Time flies when you are having fun is one of those old sayings that has absolutely applied to the 2023 high school football regular season. After a few blinks of the eye and a shake of the head, the playoffs are now upon us. Fans of local high school football were blessed once again with many highlights during an action-packed 11-week extravaganza. Let’s take a brief look at each Rutherford County school and how they hang their hat for 2023.
Riverdale (8-2)- The regular season king of Rutherford County, these Warriors won their Region by defeating rival Oakland in the season finale and beating the other class 6A Region champ in the County (Smyrna) in the season opener. Uber-talented on both sides of the ball, this bunch has been battle-tested and really brought back the “fear the spear” moniker.
Oakland (8-2)- Some thought the three-time defending class 6A state champ would be going through a “re-build” this season. Answering the call time and again, these Patriots were just a point away from Region perfection. Old-school basics once again made Oakland a monster of the midway.
Smyrna (6-4)- The heart of a Bulldog may have never been better epitomized than this time around. After an 0-4 start, this prideful program found a way to reel off six straight wins on the way to capturing their Region crown.
Stewart’s Creek (7-3)- A fast start and four wins on the road made for an exciting season in Red Hawk country. As they strive to become a “football” school, this group has laid another building block with a berth in the 2023 playoffs. The Creek is rising.
Rockvale (5-5)- An up-and-down season featured some big wins and big performances along the way. As the Rockets blast into the 2023 post-season this very young school has made its mark in a very tough Rutherford County.
Siegel (5-5)- The Stars were shining as early season results were more than fantastic. With new turf under their toes, this group rallied after losing their biggest Star to injury and will be back in the playoffs.
Blackman (4-6)- The Blaze did not make the post-season but a fire is burning. Only a few missed opportunities away from a much different record, this program made great strides under a first-year coach who has his feet firmly on the ground.
LaVergne (3-7)- The spirit of competition flowed in the Wolverine country even if the wins did not always come. A huge late-season road victory at Green Hill proved the fight was there to the very end.
Eagleville (6-4)- This “country” school has once again found a way to fly high on the football field. In posting four shutouts this season, these head-knocking Eagles will be spreading their wings in the playoffs.
Providence Christian Academy (5-5)- In this, their first year playing eleven-man football, these Lions are roaring into the playoffs. Much credit goes to all here as they work towards establishing this program.
Middle Tennessee Christian (9-1)- Coaches may have changed in recent times but the expectations have not. These Cougars have been nothing short of fantastic and these ferocious felines go into the playoffs with a real shot at taking the Division II
