High School Sports Saturday with Tate Mathews

Cumulus Sports
Cumulus Sports
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Growing up in a coaching family and now the owner of Mathews Team Sports, Tate Mathews brings a unique perspective to High School Sports Saturday. With over fifteen years in the sporting goods industry in Middle Tennessee working with and for high school administrators and coaches, Tate’s relationships provide insight into middle Tennessee high school athletics. High School Sports Saturday covers each sport during their respective competitive seasons.  Coaches, administrators, TSSAA officials and student-athletes are interviewed each week at 8 AM on 104-5 The Zone.

  1. 1d ago

    High School Sports Saturday 10/03/26

    This episode of High School Sports Saturday on 104.5 The Zone, hosted by Tate Matthews, features headlining guest Coach Ed Cunningham, Head Coach of the Lincoln County Falcons, alongside mentions of upcoming show guests Charles Pulliam (from the Williamson Herald and High School Power Hour) and Tom Kreager (high school sports reporter for The Tennessean). The primary live interview focused on Coach Ed Cunningham following Lincoln County’s dominant 40–7 victory over Tullahoma, which elevated the Falcons to an undefeated 6–0 record and earned them their first region win of the season. During the discussion, Coach Cunningham praised his team's flawless offensive performance—highlighting touchdown drives of 95 and 98 yards, key goal-line defensive stands early in the game, and individual contributions from multi-sport athlete Clint Quick and star quarterback Dason Ogle, who logged five total touchdowns while maintaining the top academic rank in his class. In addition to the segment with Coach Cunningham, host Tate Matthews provided a comprehensive breakdown of Week 7 high school football action across Middle Tennessee, sponsored by Jimmy Kelly’s Steakhouse. The broadcast detailed score recaps and notable individual statistics for top-ranked programs—such as Brentwood Academy's 63–14 win over Memphis University School and Battle Ground Academy's 56–7 victory—as well as historic milestones like Nashville Collegiate Prep’s first-ever program win. The host also shared travel warnings for listeners heading toward poor weather conditions in Knoxville, promoted membership details and liability insurance updates for the Tennessee Athletic Coaches Association (TACA), and previewed further high school sports coverage with scheduled appearances by Charles Pulliam and Tom Kreager See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  2. 1d ago

    HSSS- Tom Kreager (The Tennessean)

    Tom discuss recent reclassification news and scheduling dynamics in Tennessee high school football under the TSSAA. The main discussion centers on Nashville Christian School choosing to move up to Division II-AA, which heightens competition in that division alongside teams like BGA and FRA, while opening up opportunities for frontrunners in D2-A like Davidson, Friendship, and USJ. They also examine the fallout surrounding non-region (independent) schedules, highlighting the financial and logistical strain placed on Division II-AAA programs that must now travel out-of-state or pay non-conference opponents to fill out their schedules. Beyond administrative developments, the conversation shifts to top individual game performances from Friday night across the mid-state region. Key highlights include Battle Ground Academy quarterback Bo Bryan throwing seven touchdown passes, as well as Kirkwood's Miles Redding, who also scored seven total touchdowns, including two rushing touchdowns. The host and Tom conclude by recognizing the high level of talent in local high school football as the season progresses. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  3. 1d ago

    HSSS- Ed Cunningham

    Tate is joined by Eddie Cunningham, head football coach of the Lincoln County High School Falcons. In the broadcast, Coach Cunningham recaps the Falcons' dominant 40–7 victory over Tullahoma, detailing how the offense scored on all six of its possessions—including long scoring drives of 95 and 98 yards—and praising a goal-line defense that made two critical fourth-down stops near the goal line. The interview highlights several key playmakers, most notably converted linebacker and top-ranked student Dace Nogle, who threw for 150 yards and three touchdowns while rushing for 111 yards and two additional scores. The coach and host also discuss wide receiver Clint Quick's big-play efficiency and two-sport athleticism, alongside the versatile play of twin running backs Carson and Colton Carter. Looking ahead, the segment covers the Falcons' undefeated 6–0 record as they enter an open bye week coinciding with fall break. Coach Cunningham notes that the time off will allow injured players to recover and give the coaching staff extra time to game-plan for a crucial region battle against Columbia Central and their star quarterback. The interview concludes with a look at the growing community enthusiasm in Fayetteville, with rising crowd energy and high expectations surrounding the program's strong season. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  4. 1d ago

    HSSS- Charles Pulliam

    Tate is joined by Charles Pulliam, sports editor for the Williamson Herald and co-host of the High School Power Hour. In the broadcast, host Williamson Herald and guest Charles Pulliam review recent Middle Tennessee high school football action across Williamson County. They highlight Ravenwood High School’s 63–28 road victory over Independence, which marked their fourth consecutive win behind quarterback Brooks Brown’s 10-for-11 passing performance for 205 yards and 5 touchdowns. They also recap Brentwood High School’s 55–0 victory over Coffee County, driven by quarterback Gavin Strang’s 4 touchdown passes and sophomore running back Parker Kates’ 119 rushing yards, earning Brentwood back-to-back shutout wins. The conversation turns to two undefeated programs having impressive regular-season runs: Nolensville High School and Fairview High School. The Nolensville Knights reached 7–0 with a 36–6 win over Hillsboro under Coach Scott Stidham, led by multi-sport stars Jackson Uselton, Ryan Newell, and Tristan Lithmysi. Meanwhile, the Fairview Yellow Jackets also advanced to 7–0 following a 35–0 victory against Harpeth, continuing a dominant season where their defense has allowed just 36 points while outscoring opponents 268 to 36 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  5. Sep 19

