Team History and Awards
Karns High School, established in 1913 and located at 2710 Byington-Solway Rd in Knoxville, Tennessee, fields athletic teams known as the Beavers, sporting blue and gold colors. The school was named after Professor T.C. Karns, the first Superintendent of Public Instruction in Knox County. With a current enrollment of approximately 1,400 students, Karns serves the western Knox County community.
The Beavers’ varsity football program has a rich tradition of competitiveness, having made seven appearances in the Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association (TSSAA) state playoffs in 1996, 1998, 2004, 2011, 2021, 2022, and 2024. While the program has not yet captured a state championship, holding a 1-7 record in playoff appearances, the Beavers have consistently competed at a high level in TSSAA Division I Class 5A, Region 2. The program’s commitment to excellence and development continues under the leadership of Head Coach Lee Warren, who is entering his third season.
OEB Law LOVES local High School Football!
To support local youth high school football programs, OEB Law donates a $1,000 check every week to different Knoxville area high schools and we sponsor the championship games!
Team Highlights and Notable Players
Playoff Tradition: Karns has made seven playoff appearances (1996, 1998, 2004, 2011, 2021, 2022, 2024), demonstrating sustained competitiveness in East Tennessee high school football. The program continues to build toward capturing its first state championship.
Recent Mr. Football Winner: The Beavers have produced elite talent, most notably DeSean Bishop, a running back who earned the prestigious Tennessee Titans Mr. Football Award in both 2021 and 2022, making him a two-time state player of the year.
2025 Season Leadership: Head Coach Lee Warren enters his third season leading the Beavers. Warren emphasizes building good teammates, developing skilled players, and creating a positive team culture as the foundation for success. Under his leadership, the program held its second annual midnight practice on July 28th, 2025, to officially kick off the season—a tradition that energizes the team and community.
Returning Key Player: Austin Slover (#9, Sr., QB/WR) enters his second season as the starting quarterback, providing experienced leadership to the Beavers’ offense.
Program Philosophy: Coach Warren’s approach focuses on continuous improvement, building from the previous season’s foundation while cultivating the character and work ethic necessary for championship-level football. The emphasis on team culture aims to create sustainable success for the Karns football program.
Meet the Team – 2026 Roster Snapshot
Head Coach: Lee Warren
Assistant Coaches: Logan Atwell, Luke Defur, Al Feldblum, Keith Hall, Jefferey Howard, Jordan Jackson, Shawn Knapp, Sam Lucas
Coming Soon
2026 Season Schedule
(District games marked with *)
- Aug 21 – vs Hardin Valley Academy (Home), 7:00 PM
- Aug 28 – at South-Doyle HS (Away), 7:00 PM
- Sep 4 – at Campbell Co. HS* (Away)
- Sep 10 – vs Clinton HS* (Home), 7:00 PM
- Sep 18 – at Powell HS* (Away)
- Sep 25 – vs William Blount HS* (Home)
- Oct 2 – at Knoxville Halls HS* (Away), 7:00 PM
- Oct 8 – at Morristown-Hamblen HS East (Away), 7:00 PM
- Oct 23 – vs West HS* (Home)
- Oct 29 – vs Knoxville Central HS* (Home)
