Week Nine Slate: #PRZTN Top Matchups

<h2 class="wp-block-heading">It's a bigger pool of games here in Week Nine with a few of them being contests that could dictate region titles. What matchups are the best one's to follow this week? We got that covered for you below!! </h2>     Cleveland (5-2) at Maryville (7-0)   - The Blue Raiders are working through a small rough patch after taking losses the past two weeks, including a defeat last Friday to inner-region foe Bearden but have a chance to turn things around and do so in a big way versus an undefeated Maryville team. If Cleveland is to pull off the upset, they must find a way to score points against a tough Rebels defense. The Blue Raiders have the firepower with [player_tooltip player_id='219362' first='Isaiah' last='Davis'], [player_tooltip player_id='820949' first='Brayden' last='Carroll'] and others to get it done but it will be a challenge. The defensive front seven for Maryville has been stellar all year and that's where I feel Cleveland must excel if they want to play their way to victory. I get the feeling the Rebels could roll yet again but if the Blue Raiders can make stops early and keep things close, they might have a shot in the end.    - - - - -    Riverdale (6-1) at Blackman (4-3)   - Opportunity awaits the Blaze this Friday as they have a chance to compete for 2nd place in their region with a win Friday versus Riverdale. The road Warriors bring a balanced team to town with their defense, led by seniors [player_tooltip player_id='1151465' first='J.C.' last='Haynes'] and [player_tooltip player_id='490634' first='Jomauri' last='Smith'] leading the way. Their defense has been strong and steady all year long but have a good challenge on their hands with a young but talented offensive squad, spearheaded by [player_tooltip player_id='1207785' first='Jayden' last='Guy'], John Dragoo, Jr, [player_tooltip player_id='1103038' first='Brylan' last='Oduor'] and their receivers. The game within the game to watch here will be those Blackman wideouts against a very talented Riverdale secondary. If Blackman is able to find offensive success, they could pull off the upset but if the Warriors “D” locks things down, especially on the back end, Riverdale will move to 7-1 with their eyes on a potential region title.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/10/boduor.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-1532560" style="width:303px;height:auto" /></figure>   - - - - -    Haywood (6-1) at Covington (7-0)   - This isn't a regional contest but it's a fun one to follow in Week Nine. These are two culture driven programs that know how to win ball games but only one can walk out this week victorious. If you like running the ball, this is the contest for you as both Haywood and Covington showcase their ball carriers heavily and I expect [player_tooltip player_id='466233' first='Camarion' last='Miller'], [player_tooltip player_id='1102345' first='Kemonte' last='Williams'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1110699' first='Skylan' last='Smith'] to tote the rock a ton in this game. Ball possession, strong defensive play and creating turnovers could be keys to winning in this matchup. Giving up big plays in the run game will be a dagger for either squad, so whichever defense shows up the most on Friday, should gain the edge towards victory.    - - - - -    Knox. Webb (4-2) at GCA (7-0)   - Knox-Grace has played exceptional ball up to this point but has their biggest challenge to date with the Spartans traveling over this Friday. The Rams have been on a roll this year, especially [player_tooltip player_id='301391' first='Weston' last='Edmondson'] and their offense. They are averaging over 40 points a game with a balanced attack that has gotten better with the emergence of sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='933067' first='Terrion' last='Thomas']. GCA presents a big challenge for Knox. Webb but they may have the secondary in [player_tooltip player_id='1269174' first='Hal' last='Niendorff'], [player_tooltip player_id='402563' first='Shavar' last='Young, Jr'] and others to combat a potent Rams passing attack. Running the ball and possessing the clock looks to be key factors in both team's efforts towards winning this ball game. This has the looks of a four quarter game that doesn't get settled till the final minutes.    - - - - -    Gatlinburg-Pittman (5-2) at Johnson Co. (7-0)   - The region title is on the line here between the road Highlanders and the undefeated, home Longhorns in what could turn out to be one of the closest, hard fought games from Week Nine. After a few defeats early in the season, Gatlinburg-Pittman is playing at a new level now and poised to walk into Johnson Co, looking at pulling the upset. If they do so, it will be from strong defensive play and a potent rushing attack, led by underclassmen [player_tooltip player_id='1182191' first='Brayden' last='Maples'] and Cecilo Rodriguez that will get the job done. The Highlanders defense in particular needs to show up because the Longhorns are legit with a run game, spearheaded by [player_tooltip player_id='1422921' first='Juan' last='Mejia'] that can take over. Johnson Co. has the edge in this contest but we must not sleep on the Highlanders as I could see them walking out victorious.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/08/jackcase.