Class 5A Championship Preview: Page vs. Knox. West

<!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">This is the 2nd time in two years these two teams have met for the 5A title with the Rebels winning last season but both teams are back in Chattanooga with the Patriots being a bit different, bringing to town an exceptional defense that could lead to a state championship. </h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Page Patriots (13-1) vs. Knox. West Rebels (13-1)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Where: </strong>Chattanooga, TN (Finley Stadium)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>When: </strong>December 1st, 6 pm Central</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Head Coaches</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Patriots: <strong>Charles Rathbone</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Rebels: <strong>Lamar Brown&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - - - - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Top Players</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(OL) [player_tooltip player_id='149171' first='Ronan' last='O'Connell'] - Page: </strong>Ever since this big man got healthy &amp; was implemented back into the starting lineup, the Patriots run game has gotten much better. His play up front against a good Rebels D-line will be critical in this title game.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>‘25 (DE) [player_tooltip player_id='219439' first='Eric' last='Hazzard'] - Page: </strong>A current Mr. Football finalist, Hazzard has been a terror all year off the edge for the Patriots, constantly putting pressure in the backfield. Between this guy and Anes, Knox. West could be up for a challenge running anywhere on the edge.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>‘25 (LB) [player_tooltip player_id='390716' first='Brenden' last='Anes'] - Page: </strong>Athletic &amp; fast with range to both sidelines, Anes has been a game changer this year that many opposing teams have not had an answer for. The Rebels could have a hard time running away from this junior backer due to his smarts and speed. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1063458,"width":"330px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/10/banes.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1063458" style="width:330px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(RB/S) [player_tooltip player_id='150279' first='Marshaun' last='Bowers'] - Knox. West: </strong>Bowers has been on another level of late, displaying playmaking abilities on both sides of the ball, especially at running back where he has been able to bring balance and consistency to the Rebels offense.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(DE) [player_tooltip player_id='301377' first='C.J.' last='Smith'] - Knox. West: </strong>Smith has the potential to be a big difference maker in the trenches for Knox. West, especially going up against a very good Page offensive line. If he is able to be let loose, Smith could become a problem against the Patriots rushing attack.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(LB's) [player_tooltip player_id='864980' first='Ryan' last='Scott']/[player_tooltip player_id='465287' first='Anderson' last='Smith']: Knox. West: </strong>Both of these Rebel linebackers are tackling machines that have been a big part of one of the best defenses in the state this year and their high level of play must continue on Friday evening. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":963584,"width":"302px","height":"auto","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/ryscott.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-963584" style="width:302px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;- - - - - </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Game Preview</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- This is a rematch from last season where the Rebels commanded the game from start to finish to walk away as 5A state champions but it's a new year and it's new teams facing off against each other on Friday night and Page is looking for revenge! If you want defense and physicality, this is the game for you as both the Rebels and the Patriots sport two of the best defensive units in the state, so points could come at a premium.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Speaking of points, both these teams lean upon their run games to get the job done while asking their quarterbacks to occasionally complete passes. Senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='150279' first='Marshaun' last='Bowers'] </strong>is the lead guy for Knox. West while <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='277796' first='Ethan' last='Cunningham'] </strong>handles the lead role for Page. Both these senior backs have been playing at a high level of late and both will be needed to achieve first downs on Friday night while also helping to sustain drives. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":999726,"width":"298px","height":"auto","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/mbowers.jpeg?w=820" alt="" class="wp-image-999726" style="width:298px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The rushing attacks for both teams will need to be consistent in this game and produce points because passing the ball will be a tough task, especially with outstanding defensive front seven play from both the Rebels and the Patriots.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Five of the best defenders in this state will be on the field Friday night with the spotlight on each of them to produce and play at a high level. Knox. West has a senior trio in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='301377' first='C.J.' last='Smith']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='465287' first='Anderson' last='Smith'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='864980' first='Ryan' last='Scott'] </strong>that can make plays in the backfield or in space all night long, allowing stud defensive back <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='316774' first='Connor' last='Cummings'] </strong>to make plays in the secondary.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Page has a pair of havoc creators in their front seven too with juniors <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='219439' first='Eric' last='Hazzard'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='390716' first='Brenden' last='Anes'] </strong>causing problems all year long for the opposition. Those two have to get off fast in the game Friday night and slow down the backfield of Bowers and quarterback <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='148904' first='Hunter' last='Dance']</strong> if the Patriots want to come out on top. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1102303,"width":"335px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/11/ehazzard2.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-1102303" style="width:335px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Both teams will bring a physical brand of football to the field that will be fun to watch but it may also cause the fireworks to be at a minimum, so whatever points are produced will be cherished and very important as I don't see this game being a high scoring affair.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As any game we play on the field, turnovers in this contest will be key but also big plays will be important as well. Whichever team can minimize the turnovers and somehow create game changing plays, should gain the edge and find themselves in position to win the game in the 4th quarter.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - - - - - - - </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Game Prediction</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- When it comes to predicting this game, I immediately think low scoring with big defensive plays. I know both Knox. West and Page have some offensive players that can make plays and produce points but the defensive firepower that will be on display in this matchup is too good not to think each possession in this game will be presish. Every time each one of these teams touch the ball, they have to find a way to score because each point in this 5A championship will be valuable.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Knox. West has the experience and the fact they won last year's title on their side but Page has been to this game three years in a row now but have yet to go home with that “Gold Ball” and pure luck has to be on their side at some point right?&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Well I don't think it will be easy and hard to pull off the win but I feel it's time for the Patriots to be champions. I think their offense finds just enough points to squeeze by Knox. West with their defense stealing the show and being the difference in Page becoming Class 5A state champs.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Score: Page 20 Knox. West 17</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1055599,"width":"516px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/10/20231020_211826.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1055599" style="width:516px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image -->