You’ve probably seen the Friday night lights flickering over Byington-Solway Road if you’ve spent any time in Northwest Knoxville. It’s a specific kind of energy. Karns high school football isn't just about X's and O's or the final tally on a MaxPreps page. It’s about the community that shows up in purple and gold, even when the win-loss column looks a little rocky.
Honestly, being a Beavers fan requires a certain level of grit. We aren't talking about a program that just rolls over everyone like a Maryville or an Alcoa. It's harder here. But that's exactly why the small victories—like the 2024 playoff berth—feel like winning the Super Bowl to the folks in the stands.
The Lee Warren Era and Building a Culture
When Lee Warren took over the head coaching job in July 2023, he didn't inherit a turnkey operation. He moved up from the defensive coordinator spot, so he already knew the kids, which was huge. Transitioning from Brad Taylor wasn't just about changing playbooks; it was about shifting the entire vibe of the locker room.
Warren is big on "culture." Coaches say that a lot, right? But with Warren, it's basically his religion. He brought back traditions like the "Midnight Practice" in late July to kick off the season. There’s something kinda wild about high schoolers hitting the turf at 12:01 AM under the lights while half the town is asleep. It builds a bond you just don't get at a Tuesday 4:00 PM practice.
The 2024 Season: A Playoff Spark
The 2024 season was a rollercoaster. Let’s be real. They finished 3-8 overall, which on paper doesn't scream "powerhouse." But they went 1-3 in Region 3 and scratched their way into a Class 5A playoff spot.
They ran into a buzzsaw in the first round against East Hamilton, losing 34-8, but just getting there mattered. It was the program's seventh ever playoff appearance. Since 1996, the Beavers have made the postseason in '96, '98, '04, '11, '21, '22, and now '24. Notice the gap? It used to take a decade to get back. Now, they've made it three of the last four years. That’s progress.
The Shadow of DeSean Bishop
You can't talk about karns high school football without mentioning DeSean Bishop. The guy was a literal human highlight reel. He won back-to-back Tennessee Titans Mr. Football awards in 2021 and 2022. That’s almost unheard of for a kid at Karns.
Bishop is now at the University of Tennessee, but his ghost still haunts the turf—in a good way. He proved that you can come out of the Byington area and play at the highest level of the SEC. He holds basically every rushing record at the school, and for a couple of years, he made Karns must-see TV for every scout in the Southeast.
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But life after a generational talent is hard.
Currently, the offense has leaned on guys like Austin Slover. Slover, a senior QB/WR who has been the engine of the system for the last couple of years, has had to handle the pressure of being "the guy." In 2024, Slover put up over 900 yards passing, often connecting with Weston Ritter. It’s a different style of football now—more spread, more tactical—compared to the "give it to DeSean and get out of the way" strategy of 2022.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Beavers
People look at the 2025 season records—like the 3-7 finish—and think the program is stalling. They're wrong.
Basically, the region Karns plays in is a gauntlet. You’re talking about playing West High, Oak Ridge, and Powell. These aren't just local schools; these are state-title-contending programs with massive rosters and deep pockets.
Karns is often the underdog.
But look at the October 10, 2025, game against Morristown East. The Beavers absolutely exploded for a 51-12 win. When the gears click, this team is dangerous. They have size on the line with guys like Jesse McGaha and Gabe Tavenner, who stand 6'4" and can move people. The problem isn't talent; it’s depth. When your starters have to play both ways—offense and defense—against a school like West that can sub in a whole new platoon, the fourth quarter gets lonely.
The Alumni Pipeline
Karns has actually produced some serious NFL-caliber talent. Most people forget that:
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- J.J. McCleskey (Saints/Cardinals)
- Devin Harper (Cowboys/Bengals)
- Thomas Harper (Raiders/Lions)
The Harper brothers are the recent blueprint. They showed that Karns is a place where you can develop the physical tools needed for the pros. It’s a blue-collar school, and that translates to the field.
The Friday Night Experience at the "Beaver Den"
If you’re going to a game, get there early. The stadium has a nice turf field now, surrounded by an eight-lane track that’s top-tier for Knox County. But the real soul is the "K-Town" student section. They’re loud. They’re usually dressed in some weird theme. And they stay until the final whistle even when the Rebels are up by 30.
There is a weird sense of pride in being from Karns. It’s not quite suburban, not quite rural. It’s right in the middle. The football team reflects that. They’re scrappy.
Looking Ahead: The 2026 Outlook
What’s next? 2026 is going to be a massive transition year. With a heavy senior class from 2025 (including Slover, McGaha, and Smith) heading out, Coach Warren has his work cut out for him.
The focus is shifting to the younger core. Keep an eye on names like Brody Jones and P.J. Mundanda. These are the guys who saw significant reps as sophomores and juniors and will be expected to carry the mantle. The goal for karns high school football moving forward is consistency. Can they make the playoffs three years in a row? That’s the benchmark for a "good" program in East Tennessee.
Real Talk on the Competition
The move to Class 5A Region 2 has been a bit of a shock to the system. Playing West and Knox Central back-to-back in late October 2025 was a brutal stretch. The 20-21 heartbreaker against Central on October 31st showed just how close this team is to being a winning program. One play. One extra point. One tackle. That’s the margin between 3-7 and 5-5.
Actionable Steps for Fans and Parents
If you're looking to get involved or support the program, don't just show up to the games.
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1. Join the Quarterback Club. This is the booster organization that actually keeps the lights on. High school sports funding is never enough, and the boosters pay for things like new helmets, travel meals, and weight room upgrades.
2. Watch the JV Games. Honestly, if you want to see the future of the program, the Monday night JV games are where the 2026 and 2027 starters are cutting their teeth.
3. Support the Youth Leagues. The Karns Youth Football program is the lifeblood. Most of the varsity stars started at the Karns community park. If that pipeline stays strong, the high school stays competitive.
4. Follow the Recruitment. Keep tabs on the "Transfer Tracker" and recruiting sites. With the way high school ball works now, keeping local talent from "leaping" to private schools or bigger programs is the biggest challenge Coach Warren faces.
At the end of the day, karns high school football is a story of resilience. It's about a community that refuses to be overshadowed by the bigger names in Knoxville. Whether they’re 10-0 or 0-10, that purple and gold matters to a whole lot of people in Northwest Knox.
If you want to keep up with the latest roster moves or the 2026 schedule release, check out the TSSAA portal or the official Karns High School athletic page. There's always something happening at the Den.