Week Five Slate: #PRZTN Top Matchups

<h2 class="wp-block-heading">We have made it to Week Five of the 2024 season and this week's slate presents a lot of strong games across the state to follow with some matchups resulting in potential region titles down the road. See below which games are the best to follow through this week's action! </h2>     BGA (4-0) at CPA (4-0) - Thursday   - Possibly the best game from the Week Five slate is this Mid-TN regional matchup between the road Wildcats and the home Lions, which is our #PRZTN Game of the Week. Ever since the Wildcats jumped out and dominated their first few games, everybody has had this matchup with CPA circled as a top tier contest that could be for the region title. It should be a fun battle to follow as both score a lot of points doing so in different ways. BGA will be balanced with [player_tooltip player_id='914547' first='Kaedyn' last='Marable'] spinning it at quarterback while the Lions will lean on [player_tooltip player_id='1335216' first='Rawls' last='Patterson'] and their run game. Whichever defense shows up the best on Thursday, should come out on top.    - - - - -    Maryville (4-0) at Science Hill (3-0)   - A pair of East TN undefeated teams here square off against each other in what is a big game for both but possibly a huge game for the home Hilltoppers. Sporting a balanced team that is led by their defense, Science Hill has a big opportunity here to make a statement that they should be at the top of the list for 6A title contenders. Maryville is in the same boat, bringing to town one of the best defenses in the state. A pair of linebackers in [player_tooltip player_id='842802' first='Baylor' last='Necessary'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1137205' first='Matthew' last='Covert'] will be ones to follow in this contest as they should be everywhere when it comes to stopping the run. Speaking of running the ball, Rebels back [player_tooltip player_id='361227' first='Price' last='Davis'] could be the difference maker that pushes the road out ahead and towards victory.    - - - - -    Mt. Juliet (4-0) at Cookeville (4-0)   - As we head into Week Five, this matchup could determine the region champion by season's end. Both the Golden Bears and Cavaliers head into this contest undefeated with both playing high level football at the moment and college players spread across the field that could be difference makers in this game. Both teams rely on their run games and why wouldn't you with guys like [player_tooltip player_id='353388' first='Blake' last='Owen'], [player_tooltip player_id='1201020' first='Thomas' last='Johnson'] and [player_tooltip player_id='219347' first='Jonmikael' last='Crudup'] carrying the ball. The X-Factor could be the play of [player_tooltip player_id='219402' first='Tyler' last='Travers']. His ability to throw the Golden Bears to victory is very possible but he will be facing a solid defense that will look to make things difficult for the senior signal caller. This should be a fun one that isn't settled till the 4th quarter.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/06/ttravers.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-866903" style="width:306px;height:auto" /></figure>   - - - - -    Brentwood Academy (3-1) at McCallie (3-1)   - The Eagles have a big opportunity on their hands this week as they travel down to Chattanooga to compete against McCallie and if the road can pull out the win, you may see confidence grow with Brentwood Academy that could pay off in the long run. Both these teams are very talented with college guys all over the field. It won't be easy for either team to come out on top. The defenses for both squads have played high level ball so far this year and it will be needed Friday evening as star quarterbacks [player_tooltip player_id='219419' first='George' last='MacIntyre'] and junior [player_tooltip player_id='1467540' first='Elliott' last='Drapeau'] have the chops to overwhelm either group. Limiting the turnovers and finding consistency in the run game may be the key to victory.   - - - - -    Upperman (4-0) at White Co. (3-1)   - If you like running quarterbacks that can take over a ball game, this is the matchup for you! You have two of the better dual threat quarterbacks in the state battling against each other here with [player_tooltip player_id='1102967' first='Tripp' last='Pinion'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1254853' first='Bronzden' last='Chaffin'] as well as two programs that know each other well. The Bees travel to White Co. undefeated after an impressive 4-0 start. The Warriors have faltered once but on the road to a 6A school. Both of these teams have played good football up to this point but one must take a loss here. I expect this game to be high scoring with both Pinion and Chaffin putting up a lot of offense, so whichever defense can cause a turnover or two or make enough stops, should come out on top with a big region win.    - - - - -    Whitehaven (3-1) at Houston (4-0)   - Can the Tigers go on the road and knock off a talented and undefeated Houston squad? We shall see as that opportunity sits in front of them and “The Haven” brings a confident team to the field with a star in the making in running back [player_tooltip player_id='1431775' first='Christopher' last='Talley']. The home Mustangs have their own talented ball carrier in [player_tooltip player_id='829107' first='Marcelles' last='Davis'] that is steadily building good stock for himself. The rushing attack for both teams should be on full display Friday evening but the play of quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='816017' first='Chandler' last='Day'] might be the difference maker. If the Whitehaven defense can get off the field and maintain the clock with their run game, the Tigers might have a shot at pulling off the road upset but if that rushing attack is haltered, the Mustangs will remain undefeated and at the top of the region.