Graham Simpson equals brother Ty Simpson with Westview TSSAA football title, has 2 years left
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CHATTANOOGA — Last year, Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson’s little brother Graham Simpson led Westview to a TSSAA football state runner-up finish.
This year was a different story. Graham Simpson and the Chargers won their second state title, setting TSSAA football records along the way in a 62-21 rout of Gatlinburg-Pittman Dec. 5.
The sophomore quarterback completed 18 of 21 passes – the second-best efficiency in championship history – while setting a TSSAA football championship record for passing yards (566) and passing touchdowns (seven) in the game. He also led the team with 46 rushing yards and another TD on the ground.
“Hopefully, tomorrow, Ty is introduced as Graham Simpson’s brother,” Graham Simpson joked about Alabama playing Georgia in the SEC Championship Dec. 6.
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Ty Simpson was unable to attend because he was in Atlanta with Alabama preparing for the SEC Championship, but he texted with the family while watching the game.
Jason Simpson, Graham's dad, said being able to attend this championship game was a blessing after missing Ty’s state championship in 2021 due to coaching UT Martin’s football team in the playoffs.
Jason Simpson referred to Martin as "Title Town USA," praising the Chargers program for its victory and his youngest son for how he’s handled the pressure of filling his brother’s shoes.
Mom Julie Simpson, shared that Ty proudly supported his younger brother breaking his records and that their competitiveness has helped each reach greater heights. She called it surreal to see the attention her sons have garnered for playing a game they’ve loved since kids.
Graham Simpson, a three-star Class of 2028 prospect, has not publicly identified which schools he is interested in.
He has 17 offers, according to 247Sports, including Alabama, Oregon, Ole Miss, Oklahoma and Vanderbilt.
"Next year I'm going to Westview High School, that's all I know," he said after the game.
How Westview's 2025 championship kicked off
The tone was set with an 80-yard passing touchdown to senior CD Damron on the first offensive play of the game, a play that Damron said was a “pure adrenaline rush.” It was the first of five passing touchdowns that went for at least 60 yards – including a state record 99-yard touchdown to Donteze Joy – as the team set a total yardage TSSAA championship record with 690.
Westview set or tied nine TSSAA Championship records, with coach Matt McConnell praising his team and quarterback for its unreal performance and hunger to avenge its championship loss to Alcoa. He said he expects his team to stay hungry next season.
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Joy, the senior wide receiver, spoke matter-of-factly about how his team should be remembered for this season after an undefeated revenge tour.
“(History) is gonna remember us as the 2025 state champs that no one could stop,” Joy said. “They’ll be back here next season.”
As for Graham Simpson's thoughts on his overall performance and his career, he still isn’t satisfied.
“This is a sweet moment, we’re the top dog now, the standard has been set, but hopefully, this isn’t one of my best games when I’m done,” he said.
Reach The Jackson Sun high school sports writer, Isaiah De Anda Delgado, by email at IDelgado@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Jackson Sun: Ty Simpson's brother Graham Simpson wins TSSAA football championship
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