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Articles by Matthew H. Sawyer
Riverdale dominates Cookeville
Warriors easily advance with 41-7 home victory MATTHEW SAWYER msawyerxxl@gmail.com Riverdale’s Sutton Gutting catches a pass for a touchdown over the defense of Cookeville’s James McCloud and Bryson Gallagner in their game Friday at Riverdale. JIM DAVIS Riverdale rolled to a 41-7 victory over the visiting Cookeville Cavaliers Friday in the first round of the TSSAA playoffs after jumping to a 41-0 halftime lead that allowed the starters to rest in the second half.
Battle of the ’Boro thriller
Riverdale’s Jaxon Porter tackles Oakland’s Kam Morton in front of the Riverdale bench during their game at Riverdale Friday night. JIM DAVIS The Battle of the Boro ’26 lived up to the hype, with Riverdale winning a 36-34 thriller at home over Oakland on Braxton Benally’s 41-yard field goal as time expired. “It’s amazing,” said Benally, whose kick clinched the Region 3-6A outright regular-season championship. “I mean, look around. Everyone is so happy and excited.
Riverdale rolls by Rockets 54-20
Riverdale’s Luke Tritch hauls in a pass in front of Rockvale’s Jeremiah Chandler and takes it the rest of the way for a touchdown on the Warriors’ first play from scrimmage Friday night at Riverdale. JIM DAVIS Riverdale has scored 45 points or more six times this season, and Friday was no different as the Warriors cruised to a 54-21 home win over the Rockvale Rockets. “The offense has done a great job,” Riverdale coach Will Kriesky said.
Oakland shuts out La Vergne 42-0
Oakland’s Braxton Greever fights for yardage against La Vergne during their game at Oakland on Friday night. RONNIE YAGLE No. 3 ranked Oakland rolled to a 42-0 home win Friday night over the La Vergne Wolverines to set the stage for two road games at Stewarts Creek and Riverdale to end the regular season. The Patriots (7-1, 4-1) have outscored opponents 162-19 since an early loss to Smyrna and one-point win over Pearl Cohn.
Siegel plays with heavy heart in victory
Stars surprise Rockvale with 27-17 region win MATTHEW SAWYER msawyerxxl@gmail.com Siegel’s Quinton Carson celebrates one of his four touchdowns against Rockvale during their game Friday night at Siegel. MICHAEL GIGLIO Siegel pulled out a 27-17 homecoming win game against Rockvale Friday, handing the Rockets their second straight loss of the season and leaving the two teams tied in the Region 3-6A standings.
A Hail Mary victory for Smyrna
Smyrna’s RJ Williams skies for the touchdown reception on the game’s final play in a 27-21 victory at Rockvale Thursday night. RONNIE YAGLE Smyrna remained unbeaten in region play Thursday night in Hail Mary fashion. An interception by Smyrna’s Succory Weathers on the Rockets’ 41-yard line with four seconds left gave the Bulldogs a final chance at a Hail Mary attempt.
No. 1 Riverdale too much for La Vergne
Riverdale’s Jaxson Porter tackles LaVergne’s Jazz White during their game at Riverdale on Friday night. JIM DAVIS No. 1 ranked Riverdale cruised at home Friday night with a 56-0 win over the La Vergne Wolverines, their third straight victory after losing the season opener at Knoxville Catholic. “I think the loss woke the kids up,” Riverdale coach Will Kriesky said. “It got them refocused and paying attention to the details of their jobs each day.
Stewarts Creek moves on to state softball tournament
Stewarts Creek outfielder Alexis Page tracks down an Oakland fly ball for an out. Stewarts Creek beat the Lady Patriots for the region softball title. PHOTO BY JIM DAVIS The Stewarts Creek softball team is back in Spring Fling for the third time in four seasons after defeating East Hamilton 4-2 for the second straight season at home in the sectional final. The Lady Red Hawks will open state tournament play on Tuesday, May 20 at 2 p.m. against Green Hill at Starplex.
