Tate is joined by Coach Eddie Cunningham of Lincoln County HS Football to talk about their 3-0 start to the 2025 season and more!

Tate is joined by Coach Eddie Cunningham of Lincoln County HS Football to talk about their 3-0 start to the 2025 season and more!

Growing up in a coaching family and now the owner of Mathews Team Sports, Tate Mathews brings a unique perspective to High School Sports Saturday.

With over fifteen years in the sporting goods industry in Middle Tennessee working with and for high school administrators and coaches, Tate’s relationships provide insight into middle Tennessee high school athletics.

High School Sports Saturday covers each sport during their respective competitive seasons.  Coaches, administrators, TSSAA officials and student-athletes are interviewed each week at 8 AM on 104-5 The Zone.

High School Sports Saturday with Tate Mathews

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HSSS - Eddie Cunningham

This week’s show dives straight into the aftermath of massive Week 5 high school football action, featuring postgame reactions and strategic breakdowns from two top head coaches. First, East Robertson head coach Chris Keylon joins to discuss the Indians' hard-fought 29–21 victory over an undefeated, explosive Kirkwood squad. Keylon details how his defense stepped up to contain Kirkwood’s dual-threat quarterback, highlights the steady leadership of four-year starter Cason Young under center, and praises standout freshman running back Isaac Prince Jr. and senior wideout Brody Perry for their explosive plays and crucial downfield blocking. Then, Ravenwood head coach Ricky Rodriguez breaks down the Raptors' dominant 56–0 shutout win against Franklin. Rodriguez applauds defensive coordinator Anthony Brown’s game planning, the defensive unit’s suffocating performance, and the versatile spark provided by all-purpose back Caden Pace as Ravenwood gears up for region play and a trip to "The Den" to take on CPA. 

In the final segment, Tom Kreager of The Tennessean steps in to tackle the off-field buzz surrounding Tennessee high school football governance and potential seismic shifts in Division II Class AAA. Kreager and host Tate unpack reports of several private school programs exploring an independent schedule rather than competing under the TSSAA's current postseason umbrella. They explore the root causes driving the frustration—including modern transfer rules, NIL dynamics, and roster imbalances—and break down the potential domino effects on division realignment if schools opt to play independent football and forgo traditional playoff contention

This week&rsquo;s show dives straight into the aftermath of massive Week 5 high school football action, featuring postgame reactions and strategic breakdowns from two top head coaches. First, East Robertson head coach Chris Keylon joins to discuss the Indians' hard-fought 29&ndash;21 victory over an undefeated, explosive Kirkwood squad. Keylon details how his defense stepped up to contain Kirkwood&rsquo;s dual-threat quarterback, highlights the steady leadership of four-year starter Cason Young under center, and praises standout freshman running back Isaac Prince Jr. and senior wideout Brody Perry for their explosive plays and crucial downfield blocking. Then, Ravenwood head coach Ricky Rodriguez breaks down the Raptors' dominant 56&ndash;0 shutout win against Franklin. Rodriguez applauds defensive coordinator Anthony Brown&rsquo;s game planning, the defensive unit&rsquo;s suffocating performance, and the versatile spark provided by all-purpose back Caden Pace as Ravenwood gears up for region play and a trip to "The Den" to take on CPA. 
In the final segment, Tom Kreager of The Tennessean steps in to tackle the off-field buzz surrounding Tennessee high school football governance and potential seismic shifts in Division II Class AAA. Kreager and host Tate unpack reports of several private school programs exploring an independent schedule rather than competing under the TSSAA's current postseason umbrella. They explore the root causes driving the frustration&mdash;including modern transfer rules, NIL dynamics, and roster imbalances&mdash;and break down the potential domino effects on division realignment if schools opt to play independent football and forgo traditional playoff contention

High School Sports Saturday With Tate Mathews 09-19-26

Tate is joined by Tom Kreger of The Tennessean to unpack the mounting controversy surrounding Tennessee’s Division II Class AAA (D2-AAA) football classification. Kreger discusses recent reports and rumors indicating that several programs are deeply dissatisfied with the current landscape, which has been reshaped by relaxed residency rules, one-time transfer allowances, and NIL policies that have effectively created "super teams on steroids". Rather than participating in a system they believe no longer reflects traditional high school football, anywhere from three to six schools within the 12-team division are actively exploring options to step away from playoff eligibility and play an independent schedule—potentially capping their seasons with separate bowl games instead. 

