#TNHSFB Week Seven Slate: Top Matchups/Game Predictions
In this article:
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…
Access all of Prep Redzone
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingThis 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!
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 Cody Pagach Cody Pagach 6'3" | 190 lbs | QB Alcoa | 2024 State TN spin it against a stout Knox. West defense, led by seniors C.J. Smith C.J. Smith 6'3" | 240 lbs | DL Knox. West | 2024 State TN and Ryan Scott Ryan Scott 6'1" | 210 lbs | LB Knox. West | 2024 State TN . 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, Marshaun Bowers Marshaun Bowers 5'9" | 185 lbs | RB Knox. West | 2024 State TN & 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 Javon McMahan Javon McMahan 5'10" | 190 lbs | RB McCallie | 2024 State TN will be key for the Red Raiders defense while McCallie can’t allow Whit Muschamp Whit Muschamp 6'1" | 185 lbs | QB Baylor | 2024 State TN to go off as well as allow receivers like Amari Jefferson Amari Jefferson 6'2" | 195 lbs | ATH Baylor | 2024 State TN , Max LeBlanc Max LeBlanc 6'5" | 225 lbs | TE Baylor | 2024 State TN & 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: Marcellus Barnes, Jr Marcellus Barnes, Jr 6'1" | 175 lbs | DB McCallie | 2024 State TN , Choosen Lokombe Choosen Lokombe 5'10" | 175 lbs | DB McCallie | 2024 State TN & the McCallie secondary vs. the Baylor passing attack
Prediction: McCallie 27 Baylor 24
– – – – – – –
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 Eli Wilson Eli Wilson 5'10" | 185 lbs | RB MTCS | 2024 State TN and South Pitt quarterback Kamden Wellington Kamden Wellington 5'11" | 185 lbs | ATH South Pittsburg | 2024 State TN 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 Knox Roberts Knox Roberts 6'2" | 200 lbs | QB Davidson Acad. | 2024 State TN and Ty Clark III Ty Clark III 6'1" | 200 lbs | RB FRA | 2024 State TN . 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
– – – – – – –
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 Jaxson Rollins Jaxson Rollins 5'9" | 175 lbs | RB Upperman | 2024 TN , Clayton Harris Clayton Harris 6'2" | 235 lbs | DL Upperman | 2024 State TN , Evan Briggs Evan Briggs 6'2" | 275 lbs | OL Upperman | 2024 TN 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 Brandon Nicholson Brandon Nicholson 6'0" | 175 lbs | DB MUS | 2024 State TN , Makhi Shaw Makhi Shaw 6'0" | 190 lbs | ATH MUS | 2024 State TN , Gavin Helton Gavin Helton 6'1" | 220 lbs | LB MUS | 2024 State TN and Hudson Shoaf Hudson Shoaf 6'1" | 210 lbs | LB MUS | 2024 State TN that can cause some problems for the Father Ryan offense. The Fighting Irish will need an exceptional game from quarterback JoJo Crump JoJo Crump 6'1" | 195 lbs | QB Father Ryan | 2024 State TN 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 Mitchell Carey Mitchell Carey 6'1" | 195 lbs | QB DCA | 2025 TN , Cameron Booker and Carson Sneed Carson Sneed 6'6" | 240 lbs | TE DCA | 2026 State TN that can be difference makers in this contest. I like Nick Brown Nick Brown 6'1" | 180 lbs | QB Mt. Pleasant | 2024 State TN 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)
– – – – – – – – – – –
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 Geron Johnson Geron Johnson 6'0" | 185 lbs | RB Bartlett | 2025 TN becoming a game changer. Houston has a couple of game changers at running as well in Damon Sisa Damon Sisa 5'8" | 165 lbs | RB Houston | 2024 State TN and sophomore Marcelles Davis Marcelles Davis 5'10" | 190 lbs | RB Houston | 2026 State TN . 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 Daniel Green Daniel Green 6'6" | 235 lbs | TE Jackson Chrst. | 2024 State TN , Jaylen Mosley Jaylen Mosley 6'0" | 190 lbs | ATH Jackson Christian | 2025 State TN and Austin Kelley while their defense has been quite good as well. The Eagles “D” will have to slow down FACS backs Brian Shields Brian Shields 5'10" | 165 lbs | ATH First Assembly | 2024 TN 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
– – – – – – –
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 Desmond Thomas Desmond Thomas 6'0" | 225 lbs | LB Riverside | 2024 TN 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 Keaten Brown Keaten Brown 6'0" | 195 lbs | QB Union City | 2024 TN and Jacob Arnold Jacob Arnold 5'10" | 205 lbs | RB Union City | 2024 TN 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)