Stewarts Creek beats Oakland for region softball title
Matthew Sawyer msawyerxxl@gmail.com Stewarts Creek Lillian Fox scores the first run for the Hawks. PHOTO BY JIM DAVIS The Stewarts Creek Lady Red Hawks took one more step toward a return to the state championship game, earning a region title and a home game in the sectional round with a 6-1 win over the Lady Patriots at Oakland on Wednesday in the region 4-4A softball title game.
Stewarts Creek adds 7-4A softball title
MATTHEW SAWYER msawyerxxl@gmail.com Stewarts Creek’s Jaelyn Stembridge celebrates after reaching third base. MICHAEL GIGLIO SMYRNA – Stewarts Creek ended the District 7-4A softball tournament the same way it ended the regular season — as champions — after a 7-1 win over Wilson Central last Friday afternoon at home. “Our team is pretty bonded,” Stewarts Creek standout Samya Sandifer said. “We try to have fun as much as we can. It keeps us loose and I think that’s how we play to our best ability.
Oakland wins district softball title
Oakland’s Taylor Minnick was named the district Pitcher of the Year. MICHAEL GIGLIO Oakland continued its domination of District 8-4A softball with a 9-7 win over Blackman last Thursday at Riverdale in the tournament championship game. “We all locked and knew what we had to do as individuals,” Oakland’s Chloe Aaron said.
Oakland softball runs table in 8-4A race
MATTHEW SAWYER mattsawyerXXL@gmail.com Riverdale’s Lauren Brewer throws a pitch against Oakland Tuesday at Riverdale. MICHAEL GIGLIO The Oakland Lady Patriots softball team wrapped up an undefeated district season Tuesday on the road with a 6-3 win over crosstown rival Riverdale Tuesday night. “Good teams find a way and that’s what we did tonight,” Oakland coach Charlotte Peay said. “We’re excited to be undefeated in the district, which was one of our goals.
Rockvale softball holds on to beat Siegel 5-4
Rockvale’s softball team picked up a much-needed district win Tuesday night, April 15, at Siegel with a 5-4 victory over the Lady Stars. Rockvale held off a seventh-inning rally that saw the Stars get within one as two runs came across on a dropped fly ball with the bases loaded. “We’ve been in every game but for some reason have had trouble in the seventh (inning),” Rockvale coach Perry Lyons said.
Blackman beats Siegel in district opener
Blackman’s Kylie Breaky slides head first into third base safely ahead of the tag from Siegel’s Lex Jones during their district softball game. JIM DAVIS Blackman and Siegel opened the District 8 softball season on April 8 as the visiting Lady Blaze got their first district win, 14-11 over the Lady Stars. “I think (Blackman) had a lot of energy in the game,” Blackman’s Sophia Sullivan said.
This week at Macquarie Island: 11 April 2025 – Australian Antarctic Program
The wind on Macquarie Island speaks in whispers – ancient, ocean-worn, and secretive. Some say it carries voices from a century ago, skipping like Morse code across the waves and hills. When I first set foot on this rugged, sea-lashed outpost of the Southern Ocean, I wasn’t just stepping into a remote corner of the Earth. I was walking in the footsteps of a legend – my great-grandfather, Arthur John Sawyer (the wireless wizard). Arthur wasn’t a hero in the way Hollywood sells it.
Siegel takes 4-0 district win at Riverdale
BY MATTHEW SAWYER mattsawyerXXL@gmail.com The Siegel baseball team moved to 4-0 in district play as the Stars took game one of their three-game series against Riverdale with a 3-0 victory Tuesday night. “It’s good to get an early win in a series against a district team,” Siegel game winner Ryan Russell said. “We were coming off a sweep against Oakland and have momentum.
Blackman girls, boys roll past Riverdale in road sweep
Blackman girls’ coach Jennifer Grandstaff’s Lady Blaze remained unbeaten with a 64-45 road win at Riverdale Tuesday, Feb. 4. FILE Both Blackman basketball teams remained unbeaten in district play as the Blaze traveled to Riverdale Tuesday and defeated the Warriors 64-45 in the girls’ game and 70-40 in the boys. Despite the margin of victory in the girls’ contest, the Blaze had their work cut out for them, as the Warriors made multiple runs at the lead.
