#TNHSFB Playoffs: D2-Class A Preview

<!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Postseason play has arrived as the playoffs kick off this upcoming Friday with an exciting slate of matchups from all over the Volunteer State. Without any further ado, here's my preview for D2-Class A.</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>1st Rd Matchups</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>BYE/Friendship Christian (7-3)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Grace Christian Academy (3-6) at Providence Christian Academy (6-4)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>– – –&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Fayette Academy (4-5) at Middle Tennessee Christian (4-6)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>King's Academy (2-8) at Columbia Academy (7-3)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>– – –&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>BYE/Nashville Christian (9-1)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Tipton-Rosemark Academy (6-4) at Donelson Christian Academy (8-2)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>– – –&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>BYE/Jackson Christian (9-1)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>First Assembly Christian (3-6) at Trinity Christian Academy (6-4)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>– – – – –</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Key Players to Watch</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["402548"],"_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-672ba35609294"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Making a huge impression at the helm of the Eagles' offense is [player_tooltip player_id='402548' first='Jared' last='Curtis'], a quarterback at Nashville Christian High School. What impresses me about Curtis is his ability to do it all, proving he can break tackles on his way into enemy territory and connect with his receivers in stride from anywhere on the field. Curtis is definitely a playmaker to watch in post-season play.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2Mes7k">Tape:</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["284144"],"_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-672b36d2b3db8"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">I am also impressed with [player_tooltip player_id='284144' first='Carson' last='Sneed'], a tight end at Donelson Christian Academy. In addition to hauling in the challenging deep pass down the stretch, what I like about Sneed is his ability to overwhelm the defense with his size and wingspan, blocking defenders as the offense fights their way into the redzone. The Tennessee commit will certainly be an intriguing prospect to watch during the playoffs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2Qej0Q">Tape:</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["219345"],"_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-672ba610df461"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Another player to watch out for is [player_tooltip player_id='219345' first='Jaylen' last='Mosley'], an athlete/wide receiver at Jackson Christian High School. Mosley is a major offensive weapon in the backfield, showcasing his outstanding breakaway speed off the snap as well as his ability to elevate off the ground to haul in the touchdown pass. Mosley should be a challenge to contain down the stretch during post-season play.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/13737121/66e5b81f7a5a3acee42aaadc">Tape:</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["471474"],"_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-672ba5691ebec"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">I'm additionally impressed with [player_tooltip player_id='471474' first='LeKhy' last='Thompkins'], a running back at Trinity Christian Academy. What stands out about Thompkins is his size and ability to punch through the defense. Thompkins also makes a difference in the redzone, proving he can quickly find openings in the defensive line to punch into the house for the score.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/16357783/65676f1064e06308fc5324b5">Tape:</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1154143"],"_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-672ba477b0da3"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Also standing out is [player_tooltip player_id='1154143' first='Ben' last='Hale'], an offensive lineman at Middle Tennessee Christian School. What makes Hale such a menace at the line of scrimmage is his abilit to contain the defense with his size and strength, utilizing his arms to wrap up the defense and protect his quarterback in crucial moments. Hale is definitely a prospect to keep an eye on during the playoffs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/18491627/66de51b4b86286e84fe6a2b1">Tape:</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["705894"],"_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-672ba14012881"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Another player to watch is [player_tooltip player_id='705894' first='Kaden' last='Buchanan'], an offensive lineman at Friendship Christian High School. What impresses me about Buchanan is his overwhelming strength and ability to blast the defense off the snap. In addition to excellent size and awareness at the line of scrimmage, Buchanan stands out with his ability to push the defense backwards.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2QQ8tH">Tape:</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["839988"],"_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-672ba4ffe8aa2"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Also worth mentioning is [player_tooltip player_id='839988' first='Harrison' last='Brownlee'], an athlete at Columbia Academy. Brownlee impresses me with his ability to break tackles after the catch and break free of the defense down the stretch. Brownlee also stands out on the defensive side of the ball with his ability to read the offense like a book and quickly shut down the run game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/14827323/6344c0bf90f0560aec9dc02b">Tape:</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Top Title Contenders</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Nashville Christian</strong> <strong>Eagles</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With a 9-1 overall record, Nashville Christian is high on the list to go all the way this year. Seeing as the Eagles have a monster gunslinger in [player_tooltip player_id='402548' first='Jared' last='Curtis'] and playmakers on both sides of the ball, I can definitely see the Eagles as a top contender to win it all this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Jackson Christian Eagles</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Eagles of Jackson Christian are also having a phenomenal season with a 9-1 mark heading into a BYE week. Jackson Christian has proven their strength on the field this season as playmakers like [player_tooltip player_id='219345' first='Jaylen' last='Mosley'] have made a commanding statement for the Eagles during the regular season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Donelson Christian Academy Wildcats</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Another impressive ball club to keep an eye on is Donelson Christian Academy as the Wildcats have held their own this season, faltering only twice. DCA enters post-season play with an 8-2 record as the Wildcats prepare for their first round battle with Tipton-Rosemark Academy. The Wildcats are looking good offensively with guys like [player_tooltip player_id='284144' first='Carson' last='Sneed'] making a big difference down the stretch. Sneed will be a huge playmaker to keep an eye on for the </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>– – – –&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Sleeper Title Teams</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Friendship Christian Academy Commanders</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Another team to keep an eye on during the playoffs is Friendship Christian Academy as the Commanders have put up an impressive 7-3 record this year. With playmakers all over the place and a strong offensive line, I could definitely see Friendship Christian in the title game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Tipton-Rosemark Academy Rebels</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I'm also looking at Tipton-Rosemark Academy as a potential sleeper title team as the Rebels have been fairly consistent on both sides of the ball this season. Despite the Rebels having a challenging playoff slate ahead of them, I could certainly see Tipton-Rosemark defying the odds and punching their ticket to the title game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>– – – – –&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Projected Final Four</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Friendship Christian vs. Columbia Academy</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Donelson Christian Academy vs. Jackson Christian</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Projected Title Game</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Columbia Academy vs. Donelson Christian Academy</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I'm projecting Columbia Academy and Donelson Christian Academy to punch their ticket to Chattanooga for the championship game. I believe the Wildcats are going to hold on to win it all in the title game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Projected D2-Class A Champs: Donelson Christian Academy</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->