#TNHSFB Week Seven Slate: Top Matchups/Game Predictions

<h2 class="wp-block-heading">This may be the biggest weekend yet of the 2023 HS football season as you have several rivalries taking place as well as tons of inner-region matchups that could determine region title winners. Here we breakdown the top games of the week along with some predictions!</h2>     East TN    Alcoa Tornadoes (5-0) at Knox. West Rebels (6-0)   - Powerhouses collide in Knoxville Friday night when the Tornadoes of Alcoa travel over to face an undefeated Rebels team that is playing football right now on another level. Both of these teams are talented with future college players along with a strong culture of winning. Something must give in this contest where somebody has to lose. What has me excited about this game is watching Alcoa quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='148864' first='Cody' last='Pagach'] spin it against a stout Knox. West defense, led by seniors [player_tooltip player_id='301377' first='C.J.' last='Smith'] and [player_tooltip player_id='864980' first='Ryan' last='Scott']. That matchup will be fun but the biggest key to this contest will be the Tornadoes defense against a run based Rebels offense that tends to take over ball games.    Key Matchup: Alcoa front seven vs. the Rebels O-line, [player_tooltip player_id='150279' first='Marshaun' last='Bowers'] & the West rushing attack   Prediction: Knox. West 33  Alcoa 28   - - - - - - -   Baylor Red Raiders (5-1) at McCallie Blue Tornado (6-0)   - Possibly the biggest game of the state for Week Seven, pits two state title contending rivals against each other in what should be a classic showdown. College talent galore will be spread all around the field Friday night but who will have the better team? Stopping [player_tooltip player_id='959429' first='Javon' last='McMahan'] will be key for the Red Raiders defense while McCallie can't allow [player_tooltip player_id='323145' first='Whit' last='Muschamp'] to go off as well as allow receivers like [player_tooltip player_id='148873' first='Amari' last='Jefferson'], [player_tooltip player_id='305883' first='Max' last='LeBlanc'] & others to get open on a consistent basis. McCallie is stout up front and I think they will come to play but their secondary will be tested and I think could be the deciding factor in this Chattanooga rivalry game.    Key Matchup: [player_tooltip player_id='332310' first='Marcellus' last='Barnes, Jr'], [player_tooltip player_id='285355' first='Choosen' last='Lokombe'] & the McCallie secondary vs. the Baylor passing attack   Prediction: McCallie 27  Baylor 24   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/08/mbarnes2.png?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-956182" style="width:546px;height:305px" width="546" height="305" /></figure>   - - - - - - -   MTCS Cougars (6-0) at South Pittsburg (6-0)   - An undefeated showdown takes place in the greater Chattanooga area Friday where South Pitt is hosting a state title contending MTCS team that will bring size and talent to “The Pit” that Pirates may have not seen so far this season. The Cougars are coming off their best win of the season while South Pitt has yet to be tested this year, so this matchup is very intriguing in multiple ways. Watch out for MTCS running back [player_tooltip player_id='150295' first='Eli' last='Wilson'] and South Pitt quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='301360' first='Kamden' last='Wellington'] as they could be difference makers in this game between winning and losing.    Key Matchup: MTCS O-line vs. the Pirates defensive front seven    Prediction: MTCS 27  South Pittsburg 23    - - - - - - -   York Institute Dragons (5-0) at Oneida Indians (5-1)   - This battle should be for the Class 2A-Region 2 championship as both York Institute and Oneida look like the best of the best from their region as well as two future postseason teams. The road Dragons have been very impressive so far this season, led by dynamic junior quarterback Myles Leffew. His play behind center has been critical in the Dragons undefeated start and will certainly be someone the home Indians have to pay attention and stop if they want to come away with the home victory. Oneida themselves have played good ball, so I expect this contest to be hard fought, physical and close to the final minutes of the 4th quarter.    