Prime Time Performers: Brentwood vs. Stewarts Creek

<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Red Hawks had to go to overtime to defeat a physical Bruins team but they did and advanced to the quarterfinals for the first time in school history.</h2>     Game Recap   History continues to get made in Smyrna for the Stewarts Creek Red Hawks as they hung tough and fought throughout their second round matchup against Brentwood and defeated the Bruins in overtime, 17-10.    This was a defensive affair from start to finish where both teams had a hard time gaining traction on offense, let alone find points. Both the Red Hawks and Bruins defense was on point in this game with a few of their star players in [player_tooltip player_id='1131019' first='Keilan' last='Harris'] and [player_tooltip player_id='820608' first='Kaiaulu' last='Micatrotto'] playing above their head.    The entire 1st quarter consisted of stalled drives and punts until Stewarts Creek got on the board first with a short yard field goal in the 2nd quarter. Holding a 3-0 lead, the Red Hawks had to stave off a late 1st half drive from Brentwood but they hung tough to take a three point lead into the break.    The second half was a bit different but it was still a defensive, possession game. The game remained 3-0 until the 4th quarter where we finally saw a touchdown as [player_tooltip player_id='1562196' first='J.C.' last='White'] orchestrated the best Bruins drive of the night. Moving down into the Red Hawks territory, White rolled out to his right where he eventually found [player_tooltip player_id='219420' first='Clayton' last='Merrill'] open in the back of the end zone.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/04/cmerrill.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-1235339" style="width:285px;height:auto" /></figure>   That touchdown pushed Brentwood into the lead at 7-3 and I honestly thought that might win the contest because finding points was hard. Well I was corrected as Stewarts Creek answered immediately.    Senior running back [player_tooltip player_id='219413' first='Jeremy' last='Smith'] found a crease and finally broke loose where he carried the ball 62 yards into the end zone and put the Red Hawks back ahead. Now leading 10-3, all the Red Hawks needed to do was make a few more defensive stops and they would advance.   The Bruins weren't ready to lay down yet. All they needed was three points to stay alive and they got it as [player_tooltip player_id='1580803' first='Keenan' last='Fisher'] knocked through a short yard field goal to tie things up.    On the next drive, Stewarts Creek almost gave the game away as Jerry Taylor decided to throw it deep down field where it was picked off by [player_tooltip player_id='1595026' first='Parker' last='Emerson']. The interception gave Brentwood decent field position and a chance to steal the win but a 54 yarder from Fisher fell short, which then took this game to overtime.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/09/IMG_2708.jpeg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1451016" style="width:434px;height:auto" /></figure>   Seeing their season almost end, Stewarts Creek immediately took advantage of their new life. They only needed two plays to find paydirt as [player_tooltip player_id='497427' first='Caleb' last='Floyd'] ran it in to put the Red Hawks ahead 17-10 and needing only one stop to win.    They got it as Brentwood went for it on 4th down but was stopped due to the pass rush of [player_tooltip player_id='1131019' first='Keilan' last='Harris']. It was a dramatic finish but a good one for the home team. Stewarts Creek picked up a big win over a good program in Brentwood to advance into the quarterfinals for the first time in school's history.   Top Performer    Harris was a disruptor most of the night in the Red Hawks close second round win over Brentwood. This senior linebacker created havoc in the Bruins backfield and made several big plays on the night that helped his team remain in the mix for victory. What stood out the most about Harris was his ability on the edge to get off fast and fight through blocks. His motor was outstanding and more times than not, Harris was around the ball to either make a play or force the ball towards his teammates. It was a stellar showing in a big moment game from Harris that could boost his recruiting stock.    - - - - -   Three Stars    Producing the biggest play of the game, Smith ran hard throughout the entire victory over Brentwood but his 62 yard score in the 4th quarter proved to be a game changer. This speedy all-purpose back has been a steady force all year long and was once again one of the better players on the field during this playoff contest. His play will need to remain high as next Smith and the Red Hawks face off against Ravenwood, who could be the best team in the 6A ranks.    - - -    Micatrotto was a big reason why the Red Hawks couldn't gain much traction in the run game as his play on the interior was tough to deal with for the Stewarts Creek offensive line. The future Western Ky Hilltopper used his power, smarts and speed to get off blocks and stuff the Red Hawks rushing attack for most of the night. Eventually over time, Stewarts Creek made it a point to run to the outside and stay away from Micatrotto. It's unfortunate that his season is over because Micatrotto is a fun player to watch.    - - -    It was tough for the Bruins offense in this game but Merrill was one guy who stood out. He produced multiple catches throughout the game, including a 4th quarter touchdown reception that provided the Bruins their only lead of the night. Merrill also gave his offense good field positions on several occasions with long kickoff returns. The future Austin Peay receiver gave a solid performance in his final high school and was one player that provided big plays for the Bruins on a night lacking offense.    - - - - -   Helmet Stickers   ‘26 (QB) Jerry Taylor - Stewarts Creek: Look past the interception in the 4th quarter because Taylor was a major reason behind the Red Hawks win. On multiple occasions, this junior quarterback produced big first downs due to his ability to throw outside the pocket while also keeping drives alive with his legs. Taylor has been a strong leader this year for his club that will need another big performance in the Quarterfinals.    (OL) [player_tooltip player_id='491540' first='Sam' last='Roston'] - Brentwood: This Bruins big man threw bodies around on Friday night, continuing to show why Roston is one of the top uncommitted O-linemen left from our #TN2025 class. `Several times throughout the night, I saw Roston physically dominate his opponent, opening holes for the run game while keeping his quarterback clean. Roston is an athletic guy with a nice body frame that will play up well on the collegiate playing field.    ‘26 (QB) [player_tooltip player_id='1562196' first='J.C.' last='White'] - Brentwood: This junior signal caller had a tough ball game as Red Hawk defenders were in his face most of the night but White handled the pressure well, showing poise in the pocket while keeping his eyes down field. The Bruins quarterback displayed nice athleticism and speed on this night too when he was forced to run.    ‘27 (S) [player_tooltip player_id='1595026' first='Parker' last='Emerson'] - Brentwood: Late in the 4th quarter, Emerson made what could have been a game changing interception that put his Bruins team in position to win. The sophomore safety read the pass early and used his range and speed to track the ball down to pick it off. Emerson also made several key stops in the run game throughout the night. Expect this guy's role to expand much further during the 2025 season.   ‘27 (DB) Kingston McQueen - Stewarts Creek: Get to know this sophomore defensive back! McQueen made one of the biggest plays of the night where in the 2nd half he picked off White, producing one of the biggest plays of the game. This Mid-TN defender is an athletic guy that might see his role expand next season where McQueen handles roles in the secondary and on offense at running back or receiver.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/11/kingmcqueen.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-1559629" style="width:349px;height:auto" /></figure>