McCallie Downs Christ Presbyterian Academy in Regular Finale
McCallie secured a 31-26 victory over Christ Presbyterian Academy to snap a six-game losing streak.
Updated on Oct. 31, 2026 in Football
McCallie ended its regular season on a high note by defeating Christ Presbyterian Academy 31-26. The win concludes the team's regular season with a 4-6 record.
Why it matters
The victory provides necessary momentum for the team as it moves into the postseason. McCallie now prepares to host Father Ryan in the opening round of the playoffs.
Ben Ironi powered the offense with 23 rushes for 141 yards, while Kervens Hilger added 72 rushing yards on six carries. Hilger scored two touchdowns, including a 34-yard run with 8:57 remaining to secure the win.
The players
Ben Ironi
He is a featured running back for McCallie who recorded 141 rushing yards during the regular season finale.
Kervens Hilger
He is a running back for McCallie who scored two touchdowns, including a decisive 34-yard score in the fourth quarter.
McCallie
This is a high school football program that concluded its regular season with a 4-6 record.
Christ Presbyterian Academy
This is a high school institution in Nashville that hosted the recent football game.
Father Ryan
This is a high school football program that is scheduled to play McCallie in the upcoming first round of the playoffs.
The details
McCallie utilized a strong rushing duo in Ironi and Hilger to maintain control throughout the contest. After the final score, the team successfully managed possession to prevent Christ Presbyterian Academy from mounting a comeback.
Timeline
September 4, 2026: McCallie won 23-16 at Father Ryan.
October 30, 2026: McCallie defeated Christ Presbyterian Academy 31-26.
November 6, 2026: McCallie hosts Father Ryan in the first round of the playoffs.
Season Trajectory
This win alters the postseason path for McCallie by securing a home game against Father Ryan. The victory serves as a crucial turning point for a team that struggled with a six-game losing streak earlier this season.
The 31-26 win guarantees that McCallie will host a playoff game, shifting the venue for the upcoming postseason matchup against Father Ryan to the home field. This result successfully ends the team's six-game slide heading into the tournament bracket.
The takeaway
Ending a losing streak before the playoffs often provides a significant psychological advantage for high school squads. Teams that manage to control the clock in late-game situations are statistically more likely to protect slim leads during high-pressure final minutes.
What happens next
McCallie is scheduled to host Father Ryan for the first round of the DII-AAA playoffs on November 6, 2026.
Further reading
For more news on local high school athletics, visit the Football section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Timesfreepress.
