CCS Football Looks Ahead to 2027–2028 with Non-Region Competition

Chattanooga Christian School will proceed with plans for its football program to compete non-regionally during the 2027 and 2028 seasons following the Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association (TSSAA) Board of Control’s denial of the school’s classification appeal on October 1. 

As announced to the CCS community on September 29, the two-year non-regional schedule allows the school to strengthen roster depth, manage travel responsibly, and support the long-term sustainability of its football program. CCS remains a TSSAA member school. 

“Our players deserve our full commitment to the seasons ahead,” said CCS Athletic Director Eric Preszler. “We will continue to coach them with high expectations, invest in their development, and give them opportunities to compete and lead. That commitment remains the same regardless of classification.”

Earlier this year, TSSAA changed its Division II football classification methodology, accelerating CCS’s projected move from Division II-AA to Division II-AAA from 2029 to 2027. This significantly shortens the school’s preparation window.

In its March communication to football families, CCS outlined these concerns and committed to pursuing an appeal while preparing for possible outcomes. School leadership and coaches evaluated roster depth, scheduling, travel demands, staffing, and program development before determining that non-regional competition for two seasons would best serve CCS student-athletes.

CCS subsequently submitted a formal appeal asking TSSAA to honor the originally communicated four-year classification cycle and allow the school to remain in Division II-AA through the 2028–29 school year. The appeal focused on the change in methodology midway through that cycle and its impact on schools’ planning for scheduling, staffing, budgeting, and player development.

TSSAA initially scheduled appeals for November. On September 29, CCS learned that its hearing had been moved to October 1. Head of School Matt Covey, Upper School Head Landon Gray, and Athletic Director Eric Preszler attended the Board of Control meeting in Mt. Juliet, Tennessee, to present the school’s appeal. The Board denied the appeal, leaving CCS’s Division II-AAA classification in place for 2027.

CCS is now working with other schools to build a strong, meaningful 10-game schedule that includes local matchups. Playing a non-regional schedule provides greater flexibility to select opponents that support competitive equity, player development, and high-quality experiences for student-athletes. Confirmed opponents and scheduling details will be shared as they become available.

The current 2026 season is unaffected. CCS continues to compete in Division II-AA and remains eligible for TSSAA football playoffs this season. CCS will continue conversations with TSSAA about a path back to region competition and will evaluate classification policies, enrollment, and program readiness before determining its direction beyond 2028.

“Our commitment to forming students who pursue Christ, excel academically, and grow in character remains unchanged,” Preszler said. “Athletics continues to serve as a meaningful extension of that mission.”

Media inquiries should be directed to the CCS Communications Office at communications@ccsk12.com or 423.265.6411.