GAME OF THE WEEK: OAK RIDGE AT DOBYNS-BENNETT
Friday, November 6, 2026, 7:00 PM — J. Fred Johnson Stadium, Kingsport, TN
TSSAA Class 6A playoffs, first round. Tickets: $8 in advance via GoFan, $10 at the gate.
A September rematch with a playoff ending. Oak Ridge won the first meeting 42-38 in Kingsport on September 11, a game that tied the all-time series at 23-23. Since then, Dobyns-Bennett has won six straight and claimed a third straight Region 1-6A title, the program's first three-peat since 2012. The Indians host as the Region 1 No. 1 seed at 7-3; Oak Ridge comes in 7-3 as the Region 2 No. 4 seed. History favors the team that lost the first time: the last four regular-season winners in this series have lost the playoff rematch.
Dobyns-Bennett's playoff identity is on the ground. Against Science Hill on October 30, the Indians ran for 384 yards: senior quarterback Levi Chappell carried 14 times for 195 yards and four rushing touchdowns, and junior back Kedrick Harris added 188 yards and two scores on 32 carries. D-B started the season 1-3 and has not lost since.
Oak Ridge brings the passing game. Senior quarterback Brody Sparks has thrown for 1,931 yards and 19 touchdowns through nine games per MaxPreps, and junior Zayden Williams caught three touchdowns against D-B in September. Senior Damillyan Porter is dangerous both running and catching, and Tennessee commit Malik Howard leads the tight end group.
The winner advances to the second round on Friday, November 13.