TNHSFB Playoffs: Semifinal Showdown (Analysis/Predictions)

<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The biggest Friday of football is upon us as semifinal action takes place tonight across the state with title spots on the line. Here we breakdown each game from Class 1A through 6A w/ game analysis & predictions. </h2>   Class 1A   South Pittsburg (13-0) at Oliver Springs (10-3)   - David versus Goliath in this contest as you have Chattanooga area powerhouse South Pittsburg traveling to Oliver Springs for a big semifinal matchup that many see the Pirates coming out as the victors. South Pitt is the clear cut favorite here but the Bobcats have been playing some strong football of late, beating some good teams, including last week when they defeated Coalfield. The Pirates can not sleep on Oliver Springs but I don't think they will, especially after star quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='301360' first='Kamden' last='Wellington'] was snubbed for Mr. Football this week.    Being snubbed for the big individual honor, Wellington and his teammates have already made it known they are coming for whoever sits in their path, so Oliver Springs better watch out! The Bobcats have to key on Wellington but they also can't allow the Pirates defensive front seven to go off. Linebacker [player_tooltip player_id='258684' first='Jamarion' last='Farrior'] is a fierce tackler that will be headhunting Friday night while the D-line will be looking to stay in the Bobcats backfield. While I give praise to Oliver Springs and their path to this semifinal game, their season should end against South Pittsburg.    Prediction: South Pittsburg 52 Oliver Springs 10    - - - - -   Dresden (13-0) at McKenzie (12-1)   - These two teams are the best coming out of West TN for the Class 1A ranks this season but only one can advance to the state title game. Dresden has been on a tear all year long, coming into this contest undefeated but now facing off against a culture driven program in McKenzie that is your reigning and defending Class 1A state champs. The Tigers will be facing their toughest opponent yet, so can they keep their dream season alive?   If the Tigers move on to Chattanooga, they will need a big game from Mr. Football finalist Cameron Schlicht while receiving stellar play from their defense as the McKenzie offense has been playing on another level of late with junior quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='1102448' first='Tate' last='Surber'] leading the way. Where the Tigers might have some issues is with the Rebels offensive line that has some big boys up front, especially junior [player_tooltip player_id='1102430' first='Jacob' last='Smith']. Turnovers as always will play a key role in who wins this game as well as whichever defense is able to slow up the other and I have to go with my guy here and ride with Dresden.    Prediction: Dresden 33 McKenzie 25   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/06/dresden.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-854034" style="width:397px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Dresden Enterprise</figcaption></figure>   - - - - -    Class 2A   East Robertson (12-1) at York Institute (13-0)   - This game could be one of the more entertaining contests of the Semifinal slate as you have a talented East Robertson squad traveling to an undefeated York Institute team that has played a consistent brand of football this season. Led by senior quarterback Myles Leffew, the Dragons have one of the best rushing attacks in the 2A ranks but so do the Indians. Star junior and Mr. Football finalist [player_tooltip player_id='497421' first='Isaiah' last='Groves'] is a stud and a game changer that the York defense can not allow to go off or their season will be over.    This game should go fast with both teams leaning on their run games and defense to get the win. The X-factor to me is East Robertson freshman quarterback Kasen Young, who has the arm to make a difference in this contest with some key throws to keep the York defense honest. Many see the road team as the favorite here but York has beaten some good teams along the way and won't be intimidated by the Indians. I can see this contest going till the very end with one play being the difference in who wins.    