NEWBERN, Tenn. — The road back to the postseason is officially mapped out. Dyer County released its 2026 football schedule this week, and the Choctaws will once again face a challenging blend of traditional rivalries, region contenders, and playoff-caliber opponents as they look to build upon the momentum established under head coach Justin Dubruiel. The schedule opens with one of West Tennessee's premier rivalries when Dyer County welcomes neighboring Dyersburg on August 21. Last season's meeting was an instant classic, with the Choctaws escaping with a dramatic last second 35-34 victory. That result gave the Choctaws their second straight win over the Trojans and immediately announced Dyer County as a team capable of competing with anyone on its schedule. One week later, the Choctaws return home to host Union City before beginning the heart of Region 7-4A play. The region schedule presents no shortage of challenges. Dyer County travels to Hardin County on September 4 before returning home to face Crockett County on September 11. The Choctaws then hit the road for a difficult trip to Jackson North Side on September 18. Following a home contest against South Gibson on September 25, Dyer County closes the region slate with games against Chester County, Jackson South Side, and Lexington. Perhaps the most intriguing stretch comes in October. The Choctaws host Chester County on October 2 before the looming trip to Division II power University School of Jackson on October 16 following an open date. The matchup with USJ provides one of the most anticipated non-region contests on the schedule and offers a valuable late-season measuring stick before playoff positioning is finalized. The final two weeks feature road trips to Jackson South Side and Lexington, two programs that have traditionally been among the most physical opponents in Region 7-4A. Those games could have significant implications in the region standings and postseason seeding race. 2026 Dyer County Football Schedule Date Opponent Aug. 21 Dyersburg Aug. 28 Union City Sept. 4 at Hardin County* Sept. 11 Crockett County* Sept. 18 at Jackson North Side* Sept. 25 South Gibson* Oct. 2 Chester County* Oct. 9 Open Date Oct. 16 USJ Oct. 23 at Jackson South Side* Oct. 30 at Lexington* *Region 7-4A Game For a Dyer County program that has steadily elevated expectations in recent seasons, the 2026 schedule offers everything fans could ask for: rivalry games, region showdowns, playoff implications, and opportunities to measure themselves against some of the best competition in West Tennessee. If the Choctaws can navigate the gauntlet, they'll once again position themselves to make noise when November football arrives. The countdown to kickoff is officially underway.