Key Matchup: The Indians defensive front seven vs. Leffew, the O-line & the Dragons run game   Prediction: York Institute 35  Oneida 20    - - - - - - - - - -    Other Top East TN Games   - Whitwell (6-0) at Bledsoe Co. (4-2)   - Chuckey-Doak (5-1) at Claiborne (2-3)   - Oakdale (4-2) at Coalfield (5-1)   - Elizabethton (5-0) at Dobyns-Bennett (3-2)   - Bradley Cent. (5-0) at Farragut (2-3)   - Sullivan-East (4-2) at Greeneville (4-0)   - Morristown-West (3-2) at Jefferson Co. (4-1)   - Loudon (5-1) at Kingston (5-1)   - Oak Ridge (4-1) at Knox. Central (4-2)   - Brainerd (2-3) at Knox. Webb (6-0)   - Bearden (3-2) at Maryville (4-2)   - Meigs Co. (5-0) at McMinn Central (4-1)   - McMinn Co. (4-2) at Rhea Co. (3-3)   - Gatlinburg-Pittman (5-1) at Unicoi Co. (3-2)   - - - - - - - - - -   Mid TN   Davidson Academy Bears (6-0) at FRA Panthers (6-0)   - The D2-Class AA Middle region title could be on the line here between the Bears and Panthers and whoever wins this contest, could receive the #1 seed when we reach postseason play. These are two high scoring offenses going toe to toe with some senior studs leading the way in [player_tooltip player_id='268180' first='Knox' last='Roberts'] and [player_tooltip player_id='150281' first='Ty' last='Clark III']. This game is all about each team's defense and who will stand up strong for the duration of this contest and slow down the opposing offense. I could honestly see this being a high scoring game that is won by a last minute play in the 4th quarter.    Key Matchup: The Bears defensive front seven vs. Clark III, the O-line & the Panthers rushing attack   Prediction: FRA 45  Davidson Acad. 42   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/11/tyclark-crop-1198x787-1668009066.jpeg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-508107" style="width:483px;height:317px" width="483" height="317" /></figure>   - - - - - - -   Upperman Bees (6-0) at Smith Co. Owls (5-1)   - Moving out of region for a big clash at Smith Co., the Bees sit undefeated but have a big road test on their hands with a senior laden Owls football team that is coming off a huge victory over East Robertson. Can Smith Co. keep the momentum into this week and not be complacent after the big region win? We shall see because they better be ready for a strong Upperman team that brings talented seniors with them like [player_tooltip player_id='277791' first='Jaxson' last='Rollins'], [player_tooltip player_id='207308' first='Clayton' last='Harris'], [player_tooltip player_id='207305' first='Evan' last='Briggs'] and others. If Smith Co. can find a way to slow down the Bees run game, they will have a shot to win but Upperman may be too talented for the Owls to overcome.    Key Matchup: Smith Co. defensive front seven vs. the Bees rushing attack   Prediction: Upperman 20  Smith Co. 13    - - - - - - -    MUS Owls (5-1) at Father Ryan Fighting Irish (3-2)   - After taking down Brentwood Academy a few weeks ago, Father Ryan is now on a two game losing streak with them hosting a very good MUS team Friday night, so can the Fighting Irish find their mojo again and get back on the winning side of things. It's going to be tough as the Owls bring a physical and talented defense with them, led by seniors [player_tooltip player_id='258805' first='Brandon' last='Nicholson'], [player_tooltip player_id='433144' first='Makhi' last='Shaw'], [player_tooltip player_id='286596' first='Gavin' last='Helton'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1020610' first='Hudson' last='Shoaf'] that can cause some problems for the Father Ryan offense. The Fighting Irish will need an exceptional game from quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='148865' first='JoJo' last='Crump'] if they plan to defeat the Owls on Friday evening.    Key Matchup: Crump & the Irish offense against the Owls defense (Front seven & secondary)   Prediction: MUS 28  Father Ryan 17   - - - - - - -    DCA Wildcats (4-2) at Mt. Pleasant Tigers (5-1)   - A non-region matchup down in the Southern Middle TN area takes place Friday night with Mt. Pleasant hosting a DCA team that has been playing better football over the past few weeks. The home Tigers are coming off a blowout loss to region foe Lewis Co., so you can bet they are ready to get back on the field. DCA presents a different challenge for Mt. Pleasant as they are a young team and small in the line but bring a few talented ball players to town in [player_tooltip player_id='445181' first='Mitchell' last='Carey'], Cameron Booker and [player_tooltip player_id='284144' first='Carson' last='Sneed'] that can be difference makers in this contest. I like [player_tooltip player_id='323144' first='Nick' last='Brown'] and his Tigers in this matchup but they can't sleep on the Wildcats as they are well coached and starting to hit their stride.    Key Matchup: The Wildcats O-line vs. the Mt. Pleasant defensive front seven   Prediction: Mt. Pleasant 34  DCA 23    - - - - - - -    Other Top Mid-TN Games    - Mt. Juliet (6-0) at Antioch (3-3)   - Macon Co. (5-1) at DeKalb Co. (3-3)   - Cookeville (3-3) at Gallatin (4-2)   - Forrest (4-2) at Gordonsville (3-3)   - Wilson Cent. (3-3) at Lebanon (4-2)   - Cascade (4-2) at Monterey (3-3)   - Hillsboro (5-1) at Nolensville (5-1)   - Collinwood (4-1) at Richland (3-3)   - Dickson Co. (3-3) at Rossview (4-2)   - Oakland (5-1) at Siegel (4-2) - Thurs.   - East Robertson (5-1) at Westmoreland (3-3)   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/08/20230818_195105.