FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
JOSH GREER: SPORTS731 NETWORK
The 2025 Westview Chargers delivered one of the most unforgettable seasons in Tennessee high school football. What began with promise grew into a dominant, finely tuned machine that overwhelmed opponents with athleticism, precision, and depth. Their 62-21 victory over Gatlinburg Pittman in the Class 3A State Championship sealed not only a title but also a legacy.
The Chargers were explosive and fearless.
They evolved each week, gaining confidence and momentum until their postseason performance became a clear statement of who they were. A championship was the destination, but the journey revealed a group of players who played for one another, trusted their coaches, and rose to every challenge placed in front of them.
A Championship Showcase for the Ages
Westview’s performance on championship day will be remembered as one of the greatest title game displays in TSSAA history. The Chargers broke or tied nine state championship records in a single game, turning the contest into a masterclass of execution.
Sophomore quarterback Graham Simpson was unstoppable.
He threw for 566 yards and seven touchdown passes, then added a rushing score. He also completed the longest touchdown pass ever recorded in a Tennessee championship game, a 99-yard strike to senior receiver Donteze Joy. Westview finished with 690 total yards, breaking the previous record of 688, and averaged 16.4 yards per play on the sport’s biggest stage.
The Chargers also set marks for most points in one half with 55 and most combined passing yards in a championship game with 699. It was the kind of performance that cemented this team’s place in history.
An Offense Built on Versatility, Speed, and Relentless Pressure
Before they ever stepped onto the field in Chattanooga, Westview had already established itself as one of the most explosive offensive units in Tennessee. The numbers they posted throughout the regular season and early postseason painted a clear picture of a group that could score from anywhere on the field and at any moment. These statistics reflect the team’s production leading up to the championship game.
Quarterback Graham Simpson emerged as the centerpiece of the Chargers’ attack. Prior to the title matchup, he had thrown for 3,000 yards while completing 75 percent of his passes, adding 36 touchdowns with only three interceptions. His command of the offense, quick decision-making, and accuracy made him one of the most efficient passers in the state.
His top target, Donteze Joy, entered championship week with 997 receiving yards, 11 touchdowns, and nearly 20 yards per catch. Those totals pushed his three-year varsity career receiving mark to more than 3,000 yards before the championship was even played. Joy’s combination of speed, ball skills, and versatility made him one of the most complete receivers in Tennessee.
Miles Brown added another layer of firepower with 749 receiving yards and nine touchdowns heading into the championship. Brown’s reliability on offense was matched only by his excellence on defense, where he routinely covered and contained opposing top receivers. His two-way impact made him one of the most valuable athletes on the roster.
CD Damron played a vital all-purpose role from the opening week through the championship stage. Before the title game, he had gained 766 receiving yards and consistently made defensive plays. He also excelled in the return game, scoring five touchdowns. Damron’s toughness and energy made him indispensable in every aspect of the game.
Running back Asa Barnes finished the season with 1,164 rushing yards and 25 touchdowns, averaging 8.3 yards per carry. His running style was reminiscent of Bo Jackson, capable of powering through defenders, bouncing outside, or sidestepping opponents. His skill at catching passes out of the backfield further diversified Westview’s offense.
Together, these season-long performances built the foundation for what would become a record-setting championship explosion. The offensive identity had been established long before December, and the title game magnified what this team had been all year.
A Defense Defined by Grit and Speed
While the offense fueled headlines, the Chargers’ defense matched that production with toughness and physicality. Their consistency allowed Westview to control momentum and create opportunities for explosive scoring drives.
Linebacker Finn Snider led the defense with 143 tackles, 38 solo stops, and nine tackles for loss. His instincts and relentless effort made him the unit’s emotional and tactical anchor. Coree Wells was an excellent addition to Westview, recording 100 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, and five sacks, providing interior disruption that opponents struggled to manage.
Sophomore Edge defender Drake Hickman contributed 88 tackles and 17 tackles for loss, routinely collapsing pockets and setting the edge against the run. Did I mention he was a sophomore? He played lights out all season long. Additional standouts such as Tyler Dunphy, Jaxon Cupples, and Messiah Ward gave the Chargers defensive balance, allowing them to adjust to any opponent’s style.
Records, Milestones, and Family History
This season was filled with historic achievements.
Donteze Joy surpassed 3,000 career receiving yards across his three varsity seasons, making him one of the most productive receivers in Westview history.
Graham Simpson added his own milestone. And if you watched high school football, you knew he would sooner or later.
With the numbers he posted over his first two seasons, he surpassed his brother Ty Simpson’s all-time Westview passing record of 7,519 yards. Achieving that mark in only two seasons places Graham among the most prolific young quarterbacks in Tennessee football.
A Season That Will Live Forever
The 2025 Westview Chargers put together a once-in-a-generation season.
They dominated opponents, built a culture grounded in belief and accountability, and delivered on every opportunity. Their championship performance was historic, but their journey was equally remarkable.
This was more than a championship team. It was a team that redefined what Westview football could be. Their legacy is secure, and their season will be remembered as one of the greatest in program and state history.
