#PRZTN Game Of The Week: Nolensville at Centennial

<!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Back on the road, back in game mode, Prep Redzone Tennessee will be live this evening for a major region clash between the road Knights and the home Centennial Cougars. We have your full game preview for you here! </h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Nolensville (5-0) at Centennial (5-0)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Class 5A-Region Matchup</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Location: </strong>Franklin, TN (Williamson 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>#Knights vs. #Cougars&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Nolensville HC: Paul Derrick</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Centennial HC: Jamaal Stewart</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1007986,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/09/jamstewart.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-1007986" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Players to Watch&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Offense</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>(QB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='148876' first='Elisha' last='Nieves'] </strong>- Centennial: Over the past few weeks, Nieves has picked up his play, providing the ability to push the ball down field while also quicking it out quickly to his playmakers. His play the rest of the season will be key in the Cougars region title and postseason chances.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["288620"],"_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":"u003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003e Steady all season, Collins has been a consistent leader and commander of his Knights offense this season and I still feel there is more upside to be seen out of this senior signal caller. Maybe his breakout passing game comes this weekend?u003c/spanu003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-650daf1f39b70"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>(RB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='149149' first='Taner' last='Lee'] </strong>- Centennial: A well balanced runner with patience, Lee has yet to have his breakout game this year but is definitely due. His play on the ground may be a defining factor in the Cougars efforts towards victory on Friday.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>‘25 (WR/S) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='301389' first='Jackson' last='Rigdon'] </strong>- Nolensville: The Knights top go-to target on offense, Rigdon's talents may be needed more on defense in this game, using his height, length and range to get in the way of some Centennial passes.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>(WR) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='310897' first='Kani'' last='Johnson'] </strong>- Centennial: Johnson has been on fire so far this season as the Cougars top offensive playmaker. His matchup with the Knights secondary will be one of the more interesting inner game matchups to watch throughout this contest.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>(RB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='220386' first='Zion' last='Tamaska'] </strong>- Nolensville: This senior back has been the steady force on the Knights offense all season long. Tamaska is having a breakout year, where he leads the team in offensive yards as well as overall touchdowns. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1004763,"width":634,"height":634,"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/ztamaska.webp?w=756" alt="" class="wp-image-1004763" style="width:634px;height:634px" width="634" height="634" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Defense&nbsp;</strong><br>(DL) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='316795' first='Keegen' last='Scruggs'] </strong>- Centennial: The Cougars top D-lineman, Scruggs will be needed Friday evening to cause havoc in the Knights backfield, especially putting pressure on Collins. His play against the run will also be needed as Tamaska has been able to go-off the last couple of weeks.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>(Edge) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='491443' first='Jackson' last='Bandy'] </strong>- Nolensville: Bandy has been the best player on the Knights team this year and in this game, his play will be critical putting pressure on Nieves as well as stringing out the run game.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>(LB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='277761' first='D.J.' last='Curll'] </strong>- Centennial: Curll has stepped forward big time so far through the early season. He has been very active on the edge making plays in the backfield as well as dropping in space and contributing versus the pass. Being a force against the Nolensville offense will be key on Friday night.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>(LB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='316783' first='Joseph' last='Carano'] </strong>- Nolensville: A two-way player for his Knights team, Carano will be needed heavily on defense in this game to put a stop gap on the Cougars run game while also providing a pass rush in the backfield.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["316773"],"_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":"u003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003e An elite athlete with college upside, Reed has been a big reason why the Cougars sit undefeated at the moment due to his running at quarterback and his ball hawk, hard hitting mentality on defense. u003c/spanu003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-650daf1f39bdd"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>(LB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='301379' first='Tyler' last='Rose'] </strong>- Nolensville: The Knights have a strong trio of linebackers playing in their front seven with Rose being probably the most unheralded but sports great upside. Tall and long with a nice frame for added size, Rose could be a guy that can cause issues off the edge Friday evening. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":465658,"width":619,"height":412,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/10/domreed2.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-465658" style="width:619px;height:412px" width="619" height="412" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - - - - - - - </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Game/Team Analysis</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- One of the top games across the state for the Week Six Slate, Centennial is set to host region foe Nolensville in what will be a battle between two undefeated teams with only one squad leaving Franklin on Friday evening with a huge inner region victory. This will be the toughest test of the season for both Centennial and Nolensville, so we will definitely see who is the better team and the squad that has what it takes to possibly go deep in postseason play.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Cougars have a balanced offense between <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='148876' first='Elisha' last='Nieves'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='316773' first='Dominic' last='Reed'] </strong>at quarterback along with an athletic defense, spearheaded by seniors <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='316795' first='Keegen' last='Scruggs']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='277761' first='D.J.' last='Curll'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='767111' first='Cody' last='Williamson']</strong> that should provide issues for a Nolensville offense that has been getting the job done but still doesn't have the balance they were looking for headed into the season.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Senior's <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='288620' first='Ty' last='Collins']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='220386' first='Zion' last='Tamaska'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='301389' first='Jackson' last='Rigdon'] </strong>have been the standouts thus far on the Knights offense with Tamaska possibly being their mid-season MVP. If their offensive line can somehow find another gear, the Knights offense can take themselves to another level but that will be a hard task to ask going against the talented Centennial defensive line.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Running the football may be the key to victory for Nolensville. Playing a ball control game, keeping the ball out of the hands of the Centennial may be a formula towards defeating the Cougars. Collins can spin it but the Cougars have a tough secondary, led by seniors Reed and Williamson that could make things difficult. Maintaining time of possession without turning the ball over will be something the Knights have to control on Friday evening if they plan to go home with a win.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Centennial will be the favorite being the home team but Nolensville should be ready to compete. If this game remains close into the 4th quarter, the road may have a shot but if Centennial is allowed to move the ball at will early, it might be a long night for the Knights. Watching how this game plays out in the 1st half as well as the first few minutes of the 3rd quarter will be interesting to see how this contest works out in the end.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Prediction&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- A lot will be on the line for these two teams as both are region title contenders and Class 5A hopefuls in the race for a state championship. Centennial and Nolensville should both be excited and geared up for this contest as it will be one of the better on paper matchups across the state for Week Six. Getting off to a fast start will be key for whichever team can accomplish that but even more so, the team that can create big plays and maintain their stamina deep into the 4th quarter will have a great shot at picking up this region win.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Nolensville is a well coached team that competes hard, so I expect them to stay close till somewhere in the 2nd half where I feel Centennial's athletes will take over. The Cougars have too much athleticism and firepower overall for the Knights to overcome in this game, so I foresee the home team coming out on top!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Score: Centennial 34  Nolensville 23</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":949397,"width":569,"height":569,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/08/tlee.jpeg?w=815" alt="" class="wp-image-949397" style="width:569px;height:569px" width="569" height="569" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image -->