyner Academy RB D'Aerion McNealy at a game.</figcaption></figure>   3. Tyner Academy Rams (3A-Reg. 3)   Head Coach: Christian Mainor   Location: Chattanooga, TN (Hamilton County)   State Championships: 2 (2022, 1997)   Runner-Up: 2 (2017, 1996)   - Tyner head coach Christian Mainor has done a nice job rebuilding what's been a historically great 3A program. They won just 10 games through his first two seasons before exploding for a 12-2 record in 2025, including a deep playoff run.   The Rams have a plethora of young talent and an experienced staff that should continue to dominate this classification. As Tyner Academy evolves over the next few years, it could certainly jump into that No. 1 spot.   Key Returning Players: (ATH) Dion Edwards, (RB) D'aerion McNealy, (QB) Marcus Turner, (OL) [player_tooltip player_id='1592127' first='Carmello' last='Peoples'] and (OL/DL) [player_tooltip player_id='1332906' first='Jamarien' last='Crawl'].   - - - - -    <figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/10/covington3.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1957014" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Covington RB [player_tooltip player_id='1659259' first='Jaheim' last='Smith'] running the ball.</figcaption></figure>   4. Covington Chargers (3A-Reg. 7)   Head Coach: JR Kirby   Location: Covington, TN (Tipton County)   State Championships: None   Runner-Up: 6 (2018, 2017, 2012, 2003, 2000, 1971)   - The Covington Chargers are another 3A powerhouse that's been consistently excellent, notching five consecutive double-digit win seasons. Its offensive system is dynamic, making it one of the best and most physical teams in Tennessee.   Coach Kirby has done a good job leading his program, and they will likely continue to put together successful seasons.   Key Returning Players: (RB) [player_tooltip player_id='1659259' first='Jaheim' last='Smith'], (DB) Quindarius Alexander and (ATH) Collen Winfrey.   - - - - -    5. Meigs County Tigers (3A-Reg. 2)   Head Coach: Nathan Simbeck   Location: Decatur, TN (Meigs County)   State Championships: None   Runner-Up: 4 (2020, 2019, 1995, 1980)   - Meigs County has always been a good program, especially over the last decade, with 10 straight playoff appearances and a pair of state championship game berths.   They've been the definition of consistent and will not stop anytime soon. The Tigers have a good group of youngsters on offense who will help make the team scary next season and beyond.   Key Returning Players: (QB) [player_tooltip player_id='1565598' first='Kaiden' last='Brewster'] and (DB) Colt Howard.   - - - - -    <figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/06/DSC06230.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1686921" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Whites Creek safety [player_tooltip player_id='1664092' first='Amari' last='Mitchell'] at a Prep Redzone camp.</figcaption></figure>   6. Whites Creek Cobras (3A-Reg. 5)   Head Coach: William Darnell   Location: Whites Creek, TN (Davidson County)   State Championships: None   Runner-Up: 1 (1998)   - Whites Creek missed the playoffs last season, despite going 7-3. However, they're loaded with talent on the offensive side and have a bright future under Coach Darnell. They've been a streaky program throughout their school's history, but I think they're turning a corner with a surplus of young talent.   It won't click overnight, but they have the potential to be an exciting up-and-coming program that makes deep playoff runs.   Key Returning Players: (WR) [player_tooltip player_id='1687542' first='De'Aries' last='Holland'], (ATH) [player_tooltip player_id='1664092' first='Amari' last='Mitchell'], (QB) [player_tooltip player_id='1580784' first='Deon' last='Barnes'], (ATH) [player_tooltip player_id='1409373' first='Brandon' last='Powell'] and (LB) [player_tooltip player_id='1282724' first='Prince' last='Foster'].   - - - - -    7. Waverly Central Tigers (3A-Reg. 6)   Head Coach: Randall Boldin   Location: Waverly, TN (Humphreys County)   State Championships: None   Runner-Up: None   - Waverly Central went 0-10 in 2024, but rebounded nicely with a 9-2 record and a postseason appearance. Randall Boldin has won a lot since joining the program as its head coach, and has a solid group of young players who are hungry for serious playoff success.   