The discussion highlights the growing frustration among member institutions regarding the TSSAA’s perceived reluctance to address structural inequities, including debates over whether financial aid and boarding school advantages should play a role in classification alongside raw enrollment figures. Tate and Kreger note the potential domino effect facing the league: current bylaws dictate a 12-team roster for D2-AAA, which could force lower-division programs into the bracket if teams opt out unless the governing rules are amended. With official classification commitments looming in the coming days, Kreger emphasizes that the impending choices of these programs could mark a pivotal turning point for the future of private school football across the state. 

Tate is joined by Tom Kreger of The Tennessean to unpack the mounting controversy surrounding Tennessee&rsquo;s Division II Class AAA (D2-AAA) football classification. Kreger discusses recent reports and rumors indicating that several programs are deeply dissatisfied with the current landscape, which has been reshaped by relaxed residency rules, one-time transfer allowances, and NIL policies that have effectively created "super teams on steroids". Rather than participating in a system they believe no longer reflects traditional high school football, anywhere from three to six schools within the 12-team division are actively exploring options to step away from playoff eligibility and play an independent schedule&mdash;potentially capping their seasons with separate bowl games instead. 
The discussion highlights the growing frustration among member institutions regarding the TSSAA&rsquo;s perceived reluctance to address structural inequities, including debates over whether financial aid and boarding school advantages should play a role in classification alongside raw enrollment figures. Tate and Kreger note the potential domino effect facing the league: current bylaws dictate a 12-team roster for D2-AAA, which could force lower-division programs into the bracket if teams opt out unless the governing rules are amended. With official classification commitments looming in the coming days, Kreger emphasizes that the impending choices of these programs could mark a pivotal turning point for the future of private school football across the state.

Tom Kreager (The Tennessean

Ravenwood Raptors head coach Ricky Rodriguez joined the show to break down his team’s dominant 56–0 shutout victory over Franklin. After a challenging start to the year, Rodriguez praised defensive coordinator Anthony Brown and the staff for their preparation, emphasizing how former role players have stepped up into pivotal, two-way positions to keep high-scoring opponents off the scoreboard. While pleased with the lights-out defense and game-changing special teams play—highlighted by a blocked punt—Coach Rod noted that the Raptors must continue to improve their turnover margin as region play heats up. 
The conversation also highlighted standout playmaker Caden Pace, who exploded for 107 rushing yards, two ground scores, and an 80-yard touchdown reception. Coach Rod commended Pace’s offseason dedication to expanding his role into a versatile, all-purpose back with breakaway speed. Looking ahead, Rodriguez stressed that Ravenwood must stay sharp and focused as they travel to "The Den" next week against CPA, capping the segment with a shoutout to his son RJ and the Brentwood Blaze. 

Ravenwood Raptors head coach Ricky Rodriguez joined the show to break down his team&rsquo;s dominant 56&ndash;0 shutout victory over Franklin. After a challenging start to the year, Rodriguez praised defensive coordinator Anthony Brown and the staff for their preparation, emphasizing how former role players have stepped up into pivotal, two-way positions to keep high-scoring opponents off the scoreboard. While pleased with the lights-out defense and game-changing special teams play&mdash;highlighted by a blocked punt&mdash;Coach Rod noted that the Raptors must continue to improve their turnover margin as region play heats up. The conversation also highlighted standout playmaker Caden Pace, who exploded for 107 rushing yards, two ground scores, and an 80-yard touchdown reception. Coach Rod commended Pace&rsquo;s offseason dedication to expanding his role into a versatile, all-purpose back with breakaway speed. Looking ahead, Rodriguez stressed that Ravenwood must stay sharp and focused as they travel to "The Den" next week against CPA, capping the segment with a shoutout to his son RJ and the Brentwood Blaze.

HSSS - Eddie Cunningham

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