The York football team comes off one of its deepest runs in program history as the 2025 season approaches.
York finished last season two games short of winning the Class 2A state championship. The Dragons fell to the eventual state champions, Marion County. York Head Coach Derwin Wright said he continues to evaluate each position heading into next season.
“There’s going to be some growing pains,” Wright said. “But I like the kids that we got. I think they’re going to compete. I don’t think they’re going to drop their head. They’re just going to keep improving and the key is to hit your peak at the right time and that’s when you go into the playoffs.”
York will see fresh faces up front this season. The Dragons return only one offensive lineman and defensive lineman. Wright said the linemen who aim to replace the graduates experienced a lot of time in the weight room.
“We’re excited about the season,” Wright said. “I’m real pleased with the work they’ve put in.”
The Dragons’ strength of schedule this season ranks as one of the toughest amongst Upper Cumberland teams. York will square off in a rematch with Bledsoe County on September 19th. The Dragons’ last win of the season occurred against Bledsoe in the state quarterfinals. York also faces other teams that went far in their state tournaments last season, including White County and Meigs County. Wright said staying healthy remains the key to the season.
“We started back in January with workouts and how hard the kids worked and competed with each other,” Wright said. “You start working on it and make adjustments.”
York will seek another run at the state title in a new class. The Dragons moved up to Class 3 in between seasons. A rematch between the Dragons and the defending Class 2 state champions in Marion County looms on October 30th in the regular season finale.