Siegel wins two battles with Riverdale
Siegel’s Carter Webb scores over the Riverdale defense during their district game at Siegel Friday night. PHOTO BY JIM DAVIS The Siegel Stars were winners in two action-packed games at home Friday versus the Riverdale Warriors, with the boys earning a 51-43 win and the Lady Stars a 57-52 victory. Siegel’s boys avenged an earlier season loss to the Warriors, improving to 3-2 in the district while Riverdale fell to 2-3.
Riverdale boys top Oakland in 2 OTs
Riverdale’s Hudson Fuqua goes up for a shot against Oakland’s Braynt Haggard during their game Friday night at Riverdale. PHOTO BY MICHAEL GIGLIO Riverdale and Oakland met for the first time this year at Riverdale and split games Friday night, with the Lady Patriots earning a 65-44 win and the Warriors an 85-81 double-overtime thriller in the boys’ contest.
State champions again
Oakland’s football team celebrates winning the BlueCross Bowl 6A state championship for the fourth time in five years Saturday night in Chattanooga. PHOTO BY CARL EDMONDSON CHATTANOOGA — The Oakland Patriots won their fourth state title in five years, avenging last season’s loss to Houston with a 42-20 win over the Mustangs Saturday night at Finley Stadium in the BlueCross State 6A state title game. “At the end of the day we just wanted a state championship,” Oakland coach Kevin Creasy said.
America’s regional differences and implications for business
Many people living outside the United States think it is one homogeneous country. The founder of an Australian company told me they plan to enter the US because it is one huge market that speaks one language and has one set of rules. Compared with Europe’s 44 countries, that assumption is correct as the US is easier to navigate. However, it is a mistake to underestimate the complexity and diversity in our country. Anyone who has travelled within the US knows that each region is unique.
Understanding America's regional differences and implications for business
Many people living outside the United States think it is one homogeneous country. The founder of an Australian company told me they plan to enter the U.S. because it is one huge market that speaks one language and has one set of rules. Compared with Europe’s 44 countries, that assumption is correct: the U.S. is easier to navigate. However, it is a mistake to underestimate the complexity and diversity in our country. Anyone who has traveled within the U.S. knows that each region is unique.
Creek softball state runner-up
Stewarts Creek’s softball team enjoys the moment after finishing runner-up to Dobyns Bennett in the TSSAA Class 4-A softball tournament Friday at MTSU. MICHAEL GIGLIO Stewarts Creek’s softball team fell just short in the 4-A state championship game Friday morning at MTSU in a 3-2 loss to the Dobyns Bennett Indians. “I’m super proud of these girls,” Stewarts Creek coach Jennifer Fernandez said. “They’re fighters and they know what we have and what we had, and they know how they finished.
Creek softball wins three in one day, will play for state title
Stewarts Creek players celebrate a play against Knoxville Halls during their 4-A state tournament game. MICHAEL GIGLIO Stewarts Creek will be playing for its first state title in softball Friday after the Red Hawks won three game Thursday, including defeating the Knoxville Halls Red Devils 3-2 Thursday in eight innings when Bella Richer crossed the plate on a walk-off single by Alayna Wilson. The Red Hawks will face Dobyns Bennett Friday at 10 a.m. at MTSU in the championship game.
Eagleville baseball to play for third straight state title
BY MATTHEW SAWYER Main Street Preps Eagleville’s Spencer Robbins holds off on a pitch during the Eagles’ Class 1A state tournament against Oakdale. Eagleville won that game Wednesday and went on to defeat South Pittsburgh 11-1 Thursday to advance to Friday’s state championship game. MICHAEL GIGLIO EAGLEVILLE– These last three baseball seasons Eagleville has wrote one exceptional story with many chapters.
