#TNHSFB PREVIEW: Brentwood vs. Centennial

In one of the more highly anticipated high school football matchups in the state of Tennessee for week seven, Brentwood (7-0) will be facing off against Centennial (7-0) as the two undefeated powerhouses look to remain perfect on the year. Last week, Brentwood defeated Franklin 31-17 while Centennial blasted past Glencliff 62-0. In last season's meeting between the Bruins and the Cougars, Brentwood escaped Centennial with a 15-9 victory. As another week of action quickly approaches, here's my list of the top standouts on both squads to be familiar with ahead of kickoff.    At the top of my list of notable performers is [player_tooltip player_id='310897' first='Kani'' last='Johnson'], a 5-foot-11, 185-pound athlete at Centennial High School. What makes Johnson so impactful for the Cougars on both sides is his outstanding versatility and ability to use size and speed to his advantage. Johnson has proven his scoring capabilities, utilizing his physicality on the ground to blast past the defense in the pocket as well as prove his breakaway speed down the stretch. On the other side of the ball, Johnson showcases his ability to collapse the pocket, apply pressure on the quarterback and make significant stops in third-down scenarios.     <a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2LqpAT">Tape:</a>    I am additionally impressed with [player_tooltip player_id='148876' first='Elisha' last='Nieves'], a 6-foot-4, 190-pound quarterback at Centennial High School. In addition to excellent execution off the snap, Nieves stands out with his ability to remain composed under pressure, advance offensive production on the ground and get the ball out of his hands before contact. Another aspect of Nieves that has contributed to the Cougars' success is his arm strength and ability to hit his receivers in stride from all over the field, including in the backfield and endzone. With great field awareness and the ability to quickly overwhelm opposing defenses in the air, Nieves is not a player to sleep on this upcoming Friday.     <a href="http://www.hudl.com/video/3/16208408/6338a166a68092050046fd47">Tape:</a>    Claiming the number three spot on my list is [player_tooltip player_id='207329' first='Jackson' last='Lowe'], a 6-foot-1, 180-pound athlete at Brentwood High School. What makes Lowe so impactful for the Bruins is his ability to deceive the defense with his footwork, escape into the backfield and quickly attack receivers from along the edge on the other side of the ball. Lowe's defensive playstyle additionally impresses me due to his breakaway speed, matching speed of opposing receivers in the backfield to make commanding stops and disrupt the passing game. Another aspect of Lowe that stands out is his physical edge and durability in the endzone, using his strength to lock down receivers in coverage and keep the offense off the scoreboard.     <a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2LeKuV">Tape:</a>    Another skilled prospect to keep an eye on is [player_tooltip player_id='277761' first='D.J.' last='Curll'], a 6-foot-2, 200-pound linebacker at Centennial High School. In addition to excellent size, speed and strength, what makes Curll such a high-level playmaker for the Cougars is his execution and ability to consistently read opposing offenses like a book, using bursts of speed to quickly shut down the rush as well as stop the offense from breaking away into the open field. On top of great precision and versatility, Curll stands out with his ability to use his athleticism and physicality to blast past the offense in the pocket, applying heavy defensive pressure, getting to the quarterback for sacks and putting himself in front of the running backs to cause disruption.     <a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2LqbVH">Tape:</a>    Coming in at number five on my list is [player_tooltip player_id='244642' first='Cooper' last='McAfee'], a 6-foot-2, 215-pound linebacker at Brentwood High School. McAfee impresses me for the Bruins with his ability to quickly blast the quarterback, make crucial stops on third-down and get in position to swat the ball out of the air. Another aspect of McAfee's playstyle that has made a considerable difference this year is his ability to maneuver the field, his overwhelming strength and his ability to muscle past the offensive line, finding openings in the pocket to attack offensive playmakers. I'm also fond of how McAfee can use bursts of speed to apply heavy pressure and force bad throws from the quarterback.     <a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2LnfSZ">Tape:</a>    Also establishing himself on the field is [player_tooltip player_id='550150' first='Baylor' last='Hayes'], a 6-foot-1, 175-pound quarterback at Brentwood High School. Hayes contributes outstanding execution, decision-making and the ability to adapt under center for the Bruins' offense, showcasing his ability to outrun the defense on the ground with his solid footwork and connect with his receivers on deep passes into the backfield. Hayes also impresses with his pin-point accurate passing, proving he can quickly get the ball out of his hands off the snap and hit his receivers in stride for touchdown passes. With great arm strength and the ability to target reliable passing lanes, Hayes has proved he can make difficult completions in crucial moments.     <a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2LSkLk">Tape:</a>

In one of the more highly anticipated high school football matchups in the state of Tennessee for week seven, Brentwood (7-0) will be facing off against Centennial (7-0) as the two undefeated powerhouses look to remain perfect on the year. Last week, Brentwood defeated Franklin 31-17 while Centennial blasted past Glencliff 62-0. In last season's meeting between the Bruins and the Cougars, Brentwood escaped Centennial with a 15-9 victory. As another week of action quickly approaches, here's my list of the top standouts on both squads to be familiar with ahead of kickoff.