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/03/mardavis.jpeg?w=473" alt="" class="wp-image-1219260" style="width:267px;height:auto" /></figure>   - - - - -    Marion Co. (4-0) at Sequatchie Co. (3-1)   - Nobody has been able to slow up the Warriors as of yet but maybe the Indians can be the team that does so. It will be a tall task as Marion Co. comes to town confident along with a talented roster that could overwhelm the Indians. I think Sequatchie Co. will be up for the challenge as they have a strong senior core, led by [player_tooltip player_id='279486' first='Sam' last='Evitts'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1142019' first='Jackson' last='Tate'] to lean on. The Indians have played much better since their opening season loss to Bledsoe Co. and now appear to have the confidence needed to compete with a team like Marion County. I think the line of scrimmage will be the difference maker in this contest with the road Warriors holding the edge in this category. Guys like [player_tooltip player_id='1282603' first='Myles' last='Mays'], [player_tooltip player_id='1423635' first='Taylor' last='Scharber'] and others will need to be blocked by the Indians, if they want a shot at winning this home matchup.    - - - - -    Mitchell (3-0) at First Assembly (2-0)   - This is a non-region matchup that many may look past but I see a potential hard fought, close game right here between the road Tigers and the home Crusaders. What will be fun to follow about this matchup is the play of both defensive front's, which have some of the best pass rushers in the state. The Tigers bring a productive and tough D-line to town, led by [player_tooltip player_id='1293394' first='Kenderrius' last='Robertson'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1634136' first='Martavion' last='Pratcher']. The Crusaders counter with junior edge rusher [player_tooltip player_id='941118' first='Vidale' last='Cothran'], who is currently ranked inside our Top 100 junior class. The play of all three of those guys will be critical in each team's success. Whichever team can effectively run the game on a consistent basis, I think will gain the edge and find its way on top by the end of the game.    - - - - -    Carter (3-1) at Knox. Halls (3-1) - Thursday   - Kicking the Week Five slate off on Thursday evening, these two East TN playoff hopefuls square off in what could be one of the more entertaining games across the state this week. Carter comes to town feeling confident, led by a strong offensive line and a budding star in junior [player_tooltip player_id='1467544' first='Jody' last='Scruggs']. The Red Devils have a potent offense, spearheaded by a productive trio in [player_tooltip player_id='1102989' first='Amari' last='Lethgo'], [player_tooltip player_id='219379' first='Drew' last='Ross'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1326260' first='Brody' last='Rogers'] that can be explosive. The Hornets defense I think will be key in this one. They will need strong play up front putting pressure on Lethgo while possibly coming up with a turnover or two if they want to come out with the win. Ross could be the X-Factor as I don't know if the Hornets have anybody that can matchup with him.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/09/dross.webp?w=819" alt="" class="wp-image-1006765" style="width:280px;height:auto" /></figure>   - - - - -    Dyer Co. (4-0) at Westview (4-0)   - A sneaky West TN game to follow this Friday is the Choctaws traveling over to a hot Westview and trying to find a way to slow down their offense. The Chargers have been explosive. One of highest scoring teams in the state up to this point. Led by freshman quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='424594' first='Graham' last='Simpson'] and sophomore back [player_tooltip player_id='1103496' first='Asa' last='Barnes'], the Westview offense has been near unstoppable, so there is a big challenge ahead for the Choctaws as they try to find a way to slow down the Chargers. If Dyer Co. can somehow find a way to throw the Westview offense off track early while stopping the run, they may be able to hang in there till late where they could find a way towards victory. If the Chargers go-off early, it will be a long night for the Choctaws and their first loss of the season.    - - - - -    Other Top Matchups …..   East TN   Chrst. Brothers (2-1) at Baylor (4-0)   Silverdale (3-1) at Boyd Buchanan (4-0)   Rhea Co. (2-1) at Cleveland (4-0)   Harriman (3-1) at Coalfield (4-0)   Happy Valley (2-0) at Eagleton (2-2)   Stone Memorial (2-2) at Meigs Co. (3-0)   Greeneville (2-2) at Morristown-West (2-1)   Polk Co. (2-2) at Oneida (3-1)   Signal Mountain (4-0) at Red Bank (2-1)   Sevier Co. (4-0) at Tenn. High (2-1)   West Ridge (3-1) at William Blount (2-2)   - - -   Mid TN   Oakland (4-0) at Blackman (2-2)   DCA (4-0) at Columbia Acad. (2-2)   Lipscomb Acad. (1-3) at Ensworth (4-0)   Nolensville (3-1) at Franklin (2-2)   DeKalb Co. (4-0) at Gordonsville (4-0)   Loretto (2-2) at Lewis Co. (2-2)   White House (3-1) at Marshall Co. (4-0)   Westmoreland (3-1) at Monterey (2-2)   Coffee Co. (3-1) at Page (4-0)   Centennial (3-1) at Springfield (2-2)   Mt. Pleasant (4-0) at Summertown (4-0)   Lincoln Co. (3-1) at Tullahoma (2-2)   Forrest (4-0) at White House-Heritage (2-2)   - - -   West TN   Sheffield (1-2) at Bolton (4-0)   Knox. Catholic (3-1) at Briarcrest Chrst. (2-2)   Riverside (3-1) at Camden (2-2)   Bolivar Cent. (2-1) at Covington (4-0)   Huntingdon (2-1) at Crockett Co. (4-0)   Middle Coll. (4-0) at ECS (2-1)   Northpoint Chrst. (2-2) at Fairley (3-0)   Millington (2-2) at Kirby (2-1)   Halls (4-0) at Lake Co. (2-2)   Brighton (2-2) at Memp. Central (3-1)   Hamilton (2-2) at Memp. East (3-1)   J.C. Merry (3-0) at Milan (4-0)   Union City (2-2) at South Fulton (3-0)   USJ (4-0) at South Gibson (3-1)   Houston Co. (3-1) at West Carroll (3-1)   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/10/fairley.jpg?w=768" alt="" class="wp-image-484611" style="width:254px;height:auto" /></figure>