Week Three Slate: #PRZTN Top Matchups

<!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">It's time to kick-off Week Three here in Tennessee &amp; this weekend's slate is our best yet for the 2024 campaign. Two games out West top the charts with a few games in Putnam Co. standing out as well. Come inside to see the full list of top matchups for Week Three. </h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Houston (2-0) at Germantown (2-0)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Possibly the top game from our Week Three slate is this inner-region rivalry that may dictate the region winner. Both Houston and Germantown come into this contest feeling good about themselves and primed to knock off the other. College talent will be all over the field Friday evening but only one team can walk out as the victor, so something must give. The Mustangs bring a confident, veteran offense to town, led by their backfield of <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='816017' first='Chandler' last='Day'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='829107' first='Marcelles' last='Davis']</strong>. Germantown counters with maybe the top defense in the region, so this should definitely be a fun match to watch that may not be concluded till late in the 4th quarter.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Bartlett (1-0) at Collierville (2-0)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Staying in the same region, Bartlett and Collierville square off in a huge game for both teams that could prove to be the determining game win in comes to winning the region championship. The Panthers had their game canceled last week due to weather, so they should be well rested. Collierville is coming off a big road win over a talented Beech team. It was an impressive showing for the Dragons, so I bet confidence is high headed into this region matchup. If the home squad wants to walk out as winners, slowing down <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1002741' first='Geron' last='Johnson'] </strong>will be at the top of the list. If the future Mississippi St. Bulldog goes off, it might be a long night for the Dragons.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Nash. Christian (2-0) at BGA (2-0)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Many across the state feel this could be a high scoring contest with tons of points and while I think yes points will be scored, defense may be the surprising factor in who wins this game. Now I think BGA is the favorite as they have a bigger collection of talent on hand but NCS heads into Williamson Co. confident and with a top level quarterback in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='402548' first='Jared' last='Curtis'] </strong>that can throw the Eagles to victory. I think the Wildcats defense may be the difference maker here however with guys like <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1230849' first='Locke' last='Kennedy']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='866788' first='Nate' last='Fleming'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1206233' first='Jack' last='Gregg'] </strong>causing havoc and making things difficult for Curtis and the Eagles offense.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1399808,"width":"293px","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/lkennedy.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-1399808" style="width:293px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Walker Valley (2-0) at Cleveland (2-0)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- This isn't an inner-region matchup but it's pretty close as both these teams reside in the same city but only one can head home Friday evening as the winner. Walker Valley is one of the better teams on the 5A level that has a shot at making it to the title game by season's end. Cleveland has looked good so far through two games, especially in last week's win over McMinn County. The Blue Raiders do present some issues for the Mustangs, especially at their skill positions with <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='219362' first='Isaiah' last='Davis'] </strong>and junior wideout <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='820949' first='Brayden' last='Carroll'] </strong>but Walker Valley can counteract that with the Makuch brothers as well as a ball controlled offense. I can see either team coming out with the win, so this should be a fun matchup to follow in Week Three.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Haywood (2-0) at Oakland (2-0)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- What a fun game and matchup here between the Tomcats and Patriots that will be putting their rushing attacks on full display Friday night in what could be a high scoring affair. Some of the best ball carriers in the state will be playing in this game with <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='219449' first='Tamari' last='Hill']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='466233' first='Camarion' last='Miller']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1102345' first='Kemonte' last='Williams']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='856867' first='Craig' last='Tutt']</strong>, who is now taking carries in the Patriots backfield. Everything will be centered on stopping in the run, so whichever defense plays above their head while staying on task, should come out as the winner. Even in a loss, this is also a game that Haywood can boost their confidence with and continue their path towards the 4A championship.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":813891,"width":"284px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/05/tamhill2.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-813891" style="width:284px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>White Co. (2-0) at Cookeville (2-0)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- This game is what's fun about high school football. You have two programs that are long time rivals that are undefeated, going against each other in what could be one of the better overall games from our Week Three Slate. White. Co. comes to town with one of the better overall athletes in the state with <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1102967' first='Tripp' last='Pinion'] </strong>but the Cavs can counteract that with <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='353388' first='Blake' last='Owen']</strong>, who sits in the same category. These are two of the best dual threat quarterbacks in the state, so both defenses have their hands full. The line of scrimmage will be the key, so whoever holds up best up front, should come out as the victor.