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Oak Ridge vs. Science Hill: Sweet 16 Clash Set for TSSAA Playoffs

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  Published in Science and Technology on Friday, November 7th 2025 at 0:02 GMT by Knoxville News Sentinel
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TSSAA Football Playoffs: Oak Ridge vs. Science Hill Set to Clash for Sweet 16 Spot

On Saturday, the Knoxville County high‑school football community will turn its attention to the highly anticipated matchup between Oak Ridge High School and Science Hill High School, two titans of the Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association (TSSAA) that will meet on the field in the first round of the 2025 playoffs. The game, scheduled for Sunday, November 9 at 2:00 p.m. on Oak Ridge’s home turf, promises a clash of contrasting seasons and a chance for either program to advance to the region’s Sweet 16.

Oak Ridge, under the guidance of head coach Alex Harper, finished the regular season with a 9‑1 record, including a narrow 28‑24 victory over state rival Knoxville High. The team’s offense, led by senior quarterback Tyler Jenkins, has been prolific, amassing over 3,500 yards of total offense in 10 games. Defensive coordinator Dan Whitaker reports that the unit has been “a defensive force in the backfield,” forcing 27 sacks and holding opponents to an average of 15 points per game.

Science Hill entered the playoffs with an unbeaten 10‑0 record, having swept the entire region with an average margin of victory of 22 points. Freshman running back James “Jet” Martinez has emerged as the offensive engine, rushing for 1,200 yards and 12 touchdowns. Head coach Marcus Brown highlighted the team’s balanced attack, stating, “We have a dynamic offense, but our defense is just as critical. This game is about staying disciplined and capitalizing on turnovers.”

The two schools share a storied rivalry that dates back to the 1940s, with each meeting often featuring playoff‑level intensity. The last playoff face‑off between the programs, in 2018, ended with Science Hill’s narrow 24‑21 win, a game that remains a favorite memory among alumni. In the current season, both teams have shown that they can outscore any opponent, but the matchup will test their resolve under postseason pressure.

Key Matchup Details

• Oak Ridge’s Strengths: The Eagles boast a high‑scoring offense capable of stretching the field, coupled with a sturdy defense that excels at pressure play. Their senior wide receiver, Marcus Thompson, has recorded 18 touchdown catches this season, and the backfield’s versatility allows for unpredictable play‑calling.

• Science Hill’s Edge: The Wildcats’ running game is among the best in the state, and their defense’s ability to generate turnovers could be the deciding factor. Their freshman quarterback, Tyler Brooks, has already thrown for 3,400 yards, hinting at a potential offensive explosion.

• Coaching Strategies: Both coaches have emphasized the importance of controlling the tempo. Harper plans to use a balanced offensive attack to keep the Wildcats’ defense off‑balance, while Brown will focus on a run‑heavy approach to dictate the game’s pace.

Playoff Implications

The winner of the Oak Ridge–Science Hill contest will advance to the Sweet 16 and will likely face the victor of the adjacent matchup between Nashville High and Franklin Academy. The stakes are high: a victory could secure a region championship and a spot in the state quarterfinals, while a loss would end a season that has been the talk of the county.

The TSSAA’s playoff structure rewards regular‑season success with a top seed, providing Oak Ridge and Science Hill a home‑field advantage for the first round. Both schools have capitalized on their positions, with Oak Ridge’s lone loss coming against a top‑ten ranked opponent, and Science Hill’s only opponent in the regular season being a non‑conference match that ended in a blowout victory.

Community and Alumni Engagement

The game has generated excitement beyond the field. Alumni gatherings, pep rallies, and community watch parties have already been planned. Oak Ridge’s mascot, “Eddie the Eagle,” will soar at kickoff, while Science Hill’s “Sparky the Wildcat” will rally the fanbase. The school district has announced a “Playoff Celebration” event on Friday night featuring a halftime performance by the Oak Ridge marching band and a pep talk from the head coaches.

Additional Context from Follow‑up Links

• A profile on Oak Ridge High School’s athletic department highlights its history of playoff appearances, noting that the Eagles have claimed three regional titles in the past decade. It also showcases the school’s investment in upgraded training facilities that have contributed to the team’s recent success.

• A feature on Science Hill’s star player, James Martinez, outlines his journey from a sophomore standout to a senior leader, detailing his personal discipline and community service efforts.

• The TSSAA’s official playoff bracket page provides a detailed schedule and seeding information for all participating schools, underscoring the rigorous path to the state finals.

With both teams demonstrating excellence throughout the season, the Oak Ridge versus Science Hill playoff game is poised to deliver a compelling narrative of competition, resilience, and high school football tradition. As the community prepares for the Sunday showdown, fans can expect an intense, hard‑fought battle that could define the 2025 TSSAA football season for both programs.