The upcoming 2026 season of Football Night Live promises a fresh lineup of Friday night high school football action, airing on the Tennessee Valley Sports Network and on the streaming platform WVLT+. Each week the broadcast will pair live game coverage with the revived Prep Zone segment, giving viewers a comprehensive look at the gridiron battles across East Tennessee.
The series opens on August 21 with a showdown between Maryville and Alcoa, a rivalry that has spanned 99 meetings and boasts a combined 41 state championships, with Alcoa holding a 24‑17 edge in the title count. The matchup has been highlighted by the U.S. Army as the top high school football rivalry in the nation, adding a layer of national recognition to the local contest.
The historic rivalry takes center stage
Beyond the opening game, the show will feature live full games and a dedicated Prep Zone segment that travels to other East Tennessee programs, while U.S. Army representatives will appear on air and a Blackhawk flyover will cap the opening night, underscoring the event’s blend of sport and patriotism.
Fans can expect a dynamic presentation that blends on‑field excitement with behind‑the‑scenes stories, as the broadcast team brings the energy of high school football to a wider audience, reinforcing the region’s deep‑rooted football culture.