#TNHSFB Playoffs: Top 2nd Rd Matchups

<!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">We have made it to the 2nd week of playoff action here in Tennessee and this article provides a look at the top matchups to follow this Friday where we have some major games taking place across the Volunteer State. </h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Class 1A</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Union City (8-3) at M.A.S.E. (9-1)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Both these West Tennessee teams have been hot down the stretch of the season but one must see their season end. Union City has a veteran offense, led by seniors <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='362090' first='Keaten' last='Brown'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='414886' first='Jacob' last='Arnold'] </strong>while the Phoenix have a workhorse on offense as well in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='207328' first='Kumaro' last='Brown']</strong>. I fully expect this contest to be a running affair with the clock continuing to run until the final whistle. Many will see MASE as the more athletic team, which is true but the Golden Tornadoes and this group of seniors have played a lot of football together, so the Phoenix must not sleep on them as the road team has the makeup for an upset.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Two Others to Watch&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Clay Co. (7-4) at South Pittsburg (11-0)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Whitwell (8-3) at Gordonsville (7-4)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - - - - - - - </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Class 2A</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>East Robertson (10-1) at Marion Co. (11-0)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- This is a state title caliber matchup taking place in Round Two with East Robertson looking to take down undefeated Marion Co. in what should be one of the better games of this week's slate. Nobody has found an answer so far this year for the Marion Co. offense while the Warriors defense has been one of the best on the 2A level. The Indians bring some offensive talent to town to challenge the Warriors defense with star running back <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='497421' first='Isaiah' last='Groves'] </strong>being a game changer. His play and ability to get loose will be critical towards the Indians hopes of pulling off the road win. On the other side, junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='390722' first='Sam' last='Pickett'] </strong>will be in the same role for Marion County. Whoever can slow down the others rushing attack should gain an advantage towards the win.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Bledsoe Co. (9-2) at Hampton (9-2)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Milan (9-2) at Huntingdon (10-1)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1035517,"width":"386px","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/spickett.webp?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1035517" style="width:386px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - - - - - - - -</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Class 3A</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Sequatchie Co. (7-4) at Meigs Co. (11-0)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- It's been a banner year thus far for the undefeated Tigers but we are now in postseason play, which means each round gets tougher and Meigs Co. hosts a tough opponent in Round Two with Sequatchie Co. and their passing attack coming to town. Junior quarterback <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='279486' first='Sam' last='Evitts'] </strong>has some of the best upside for his position in the #TN2025 class and if he plays up to his capabilities on Friday evening, the Indians could knock off the Tigers. What Meigs Co. brings the field however is a strong defense that has been salty all year. The Tigers play a physical brand of football that may cause problems for Sequatchie Co., especially up front where the Indians have struggled. It will be interesting to see how this game plays out as I could see either team coming out with the victory.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Two Others to Watch&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>McMinn Cent. (8-3) at Giles Co. (8-2)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Westview (7-4) at Dyersburg (11-0)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - - - - - - - </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Class 4A</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Elizabethton (9-1) at Anderson Co. (7-4)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- One of the hottest teams in the state right now is Anderson Co. but the Cyclones aren't too far behind them as they reeled off eight wins in a row before going down to Greeneville to finish out the regular season. Both teams dominated their opponents in the first round with both offense's looking sharp. That should change in this contest as the Cyclones bring one of the top defenses in the state to town, led by senior stud <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='149385' first='Mason' last='Ball']</strong> that can cause issues for <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='150269' first='Izaiah' last='Hall'] </strong>and Mavs offensive line. Anderson Co. likes to throw the ball with Hall but if they can lean on <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='433125' first='Nick' last='Moog'] </strong>and their run game, a positive outcome might occur but if the Cyclones defensive front seven is allowed to go off, the road will be advancing.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Marshall Co. (9-2) at Hardin Co. (11-0)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Battle of senior quarterbacks take place here between <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='398083' first='Silas' last='Teat'] </strong>from Marshall Co. vs. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='207322' first='Carter' last='Smith'] </strong>out of Hardin County. These are two of more accurate, cerebral signal callers from the #TN2024 class, so this game should be quite entertaining with the outcome not being settled till the very end. The line of scrimmage is what I see being the difference maker in this game as both teams have good athletes like <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='600028' first='Kamron' last='Haymon']</strong>, <strong>Antwomme Cowthorn</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='390641' first='Aja' last='Jones'] </strong>and others that will make plays but whoever manages each other's run game should gain the edge. Turnovers will also be key as well. If any indications ring true, this should be a fun, high scoring game that goes deep into the 4th quarter. