High School Football Game Canceled Amid Safety Concerns

Empty football field with safety signs

Chattanooga, Tennessee, August 31, 2025

News Summary

Hamilton County Schools has canceled an upcoming high school football game between The Howard School and Brainerd High School due to safety concerns stemming from an incident involving a loaded handgun. Meanwhile, the Memphis Tigers defeated the Chattanooga Mocs 42-10 in a college football opener, showcasing strong performances from their key players. The UTC Mocs look to bounce back in their next game against Tennessee Tech following their disappointing defeat.

Chattanooga, Tennessee – Hamilton County Schools has officially canceled the upcoming high school football game between The Howard School and Brainerd High School, following safety concerns and recommendations from law enforcement and school officials. The decision underscores the district’s emphasis on the safety of students, staff, and the surrounding community.

The specific safety concerns leading to the cancellation were not disclosed, but they have been described as stemming from “circumstances outside of our schools.” Recently, a loaded handgun was found in a student’s backpack at a local school, prompting officials to indicate that an arrest is pending. The Chattanooga Police have requested that anyone with information regarding this incident reach out to their department.

Meanwhile, in college football, the Memphis Tigers opened their season with a commanding victory over the Chattanooga Mocs, defeating them 42-10. The game started with a surprising twist as the Mocs successfully recovered an onside kick on the first play. However, they struggled offensively for the remainder of the game, finishing the first quarter with a mere 18 yards.

Memphis quickly established dominance, taking a 21-0 lead early in the game. Memphis quarterback Brendon Lewis demonstrated his capabilities by throwing for one touchdown and rushing for another. Meanwhile, running back Greg Desrosiers managed to score a touchdown but left the game due to an injury. Despite the Mocs’ early excitement, UTC could only manage a field goal later in the game, courtesy of kicker Jude Kelley.

Defensively, Memphis proved too much for UTC, rushing for a total of 233 yards against their defense. UTC’s quarterback Camden Orth had a challenging game, throwing for 114 yards, which included one touchdown but also resulted in two interceptions, one of which was returned for a touchdown by Memphis. UTC’s junior safety Kam Baah-Slay shined defensively, recording nine tackles throughout the game.

Looking forward, UTC’s next match will be against Tennessee Tech, another fellow FCS program, as they seek to bounce back from this defeat.

Details of the Canceled High School Football Game

  • Schools Involved: The Howard School vs. Brainerd High School
  • Reason for Cancellation: Safety concerns advised by law enforcement and school principals
  • Incident: A loaded handgun found in a student’s backpack; arrest pending
  • Police Contact: Chattanooga Police urge anyone with information to call 423-698-2525

College Football Game Summary

  • Teams: Memphis Tigers vs. Chattanooga Mocs
  • Final Score: Memphis 42, UTC 10
  • Key Players: Brendon Lewis (Memphis QB), Greg Desrosiers (Memphis RB), Camden Orth (UTC QB)
  • Offensive Performance: UTC finished with only 18 yards in the first quarter
  • Defensive Statistics: UTC’s Kam Baah-Slay recorded nine tackles

Next Steps for UTC

After the loss, UTC will prepare to face Tennessee Tech in the following week, aiming to improve their performance and game strategy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why was the high school football game canceled?

The game was canceled due to safety concerns advised by local law enforcement and school principals, linked to an incident involving a loaded handgun found in a student’s backpack.

What were the results of the college football game between Memphis and UTC?

The Memphis Tigers won the game against the Chattanooga Mocs with a score of 42-10, dominating the field throughout the match.

Who were the standout players in the college football game?

Brendon Lewis from Memphis showcased his skills with a touchdown pass and a rushing touchdown, while UTC’s Camden Orth had a mixed performance with one touchdown and two interceptions. Kam Baah-Slay had a standout defensive game for UTC with nine tackles.

Key Features Summary

Feature Details
High School Game Cancellation Due to safety concerns from law enforcement; specific concerns unspecified.
Loaded Handgun Discovery Found in a student’s backpack; arrest pending.
Memphis vs. UTC Football Score Memphis defeated UTC 42-10 in the season opener.
Key Players Brendon Lewis (Memphis QB), Camden Orth (UTC QB), Kam Baah-Slay (UTC Defense).
Next Game for UTC Against Tennessee Tech in the upcoming week.

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Additional Resources

STAFF HERE HOUSTON TX WRITER
Author: STAFF HERE HOUSTON TX WRITER

HOUSTON STAFF WRITER The HOUSTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHouston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Houston, Harris 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 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, Art Car Parade, and Chevron Houston Marathon. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Houston Partnership and Houston Area Urban League, plus leading businesses in energy and healthcare that power the local economy such as ExxonMobil, Schlumberger, and Houston Methodist. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.

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