Prediction: East Robertson 27 York Institute 24    - - - - -    Fairley (10-2) at Riverside (11-2)   - The Riverside Panthers have been one of the more consistent programs from the West Tennessee region for several years now and they have a chance to go back to the 2A title game but they must get through an athletic, talented Fairley team that has their eyes on Chattanooga as well. Riverside is loaded with senior talent with [player_tooltip player_id='572242' first='Stone' last='Wallace'], [player_tooltip player_id='362098' first='Desmond' last='Thomas'] and two-way lineman Ty Hernandez being the team leaders and major contributors on both sides of the ball while Fairley has key seniors as well in [player_tooltip player_id='520487' first='Jacquan' last='Davis'] and [player_tooltip player_id='820995' first='Malik' last='Mason'] but are more youthful in other areas. The balance here will be the athletic playmakers of Fairley going up against a veteran ball club that understands how to win ball games.    I see the biggest X-Factors being in this game are Davis and Mason. Those are two supreme athletes that can take over and change the direction of a game in an instant. Stopping those two will be critical for the Panthers defense that I'm sure is well aware of the Bulldogs senior standouts and their importance in slowing down Davis and Mason. My football instincts make me think that Fairley will go into Riverside and defeat the home team but my guy continues to go with the Panthers and that's how I gotta ride with this game.    Prediction: Riverside 35 Fairley 28   - - - - -    Class 3A   Giles Co. (10-2) at Alcoa (11-1)   - Can anybody defeat Alcoa and keep them out of the Class 3A title game? Giles Co. is a squad tasked with that challenge as they travel out East Friday evening to take on the Tornadoes and work at pulling off the upset to send the Bobcats to Chattanooga. It will be a challenge for the road team as Alcoa is big time talented with some game changing players like [player_tooltip player_id='674370' first='Brandon' last='Winton, Jr'], [player_tooltip player_id='219408' first='Eli' last='Owens'] and others that can take over early and put the Bobcats to sleep. [player_tooltip player_id='148864' first='Cody' last='Pagach'] is another that Giles Co. must key on and put pressure on him to force arrant throws and possible turnovers.    Giles Co. has some athletes too and they will be needed in a major way Friday evening. Senior athlete [player_tooltip player_id='239447' first='Kamauri' last='Turner'] has been playing as good of football as anybody on the 3A level and the Bobcats will need one of his best games of his career to take down Alcoa. Junior quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='962845' first='Johnny' last='Jackson'] along with [player_tooltip player_id='390594' first='Amare' last='Smith'] and the Bobcats O-line will need to play at another as well to pull off the upset. Alcoa will be ready to play as they are postseason kings but Giles Co. will not be intimidated and will be equally excited about being in this position, so I could honestly see a great game here that isn't settled till the 4th quarter.    Prediction: Alcoa 33 Giles Co. 28   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/04/jmccord.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-771610" /></figure>   - - - - -    Dyersburg (13-0) at East Nashville (11-2)   - East Nashville finds themselves again here in the Semi's with a state title game on the line and this year to get to Chattanooga, the Eagles must get through an undefeated Dyersburg team that brings a big and physical defense to town with them. Led by stud junior D-tackle [player_tooltip player_id='611975' first='Kalen' last='Edwards'], the Trojans defense have been near flawless this season, sporting one of the best defensive units in the state, so the East Nashville offense has a big challenge on their hands Friday evening.    What the home Eagles can lean on to win this matchup is their run game, led by sophomore standouts [player_tooltip player_id='971296' first='Keith' last='Johnson'] and [player_tooltip player_id='834600' first='Kelan' last='Anderson']. Both East Nashville backs have run for over 1,000 yards this season and both have the speed to cause issues for the Trojans defense. Quarterback Martez Lamb will be needed to make some throws in this game for East to win but the majority of this contest from both squads will be played and won on the ground. Dyersburg will be hard to beat because of their defense and their line of scrimmage but I'm just feeling East Nashville here as this program has experience in these situations.    