In the vibrant world of Nashville high school football, excitement is building as the 2025 season approaches. The recent Nashville Scrapper 2025 Football Banquet, hosted by the Nashville School District and the Nashville Rotary Club, was a highlight of the pre-season festivities. This event celebrated the achievements of the football team and its supporters, with several notable awards and recognitions.
The evening's pinnacle was the presentation of the Rotary Club’s MVP Award, given by Superintendent Doug Graham, which was awarded to Morgan. In his heartfelt acceptance speech, Morgan expressed his pride and gratitude to his family and the community for their unwavering support.
Another significant moment was the introduction of the Coach Brian Bearden Manager of the Year Award, presented by Athletic Director Bunch Nichols. The first recipient of this award was Jacee Martin, daughter of Coach John Martin, recognizing the crucial behind-the-scenes efforts that make high school football programs thrive.
On the field, Nashville's high school football teams have been making impressive strides. According to the 2024 rankings, Oakland tops the list with a 14-1 record, closely followed by Christ Presbyterian Academy (CPA) with a perfect 14-0 record, and Ensworth with an 11-1 record. These teams have set high standards for the upcoming season, showcasing their strength and resilience.
Beyond individual team achievements, there is a broader community effort to leverage football as a tool for positive change. In 2019, an initiative involving four metro football teams—Cane Ridge, Hillsboro, Maplewood, and Pearl Cohn—came together to tackle youth violence in their communities. Led by coaches Eddie Woods, Maurice Fitzgerald, Arcentae Broome, and Toni Brunetti, this movement promotes peace and unity both on and off the field.
Looking ahead to the 2025 season, several Nashville-area players are gaining attention in the recruiting scene. Ethan Utley from The Ensworth School and Chauncey Gooden from David Lipscomb High School are among the top prospects, highlighting the talent and potential that Nashville’s high school football programs are nurturing.
Additionally, there are new faces in coaching roles. Former NFL QB Zach Mettenberger has been named the new head coach at Father Ryan High School, bringing his experience as the program’s offensive coordinator last season to the forefront.
As the 2025 season approaches, fans can look forward to seeing talented young athletes make their mark both on the field and in their communities. With a blend of athletic excellence and community spirit, Nashville high school football continues to be a source of pride and inspiration for all involved. The stage is set for another exciting season, filled with celebrations, strong team performances, and community-driven initiatives that make Nashville’s high school football scene truly special.