Week One Slate: #PRZTN Top Matchups

<!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">We are one day away from kicking off the 2024 season! Week one provides a lot of strong games to pay attention to and we've broken some of those games for you here! </h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Pearl Cohn at MBA&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- What a great opening weekend matchup in the Mid-TN area between two long standing powerhouses that sport college players all over the field. The Firebirds are coming off winning a state title while the Big Red bring a potentially potent offense to the field, led by <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='258658' first='Brooklen' last='Davis'] </strong>and star junior quarterback <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='688833' first='Hugh' last='Price']</strong>. Pearl Cohn should have the athletic advantage but will it be enough to knock off the Big Red on their home field….we shall see!!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Brentwood Academy at CPA (Sat.)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- This is another top tier Mid-TN contest between two state title contending teams. The Eagles are looking for a bounce back year and to send star quarterback <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='219419' first='George' last='MacIntyre'] </strong>out with a bang while CPA is riding high after winning another state title last year. Many people will pick the Lions to win this contest due to them being at home and having a strong culture but I think the Eagles will be too talented and ready to prove people that they are legit.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Ravenwood at Alcoa&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- The 2024 season could be a state title winning year for both these programs. Alcoa and Ravenwood are both equipped to go on a deep playoff run this year, especially if everybody remains healthy. This should be a good litmus test for both programs as they try to see how good they are. The Tornadoes are the potential home favorite but the Raptors are bringing a potent offense to town, led by seniors <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='219435' first='Ben' last='Hubbard'], [player_tooltip player_id='390640' first='Max' last='Kimpel'] </strong>and star junior QB <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='402540' first='Femi' last='Babalola']</strong> that could be too much for Alcoa's defense to handle.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1066801,"width":"269px","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/mkimpel.jpg?w=819" alt="" class="wp-image-1066801" style="width:269px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>MUS at Bartlett</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- The best showdown coming out of West TN for Week one is this contest between the traveling Owls and the home Panthers. Both of these teams are quite talented, so I could see either team coming out with the victory. MUS brings a top tier #TN2025 quarterback to town in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='219433' first='Brady' last='Hughes']</strong>, who could throw his team to win. It won't be easy though as Bartlett sports one of the best defenses in the state, led by <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='795560' first='Austin' last='Howard']</strong>. This should be one of the closest, hard fought games of the Week One slate.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Knox. West at Bearden (Sat.)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- We have to wait till Saturday to see how this game plays out but it should be fun. These are two power teams out East that come into the 2024 season with question marks but still have juice to make deep playoff runs. Knox. West is retooling a bit after winning back to back 5A titles while Bearden is still making headway up the 6A ranks and competing to be at the top. The Bulldogs did lose a key player this off-season but have guys like <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='806042' first='Jayzon' last='Thompson']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='800786' first='Tory' last='Beaufort'] </strong>and others to pick up the slack. Defense should dominate this matchup, so whoever wins the turnover battle could take this game.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Powell at Anderson Co. (Thurs.)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- We kick-off the 2024 season out East with these two title contending teams and it should be a good one. Both teams go about their business in different ways but both produce points with the quarterback battle between <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1111032' first='Deuce' last='Rodgers'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='650014' first='Landen' last='Hensley'] </strong>sitting at the top of the card. Whichever defense can come up with the most stops should win the game. The line of scrimmage should be fun to watch with <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='467258' first='Eli' last='Dorton'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='219443' first='Ty' last='Murphy'] </strong>going up against <strong>Cardell Thomas </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1154536' first='Iverson' last='Garcia']</strong>.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1366229,"width":"274px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/08/igarcia.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-1366229" style="width:274px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Knox. Webb at BGA&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- The new look BGA Wildcats will receive a test in “Game One” as Knox. Webb comes to town with <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='402563' first='Shavar' last='Young, Jr'] </strong>and a talented Spartans club. The matchup within this game to watch will be Young, Jr covering and going against Wildcats star receiver <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1002764' first='Arnett' last='Hayes, Jr']</strong>. Those are two future college guys that can be game changers in this contest. Winning the line of scrimmage will also be key here and the home Cats have young big men to pay attention to Friday evening.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Oakland at Independence</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- The Eagles have a great opportunity here in “Week One” to make a statement as they host 6A power Oakland in what could be an interesting matchup. It all starts with stopping <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='219387' first='Daune' last='Morris']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='219449' first='Tamari' last='Hill'] </strong>and the Patriots rushing attack. If the Eagles are able to slow them down then they may have a shot but if the Oakland backs are able to go-off, it could turn into a runaway victory. Junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='402544' first='Hunter' last='Mullen'] </strong>will need to be a difference maker in this game, if the Eagles want to come out on top.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>White Station at Christian Brothers (Thurs.)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Both of these teams should be tested in this contest while both will gain an idea on how good either team can be throughout the season. The Spartans bring a talented roster to campus with a nice mix of vets and up and coming youngsters. Christian Brothers is a bit of a mystery but shows upside, especially on defense with seniors <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1230138' first='Ashton' last='Hearn'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='353446' first='Ethan' last='Johnson']</strong>. This could be a defensive affair that goes till the end with one squad finding that extra score to rise on top.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1256806,"width":"285px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/04/ashhearn.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-1256806" style="width:285px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Beech at Station Camp</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Our final game mentioned here might be the best game of all as Beech travels to Station Camp to take on an excited Bison ball club that has high aspirations for the 2024 season. The Bucs will be a great test for the home team as they bring a very talented roster to town that will present issues. Station Camp could have a front seven that might contend with the Bucs run game, led by seniors <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='841262' first='Kelton' last='Crisp'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1131054' first='Ocoee' last='Ellis']</strong>. Bragging rights also go to the winner as both come from the Sumner County area.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Other Top Matchups (Week One)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>East Tennessee</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>McMinn Co. at Bradley Cent. (Thurs.)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Oak Ridge at Jefferson Co.</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Farragut at Dobyns-Bennett</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Tyner Acad. at Red Bank</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Walker Valley at Notre Dame</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Rabun Gap (Ga) at Baylor</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Science Hill at Elizabethton</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Carter at Sevier Co.&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Oneida at Rockwood</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - - </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Middle Tennessee</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Giles Co. at Page</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Antioch at Lebanon</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Nolensville at Rockvale</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Upperman at Fayetteville</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Pope Prep at East Nashville</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Blackman at Brentwood</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Davidson Acad. at Nash. Christian</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Columbia Acad. at MTCS&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Clarksville Acad. at Friendship Chrst.&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - - </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>West Tennessee</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Milan at South Gibson (Thurs.)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Munford at Covington (Thurs.)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Dresden at Westview (Thurs.)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Jackson Chrst. at Northpoint Chrst.&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>MASE at Lausanne</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Sheffield at Cordova</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Dyersburg at Dyer Co.&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>USJ at Peabody</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>McKenzie at Huntingdon&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Memp. Central at Whitehaven (Sat.)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":489349,"width":"352px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/10/munford2-scaled-crop-2304x1513-1666721054.jpeg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-489349" style="width:352px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image -->