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1394008" style="width:277px;height:auto" /></figure>   - - - - -    Lausanne (5-0) at Munford (7-1)   - Two West TN powers go head to head in this non-region matchup that will show how good either team is headed down the stretch. The road Lynx remain undefeated but face their toughest competition yet here with Munford, who come in riding hot and feeling confident. Lausanne brings some talented playmakers to town Friday with [player_tooltip player_id='860627' first='Jawell' last='Rodgers'], [player_tooltip player_id='853122' first='Colton' last='Nabors'] and others that the Cougars defense could have some issues with, so a collected team effort will be needed. What has made Munford more formidable as the season has gone along is the emergence of freshman back [player_tooltip player_id='1585458' first='Tay' last='Starks']. He has brought balance and big play abilities to the backfield that could be a difference maker in this contest. This should be a fun one to follow and a potential close finish.    - - - - -    McCallie (5-2) at Father Ryan (5-2)   - It's been two weeks since the Blue Tornado went down hard to rival Baylor but it should be a learning lesson moving forward that could turn out to be a good thing for McCallie. They travel north to Nashville on Friday to get back on track versus a solid Fighting Irish team that will not be intimidated. What Father Ryan brings to the field is a veteran squad that has faced tough competition. The home team's key in this game will be limiting the big play threat from [player_tooltip player_id='986024' first='Keeyshawn' last='Tabuteau'] and slowing up the Blue Tornado run game. If the Fighting Irish can do those two things, they might have a shot at winning this game. It will be interesting to see how things play out because McCallie has the edge with overall talent but Father Ryan plays team ball and has been doing so at a high level this season.    - - - - -    Anderson Co. (6-0) at Knox. West (4-3)   - The Week Nine slate cranks up tonight with this East Tennessee non-region matchup between two powers from two different classifications that have their eyes on deep playoff runs. It's been a strong season to this point for Anderson Co. while Knox. West has found struggles for the first time in many years. The Rebels are young and developing but have been battle tested through a tough schedule, so you certainly can't sleep on the home team in this one. The Mavs have a balanced, veteran team coming to town with an offense that is clicking well with [player_tooltip player_id='650014' first='Landen' last='Hensley'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1276455' first='Waylon' last='LaRue'] leading the way. Slowing them down while finding a way to score points will be key this evening for Knox. West and their efforts towards knocking the Mavs out of the undefeated ranks.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/10/cmiller.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-1532561" style="width:314px;height:auto" /></figure>   - - - - -    Lincoln Co. (6-1) at Cookeville (6-1)   - It's been a dream season so far for Lincoln Co. but we will find how legit they are this Friday's road contest in Cookeville. The Falcons travel East to face a strong Cavaliers team that has college talent on both sides of the ball along with some top playmakers like [player_tooltip player_id='353388' first='Blake' last='Owen'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1201020' first='Thomas' last='Johnson'] to contend against. This also could be the most physical game the Falcons have been a part of so far this season, so it's a big challenge this week but one I believe Lincoln Co. is up for. Running the ball with Mr. Football candidate [player_tooltip player_id='467261' first='Brett' last='Dobbs'] is key in this game as it would allow the Falcons to play ball control and keep the Cavs offense on the sidelines. Regardless of the outcome, I think this game will make Lincoln Co. better and more battle tested for postseason play.    - - - - -    Union City (5-2) at Halls (7-0)   - The biggest game of the season lies ahead tomorrow night for the Halls Tigers as they host Union City in what should be a contest for the region title. It's been a banner year thus far for Halls as they sit undefeated with their efforts geared towards a deep playoff run. The Golden Tornado can slow things up as they bring a potent rushing attack to town that might cause issues for the Tigers defense. The same could be said about Halls as they lean on their run game as well. The Tigers have a good O-line, led by [player_tooltip player_id='1209531' first='Kylan' last='Glynn'] that have paved the way for some talented ball carriers like Ladarius Roberts and others. Whichever team can hang on to the ball and not turn it over while establishing the line the scrimmage should come out on top and be in the driver seat for a region title.    - - - - -    East TN   Oak Ridge (4-3) at Bearden (4-3)   Cosby (6-1) at Cloudland (3-2)   William Blount (4-3) at Dobyns-Bennett (5-2)   Polk Co. (4-3) at Meigs Co. (5-2)   Eagleton (4-3) at South Greene (5-1)   Chatt. Prep (6-1) at South Pittsburg (5-2)   - - -   Mid TN   Centennial (5-2) at Brentwood (6-1)   Moore Co. (5-2) at Huntland (4-3)   East Hickman (6-1) at Mt. Pleasant (5-2)   Hillsboro (4-3) at Page (7-0)   Hendersonville (5-2) at Portland (4-3)   Franklin (4-3) at Ravenwood (7-0)   Smyrna (4-3) at Stewarts Creek (6-1)   White House (4-3) at Upperman (7-0)   - - -   West TN   Millington (4-3) at Bolton (6-1)   Memp. Bizz (5-2) at Kirby (5-2)   Jackson Chrst. (6-1) at Lake Co. (4-3)   J.C. Merry (5-1) at Peabody (3-4)   Lexington (2-4) at South Gibson (3-4)   First Assembly (3-3) at TCA (4-3)   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/05/jawrodgers.webp?w=768" alt="" class="wp-image-1287323" style="width:325px;height:auto" /></figure>