Virginia High vs. Tennessee High Rivalry Resumes

Bristol, Virginia, September 17, 2025

News Summary

The storied football rivalry between Virginia High and Tennessee High returns this week after a hiatus since 2019. This 111th matchup sees Virginia High boasting a 4-0 record hosting 1-3 Tennessee High, who recently secured their first win of the season. Anticipation builds within the Bristol community as both teams prepare for a physically demanding game.

Bristol, Virginia – The storied high school football rivalry between Virginia High and Tennessee High will resume this week when Virginia High (4-0) hosts Tennessee High (1-3) for the first V-T Game since 2019. This matchup marks the 111th meeting between the two Bristol schools, a historic rivalry that dates back to 1911, as noted by local historian Rick Baker.

Anticipation for the game has been heightened by Virginia High’s recent 40-10 victory against George Wythe. The team showcased its offensive prowess, highlighted by quarterback Deion Graham’s impressive 87-yard touchdown pass and running back Kayden Laws’ three-touchdown performance. In contrast, Tennessee High is looking to build on their recent momentum following a decisive 35-0 win over Cocke County, marking their first victory of the season after three consecutive losses.

A pep rally involving both teams was held on Sunday at Cumberland Square Park in downtown Bristol, celebrating the long-standing rivalry and engaging the local community. The teams are preparing for a physically demanding game where both will focus on successfully running the football.

Coaches from both sides acknowledge the intensity of the rivalry. Virginia High’s Coach Derrick Patterson emphasized the need to treat the game like any other, ensuring that his players remain focused amid the heightened emotions. Meanwhile, Tennessee High’s Coach Josh Holt expressed confidence in how his team has been practicing, indicating that they are committed to overcoming their slow start to the season.

In addition to the V-T Game, another significant football clash is on the horizon as Grundy and Twin Valley prepare to face each other for the last time before consolidation occurs in fall 2026. Historically, Grundy has dominated the rivalry, winning 17 of the 18 all-time meetings against Twin Valley.

This rekindling of the Virginia High and Tennessee High rivalry, along with other local matchups, has sparked renewed enthusiasm in the Bristol community for high school football. The local teams are not only fighting for victories but also for local pride and community support, further solidifying the cultural significance of high school athletics in the region.

Key Rivalry Statistics

• Virginia High leads the current season at 4-0.
• Tennessee High has secured 1 win out of 4 games.
• This is the 111th meeting between Virginia High and Tennessee High.
• The last V-T Game was held in 2019.
• Grundy has won 17 of the 18 contests against Twin Valley.

Upcoming Matches

• Virginia High vs. Tennessee High
• Grundy vs. Twin Valley (final meeting before consolidation)
• Eastside recently won against Rural Retreat, 36-35.

Conclusion

The V-T Game promises to be an exciting contest filled with physical play and community spirit. The energies surrounding both the Virginia High and Tennessee High teams reflect the depth of tradition within the Bristol high school football landscape.

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Additional Resources

• WJHL: High School Football Games 2025
• Wikipedia: High School Football
• Tennessean: High School Football Schedule
• Google Search: Tennessee High School Football
• Herald Courier: High School Football
• Google Scholar: High School Football Rivalries
• WCYB: Bristol Community and Rivalry Game
• Encyclopedia Britannica: American Football
• Herald Courier: High School Volleyball
• Google News: High School Sports

Author: STAFF HERE BRISTOL WRITTER

The BRISTOL STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBristol.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Bristol, Sullivan County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion, NASCAR races at Bristol Motor Speedway, Border Bash concert series, and the Hot Bristol Night Car Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Bristol Chamber of Commerce, Believe in Bristol, and the Birthplace of Country Music, plus leading businesses in healthcare, manufacturing, and entertainment that power the local economy such as Ballad Health, Strongwell, and Bristol Motor Speedway. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREChattanooga.com, HEREKnoxville.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.