jay-pace

Jay Pace

Joined: Nov 29, 2025

Jay Pace is a veteran journalist who has covered high school, college and NFL football for more than 20 years. An accomplished and versatile writer, Pace boasts a unique style and powerful voice that resonates boldly with a football crazed southern audience. Known for data-driven reporting and field-level insight, he delivers reliable and authoritative coverage across every level of the sport. In a career that has included stops in Alabama, Georgia, Texas and most recently, Tennessee, Pace is one of the sport’s premiere voices for high school football. His work has been published in a number of newspapers and digital publications including The Anniston Star, CrimsonConfidential, Scout.com, and recently, OnDaMarcSports.com in addition to various regional outlets. He began contributing to High School On SI in 2025.

Alcoa fans cheer on the Tornadoes as they score during the Class 4A Championship game between Alcoa and Pearl-Cohn at Finley Stadium in, Chattanooga, Tenn., on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025.

McCallie players watch from the sidelines in a game vs. Hebron Christian in 2025 at Spears Stadium in Chattanooga, TN, on Aug, 29 2025

South Pittsburg's running back Ja'mychal Buckner (3) goes up to accept the MVP award as South Pittsburg's wide receiver Brandon Goldsmith (4) congratulates him after South Pittsburg beat McKenzie in the 2025 TSSAA Class 1A Football State Championship game on Friday, Dec. 5, 2025, at Finley Stadium in Chattanooga.

Baylor school students show their spirit ahead of kickoff spelling out "BAYLOR" prior to the Red Raiders semifinal round game vs McCallie. The Red Raiders enter 2026 with designs on a third championship in four years.

Baylor's David Gabriel Georges on the run play against McCallie in the the TSSAA Division II-AAA Bluecross Bowl on Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024, in Chattanooga, Tenn.

Tennessee

After losing the greatest senior class in program history, Baylor turns to new stars, a high-profile QB addition and “Manning Mania” to keep its title streak alive.

Dec 5, 2025; Birmingham, AL, USA; Coosa Christian head coach Rush Propst strikes a celebratory pose at the end of the game with Lanett at Protective Life Stadium in the AHSAA 2A State Championship game.

National

The legendary coach adds another chapter to his polarizing career, guiding Coosa Christian to its first AHSAA football crown while proving at 67 he still isn’t ready to walk away from the game.

Tennessee

Governor Bill Lee’s signature makes Tennessee the latest state to adopt a no-penalty transfer rule, while preserving key academic, age and anti-recruiting safeguards under TSSAA oversight.

Florida power Montverde Academy impressed with a pair of wins this weekend at the Dr. Pepper Classic in Tennessee.

Tennessee

Red-hot Monteverde emerges from 2026 Dr. Pepper Classic as a national championship contending following two big wins, including one over Spire Academy.

King Gibson (2), the nation's top-rated point guard, and his Spire Academy teammates, are part of a star-studded lineup of national powers set to compete at the Dr. Pepper Classic in Nashville this weekend.

Tennessee

Dr. Pepper Classic. A Chattanooga Basketball Tradition The Scenic City welcomes some of the finest prep basketball talent in the country this weekend as the 1

Denton Ryan's Uzziah Warmate reacts after a safety against Monterey in a Class 5A Division I area playoff football game Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, at Wildcat Stadium in Abilene.

Texas

After five seasons at Waxahachie, Shane Tolleson resigned from his position as head football coach early Tuesday afternoon. Tolleson confirmed the decision via

Landan Adams has announced he is transferring from Little Rock Parkview (AR) to Texas power DeSoto.

Texas

Defending 6A Division II champion Desoto added a key piece to its 2026 squad recently when class of 2028 ATH Landan Adams announced he was transferring to Desot

Ravenwood head football coach Will Hester during a TSSAA football game between Ravenwood and Alcoa High School on Friday, August 23, 2024 in Alcoa, Tenn. Ravenwood won 27-17.

Tennessee

Blackman hopes to build on 2025 success as Hester brings championship pedigree to Murfreesboro.

Wall head coach Craig Slaughter celebrates his team's win over Gunter during Friday’s Region I-4A DI football semifinal in Stephenville Dec. 12, 2025. Final score was 28-25, Wall.

Wall wide receiver Reid Robertson falls into the end zone with the ball for a touchdown despite the efforts of Gunter defensive back Parker Aleman (center) and linebacker Blake Boland during Friday’s Region I-4A DI football semifinal in Stephenville Dec. 12, 2025. Final score was 28-25, Wall will face Newton In the UIL 3A Division II Championship Game on Thurs. Dec. 18 2025 at AT&T Stadium in Dallas, TX.

Hamilton quarterback Carson Roberts throws a pass against Joaquin in the Class 2A Division I final on Wednesday.

Page coach Charles Rathbone watches from the sidelines during a high school football game against Green Hill Friday, Aug. 29, 2025, in Mt. Juliet, Tenn.