Beech eliminates Siegel baseball
Siegel pitcher Jack Santi picked up the Stars’ lone victory in the TSSAA Class 4A state baseball tournament over Clarksville. JIM DAVIS Siegel’s baseball season came to an end Wednesday on Day 2 of the 4A state tournament. After losing to 6-0 to Farragut earlier in the day, the Stars had to face Beech in the nightcap, and the Buccaneers won 4-3 in eight innings. “We did what we couldn’t earlier against Farragut,” Siegel coach Craig Reavis said. “They’re the best team out here.
Stewarts Creek softball falls to Halls 4-3
BY MATTHEW SAWYER Main Street Preps Stewarts Creek pitcher Jadyn Brawley throws a pitch against Knoxville Halls during their TSSAA state tournament game at StarPlex on Wednesday. MICHAEL GIGLIO Stewarts Creek’s softball team will have to battle out of the losers bracket after a 4-3 loss to the Knoxville Halls Red Devils Wednesday morning in the second round of the TSSAA state softball tournament at StarPlex.
Horn’s homers lift Siegel past Clarksville
BY MATTHEW SAWYER Main Street Preps Siegel’s Jack Santi delivers a pitch against Clarksville during their TSSAA Class 4-A state tournament game Tuesday night at Siegel. JIM DAVIS Siegel’s Will Horn belted two home runs and the Stars defeated Clarksville 5-3 Tuesday night in the opening round of the TSSAA Class 4-A state baseball tournament at Siegel. “I was just seeing the ball well,” Horn said. “I was sitting on the fastball. I didn’t think I’d get another fastball after I hit the first (home run).
Stewart Creek softball knocks off defending champs
Red Hawks hold Green Hill for 8-7 victory in opening round BY MATTHEW SAWYER Main Street Preps Stewarts Creek’s Samya Sandifer throws a pitch against Green Hill during their opening round game of the TSSAA state softball tournament at McKnight Park Tuesday. MICHAEL GIGLIO Stewarts Creek’s softball surprised defending state champion Green Hill 8-7 in the opening round of the TSSAA state softball tournament at McKnight Field No. 1 Tuesday afternoon.
Eagleville softball falls in sectional
Eagleville’s Ashtyn Walker slides into third base against Hollow Rock-Bruceton during their section game Saturday at MTSU. MICHAEL GIGLIO Eagleville’s road to a fourth consecutive softball state title game was cut short Saturday when the Lady Eagles suffered a 3-1 upset at the hands of the Hollow Rock-Bruceton Central Tigers in the sectional round at the MTSU softball field. “This is a hard loss for us but I’m proud of these young ladies,” Eagleville coach Chad Leeman said.
Siegel baseball advances to Spring Fling
Stars win eight-inning thriller over Cleveland in sectional BY MATTHEW SAWYER Main Street Preps Siegel’s Lane Akers takes a cut against Cleveland during their two-game sectional series won by the Stars 2-0 Saturday. MICHAEL GIGLIO Siegel’s baseball team defeated Cleveland in extra innings for the second time in two days Friday, defeating the Blue Raiders 5-4 to sweep their two-game sectional at Siegel.
Eagleville baseball back to state
Eagleville catcher Nathan Brown tries leaps as he tries to make a catch against Collinwood during their sectional game Wednesday at Eagleville. MICHAEL GIGLIO EAGLEVILLE — The Eagleville baseball team will be defending its Class 1A state title at Spring Fling after defeating the Collinwood Trojans 17-0 in five innings Thursday at home in the sectional round. Eagleville won the first game of the best-of-three series on Wednesday a 10-0 shutout win.
Eagleville baseball one win from state
BY MATTHEW SAWYER Main Street Preps Eagleville’s Brayden Baker delivers a pitch against Collinwood in their sectional game Wednesday at Eagleville. MICHAEL GIGLIO EAGLEVILLE – The Eagleville baseball team moved a step closer to a third state title, taking game one of the best of three sectional round series against Collinwood with a 10-0 win in six innings over the Trojans Wednesday evening. “We’re (Eagleville) just embracing it,” Eagles catcher Nathan Brown said.
