#TNHSFB Playoffs: Quarterfinal Breakdown/Predictions

<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Postseason action cranks back up this Friday with our public school quarterfinal round and we got some top tier games to follow! Inside we break down each matchup while providing who we think will advance. </h2>     Class 1A    Oliver Springs (10-2) at Coalfield (11-1)   South Pitt (10-2) at Clay Co. (10-2)   Richland (9-3) at McKenzie (12-0)   Union City (10-2) at MASE (10-1)   - Coalfield hasn't been tested too much this year but might receive a challenge from a good Oliver Springs ball club that has produced a few strong wins this season. Through two games, the Bobcats have been impressive on offense by scoring 65 and 41 points, so the Yellow Jacket defense may have a hard time slowing them down. Leaning on [player_tooltip player_id='1222053' first='Jaiden' last='Bunch'] and their offensive line with [player_tooltip player_id='361308' first='Mason' last='Smith'] could be a recipe to slowing down and winning the game. South Pitt has been on a tear of late, especially as their youthful talent has started to grow up. Over the 2nd half of the season, the Pirates have been clicking on offense, led by stud sophomores [player_tooltip player_id='1134336' first='JaMychal' last='Buckner'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1577095' first='Dayon' last='Cooper']. They meet a gritty Clay Co. team that is battle tested and led by a solid veteran core, spearheaded by Mr. Football candidate [player_tooltip player_id='1135175' first='Nate' last='Adams']. This matchup may be the hardest to predict on the 1A ranks this week as I could see either team coming out as the winner.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/11/daycooper.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-1562332" style="width:281px;height:auto" /></figure>   Out of the four quarterfinal matchups, McKenzie is a major favorite over their counterpart in Richland. I expect the Rebels to roll in this contest with [player_tooltip player_id='1102448' first='Tate' last='Surber'] and his offense doing their thing and the defense keeping the Raiders dormant. You can't completely count out Richland but I expect McKenzie to  handle business with ease. Union City travels down to Memphis to face MASE in our fourth quarterfinal matchup in what could be the best game of the classification. The Golden Tornadoes consistently win while the Phoenix may have the most overall talent of anybody on the 1A level. Union City brings a run based offense to town that could slow the game down and presents issues for MASE. The Phoenix must be ready to go with [player_tooltip player_id='1400354' first='Brody' last='Whittaker'] and his offense clicking on all cylinders.    Predicted Semifinal Matchups   Coalfield vs. Clay Co.    McKenzie vs. MASE   - - - - -    Class 2A   Bledsoe Co. (11-1) at York Institute (10-2)   Westmoreland (10-2) at Marion Co. (10-2)   Huntingdon (10-2) at Milan (11-1)   Memp. Business Acad. (8-2) at Fairley (10-0)   - It's been a banner year to this point for Bledsoe Co. and to keep their season rolling, they must hit the road to play a hot York Institute team that has some game changers like [player_tooltip player_id='978257' first='Will' last='Beaty'] that may cause problems for the Warriors. Defense will be key I believe with Bledsoe Co. needing a big game from that side of the ball, if they plan to advance. Coming off one of their best performances of the season, Marion Co. looks to keep things rolling this week as they host a gritty Westmoreland team that will look to rely on their run game and defense to pull off the upset victory. The Eagles will need it because Marion Co. has an explosive offense, led by [player_tooltip player_id='390722' first='Sam' last='Pickett III'] that will be hard to stop. Westmoreland may keep things interesting early but in the end, I believe the home Warriors will prevail.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/11/jaypeete_703388.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1562323" style="width:275px;height:auto" /></figure>   The best game of the 2A quarterfinal round should come from Huntingdon vs. Milan. These teams are two of the best coming out of this classification and two teams that saw each other earlier this year. The Bulldogs took game one, 28-7 but I think this time around, Huntingdon will be ready to go. It's hard to beat a team twice in one year, so I will be very curious to see how this game plays out. The run game will be on full display in this contest with [player_tooltip player_id='222306' first='Gray' last='Eubanks'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1557044' first='Brady' last='Warbritton'] from Huntingdon and Mr. Football candidate [player_tooltip player_id='1562203' first='Jaydon' last='Peete'] from Milan. Can Memphis Business go into Fairley and knock off the undefeated Bulldogs? It's possible as me and everybody else has slept on the Execs this year while they have defeated several good teams through the season. I don't think they will have enough to knock off Fairley but this could be a close, hard fought game.    