    High School Sports Saturday With Tate Mathews 09-19-26

    This week’s show dives straight into the aftermath of massive Week 5 high school football action, featuring postgame reactions and strategic breakdowns from two top head coaches. First, East Robertson head coach Chris Keylon joins to discuss the Indians' hard-fought 29–21 victory over an undefeated, explosive Kirkwood squad. Keylon details how his defense stepped up to contain Kirkwood’s dual-threat quarterback, highlights the steady leadership of four-year starter Cason Young under center, and praises standout freshman running back Isaac Prince Jr. and senior wideout Brody Perry for their explosive plays and crucial downfield blocking. Then, Ravenwood head coach Ricky Rodriguez breaks down the Raptors' dominant 56–0 shutout win against Franklin. Rodriguez applauds defensive coordinator Anthony Brown’s game planning, the defensive unit’s suffocating performance, and the versatile spark provided by all-purpose back Caden Pace as Ravenwood gears up for region play and a trip to "The Den" to take on CPA. In the final segment, Tom Kreager of The Tennessean steps in to tackle the off-field buzz surrounding Tennessee high school football governance and potential seismic shifts in Division II Class AAA. Kreager and host Tate unpack reports of several private school programs exploring an independent schedule rather than competing under the TSSAA's current postseason umbrella. They explore the root causes driving the frustration—including modern transfer rules, NIL dynamics, and roster imbalances—and break down the potential domino effects on division realignment if schools opt to play independent football and forgo traditional playoff contention See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  6. Sep 19

    Tom Kreager (The Tennessean

    Tate is joined by Tom Kreger of The Tennessean to unpack the mounting controversy surrounding Tennessee’s Division II Class AAA (D2-AAA) football classification. Kreger discusses recent reports and rumors indicating that several programs are deeply dissatisfied with the current landscape, which has been reshaped by relaxed residency rules, one-time transfer allowances, and NIL policies that have effectively created "super teams on steroids". Rather than participating in a system they believe no longer reflects traditional high school football, anywhere from three to six schools within the 12-team division are actively exploring options to step away from playoff eligibility and play an independent schedule—potentially capping their seasons with separate bowl games instead. The discussion highlights the growing frustration among member institutions regarding the TSSAA’s perceived reluctance to address structural inequities, including debates over whether financial aid and boarding school advantages should play a role in classification alongside raw enrollment figures. Tate and Kreger note the potential domino effect facing the league: current bylaws dictate a 12-team roster for D2-AAA, which could force lower-division programs into the bracket if teams opt out unless the governing rules are amended. With official classification commitments looming in the coming days, Kreger emphasizes that the impending choices of these programs could mark a pivotal turning point for the future of private school football across the state. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  7. Sep 19

    Ricky Rodriguez (Ravenwood) 

    Ravenwood Raptors head coach Ricky Rodriguez joined the show to break down his team’s dominant 56–0 shutout victory over Franklin. After a challenging start to the year, Rodriguez praised defensive coordinator Anthony Brown and the staff for their preparation, emphasizing how former role players have stepped up into pivotal, two-way positions to keep high-scoring opponents off the scoreboard. While pleased with the lights-out defense and game-changing special teams play—highlighted by a blocked punt—Coach Rod noted that the Raptors must continue to improve their turnover margin as region play heats up. The conversation also highlighted standout playmaker Caden Pace, who exploded for 107 rushing yards, two ground scores, and an 80-yard touchdown reception. Coach Rod commended Pace’s offseason dedication to expanding his role into a versatile, all-purpose back with breakaway speed. Looking ahead, Rodriguez stressed that Ravenwood must stay sharp and focused as they travel to "The Den" next week against CPA, capping the segment with a shoutout to his son RJ and the Brentwood Blaze. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  8. Sep 19

    Chris Keylon (East Robertson)

    East Robertson head coach Chris  Keylon joined the show following his team's thrilling 29–21 victory over an undefeated Kirkwood squad, improving the Indians to 5–0 on the season.  Keylon discussed the defensive challenge of containing Kirkwood’s dual-threat quarterback Miles Reding, while spotlighting standout offensive performances from his own sideline. Senior quarterback Cason Young led with poise and efficiency, throwing for three touchdowns, while breakout freshman running back Isaac Prince Jr. continued his dominant season on the ground, logging 26 carries for 183 yards and a touchdown without yielding a single fumble. Wide receiver Brody Perry also made significant contributions, hauling in two touchdown grabs and executing critical downfield blocks that sprang Prince into the end zone. Looking ahead,  Keylon reflected on the team's balance and clutch execution as they prepare to transition into the most critical stretch of their schedule. With region play kicking off next week on the road against Hickman County, the focus turns toward securing playoff positioning and home-field advantage.  Keylon emphasized maintaining sharp preparation and discipline during practice while expressing his gratitude for the community culture and strong support surrounding the East Robertson program. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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Ratings & Reviews

3
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Growing up in a coaching family and now the owner of Mathews Team Sports, Tate Mathews brings a unique perspective to High School Sports Saturday. With over fifteen years in the sporting goods industry in Middle Tennessee working with and for high school administrators and coaches, Tate’s relationships provide insight into middle Tennessee high school athletics. High School Sports Saturday covers each sport during their respective competitive seasons.  Coaches, administrators, TSSAA officials and student-athletes are interviewed each week at 8 AM on 104-5 The Zone.

Information

  • Channel
    Cumulus Sports
  • Creator
    104.5 The Zone
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    100
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 104.5 The Zone

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