The TSSAA recently released the new 2025-2027 reclassifications for all Tennessee high schools. Some main schools that moved were 3A powerhouse Alcoa moving up to 4A and Cumberland County dropping from 4A. However, the biggest change came with Gordonsville high school moving up to 2A this upcoming season.
“We are excited about our new district and the challenges that go with playing at a bigger school,” said Gordonsville High School football coach Stephen Jackson.
Gordonsville has remained in class 1A for over 40 years. This created strong traditions between schools like Clay County and South Pittsburg. With Gordonsville moving into 2A, the Tigers will be able to take on a new slate of district opponents including Trousdale County, Jackson County, Cannon County, and their biggest rivals in Smith County.
Smith County and Gordonsville have always had high-stakes matchups, this year the Tigers took care of business in Carthage taking down the black and gold 20-6. The two teams always play the first week of the season in a game that is swarmed by local media and fans alike.
“It will create a truly electric atmosphere for the community and schools. It will add more weight to it being a region game along with being a rivalry game.” said Smith County Owls Coach Matt Dyer.
With the two teams now competing in the same district and classification it creates an opportunity for both teams to battle for a region championship and potentially a state quarterfinal game in the future. The next two years will create new rivalries with teams that are very familiar with each other in a new high stakes setting.
The long-standing rivalry between Smith County and Gordonsville just got a major upgrade. With the Tigers now set to compete directly with the Owls for district honors, fans can expect the same intensity and passion that have defined this clash for years—only now, the stakes are even higher.
