Wildcats, Hawks square off in Region 2-6A showdown

October 14, 2026 by Alan Sloan

Oak Ridge High School’s football team is looking to take a big step toward securing a Region 2-6A playoff berth Friday night.

Standing in the Wildcats’ way is Hardin Valley Academy, which also has its sights set on a postseason berth.

The Wildcats (6-1 overall, 2-1 in the region) will visit the Hawks (5-2, 2-2) on Friday, Oct. 16. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.

Oak Ridge head coach Derek Rang knows his team will face a stiff challenge from an improving Hardin Valley squad.

“Well, No. 1, they’re very much improved,” Rang said. “When coach (Tyler) Wynn took over, you know, he’s had this group about three years. Last year they were improved. They barely missed the playoffs last year. We beat them 21-10 at Blankenship (Field).

“And what impresses me most about them is they’re continually on the upswing,” he added. “They run the ball really well. They’re very unique on offense to where he wants to run a handful of plays out of a bunch of different looks and shifts and motions and formations.

“And defensively, they’re hard-nosed and scrappy. They are a four-down front, and they’re going to pin their ears back and come get you. I think coach Wynn’s kind of an effort, physicality-type coach, and they’ve kind of taken that mindset.”

Rang expects a physical battle between two teams with plenty at stake.

“Obviously, it’s going to be a hard-fought football game Friday over at their place,” he said. “And we’re excited to play in it.

“We’re kind of excited about what we’re doing, too,” Rang added.

A victory Friday would put Oak Ridge in a favorable position as the regular season winds down.

“This would put us in good shape to be the No. 3 seed” in Region 2-6A, Rang said.