Ten Games To Watch In The 2025 Football Season

By Noah McKay

The start of the 2025 high school football season is less than a month away. The season is full of big matchups and here are ten that we are looking forward to seeing.

1. Smith County vs Gordonsville 

Perhaps the area’s fiercest rivalry hits a new level this year as these teams become region opponents. Couple that with a week 11 date and the potential for a region title to be on the line makes the battle for county supremacy must-watch. 

2. Macon County vs Upperman 

“It’s not a rivalry until both teams win.” If that phrase is true, it’s a rivalry now. The defending state champions will head to Baxter in a regular season finale that is sure to have numerous storylines. Get your popcorn ready. 

3. Cookeville vs White County

Cookeville-Sparta, put the ball down. This year’s matchup brings new intrigue, will the Warriors introduce the world to new superstars or will the Cavaliers regain control of the rivalry into a new era? We can’t wait to find out. 

4. Upperman vs Greeneville

Potentially the most marquee 4A regular season matchup in the state will see the Bees return to Greeneville where they beat the host school in the 2023 semifinal round. 2 teams with legitimate state championship aspirations will get a great assessment of where they are early in the season. 

5. Macon County vs Stone Memorial

Macon County won one of the most lopsided games of the 2024 season at Stone, this year the Panthers will be looking for revenge and to show they can compete at the highest level in a game that could hold large postseason implications. 

6. Cookeville vs Green Hill

A Cavalier team with their sights set on a playoff run know the importance of winning Region 4/6A. Last year’s loss to GHHS knocked the Cavs out of the opportunity to host a playoff game. Meanwhile the Hawks will be looking to maintain control of the region. This will be a measuring-stick game in the state’s largest classification. 

7. Clay County vs Smith County

The Bulldogs will likely go unchallenged in region play, enter this non-region matchup with the Owls. Smith County will be hungry to improve on last year’s down season. The winner of this one will position themselves as a postseason threat. A really fun QB battle between Riley Martin and Nolan Adams. 

8. York vs Stone Memorial

Week 1’s High School Football Game of the Week presented by Mayberry’s Furniture pits familiar non-region foes against each other. Contrasting styles is the story as the Panthers look to take the next step towards a postseason run and the Dragons look to show they aren’t going anywhere after three straight semifinal appearances. 

9. Beech vs Upperman 

5A contender Beech travels to 4A contender Upperman for a heavyweight matchup. One of the best quarterback matchups in the state as former Smith County QB Kaden Powell leads Beech against Bronzden Chaffin’s Bees. No playoff implications, but a big opportunity for both teams to make a statement. 

10. White County vs DeKalb County

The Tigers are hungry to get back to the playoffs after missing for the first time in a decade, but the Warriors will have no interest in giving up their spot. This should be a classic Region 4/4A dogfight with big postseason implications.