RHS fights back to make sectional
BY MATTHEW SAWYER Main Street Preps Riverdale’s Jaxon Pridgen had two hits and scored a run in the Warriors’ 6-1 over Wilson Central at Riverdale to reach the sectionals. FILE Riverdale’s baseball team will play in next week’s sectional round after defeating the Wilson Central Wildcats 6-1 Saturday evening at home in the Region 4-4A consolation game.
Siegel baseball region champs
You need to add a widget, row, or prebuilt layout before you’ll see anything here. 🙂 Siegel’s Jack Santi celebrates a double against Riverdale during the Region 4-A championship game at Riverdale Saturday. MICHAEL GIGLIO Siegel’s baseball team avenged a loss to Riverdale in the District 8-4A baseball championship game with a 10-5 win over the Warriors in to win the Region 4-4A tournament title Saturday afternoon at Riverdale.
Riverdale baseball wins 8-4A tourney
Riverdale baseball players do the dogpile after defeating Siegel for the District 8-4A championship game Sunday at Riverdale. MICHAEL GIGLIO Riverdale’s baseball team came out of the loser’s bracket to beat Siegel twice, including Sunday with a 6-0 shutout over the Stars in the District 8-4A championship game at Riverdale. “Every time you go out you expect to win, but the reality is there’s going to be some valleys,” Riverdale coach Barry Messer said.
Riverdale baseball forces if game vs. Siegel
BY MATTHEW SAWYER Main Street Preps Riverdale’s Jaxon Pridgen makes contact against Oakland during a District 8-4A elimination game Saturday. The Warriors defeated the Patriots 15-2 and then defeated Siegel 4-1 to force a championship game against the Stars on Sunday. MICHAEL GIGLIO Riverdale’s baseball team forced the if necessary game in the 8-4A baseball tournament by defeating the Siegel Stars 4-1 Saturday night at home, just a day after the Stars sent the Warriors to the losers’ bracket.
Siegel baseball reaches district tourney finals
Siegel pitcher Will Horn delivers a pitch against Riverdale during their District 8 tournament winner’ bracket finals game Friday night at Riverdale. MICHAEL GIGLIO Siegel’s baseball team advance to the District 8-4A baseball tournament championship game with a 6-2 win over the top-seeded Riverdale Friday night at Riverdale. “We still have to see how things shake out,” Siegel coach Craig Reavis said.
Blackman Middle baseball headed to sectional
Blackman Middle’s Josiah Womack snares the ball against Siegel Middle during their district tournament title game at Rockvale Middle Wednesday night. MICHAEL GIGLIO The sixth-seeded Blackman Middle School Flames were crowned district baseball tournament champions at Rockvale Wednesday night with a 6-3 win over the Siegel Cavaliers. The Flames advanced to the sectional round along with regular season champion Rock Springs.
Riverdale baseball tops Blackman 4-2
Riverdale pitcher Cam Sholar threw a 4-2 complete game against Blackman during their District 8 baseball game Monday night at Riverdale. MICHAEL GIGLIO Riverdale’s baseball team took game one of a three-game series against Blackam with a 4-2 home victory Monday night. Cam Sholar, coming off a one-hitter last week, went the distance again for the Warriors. “I don’t know what else you could ask a kid to do,” Riverdale coach Barry Messer said.
RHS baseball wins series vs. Siegel
BY MATTHEW SAWYER Main Street Preps You need to add a widget, row, or prebuilt layout before you’ll see anything here. 🙂 The Riverdale baseball team defeated the visiting Siegel Stars in a 1-0 battle Thursday night, giving the Warriors a 2-0 series lead – and win — in their three-game series. However, Siegel was able to salvage a win in the third game with a 6-5 victory on Friday night.
