Here are the top eight Knoxville area high school football games for Week 1 of the 2026 TSSAA football season, with our predictions.
Game of the Week
No. 1 Alcoa at No. 2 Maryville
When: 7 p.m., Aug. 21
Once again, the best football rivalry in Tennessee kicks off the start of the season in Week 1. Alcoa has done well against Maryville in the Brian Nix era, winning three of their last four against Maryville, including a 28-21 victory in 2025. The Tornadoes return starting quarterback Thomas Manu, who tossed 45 touchdowns on 80% completion last season, along with receiver, and Georgia football commit Jamir Dean, three-star linebacker Jennaris Henry, and a stable of running backs.
The Rebels counter with four-year starting QB Will Jonesand an elite linebacker group with Tennessee commit J.P. Peace
from West, Minnesota commit Wyatt Wilbur and Florida Atlantic commit Dax Cole. The last three meetings have all been decided by one score, and that likely continues.
Prediction: Alcoa 30, Maryville 27
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Knoxville area's remaining top games
No. 9 Powell at No. 10 Anderson County
When: 7 p.m., Aug. 20
The season really kicks off on Thursday, Aug. 20 at Maverickland as Anderson County and Powell seek to finish their matchup from last year, which was left unfinished because of weather. Powell will debut a new quarterback, while Anderson County works in a modified offensive system, led by sophomore QB JD Gillum. In this battle of revamped offenses, the Panthers' defense with a strong returning secondary and defensive line remains a comforting constant.
Prediction: Powell 24, Anderson County 20
No. 4 Sevier County vs Farragut
When: 7 p.m., Aug. 22 at Carson-Newman University
The Knoxville area's loaded Week 1 slate ends on Saturday night in a spotlight game at Carson-Newman. Unfortunately for Farragut, who lost a lot of talent from last year's roster to transfers, the Smoky Bears are on a mission to return to the Class 5A state championship game. Sevier County quarterback Cooper Newman is on track to set several TSSAA passing records. The UConn commit will often find himself throwing to Duke tight end commit Parker Newman,or handing the ball off to Gatlinburg-Pittman transfer running back and Western Kentucky commit, Brayden Maples.
Prediction: Sevier County 34, Farragut 13
No. 5 Oak Ridge at No. 12 Halls
When: 7 p.m., Aug. 21
Halls' historic 2025 season included a slow start that began with a loss to Oak Ridge in Week 1. The Red Devils will host the Wildcats this year as they work in a new quarterback to replace senior Amari Lethgo. Oak Ridge's offense will also have to iron out the kinks with former Carter QB Brody Sparks. Both teams also tout elite four-star recruits in Clemson commit Jarrell Chandler and Tennessee commit Malik Howard.
Prediction: Oak Ridge 28, Halls 21
Riverdale at No. 3 Catholic
When: 7 p.m., Aug. 22
Prediction: Catholic's defense stymied Riverdale in its 2025 opener, leading to the 20-6 win on the road. This isn't the same Riverdale team, though. It bolstered its roster with a load of transfers and now boasts five SEC football commitments. The Warriors have garnered a ton of preseason hype which will be put to the test against the Irish's elite secondary and new four-star wide receiver from Stillwater (OK), David Thomas.
Prediction: Riverale 24, Catholic 21
No. 7 Central at Dobyns-Bennett
When: 7 p.m., Aug. 21
Central quarterback Kaden Long is a top preseason Mr. Football candidate in Class 5A after finishing as a finalist last year with over 4,600 total yards and 46 touchdowns. Long and the high-powered Central offense can make an early statement on the road as the team to watch out for in Class 5A against Dobyns-Bennett.
Prediction: Central 33, Dobyns-Bennett 23
No. 14 CAK at Concord
When: 11 a.m., Aug. 22
Yes, you read that right: CAK will travel to Concord on Saturday morning. The Warriors fared well in Division II-AA without starting quarterback Seaton Moffett for half of the season. He'll be back as CAK hopes to contend with Grace Christian and Boyd-Buchanan in DII-AA East.
Prediction: CAK 27, Concord 17
Webb at Upperman
When: 7 p.m., Aug. 21
Want to see Webb's first game under coach George Quarles? Just take a quick two-hour drive west to Upperman. The Bees handled Webb last year, 29-7, and will likely repeat the result as the Spartans begin their rebuild under the legendary coach.
Prediction: Upperman 30, Webb 15
Wynton Jackson covers high school sports for Knox News. Email: wynton.jackson@knoxnews.com
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This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Alcoa, Maryville rivalry tops Knoxville area's Week 1 TSSAA football games, predictions
