#PRZTN Game of the Week: Jackson Chrst. at Goodpasture

<!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Our featured game of the week pits the Eagles of Jackson Christian, traveling into Nashville to take on a 2-0 Cougars team that will be playing in their 1st home game of the season &amp; ready to keep their undefeated start going! </h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Jackson Christian (2-0) at Goodpasture (2-0)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>D2-Class A vs. D2-Class AA</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Location: </strong>Madison, TN (Davidson Co.)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Time: </strong>7:00 PM Central Kickoff&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>#Eagles vs. #Coyotes&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Jackson Christian HC: Darby Palmer</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Goodpasture HC: Greg Cotten</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Players to Watch&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Offense&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>(G/C) <strong>Ward Dorris - Goodpasture: </strong>The leader up front on the Cougars O-line, Dorris plays a technique sound, physical brand of football who also has the versatility to play all three interior line positions on the next level.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>(TE) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='285359' first='Daniel' last='Green'] - Jackson Chrst.: </strong>Green is a massive target for the Eagles that can run and get open as well as block. His development this season will be key for his recruitment as he has the D1 physical look and upside. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["285359"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64f1f44225d85"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>(OL) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1003268' first='Walker' last='Denning'] - Goodpasture: </strong>Another key piece up front for the Cougars, Denning plays a big role on the O-line with good mobility and the versatility to handle a variety of roles.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>‘25 (Ath) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='219345' first='Jaylen' last='Mosley'] - Jackson Chrst. </strong>The top college prospect on the field Friday night, Mosley is a natural football player that has the athleticism and playmaking abilities to make game changing plays on both sides of the ball.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>‘25 (QB/LB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='219411' first='J.D.' last='Mastin'] - Goodpasture: </strong>The Cougars quarterback will be critical this week against the Eagles as he brings a dual threat skill set to the playing field and an arm that shows flashes of being able to push it down field.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>‘25 (QB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='390711' first='Austin' last='Kelley'] - Jackson Chrst.: </strong>Kelley's debut season is going well thus far as this junior signal caller has shown accuracy and timing along with strong command of his offense.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Defense&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>(S/LB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='605380' first='Braxton' last='Lawrence'] - Goodpasture: </strong>The top senior college prospect between both teams, Lawrence is an athletic, explosive and long prospect that brings a versatile skill set to the defensive side of the ball along with big time football upside. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["605380"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64f1f44225de4"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>(DE/LB) <strong>Kaleb Newsome - Jackson Chrst.: </strong>Newsome is the top guy up front for the Eagles defense, who needs to have a standout game this Friday. His play on the edge vs. the run and the pass will be needed to stop Mastin and the Cougars offensive attack.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>(DL) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='372280' first='Ethan' last='Floyd'] - Goodpasture: </strong>Floyd is the Cougars top D-lineman that is expected to push the line and play in the opponent's backfield on a consistent basis and so far that's what this 6'2 senior has been doing.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>(S) <strong>Trent Carrier - Jackson Chrst.: </strong>A senior defensive leader, Carrier is the vet on the back end that the Eagles coaching staff and fellow teammates lean on for top level play and more!&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>(DB) <strong>Lucious Smiley - Goodpasture: </strong>The top defensive back in the Cougars secondary, Smiley is an athletic guy that can be a problem for Kelley and the Eagles passing attack due to his ball hawk skill set. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/LuciousSmiley24/status/1693791689620496777?s=20","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/LuciousSmiley24/status/1693791689620496777?s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>‘25 (LB) <strong>Kai Wyatt - Jackson Chrst.: </strong>Wyatt steps into a lead role on the Eagles defense this year and so far, this West TN junior has been a tackling machine that works well vs. the run and should be a key piece in slowing down the Cougars rushing attack.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - - - - - - - </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Game/Team Analysis</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Going into the 2023 season, I wouldn't have picked this Jackson Christian vs. Goodpasture matchup as a game to watch but as we move into Week Three, this has become an important game for both squads that could have implications towards postseason play for both the Eagles and Cougars moving forward. Both teams come into this game at 2-0 and good starts to the season but this contest could be each team's biggest test yet. The road Eagles have defeated two solid clubs in Northpoint Christian and Peabody but the Cougars provide a different challenge and an opportunity for Jackson Christian to continue establishing themselves as one of the best teams from the D2-Class A ranks.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Friday evening will be the first home game of the season for Goodpasture, so you can bet the players and staff will be excited to kick-off their home schedule but they must be ready as Jackson Christian is legit. The Eagles bring a high powered potential offense to town that has the upside to score a lot of points, especially with studs like <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='285359' first='Daniel' last='Green'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='219345' first='Jaylen' last='Mosley'] </strong>to throw at. JCS is grooming a new quarterback this year in junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='390711' first='Austin' last='Kelley'] </strong>and he has looked so far through two games. Pieces are in place for the Eagles to be quite good on offense this season but Goodpasture has some defensive “dudes” that might cause them fits. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":363140,"width":419,"height":419,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/06/jaymosley.jpg?w=700" alt="" class="wp-image-363140" style="width:419px;height:419px" width="419" height="419" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Cougars are led on defense by some senior studs in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='605380' first='Braxton' last='Lawrence']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='372280' first='Ethan' last='Floyd'] </strong>and defensive back <strong>Lucious Smiley </strong>along with several others around them that can turn Goodpasture's “D” into one of the best on the D2-Class AA level. Lawrence will be key in this matchup with JCS as he will be expected to guard Green or Mosley on occasions while constantly being around the action to make plays on the ball. Activity and production from Floyd and the Cougs D-line will certainly help the team's cause as well as pressuring Kelley and moving him off his spot will be needed to slow down the Eagles passing attack.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Where I think this game could be won and lost is with the Eagles defense going against the Goodpasture offense. Question marks reside with these two units headed into this game and whoever steps their play up could be the difference in winning and losing. Cougars junior quarterback <strong>J.D Mastin </strong>is one to watch as he sports the arm talents to pass his way to victory but consistency must take place. He also needs help at the skill positions, which means opportunity is there for young talent to step forward and make plays.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As things look on paper, Jackson Christian has more overall talent but with this game being on the road at Goodpasture, anything could happen! The Cougars are feeling good about themselves after the 2-0 start and bring a solid defense to the field that could create issues for the Eagles offense, so this could be an exciting game that goes till the final minutes.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Prediction&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Potentially, this has the makings to be one of the better games from the Mid-Tennessee region in Week Three but it also could go the way of a blow out, if the home Cougars don't show up to play. I don't expect that to happen as Goodpasture has too many vets on defense to allow that to occur but they must be invested throughout the entire contest, if they wanna come out with the win.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Where Jackson Christian has an advantage is with their skill players on offense going against the Goodpasture secondary and pass defense. Can the Cougars find a way to stop or slow down Green and Mosley and make someone else beat them? That's a tough challenge as Mosley is silly athletic and fast while Green is huge, a big target for Kelley that is hard to bring down.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This will be the toughest game yet for the home Cougars and while I do think they will be ready to compete and stay invested throughout the game, I think Jackson Christian will just have too much firepower on offense for Goodpasture to keep up with. The game should remain close but in the end, the Eagles pull away and move to 3-0.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Score: Jackson Christian </strong>28&nbsp; <strong>Goodpasture </strong>20</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":978867,"width":387,"height":449,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/09/akelley.jpg?w=882" alt="" class="wp-image-978867" style="width:387px;height:449px" width="387" height="449" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image -->