Pack hurls no-hitter vs. Barlett
BY MATTHEW SAWYER Main Street Preps The Oakland Patriots got a 4-1 victory over the visiting Bartlett Panthers Thursday night on the strength of a complete game no-hitter by Carson Pack. "I was thinking about (the no-hitter) since the third inning," Pack said. "(Between innings) I just try to go sit in the back of the dugout and not say anything." Pack threw seven strikeouts in […] Sorry! An active online subscription is required to access this content. Please login below or Subscribe today!
Riverdale baseball falls 9-8 to Licking Valley, Ohio
BY MATTHEW SAWYER Main Street Preps Riverdale’s baseball team fell 9-8 to the Licking Valley (Ohio) Panthers Wednesday evening at home as part of the Warrior Spring Classic. “Obviously this is our tournament, so we take a lot of pride in it,” Riverdale coach Barry Messer said. “There is a lot of teams in the county and surrounding area that make this thing successful.
Siegel earns baseball sweep over OHS
BY MATTHEW SAWYER Main Street Preps Siegel’s baseball team clinched its opening district series with a 3-1 victory at home against Oakland Wednesday night. “It felt good,” Siegel pitcher Jack Santi said. “I had a good game on the mound, we played defense well, got a few hits to score some runs.
Blackman baseball falls to Columbia 6-3
BY MATTHEW SAWYER Main Street Preps Blackman’s baseball team came up short Tuesday night as the visiting Columbia Lions posted a five-run fifth inning on the way to their 6-3 win over the Blaze. "The first four innings we were cruising along," Blackman coach Brad Frasier said. "We ran into a little adversity, and we need to learn how to play through the adversity. "We ask […] Sorry! An active online subscription is required to access this content. Please login below or Subscribe today!
Siegel baseball defeats Coffee County 9-2
BY MATTHEW SAWYER Main Street Preps Siegel’s baseball team got in the win column with a 9-2 victory over the visiting Coffee County Red Raiders Thursday night. “We had only scored one run in two games,” Siegel coach Craig Reavis said. “So it was big for us to get some runs across and knock that monkey off our back that we can score runs if we do things well.
Blackman girls fall short of state
Cleveland ends Lady Blaze's season in sectional round BY MATTHEW SAWYER Main Street Preps Blackman’s Aiyanna Dunbar tries to go up for a shot against Cleveland defenders during their sectional game Saturday night at Blackman. MICHAEL GIGLIO The Blackman girls’ basketball team fell two points shy of another trip to the state tournament as the Lady Blaze fell to the Cleveland Blue Raiders 40-38 in the sectional round Saturday night at home.
Blackman girls win region, will host sectional game
Oakland girls won the 2024 Region 4-4A tournament by beating Oakland at Oakland on Wednesday, Feb. 28. MICHAEL GIGLIO Blackman girls win region, will host sectional game BY MATTHEW SAWYER Main Street Preps Blackman’s girls battled their way to a 41-36 victory over Oakland Wednesday in the Region 4-4A tournament finals at Oakland and will host Cleveland Saturday in a Sectional round for the right to play in the TSSAA State tournament.
La Vergne boys beat Blackman to make region finals
La Vergne’s Cam Samuel drives to the goal against during their Region 4-4A semifinals game Tuesday, Feb. 27, at Oakland MICHAEL GIGLIO La Vergne’s boys advanced to the Region 4-4A finals by winning a 32-24 defensive battle against Blackman at Oakland on Tuesday, Feb. 27.\ The Wolverines moved on to the region championship on Thursday against Cookeville and clinched a berth in the sectionals.
Cookeville ends Siegel’s season in region semis
By Monte Hale | on February 28, 2024 BY MATTHEW SAWYER Main Street Preps Siegel’s Carter Webb (0) and Cookeville’s Jaren Davis (12) battle for the ball during their Region 4-4A semifinals game at Oakland Tuesday, Feb. 27. MICHAEL GIGLIO The Siegel boys’ basketball season came to a screeching halt in the region 4-4A semifinals as the Stars fell to the Cookeville Cavaliers 65-45 at Oakland Tuesday, Feb. 27. “Credit to Cookeville and coach (Josh) Heard and those boys,” Siegel coach Matt Rigsby said.
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