Prediction: East Nashville 24 Dyersburg 21    - - - - -    Class 4A   Upperman (13-0) at Greeneville (11-0)   - What a showdown we have here, taking place in East Tennessee between two undefeated squads that play winning football but something must give as only one 4A power can advance to Chattanooga. The home Green Devils have been near dominant this season with a balanced team, led by seniors [player_tooltip player_id='148875' first='Corbin' last='Cannon'] and [player_tooltip player_id='306578' first='Amanuel' last='Dickson'] while Upperman has been more battle tested, remaining undefeated with several close victories over some solid ball clubs. Upperman I feel will be the best team Greeneville has faced this season, other than Alcoa, so I certainly feel this game will test the Green Devils and their resolve towards getting to the 4A title game.    Where this game will be won and lost is in the line of scrimmage. Both these teams match up well in the trenches with both clubs sporting good offensive lines but Upperman could have the edge with [player_tooltip player_id='207308' first='Clayton' last='Harris'], [player_tooltip player_id='207305' first='Evan' last='Briggs'] and their defensive line. The Bees are stout up front with Harris being one of the better edge rushers inside our #TN2024 class and his play will be critical in this contest. Many around the state will choose Greeneville to win this game but I'm rolling with the Bees and the battle tested veteran team.    Prediction: Upperman 20 Greeneville 17    - - - - -    Haywood (11-2) at Pearl Cohn (13-0)   - All season long, Pearl Cohn has been one of the best teams in the entire state, regardless of classification and they are one game away from making a return trip to Chattanooga for the Class 4A championship. Standing in their way is a semi familiar opponent in Haywood, who the Firebirds defeated last year on their way to the title game. The Tomcats bring a potent rushing attack to town, led by juniors Kemonta Williams and [player_tooltip player_id='466233' first='Camarion' last='Miller'], squaring up against one of the best defensive front sevens in the state. That matchup alone should be fun to watch but if the Tomcat running backs are held in check, Pearl Cohn will be advancing.    What both these squads bring to the table is athletes but the home team may have the advantage here in numbers. Seniors [player_tooltip player_id='193750' first='D'Arious' last='Reed'] and [player_tooltip player_id='239250' first='Malachi' last='Cromwell'] are trusted vets while [player_tooltip player_id='811032' first='Javion' last='Kinnard'] and [player_tooltip player_id='865611' first='Donovan' last='Higgins'] are ultra athletic juniors and game changers. The firepower that Pearl Cohn has on offense is something Haywood hasn't seen all year and feel will be the difference in this contest as the Firebirds offense will be too powerful to overcome.    Prediction: Pearl Cohn 42 Haywood 20   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/02/FiXTonwXwAUW1pD.jpeg?w=913" alt="" class="wp-image-650885" style="width:387px;height:auto" /></figure>   - - - - -    Class 5A   Walker Valley (11-2) at Knox. West (12-1)   - It's been an outstanding 2023 season for Walker Valley as they sit in unprecedented territory, facing off against reigning and defending champs, Knox. West in the semifinals of the Class 5A playoffs and one win away from trip down the road to Chattanooga. The Rebels stand in their way and a team with vets who tasted the spoils of being a champion last year, so this will be a tough challenge for the Mustangs. Along the way in the postseason, Walker Valley has beaten some good teams and been up to any challenge in front of them but this will be their toughest yet. They have a shot though because they have one of the hottest quarterbacks in the state right now in [player_tooltip player_id='688719' first='Evan' last='Schwarzl'].    The 6 '0 senior has been on a tear of late and presents some challenges for a Knox. West defense that has several future college pieces spread across their front seven. Guys like [player_tooltip player_id='301377' first='C.J.' last='Smith'], [player_tooltip player_id='465287' first='Anderson' last='Smith'] and [player_tooltip player_id='864980' first='Ryan' last='Scott'] have to get pressure on Schwarzl while also forcing him to throw in the pocket and not break containment. If he does, Walker Valley could pull the upset but if the Rebels defense keeps Schwarzl in check, Knox. West will be headed back to Chattanooga to defend and compete for the 2nd state title in a row.    