Knox Central High School and Oliver Springs High School, both sharing the Bobcats mascot, are set to travel significant distances for their respective second-round matchups in the high school football playoffs. Knox Central will journey over 200 miles to Columbia Central, located near Nashville, while Oliver Springs faces a nearly 150-mile trip to South Pittsburg in Chattanooga.
The long journeys come as a direct result of recent changes made by the Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association (TSSAA). In January, the organization modified the second-round match-ups for Regions 1 and 2 to align with Regions 3 and 4. This decision followed a survey in which 54% of coaches supported the changes, aiming to prevent local teams from facing each other in earlier playoff rounds, thus preserving the excitement for later meetings.
Oliver Springs Head Coach Tyler Harper expressed the challenges of the extended travel. “It’s a little longer trip, a little longer bus ride than usual,” he noted, emphasizing the financial strain such travels impose on smaller schools. Previously, Oliver Springs would have faced Coalfield just six miles away, but now they confront the logistics and expenses associated with a two-hour journey to South Pittsburg.
Similarly, Knox Central’s situation reflects the new format’s demands. Head Coach Kevin Lane articulated the financial burden, indicating that the transportation costs for two buses reached nearly $6,000, alongside essential expenses for pre-game meals. “That’s why you do fundraisers,” he said.
Despite the logistical hurdles, both coaches share a sentiment of gratitude for their teams’ continued participation in the playoffs. “We’re just happy our team is playing another week under the Friday night lights,” Lane added, highlighting the spirit and determination that drive these young athletes.
While the new format poses challenges, it also opens new opportunities for competition in unexpected match-ups. Coaches are hopeful that the changes can eventually lead to a better system, allowing teams to gain valuable experiences while navigating the complexities of playoff football.