SPORTS ALERT- 2026 Area Football Playoff Preview

Road to Chattanooga starts Friday night

CLASS 3A PLAYOFFSNo. 4 Bolivar Central Tigers (4-6) @ No. 1 Bolton Wildcats (8-2)The Bolton Wildcats are enjoying a eight game winning streak sparked by a defense that held Fayette-Ware, Douglass, Hamilton and Memphis East scoreless. Millington and Wooddale were held to single digits. The Wildcats offense has been paced by Gentry Hines Jr. and a powerful running attack. Bolivar Central started the season 2-6 before closing out the regular campaign with a road win at Loretto 28-21 and a blowout of Obion County 47-13. The Tigers have seen tough competition losing to Covington, Lakeland Prep., and the unbeaten teams Lexington and Westview. They will be ready for the challenge in Arlington.PERCENTAGE TO WIN: Bolton 51% Bolivar 49%No. 3 Covington Chargers (7-3) @ No. 2 Melrose Golden Wildcats (6-3)The Chargers have the potential to run all over an opponent with six of their seven victories the team scoring 49 or more. Covington has three losses on the season coming to quality opposition, Haywood, Dyersburg and Westview. Coach JR Kirby’s crew will be ready for the challenge in ‘The Mound.’Melrose prepared for this playoff battle scheduling outside of their Region Memphis Central, Kirby a…