SportTalk Radio
This year, the SportTalk Choice Awards return for another round of recognition, celebration, and good-natured debate. From standout players to school spirit and more, this lineup highlights even more of the game-day details that make Friday nights unforgettable.
Quake
Cowboy Joe
Quake: McCallie
“At last year’s D-II AAA state championship game, Baylor took a commanding 21-0 lead early in the game, fueled by a 69-yard touchdown pass from Briggs Cherry to Jamyan Theodore. The Blue Tornado mounted a significant comeback, with Keylan Syam scoring two touchdowns in the second half. The victory was McCallie’s second straight state title and fifth in six seasons, solidifying their status as a dominant force in the state’s toughest division.”
Cowboy Joe: McCallie
“I agree with Quake’s pick. Last year’s D-II AAA championship game was nuts. Baylor takes a dominating lead and then … well, read Quake’s description. Staying mentally sharp and taking it play-by-play led to a McCallie win for the ages.”
Quake: Heritage
“The Heritage Generals have all the elements for a ‘big show.’ The stadium is in an intimate setting; the Legion of Generals is huge, loud, and proud; the team entrance is impressive; and when they score, the fireworks show rivals any Fourth of July display. Also, really good food at the concession stand is a must, and they’ve got it.”
Cowboy Joe: South Pittsburg
“I love attending a game in South Pittsburg. Everything about it screams America. The food, the noise, a pirate ship, and the screaming fans wearing their old South Pitt jerseys. The passion is real, and you better not mention that other team. In all seriousness, it is one of the best game-day atmospheres in the South. Have you heard that saying ‘it just means more’? Follow the lights to Beene Stadium on a Friday night, and you’ll see what I mean.”
Quake: Ringgold
“How about a tandem of running backs from the ‘frozen’ Tigers’ backfield? Jeremiah Frost, a beast down the stretch last year with 1,000 rushing yards, leads the way with often banged-up (at least last year) Haddon Fries (pronounced ‘freeze’), who expects to be healthy for his senior year. These two usually leave defenses cold on Friday nights.”
Cowboy Joe: Baylor
“Let’s stick with the Baylor School. David Gabriel Georges will be the most highly regarded recruit to ever come out of the Chattanooga area. Other running backs in the area might have more rushing yards, but Gabriel Georges is on another level. His 1,000-yard season in 2024 was impressive, but he could easily rack up a 2,000-yard season if the Red Raiders weren’t so talented. Go see this kid play!”
Quake: Meigs Co.
“When the orange-and-black-clad faithful show up to support their Tigers, they set up chairs in the stadium around noon on game day. Hours before kickoff, fans enjoy a rocking setting with one of the best sound systems around for a stadium its size, home stands trimmed in black for intimidation, and plenty of cars in a parking lot that’s buzzing with excitement.”
Cowboy Joe: Baylor
“Let’s face it, Baylor is good at just about everything they do. Tailgating is no exception. Tailgating has been a tradition at Baylor School since the ‘90s, maybe even longer than that. The bottom line is if you want the best, you go to the best. The food also tastes better when you’re really good at football.”
Toughest DefenseQuake: Marion Co.
“The Warriors started last year with three shutouts in the first three weeks, and they totaled five all season long on their way to a state title. On average, Marion Co. gave up just a shade under nine points per game. Marion Co. returns a lot of talent, and those numbers could be even better this year. That’s scary for teams on their schedule in 2025.”
Cowboy Joe: Tyner
“Marion County was lights out last year on the defensive side of the ball. They could easily be the toughest defense in the area once again. That being said, I think we could see the Tyner Rams battling for that title in 2025. With Jaqraun Little taking care of business on the defensive line and Tyler Anderson and Dion Edwards patrolling the defensive backfield, the Tyner defense will be tough to handle.”
Quake: Tyner
“Blazing speed happens to be a Tyner tradition, and this year’s squad is no exception with sophomores D’Aerion McNealy and Karontae Cunningham, a 100-meter track state champion this past spring. Pair those guys with classmate Dion Edwards, who has an offer from the Tennessee Vols, and a couple of speedy transfers, and it is lights out for defenses if these guys get space to run.”
Cowboy Joe: Tyner
“This is a big reason I put them as the best defense heading into the 2025 season. This roster is absolutely filthy. You had better be locked in when you see the Ram Train play this year, because they will be moving quickly. You can learn many lessons as a young man playing this great sport. However, you can’t learn speed. This could easily be mistaken as a track and field roster.”
Quake: Walker Valley
“When the Mustangs get the band cranked up in the end zone, the videoboard lights up, and the faithful pour in, the cheerleaders, dance team, and all the kids playing mini football between the north end zone and the concession stand are all thrilled with anticipation. There is a lot to be excited about at The Corral ever since Drew Akins took over in 2018.”
Cowboy Joe: Bledsoe Co.
“I love driving through the middle of a small town seeing the school’s flags and colors posted on every pole and traffic light with every sign encouraging the home team. I could literally choose a number of schools, but Bledsoe County takes the award. They fit my previous description perfectly. School spirit is at an abundance in the valley!”
Quake: South Pittsburg
“Caden Jones is a transfer from Central, where he threw for more than 2,000 yards last year. He will now have a lot more experienced targets around him and a real good shot at a state championship. It’s 2025 – if chances at championships aren’t coming your way … transfer to them.”
Cowboy Joe: Silverdale
“Connor Jenne almost reached the 2,000-yard mark in his sophomore campaign but came up a little short. He will have wide receiver Cannon Rogers coming back among other talented pass catchers in 2025. This could add up to some crazy numbers for the Seahawk offense.”
Quake: Baylor
“The Red Raiders’ quarterback Briggs Cherry is a Louisville commit and poised for a monster senior season. With all the athleticism around him and his head coach Erik Kimrey calling plays, the Red Raiders’ passing game should be locked and loaded for a BlueCross Bowl run again this year.”
Cowboy Joe: Silverdale
“Connor Jenne has another year to show his talent with returning studs at the wide receiver position. The rushing attack and defense will have to play complementary football, but I can see the Seahawk offense going from 34 points per game to 40.”
Quake: McCallie, Baylor, Marion Co., Tyner, & Sequatchie Co.
“How about a couple of teams? McCallie and Baylor continue to have enormous expectations and state championship aspirations. Marion Co. is the 2A defending state champ, and they are loaded again this year. South Pittsburg, runner-up last year, is locked in with talent and speed and the favorites in 1A this season. Also, how happy are Tyner and Sequatchie Co. to have perennial power Alcoa move up to 4A, giving them a better chance of making the 3A BlueCross Bowl in December?”
Cowboy Joe: Baylor, McCallie, South Pittsburg, & Marion Co.
“Take your pick. All four teams have incredibly talented rosters. Baylor is big mad after last year. Plus, they have one of the best rosters in the country. McCallie will continue to be the thorn in the Red Raiders’ side. South Pittsburg will be coming into the season as a favorite to win it all. Marion Co. will also be a favorite to make it back to Finley Stadium. I give up. CityScope® finally broke me. I can’t make a choice. Just pick one and you’ll have a good chance at coming home with a state championship.”