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Macon Co. (2-0) at Upperman (2-0)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Putnam County must be the place to be on Friday as you also have this inner-region rival matchup taking place between two well coached team's that will not give an inch and will fight till the final whistle. If you like running the football, you will plenty of it here as Macon Co. is a run based team, led by <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1310950' first='Gabe' last='Borders'] </strong>that will look to control the clock. Upperman brings a well balanced team to this game, led by star quarterback <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1254853' first='Bronzden' last='Chaffin']</strong>. Stopping the opposing quarterback from getting off will be the key in this game and whichever defense is able to slow the other down enough, should find themselves on top and in-line for a victory.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Dyersburg (1-1) at Covington (2-0)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Class 3A-Region 7 is up for grabs in this West Tennessee matchup with many feeling that the home Chargers are the favorite. I have to agree but Covington can't sleep on the Trojans as they bring a team to town that is coming off a win but probably still feels salty about their opening season loss. If the Trojans are to pick up the win, their defensive front of <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='611975' first='Kalen' last='Edwards'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1275120' first='Jysen' last='Grant']</strong> must find a way to slow down <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1110699' first='Skylan' last='Smith'] </strong>and the Chargers rushing attack. It's a tall task as Smith is running like a beast right now but Dyersburg has the pieces to go on the road and knock off Covington. Whoever wins this game will have the leg up on winning the region championship.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1392957,"width":"312px","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/skysmith.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-1392957" style="width:312px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Riverdale (2-0) at Beech (1-1)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Coming off a home loss to Collierville, the Buccaneers are looking to bounce back but must face another tough opponent in Riverdale that has played well through two games thus far. The Warriors bring a balanced team to town with their defense leading the way. That defense will be needed to slow down a potent Beech run game, led by their stud duo of <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='866718' first='Kaden' last='Powell'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='800803' first='Chelton' last='Swafford']</strong>. Where Riverdale can make a difference is with their passing attack but even that will be a challenge, throwing against <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='976622' first='Josiah' last='Moore']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='466263' first='KaJuan' last='Harris'] </strong>and others. I feel like Beech is the favorite but we can't sleep on Riverdale as I would not be surprised at all if they walk out winning the game.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Gibbs (2-0) at Karns (2-0)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Can the home Beavers continue their tremendous start to their 2024 season? We shall see as they face their toughest test yet in Gibbs, who is coming off a big win themselves in their 28-22 road win over Knox. Halls. Neither one of these East TN programs were on many radars as potential 2-0 starters but here we are with both Gibbs and Karns having an opportunity to remain undefeated going into Week Three. Even though Karns has won their two games thus far, both have been close against inferior opponents, so we will learn a lot about the Beavers this Friday. I'm expecting the road Eagles to pull off the win but we can't sleep on Karns as they are playing with great confidence right now.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Other Top Matchups&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>East TN</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Bearden (1-1) at Anderson Co. (1-0)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Coconut Creek (FL) at Baylor (2-0)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Marion Co. (2-0) at Chatt. Central (1-1)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>GCA (2-0) at Chatt. Christian (1-1)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>West Ridge (2-0) at Dobyns-Bennett (1-1)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Oliver Springs (1-1) at Harriman (2-0)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Science Hill (1-0) at Jefferson Co. (1-1)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Gatlinburg-Pittman (2-0) at Carter (1-1)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Sevier Co. (2-0) at Lenoir City (1-1)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Bradley Cent. (1-1) at Maryville (2-0)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Unicoi Co. (1-0) at Pigeon Forge (2-0)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Oak Ridge (0-1) at Powell (1-1)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1306446,"width":"320px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/06/alboyd.jpg?w=700" alt="" class="wp-image-1306446" style="width:320px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Mid TN</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>FCS (1-1) at Columbia Acad. (1-1)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Portland (2-0) at Davidson Academy (1-1)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Lewis Co. (1-1) at East Hickman (2-0)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Monterey (2-0) at East Robertson (2-0)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Page (2-0) at Franklin (1-1)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Gallatin (1-1) at Mt. Juliet (2-0)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Blackman (1-1) at Ravenwood (2-0)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>FRA (2-0) at Webb School (2-0)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>West TN&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Huntingdon (0-1) at Adamsville (2-0)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Lakeland Prep (1-0) at Bolton (2-0)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>JC Merry (2-0) at Camden Central (2-0)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Brentwood Acad. (1-1) at Chrst. Brothers (1-0)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Crockett Co. (2-0) at Lexington (1-1)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Munford (1-1) at Melrose (1-1)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Sheffield (0-1) at Memp. East (1-1)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>MBA (1-1) at MUS (1-1)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Hardin Co. (1-1) at South Gibson (1-1)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>TCA (1-1) at USJ (2-0)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>First Assembly (0-0) at West Carroll (2-0)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1256806,"width":"278px","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:278px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image -->