#TNHSFB Week Three Preview: Blackman vs. Ravenwood

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>As high school football action picks up for Week Three of action, it's time to preview Blackman (1-2) vs. Ravenwood (2-0) as the Raptors host the Blaze at home this Friday evening. Here's my list of intriguing playmakers to watch as well as my final score prediction.</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>When: </strong>Friday, Sept. 6th</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Where: </strong>Brentwood, TN (Williamson 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 @BlackmanFtball @wcsRHSfootball</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":["219435"],"_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-66da3d599060d"} --> <!-- 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='219435' first='Ben' last='Hubbard'], a wide receiver at Ravenwood High School. On top of excellent breakaway speed, Hubbard impresses me with his ability to dodge and weave defenders on his way into enemy territory. I also like how Hubbard can quickly get open for the short pass and consistently break tackles after the catch.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="http://www.hudl.com/video/3/15493376/6509c61cdfd893088c349064">Tape:</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["219450"],"_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-66da3d599066a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">I am additionally impressed with [player_tooltip player_id='219450' first='Ethan' last='Carson'], a linebacker at Blackman High School. What makes Carson so explosive defensively is his ability to read the offense like a book as well as his efficiency in piercing through the offensive line to drop the quarterback to the ground. I also like Carson's ability to read the quick pass and get in prime position for the interception.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="http://www.hudl.com/video/3/16448638/64e1269e478d6208388e6cf5">Tape:</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["402540"],"_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-66da3d59906ab"} --> <!-- 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='402540' first='Femi' last='Babalola'], a quarterback at Ravenwood High School. Babalola makes a considerable difference at the helm of the Raptors' offense due to his solid footwork in the pocket as well as his quick release on the ball. I also like Babalola's arm strength and pin-point accuracy on deep passes, proving he can hit his receivers in stride from anywhere on the field.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="http://www.hudl.com/video/3/17916391/6522139fd45e6c05487049db">Tape:</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1042282"],"_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-66da3d59906ea"} --> <!-- 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='1042282' first='John' last='Dragoo Jr'], a wide receiver at Blackman High School. Dragoo impresses me with his ability to haul in the short pass, utilizing his deceptive footwork to juke out the defense on his way into the backfield. I also like how Dragoo can shake defenders in coverage and elevate off the ground to attack the deep pass.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="http://www.hudl.com/video/3/16565226/65bc5e9b15f6650bb870adeb">Tape:</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["800806"],"_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-66da3d5990726"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Coming in at number five on my list is [player_tooltip player_id='800806' first='Chris' last='Barnett'], an offensive lineman at Blackman High School. Barnett makes a huge difference at the line of scrimmage due to his physicality and ability to stun the defense with his arm strength. I also like how Barnett can wrap up defensive linemen and absorb pressure, opening up space in the pocket for the rush.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="http://www.hudl.com/video/3/10810314/6541e2110dc9ee053c3bc1b4">Tape:</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1159791"],"_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-66da3d5990763"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Also worth mentioning is [player_tooltip player_id='1159791' first='Jayden' last='Smitherman'], a defensive back at Ravenwood High School. What stands out the most about Smitherman's playstyle is his ability to read the short pass, using his versatile edge to come out of nowhere for the interception. I also like how Smitherman can blast past the opposition after the catch.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="http://www.hudl.com/video/3/10641031/6552dc675b3d7706c8d3c7ca">Tape:</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Game Prediction</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I am expecting a high-scoring contest between two incredibly talented clubs as week three of action continues in Brentwood on Friday evening. In last year's matchup, Ravenwood pulled away with a 35-28 victory over Blackman on the road in Murfreesboro. Now, the Raptors have home field advantage and are undefeated heading into tomorrow's game. The Blaze picked up their first win of the season last week, defeating Stewarts Creek 42-35. While I expect Friday night's showdown to be a high-scoring game, I believe this one will be very close as both the Raptors and the Blaze have talent on both sides of the ball. Blackman's defense will have their work cut out for them as [player_tooltip player_id='402540' first='Femi' last='Babalola'] and [player_tooltip player_id='219435' first='Ben' last='Hubbard'] are two playmakers that tend to be really explosive through four quarters. I was also impressed defensively with [player_tooltip player_id='1159791' first='Jayden' last='Smitherman'] last season due to his ability to disrupt the passing game with his ability to pick off the quarterback. Blackman also has some intriguing offensive weapons on their roster as [player_tooltip player_id='1042282' first='John' last='Dragoo Jr'] can be an unpredictable receiver down the stretch with his versatile edge. I also think that the Blaze' offensive line will give the Raptors' defense some issues as [player_tooltip player_id='800806' first='Chris' last='Barnett'] can cause disorganization and chaos with his size and strength off the snap. On the other side, I expect lots of aggression and explosiveness from [player_tooltip player_id='219450' first='Ethan' last='Carson'] as the Raptors' offense will have to play quick off the snap. Despite a close contest between these two squads, I expect the Raptors will win at home, defeating Blackman once again.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Score: <strong>Ravenwood 27, Blackman 24</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->