Lions, Warriors game televised
In its first full varsity season more than a decade, Concord Christian School qualified for postseason play.
The Lions also had a successful 2024 campaign as they played a combined junior varsity and varsity schedule under head coach Steve Matthews.
In 2025, Concord finished 6-5 and made a first-round exit from the Division II-A playoffs. The Lions opened last season by playing at Christian Academy of Knoxville at Warrior Stadium.
Concord’s historic game was suspended due to inclement weather. It was, however resumed the following day and CAK prevailed, 24-7, in what Matthews hopes was the beginning of a healthy rivalry for the Lions.
The two schools will once again open the season on 2026 as the Warriors will make the return trip to CAK on Saturday, Aug. 22.
But this time the two teams will play a regionally televised game. WBIR and Mark Packer’s Rivalry Thursday and Rivalry Friday crew will be on the call as Concord will be on television for the first time.
Both teams will have to answer an early wake-up call as kickoff is slated for 11 a.m. at Concord’s home field, which sets behind the school.
“It’s going to be on our home field and it’s going to be on a Saturday, which will be great because college football hasn’t started yet,” said Matthews, who will begin his third season at the school. “It’s going to be on our field behind the school and its going to be a great environment.”
On the possible budding rivalry game between the Lions and the Warriors, Matthews said. “It’s always nice to play against teams who are close by and our players and fans are looking forward to this. I’m sure CAK will be looking forward to the game.”
“We played last year over there and we had some momentum and then we had the rain delay. Most teams just canceled and declared their games no contest. But we came back and finished and we did some good things. We’re still getting things started and CAK has an established program.”
