8/27/2026 10:46:00 AM | Football, General
The McCallie Blue Tornado returns to Spears Stadium Friday night looking to build on a thrilling season-opening victory when it hosts St. Mary's Ryken of Leonardtown, Maryland. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. Friday, August 28.
McCallie enters Week 2 with a 1-0 record after opening the 2026 season with a dramatic 27-24 overtime victory over Lipscomb Academy at Spears Stadium. The Blue Tornado sealed the win with a goal-line stand, stopping the Mustangs just inches from the end zone on fourth down in overtime.
The season opener provided an early test for a young McCallie team, and Head Coach Joel Bradford was encouraged by the fight his group showed throughout the night.
"We missed a lot of assignments and didn't execute our best," Bradford said following the win. "But we showed a lot of heart and fight and I hope that's something we will carry with us."
McCallie produced 474 yards of total offense against Lipscomb, including 302 through the air. Junior quarterback Louis Fortier, making his first start after serving as the backup last season, threw for 302 yards and two touchdowns.
The Blue Tornado also found success on the ground despite playing without running back Xavier Fillion. Freshman Macc Chapin stepped into the backfield and delivered an impressive varsity debut, rushing for 140 yards. His eight-yard touchdown run with 3:26 remaining in the fourth quarter gave McCallie its first lead of the night.
Defensively, McCallie limited Lipscomb to just 43 rushing yards, with the biggest stop coming when it mattered most. The Blue Tornado defense stuffed the Mustangs on fourth-and-goal in overtime to preserve the victory.
This week brings a new challenge as St. Mary's Ryken makes the trip from Maryland to Chattanooga for its season opener. The Knights are led by Head Coach Gary Wynn and compete in the Washington Catholic Athletic Conference. Friday will mark the beginning of a challenging schedule for St. Mary's Ryken that also includes Mount St. Joseph, Woodberry Forest, Georgetown Prep and WCAC opponents later in the fall.
For McCallie, Friday provides another opportunity for a young roster to gain valuable experience before the Blue Tornado hits the road for the first time this season next week at Father Ryan.
Game Information
Matchup: McCallie vs. St. Mary's Ryken (Md.)
Date: Friday, August 28, 2026
Kickoff: 7:00 p.m.
Location: Spears Stadium — Chattanooga, Tennessee
McCallie Record: 1-0
The Blue Tornado will look to make it two straight to begin the 2026 season under the lights at Spears Stadium.