Prediction: Knox. West 28 Walker Valley 14    - - - - -   Southwind (13-0) at Page (12-1)   - Can the home Patriots return to the Class 5A title for the third year in a row? It can happen but if they get there, they will have to go through the best team they have faced this year in Southwind, who comes in undefeated with a well balanced team and athleticism everywhere. The first thing I immediately think of when looking at this game is the pass rush that both defenses can provide. Jaguars stud senior [player_tooltip player_id='149317' first='Kavion' last='Benton'] is a force up front that can rush the backfield from multiple areas on the D-line. Page juniors [player_tooltip player_id='219439' first='Eric' last='Hazzard'] and [player_tooltip player_id='390716' first='Brenden' last='Anes'] are possibly the best linebacker tandem in the state and both can run!   The key for both teams will be slowing down the opposition's pass rush while establishing the line of scrimmage. Page has a stout O-line with [player_tooltip player_id='149171' first='Ronan' last='O'Connell'], [player_tooltip player_id='808035' first='A.J.' last='Johnson'] and [player_tooltip player_id='853121' first='Jacob' last='Rathbone'] leading the way that can slow up Benton and the Jaguars pass rush. Keep an eye on sophomore quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='480742' first='Kelvin' last='Perkins'] and senior wideout [player_tooltip player_id='205781' first='Kylon' last='Dupree'] as those two could be difference makers in this contest that pushes Southwind to victory. This should be an outstanding, physical game that goes deep into the 4th quarter before it's settled with I believe the Patriots coming out on top.   Prediction: Page 24 Southwind 10   - - - - -   Class 6A   Oakland (11-2) at Bradley Central (13-0)   - What a showdown we have here between two of the best teams in the entire state with some future college players on both squads ready to shine under the biggest lights of the season. Oakland is a powerhouse that knows how to win in postseason play but Bradley Central hasn't been in this position in a long time, so it will be very curious to see how they come out and perform in the 1st quarter. They have some athletes like [player_tooltip player_id='150277' first='Boo' last='Carter'], [player_tooltip player_id='149845' first='Kaleb' last='Martin'] and others that can make a difference early and not only set the tone at the start of the game but keep it up throughout and lead the home team to victory.    What Oakland brings to the table however is a veteran defense that plays physical, technique sound football that will certainly be well coached and ready for what the Bears present. The Patriots offense will be X-factor. They have the backs to take over in [player_tooltip player_id='186297' first='Ashton' last='Jones'] and [player_tooltip player_id='219387' first='Daune' last='Morris'] as well as the offensive line to open holes but Bradley has been stout all year on defense. The Bears will be jacked up for this game and have their shots to win but in the end, the power that is Oakland will prevail.    Prediction: Oakland 38 Bradley Central 24   - - - - -    Houston (11-2) at Brentwood (13-0)   - One of the more intriguing matchups for the semifinals are the Houston Mustangs traveling up to Mid-Tennessee to face off with an undefeated Brentwood team that sports one of the best defenses in the state. The Bruins defense is stout, led by [player_tooltip player_id='207329' first='Jackson' last='Lowe'], [player_tooltip player_id='480631' first='Maddox' last='McKim'], [player_tooltip player_id='812489' first='Will' last='Adcock'] and others but they haven't faced a back like [player_tooltip player_id='277794' first='Damon' last='Sisa'] yet this year as he is a game changing playmaker that can take over and defeat the home team. Sisa brings speed, athleticism and quickness to the field that could give the Brentwood defensive front seven some problems and if the Mustangs back is allowed to go off, Houston will be advancing to the 6A title game.    That will be the biggest factor in this game. Can Brentwood slow down Sisa and the Mustangs offense enough while scoring enough points to move on? We shall see as I see this as the Bruins biggest challenge yet this season but thankfully they have a veteran squad to lean on, including one of the hottest quarterbacks in the state running the show in [player_tooltip player_id='550150' first='Baylor' last='Hayes']. His play and poise on offense will be critical and a challenge as Houston has a strong front seven that can put pressure on Hayes. This game has me perplexed more than any contest slated for the semifinals as I could honestly see either team winning.    Prediction: Houston 27 Brentwood 20    <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>