#TNHSFB Week One Preview: Nolensville vs. Rockvale

<!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Football has returned to the Volunteer State as we kick off the season in Rockvale, TN. with a huge showdown between two talented ball clubs. Below is our preview/prediction of the Week One matchup as well as some intriguing players to watch for.</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>When:&nbsp;</strong>Friday, August 23rd</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Where: </strong>Rockvale, TN (Rutherford Co.)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Time:&nbsp;</strong>7:00 pm Kickoff&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Coverage: </strong>@drew_toennies @wcsNHSpd @Rockvale_FB</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Players to Watch</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["309135"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66c758199af94"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">In the first place spot on my list is [player_tooltip player_id='309135' first='Jaylan' last='Morgan'], a defensive back at Rockvale High School. In addition to great breakaway speed, Morgan impresses me with his ability to elevate off the ground to attack the ball in the air. I also like how Morgan can utilize his wingspan to wrap up receivers on the other side of the ball, proving his ability to shut down the deep pass.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2LNz0K">Tape:</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["540040"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66c758199b007"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">I am additionally impressed with [player_tooltip player_id='540040' first='Oliver' last='Bender'], a wide receiver at Nolensville High School. What stands out about Bender is his outstanding footwork and ability to be versatile down the stretch to get open for the touchdown pass. I also like how Bender can quickly recover after the catch, showing off his ability to break tackles on his way to the house.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="http://www.hudl.com/video/3/18583387/64eaba50bed7e40610d33af1">Tape:</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1159808"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66c89232b3be6"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Claiming the number three spot on my list is [player_tooltip player_id='1159808' first='Kevantae' last='Porter'], an athlete at Rockvale High School. What makes Porter so explosive on the defensive end is his ability to read the offense like a book and get in prime position for the interception. I also like how Porter can break tackles and use bursts of speed to take the ball the other way, proving he can blast into the endzone for the defensive score.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="http://www.hudl.com/video/3/10641022/652424d95eece70bc8dd5def">Tape:</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["938106"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66c89232b3c4e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Another skilled prospect to watch for is [player_tooltip player_id='938106' first='Bo' last='Bryan'], an offensive lineman at Rockvale High School. Bryan catches my attention with his ability to read the blitz and use his size to quickly overwhelm the opposition. I also like how Bryan can use his arms to stun the defense and open up room in the pocket for his team to run the ball.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2MY0tT">Tape:</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1091839"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66c89232b3c8f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Coming in at number five is [player_tooltip player_id='1091839' first='Landon' last='Smotherman'], a wide receiver at Nolensville High School. What makes Smotherman so impressive is his electric speed off the snap and ability to quickly get open for the short pass. I also like how Smotherman can break tackles and juke out the defense on his way into enemy territory. Another facet of Smotherman's playstyle that stands out is his ability to attack the long pass in the air and put his team in solid field position.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="http://www.hudl.com/video/3/17400258/64ea5e2c2347f208bc7156e1">Tape:</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1142031"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66c89232b3cca"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Also worth mentioning is [player_tooltip player_id='1142031' first='Nolan' last='Toennies'], a defensive lineman at Nolensville High School. What makes Toennies so impressive at the line of scrimmage is his ability to read the offense and use his size and strength to create chaos in the pocket. I also like how Toennies can read the quick handoff and utilize his speed to drop the running back to the ground. Toennies also proved he can quickly adapt and pick off the quarterback in crucial moments.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2Mz04S">Tape:</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Game Prediction</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>My expectations are high for this Week One showdown between two excellent football clubs considering last year's matchup between the two came down to the wire. Nolensville escaped the Rockets with a 21-20 victory at home. Rockvale should definitely be a tough challenge for the Knights once again considering they now have home field advantage as well as several talented prospects to look out for. An obvious one to keep an eye on is [player_tooltip player_id='309135' first='Jaylan' last='Morgan'], a Georgia commit that can play very well both offensively and defensively. I'm also eager to see how [player_tooltip player_id='1159808' first='Kevantae' last='Porter'] matches up against Nolensville's offense. At the Rockets' offensive line, I'm eager to watch MTSU commit [player_tooltip player_id='938106' first='Bo' last='Bryan']. The Knights also have some extremely talented players to watch for. I'm excited to watch returning prospects such as [player_tooltip player_id='540040' first='Oliver' last='Bender'], a player that really excels at quickly attacking the deep pass and getting into the endzone. Another dangerous offensive weapon on Nolensville's roster is [player_tooltip player_id='1091839' first='Landon' last='Smotherman'] as his speed makes him a challenge to contain down the stretch. The Knights' defense should also be interesting to watch as [player_tooltip player_id='1142031' first='Nolan' last='Toennies'] returns for his senior campaign at the defensive line. Despite a late surge from the Rockets to win the game, I believe Nolensville will hold off Rockvale, earning a 21-17 victory on the road.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Score: <strong>Nolensville 21, Rockvale 17</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->