Predicted Semifinal Matchups   York Institute vs. Marion Co.    Milan vs. Fairley   - - - - -    Class 3A    Gatlinburg-Pittman (9-3) at Alcoa (10-1)   Meigs Co. (9-3) at Sequatchie Co. (11-1)   East Nashville (9-2) at White House-Heritage (9-3)   Covington (11-1) at Westview (12-0)   - Knocking off Unicoi Co. last week was a good feat for Gatlinburg-Pittman but can they pull off another big upset on the road this week at Alcoa? While it could be a good story, I don't foresee the Highlanders taking down the power that is Alcoa. The Tornadoes are just too talented for the road team to handle, especially with [player_tooltip player_id='783053' first='Eli' last='Graf'], [player_tooltip player_id='219408' first='Eli' last='Owens'] and the Alcoa offense playing at a high level right now. After losing their first game of the season, Sequatchie Co. has reeled off eleven wins in a row and they look to keep the magic going this week at home versus Meigs County. The Indians have a close knit team that has gelled well together this season and I believe their culture will win this game as Meigs Co. does present some challenges for them, especially with their run game. Playmakers [player_tooltip player_id='1142019' first='Jackson' last='Tate'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1142005' first='Austin' last='Griffith'] need to have strong performances in this contest for the home team to advance.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/11/jacktate.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-1555629" style="width:291px;height:auto" /></figure>   The coin toss game in these quarterfinal matchups comes from East Nashville versus White House-Heritage. These are two talented teams with one in East sporting a championship culture while the Patriots are trying to build one. The Eagles should have the edge in the trenches as well as overall athleticism but the home team sports the better quarterback in [player_tooltip player_id='317160' first='Xavier' last='Murray'] that can do some special things. The matchup to watch will be Murray and [player_tooltip player_id='1118589' first='Dason' last='Springer'] throwing the ball against a stout secondary, led by seniors [player_tooltip player_id='835861' first='Austin' last='Kent'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1159809' first='Antoni' last='Morton']. The best game this week should be Covington versus Westview, which is a rematch of just a few weeks ago where the Chargers barely got by the Chargers, 59-54. I expect this game to be almost the same. A high scoring affair that see's star players like [player_tooltip player_id='1110699' first='Skylan' last='Smith'], [player_tooltip player_id='1103496' first='Asa' last='Barnes'] and [player_tooltip player_id='424594' first='Graham' last='Simpson'] go off until the final whistle.    Predicted Semifinal Matchups   Alcoa vs. Sequatchie Co.   East Nashville vs. Westview    - - - - -    Class 4A   Greeneville (9-2) at Anderson Co. (10-1)   Macon Co. (10-2) at White Co. (10-2)   Pearl Cohn (9-3) at Marshall Co. (12-0)   Dyer Co. (11-1) at Melrose (8-3)   - An East Tennessee classic could be on our hands between Greeneville and host Anderson County. These are two of the winningest programs over the past decade coming from out East with both teams holding “Gold Balls” in their trophy cases. This game is a “pick-em” to me as I could easily see either team coming out on top. I think the key for the road team will be [player_tooltip player_id='390665' first='Quinton' last='Humphrey'] and the Green Devils D-line getting a push up front to slow down [player_tooltip player_id='1276455' first='Waylon' last='LaRue'] and the Mavs rushing attack. If Greeneville can do that, they may be able to pull off the road win. Can Macon Co. keep the train rolling this week, especially after knocking out title contender Upperman? It's possible because [player_tooltip player_id='1310950' first='Gabe' last='Borders'] and the Tigers have seen [player_tooltip player_id='1102967' first='Tripp' last='Pinion'] and White Co. earlier this season where they took defeat, 34-18 but this is a new game and a new opportunity. I like the Warriors slightly in this game but it's the playoffs, so you never know what can happen.