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":734704,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/03/khaymon.jpg?w=350" alt="" class="wp-image-734704" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Two Others to Watch&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Red Bank (8-3) at Macon Co. (10-1)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Haywood (9-2) at Millington (9-2)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - - - - - - - </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Class 5A&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Powell (8-3) at Sevier Co. (10-1)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- The Smoky Bears have been playing strong football all year long with only one loss to their record but they have a big challenge at home in Round Two with a young but talented Powell team coming to town with their eyes on an upset. What the Panthers bring to the table that scare the Sevier Co. defense is the dual threat abilities of sophomore quarterback <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1111032' first='Deuce' last='Rodgers']</strong>. Joined with <strong>Conner Wheeler </strong>in the backfield, Powell has a dynamic 1-2 punch that can wear down <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='983418' first='Tyler' last='Mann'] </strong>and his Smoky Bears defense. Keeping Powell's offense on the sidelines and allowing freshman quarterback <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1142902' first='Cooper' last='Newman'] </strong>to lead his offense will be the recipe to victory for the home team.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Two Other to Watch&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Centennial (9-2) at Shelbyville (10-1)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Beech (7-4) at Southwind (11-0)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - - - - - - - </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Class 6A</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Oakland (9-2) at Mt. Juliet (9-2)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Is there any chance that the home Golden Bears can take down the reigning and defending Class 6A champs? It's a tall task but Mt. Juliet is at home and they have a talented quarterback in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='219402' first='Tyler' last='Travers'] </strong>to make some noise. Oakland is one of the best overall programs in the entire state and under head coach <strong>Kevin Creasy</strong>, the Patriots know how to win and will come into the contest ready to play, so Mt. Juliet better come prepared mentally and physically. The Golden Bears have a tall task of slowing down the Pats dangerous 1-2 punch in the backfield with <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='186297' first='Ashton' last='Jones'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='219387' first='Daune' last='Morris']</strong> while Oakland needs to get pressure on Travers and force him outside of the pocket. It would be huge for Mt. Juliet to pull off this win but I just think Oakland will be too much to handle. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1054067,"width":"351px","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/daunmorris.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1054067" style="width:351px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Collierville (8-3) at Houston (9-2)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Can the Dragons take down the Mustangs the second time around? We shall see as they have that opportunity ahead of them this Friday as Collierville travels just down the street to Houston for what should be an excellent atmosphere and game in Round Two. Everything in this contest will be centered around the Dragons defense stopping or slowing down Mustangs senior back <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='277794' first='Damon' last='Sisa']</strong>. If they allow the electric runner to go off then Collierville goes home but if their defense can hang tough into the 4th quarter like they did last week, then the road could pull off another upset.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Two Others to Watch&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Bearden (8-3) at Jefferson Co. (10-1)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Bartlett (8-3) at Germantown (11-0)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - - - - - - - </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Private Schools&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Jackson Chrst. (10-1) at Columbia Acad. (7-3)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Very intriguing matchup here as Jackson Christian comes in with the clear talent advantage but the Bulldogs have played good football this year as a collective whole and I'm sure they won't be phased by the Eagles. Slowing down stud playmaker <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='219345' first='Jaylen' last='Mosley'] </strong>will be key for Columbia Academy as well as getting pressure on junior quarterback <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1021767' first='Austin' last='Kelley']</strong>. Bulldogs junior two-way talent <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='839988' first='Harrison' last='Brownlee'] </strong>will be critical as he may be tasked to go up against Mosley while also expected to play big on offense. I could see this game being a blowout in the favor of Jackson Christian or a close contest that could go either way.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Knox. Webb (10-1) at FRA (10-1)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- One of the biggest showdowns this Friday is this matchup between the Spartans traveling to Nashville to take on a 10-1 Panthers team sporting one of the best backs in the state with <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='150281' first='Ty' last='Clark III']</strong>. Knox. Webb may have an answer for Clark with fellow Mr. Football semi finalist <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='362093' first='Cooper' last='Cameron'] </strong>and standout in the line with <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='372281' first='Xavier' last='Hickman']</strong> on defense ready to chase down the FRA star running back. That will be the matchup in this game that I feel will dictate the winner and who advances to the Quarterfinals. Another X-factor will be the play of Spartans quarterback <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1054727' first='Jack' last='Wagner']</strong>. If the 6 '4 passer is able to stay clean and get the ball to <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='219041' first='Markeis' last='Barrett'] </strong>and his playmakers, the road team could ride home with the victory. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Two Others to Watch&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Northpoint Chrst. (8-3) at Boyd Buchanan (11-0)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Knox. Catholic (6-5) at MUS (9-1)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":465643,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/10/ccameron.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-465643" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image -->