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-956553" style="width:547px;height:307px" width="547" height="307" /></figure>   - - - - - - - - - - -   West TN   Bartlett Panthers (5-1) at Houston Mustangs (4-2)   - Two of the best teams from the greater Memphis area throw down in this matchup that could be a victory for whoever succeeds, that goes a long way towards winning the region title. Bartlett has been on a roll ever since their Week One loss, dominating opponents on both sides of the ball. The run game has been the biggest factor with junior [player_tooltip player_id='1002741' first='Geron' last='Johnson'] becoming a game changer. Houston has a couple of game changers at running as well in [player_tooltip player_id='277794' first='Damon' last='Sisa'] and sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='829107' first='Marcellus' last='Davis']. Whichever defense can figure out the formula to stopping the opposition's run game will gain the upper hand in walking away with a huge region victory.    Key Matchup: The Mustangs defensive front seven vs. the Bartlett offensive line    Prediction: Bartlett 38 Houston 30    - - - - - - -    FACS Crusaders (5-0) at Jackson Christian Eagles (6-0)   - The D2-Class A West Region will be settled in this contest Friday night between the road Crusaders and the home Eagles of Jackson Christian. Both of these teams have had great starts to the 2023 season but somebody must lose. The home Eagles are the definite favorites as First Assembly will be facing their strongest challenge yet. Jackson Christian sports a potent offense, led by studs [player_tooltip player_id='285359' first='Daniel' last='Green'], [player_tooltip player_id='219345' first='Jaylen' last='Mosley'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1021767' first='Austin' last='Kelley'] while their defense has been quite good as well. The Eagles “D” will have to slow down FACS backs [player_tooltip player_id='995186' first='Brian' last='Shields'] and Briceton Miller but they should be up for the challenge. I'm looking at another high scoring victory here for the home team.    Key Matchup: The Crusaders secondary vs. Mosley & the Eagles passing attack   Prediction: Jackson Christian 55  FACS 14   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/09/20230901_193623.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-979767" style="width:592px;height:333px" width="592" height="333" /></figure>   - - - - - - -    Riverside Panthers (5-1) at Huntingdon Mustangs (4-1)   - A massive region matchup takes place here between these two West TN programs that have their eyes on a hopeful state title. Both of these squads have been playing strong football over the past few weeks, especially the home Mustangs, who have dominating good opponents. They have another good team on their hands Friday with [player_tooltip player_id='362098' first='Desmond' last='Thomas'] and his Riverside team coming to town. The run game for both teams will be critical on both sides of the ball in this contest and whoever is able to slow it down, will gain the advantage in coming out with a huge win. This could be one of the best overall games from the entire Week Seven slate.    Key Matchup: The Mustangs defensive front seven vs. the Panthers run game   Prediction: Riverside 28  Huntingdon 27   - - - - - - -    Dresden Tigers (6-0) at Union City Golden Tornadoes (4-2)   - The lone roadblock in the path for Dresden when it comes to winning a region title is this road game on Friday against Union City, who too if they win, could too be in line for said title. This game has major ramifications and could be one of the better games from the entire state this week. The Golden Tornadoes have an offensive duo in [player_tooltip player_id='362090' first='Keaten' last='Brown'] and [player_tooltip player_id='414886' first='Jacob' last='Arnold'] that can be difference makers in their efforts versus a very good Tigers defense. The ground attack should be the focal point for both teams but if someone can generate a passing game, it could make a difference in the outcome. While I think Union City will keep this game close and into the 4th quarter, there just seems to be something special about Dresden and I believe they will squeak out the road win.    Key Matchup: Dresden's defensive front seven vs. Arnold and the Union City run game   Prediction: Dresden 35  Union City 28    - - - - - - -    Other Top West TN Games    - Briarcrest Chrst. (3-3) at Chrst. Brothers (4-2)   - White Station (3-3) at Collierville (4-2)   - Obion Co. (4-2) at Crockett Co. (4-2)   - Lake Co. (3-3) at Gleason (4-2)   - South Fulton (3-3) at Greenfield (3-3)   - Southwind (6-0) at Memp. Central (3-3)   - Adamsville (4-2) at Milan (5-1)   - Memp. Overton (4-2) at Millington (5-1)   - Middle Coll. (4-2) at Mitchell (6-0) - Thurs.   - USJ (4-2) at Northpoint Chrst. (4-2)   - Sheffield (4-2) at Raleigh-Egypt (3-3)   - Dyer Co. (3-3) at South Gibson (4-2)   - Dresden (6-0) at Union City (4-2)   - Dyersburg (6-0) at Westview (4-2)   - Germantown (6-0) at Whitehaven (4-2)   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/09/dsisa.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-459446" /></figure>