High school football in Chattanooga usually means talking about the big private schools with their massive budgets and manicured lawns. But if you actually live here, you know the real heat comes from Tyner Academy. People call them the Rams, and honestly, they’ve spent decades proving that a neighborhood school can punch way above its weight class.
Tyner High School football isn’t just a Friday night activity; it’s basically a local institution that has survived coaching changes, rezonings, and the jump between 2A and 3A classifications.
The 2022 season was something else. Seriously. Under Coach Scott Chandler, the Rams went on a tear, finishing 14-1 and snatching the Class 2A State Championship. It was their first title since 1997, and the way they did it—a gritty 26-24 win over Decatur County Riverside—is still the talk of the town. You’ve got to respect a team that can end a 25-year drought with that much poise.
The Era of Wayne Turner and the Foundation
You can't talk about Tyner without mentioning Wayne Turner. The man is a legend. He put in over 30 years at the school, racking up nearly 300 wins and establishing a "Ram Tough" culture that still exists today. He wasn't just a coach; he was the guy who made Tyner a destination for athletes who wanted to play fast, physical ball.
When he retired in 2022, there was a lot of worry. Would the program slide? Would the magic fade away?
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Then Scott Chandler stepped in. Chandler, who had a solid nine-year run in the NFL as a tight end for teams like the Buffalo Bills and New England Patriots, didn't just maintain the status quo. He took that 2022 squad and turned them into a machine. He brought a professional level of preparation that blended perfectly with the raw talent coming out of the Tyner community.
Life in Class 3A: The New Reality
Football moves fast. By the 2024-25 season, things looked a bit different. The Rams shifted into Class 3A, Region 3, which is a whole different animal. Christian Mainor took the reins as head coach during this transition, navigating a schedule that included heavy hitters like Meigs County and Marion County.
The 2024 season was a rollercoaster. They finished 6-5 overall, which might look "mid" on paper, but you have to look at the context. They were playing teams like Red Bank and Rhea County. They pulled off a massive overtime win against Marion County (31-28) that proved they still had that "never-say-die" DNA.
Current stars are already making names for themselves. Sophomores and juniors are stepping up earlier than usual.
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- Dion Edwards has been a beast at wide receiver, often averaging over 70 yards a game.
- Marcus Turner has been steady at QB, showing he can lead the offense under pressure.
- Tyler Anderson has been a dual-threat nightmare, leading the team in rushing yards and touchdowns.
Why Tyner Stays Relevant
What most people get wrong about Tyner is thinking it's just about "speed." Yeah, they're fast, but it’s the discipline. Even with coaching carousels—moving from Chandler to Mainor and recently seeing Dameian Suttles take over for the 2025-26 cycle—the identity doesn't change.
In the 2025 season, the Rams roared back to dominance. They finished with a stellar 12-2 record and went undefeated in their district. It’s that bounce-back ability. One year you’re rebuilding in a new class, the next you’re 12-2 and ranked in the top 40 in the state.
They don't have the recruiting pull of the private schools. They have the "Tyner Way." It’s a mix of community pride and a coaching staff that usually includes former players who grew up on these same sidelines.
The NFL Pipeline
People forget how many pros have ties to this area or this style of play. While Scott Chandler brought NFL experience to the coaching staff, the school has always produced high-level talent. Looking at the rosters from the last few years, you see names like Josh Jackson and Jersey Chubb—kids who are multi-sport athletes, often crossing over to the championship-caliber basketball team.
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What to Watch for Next Season
If you're following Tyner High School football into 2026, keep your eyes on the trenches. The Rams have been developing some serious size on the offensive line, which is a shift from their traditional "speed-only" reputation.
The 3A classification isn't getting any easier, but the 2025 performance showed that Tyner has officially adjusted to the higher level of play. They aren't the "small school" underdog anymore. They are a 3A powerhouse that expects to be in the quarterfinals or better every single November.
If you want to support the team or catch a game, the best move is to show up early at "The Graveyard"—Tyner’s home field. The atmosphere is electric, and the concessions? Honestly, some of the best in Hamilton County.
Next Steps for Fans and Recruits:
- Check the TSSAA Brackets: Stay updated on the playoff seedings, as Tyner is a perennial post-season fixture.
- Follow Local Coverage: Keep an eye on The Chattanoogan or Times Free Press for mid-week injury reports.
- Attend the Rivalry Games: If Brainerd or Howard is on the schedule, buy your tickets on Monday. Those games sell out fast and represent the heart of Chattanooga football.