Key Returning Players: (ATH) Dominick Williams and (RB) [player_tooltip player_id='933043' first='Logan' last='Harbison'].   - - - - -    <figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/01/46-Gerrard-Kaufman-crop-542x356-1769637580.png" alt="" class="wp-image-2115252" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Melrose LB [player_tooltip player_id='1587004' first='Gerrard' last='Kaufman'] at a Prep Redzone camp.</figcaption></figure>   8. Melrose Golden Wildcats (3A-Reg. 8)   Head Coach: N/A   Location: Memphis, TN (Shelby County)   State Championships: 2 (1998, 1996)   Runner-Up: 5 (2024, 2005, 2004, 1997, 1970)   - Melrose is in a weird situation right now, as they lost star quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='1037302' first='Thomas' last='Heffner'] to Lausanne, and their co-head coaches resigned after two years. While it's tough times for the Golden Wildcats, I believe that they'll bounce back.   The program has always been a powerhouse in 3A, making the playoffs 35 times and capturing two state championships. Melrose still has talent and should continue to find success moving forward.   Key Players Returning: (LB) [player_tooltip player_id='1587004' first='Gerrard' last='Kaufman'], (ATH) [player_tooltip player_id='1103458' first='Tavarco' last='Jackson'], (RB) [player_tooltip player_id='1575276' first='Reginald' last='Banks'] and (ATH) [player_tooltip player_id='1580774' first='Carlos' last='Edwards'].   - - - - -    9. Fairview Yellowjackets (3A-Reg. 6)   Head Coach: Chris Hughes   Location: Fairview, TN (Williamson County)   State Championships: None   Runner-Up: None   - Fairview has not found a ton of postseason success in Chris Hughes' tenure. However, the program has racked up many wins over the past 20 seasons. They have been very consistent in the regular season, constantly winning 8+ games per year.   If they had more success in the playoffs, they would undoubtedly be higher on the list. But until they do that, No. 9 seems like a fair spot.   Key Returning Players: (DB) Gage Proctor, (RB) Julius Carter and (RB) Bryson Harrison.   - - - - -    <figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/08/damallen-crop-365x240-1766080663.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-2085587" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Giles County WR [player_tooltip player_id='1662941' first='Damari' last='Allen']. Photo by Giles County Athletics.</figcaption></figure>   10. Giles County Bobcats (3A-Reg. 4)   Head Coach: David O'Connor   Location: Pulaski, TN (Giles County)   State Championships: 1 (2009)   Runner-Up: 1 (2013)   - Giles County is the final team on this list, but could easily climb up the ranks in a few years. They have good history, including a state title in 2013, but are still one of those Tier B squads in the 3A classification.   Regardless, they're a good program that consistently wins games. I have much respect for Coach David O'Connor and what he's built.   Key Returning Players: (WR) [player_tooltip player_id='1662941' first='Damari' last='Allen'], (DB) [player_tooltip player_id='2089183' first='Xavier' last='Randolph'] and (ATH) Jaz Bentley.   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   <figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/10/Asa-crop-1326x871-1760244616.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1950675" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Westview RB [player_tooltip player_id='1103496' first='Asa' last='Barnes'] on X/Twitter.</figcaption></figure>   #PRZTN Program Power Poll (Top 15) - As of 1/25/2026    <ol class="wp-block-list"> <li>Westview</li>   <li>Covington</li>   <li>Gatlinburg-Pittman</li>   <li>Melrose</li>   <li>Meigs County</li>   <li>Tyner Academy</li>   <li>Waverly Central</li>   <li>Giles County</li>   <li>Unicoi County</li>   <li>Sequatchie County</li>   <li>Dyersburg</li>   <li>Scott</li>   <li>White House-Heritage</li>   <li>Whites Creek</li> </ol>

We're in the quiet part of the high school football calendar: the offseason. During this downtime, Prep Redzone Tennessee will rank all the top programs in the state by classification.