Memphis Local, Sports, Business & Food News | Daily Memphian | John Varlas

High school football 2026: MASE targets big bounce back

jvarlas@dailymemphian.com (John Varlas) — Fri, 31 Jul 2026 11:37:03 -0500

After a 5-6 finish and a first-round playoff exit, Phoenix coach Cedric Miller and his players are eager to show “we can still play football over here.”

High school football 2026: Central seeks to build on last season's successes

jvarlas@dailymemphian.com (John Varlas) — Thu, 30 Jul 2026 16:48:33 -0500

On the heels of a nine-win campaign, a strong senior class has the Warriors poised to do something really special.

Tigers soccer coach looking for warriors

jvarlas@dailymemphian.com (John Varlas) — Wed, 29 Jul 2026 20:34:30 -0500

The University of Memphis women’s soccer team faces a daunting slate of games. Shrinking violets need not apply.

Collierville tabs former assistant to lead baseball program

jvarlas@dailymemphian.com (John Varlas) — Wed, 29 Jul 2026 19:21:40 -0500

Clay Greene spent the 2023, 2024 and 2025 seasons in the Dragons’ dugout and now will replace Jeff Munier.

Pieces are all here, now Tigers begin to put them together

jvarlas@dailymemphian.com (John Varlas) — Mon, 27 Jul 2026 14:52:04 -0500

Penny Hardaway on this year’s team: “They’ve been intentional on being together and being coached.”

High school football 2026: Lausanne hoping extra plays lead to extra success

jvarlas@dailymemphian.com (John Varlas) — Mon, 27 Jul 2026 14:34:33 -0500

The Lynx navigated a tough schedule and finished 8-4 in 2025. But a play here or there could have made that mark even better, something the team intends to do in 2026.

High school football commitment tracker: Several big names have made their choices known

jvarlas@dailymemphian.com (John Varlas) — Wed, 22 Jul 2026 16:11:17 -0500

John Varlas says the local class of 2027 is shaping up to be one of the best.

2026 high school football menu offers up some tasty treats

jvarlas@dailymemphian.com (John Varlas) — Thu, 16 Jul 2026 22:56:36 -0500

From annual rivalries to tantalizing non-region showdowns and potential playoff deciders, the schedule has a little bit of everything.

Former Central High star 'trying to take everything in' at Ed Murphey Classic

jvarlas@dailymemphian.com (John Varlas) — Tue, 14 Jul 2026 16:49:20 -0500

Future Kansas State athlete Miles Nesmith couldn’t get enough of watching the pros Friday at the University of Memphis. “It was surreal.”

Major League Baseball Draft snaps up two local players

jvarlas@dailymemphian.com (John Varlas) — Sun, 12 Jul 2026 09:16:48 -0500

The duo were the only Memphis-area athletes taken in the first four rounds. The draft continues with rounds 5-20 Sunday.

Year 10 is special for Ed Murphey Classic

jvarlas@dailymemphian.com (John Varlas) — Thu, 9 Jul 2026 16:34:29 -0500

More than 60 Olympic and world-championship-level athletes are set for competition Friday and Saturday at the University of Memphis and Beale Street.

Countdown to kickoff: Tackling high school football questions

jvarlas@dailymemphian.com (John Varlas) — Tue, 7 Jul 2026 19:55:03 -0500

Best team? Best transfer? Best offensive line? We take a stab at answering questions ahead of the 2026 high school football season.

For Zach Lucchesi, sports agency comes with the personal touch

jvarlas@dailymemphian.com (John Varlas) — Mon, 6 Jul 2026 17:04:21 -0500

Former St. Benedict standout finds his niche as a “player advocate” representing Memphis area college and high school players.

Daily Memphian boys postseason track and field awards: Central's Nesmith repeats

jvarlas@dailymemphian.com (John Varlas) — Tue, 23 Jun 2026 16:48:56 -0500

Millington coach John Cochran was also recognized after leading his team to Class AA state championship.

Daily Memphian postseason boys soccer awards: CBHS senior, Briarcrest coach honored

jvarlas@dailymemphian.com (John Varlas) — Fri, 19 Jun 2026 10:40:39 -0500

Hayden Mulrooney sparked the Brothers to a 15-2-1 mark while Axel Sandoval’s Saints reached state for the first time.

‘It becomes another game’: Memphis referee reflects on his World Cup experience

jvarlas@dailymemphian.com (John Varlas) — Thu, 18 Jun 2026 15:08:41 -0500

Chris Strickland, a California native who’s lived in Memphis for the past dozen or so years, worked at the 2006 World Cup in Germany.

Daily Memphian postseason lacrosse awards: Standouts from Briarcrest, MUS, St. Mary's honored

jvarlas@dailymemphian.com (John Varlas) — Wed, 17 Jun 2026 12:39:26 -0500

ECS’ MeriTaylor Pickle claims coach of the year honors after second straight state title.

Daily Memphian postseason baseball: CBHS star named player of the year

jvarlas@dailymemphian.com (John Varlas) — Fri, 12 Jun 2026 13:00:28 -0500

Here are The Daily Memphian postseason baseball awards for the 2026 season, featuring our player of the year, pitcher of the year, coach of the year and all-metro teams.

Daily Memphian postseason softball awards: It's a TRA sweep

jvarlas@dailymemphian.com (John Varlas) — Wed, 10 Jun 2026 10:56:25 -0500

Standout senior Lanie Howe and Rebels coach Johnie Sanfratello led the way for 2026.

Shot clock coming to Tennessee prep hoops — but slowly

jvarlas@dailymemphian.com (John Varlas) — Tue, 9 Jun 2026 15:17:00 -0500

Full implementation is set for the 2029-30 season for a 35-second-high school shot clock in Tennessee.