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/10/IMG_20241003_092746.jpg?w=683" alt="" class="wp-image-1516884" style="width:296px;height:auto" /></figure>   Another rematch of the regular season takes place between Pearl Cohn and Marshall Co. where the Tigers won the first matchup but they must defeat the Firebirds again to advance. It's tough to beat a team twice in one year but maybe [player_tooltip player_id='1422897' first='Tyler' last='Thompson'], [player_tooltip player_id='390641' first='Aja' last='Jones'] and the Tigers can accomplish that feat. It will be tough because Pearl Cohn has legit college talent like [player_tooltip player_id='811032' first='Javion' last='Kinnard'], [player_tooltip player_id='855556' first='Kyler' last='Garcia'] that can be game changers. I expect a close game here between these two with the outcome not being settled till the 4th quarter. Melrose is the surprise team at this point in the 4A playoffs and I think they have a good shot at keeping the magic rolling as they host a good Dyer Co. team that has eleven wins on the season. The Choctaws come in as the favorite but the Golden Wildcats are playing good football right now and have some game changers in [player_tooltip player_id='219401' first='Jamarion' last='Morrow'] and [player_tooltip player_id='616519' first='Rhyan' last='Brown'] that can make a big difference in this game. I believe this contest will be close with the home team having a chance to win in the end.    Predicted Semifinal Matchups   Anderson Co. vs. White Co.    Pearl Cohn vs. Melrose    - - - - -    Class 5A   Sevier Co. (12-0) at Knox. West (9-3)   Oak Ridge (8-4) at East Hamilton (9-3)   Shelbyville (11-1) at Page (12-0)   Springfield (7-5) at Beech (11-1)   - Coming off nearly seeing their season come to an end, Sevier Co. is looking to put a better product on the field this week but it will be tough as they are set to face the top program on the 5A level in Knox. West. The Rebels are playing high level football right now and a team many don't want to see. They have come together nicely as the season has gone on but face maybe their stiffest competition yet in [player_tooltip player_id='1142902' first='Cooper' last='Newman'] and the Smoky Bears. Winning the line of scrimmage and playing good defense will be the key here and whoever does that the best, should come out on top. Oak Ridge versus East Hamilton is a “pick-em” game to me as either team could win. The Wildcats are missing several key players but are playing with house money right now. The Canes have quietly had a strong year this season with nice balance on both sides of the ball. This is another game where the line of scrimmage will be a difference maker with maybe the Wildcats holding an edge.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/09/IMG_20240915_144630.jpg?w=683" alt="" class="wp-image-1452213" style="width:299px;height:auto" /></figure>   The top team heading into the 5A playoffs are the Page Patriots and if they want to continue advancing, they shouldn't sleep on a good Shelbyville team that I'm sure is itching to pull off the upset. The Golden Eagles main approach is to run the ball with [player_tooltip player_id='834613' first='Robert' last='Bailey'] but they will be doing so against a top tier defensive front, led by seniors [player_tooltip player_id='219439' first='Eric' last='Hazzard'] and [player_tooltip player_id='390716' first='Brenden' last='Anes']. It will be a big challenge to run against the Page front seven but if they are able to, this game could become closer than some may think. I still like the Pats here and in a big way as they will be too good in the end to defeat. The biggest of the playoffs thus far has been Springfield and their postseason resurgence. They have defeated two good teams on the road but must do it again but this time against one of the best on the 5A level in Beech. If you like running the football, this game is for you. Both want to establish the ground game while playing physically in the line of scrimmage. The Yellow Jackets will need their playmakers in [player_tooltip player_id='1134310' first='Jaidon' last='Hurst'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1134295' first='Ja'Braylon' last='Ellis'] to have big performances because I expect [player_tooltip player_id='866718' first='Kaden' last='Powell'] and [player_tooltip player_id='800803' first='Chelton' last='Swafford'] and the Bucs to maintain their power on the ground   Predicted Semifinal Matchups   Knox. West vs. Oak Ridge   Page vs. Beech   - - - - -    Class 6A   Bearden (9-3) at Maryville (11-1)   Riverdale (10-2) at Oakland (11-1)   Stewarts Creek (11-1) at Ravenwood (12-0)   Collierville (11-1) at Houston (10-2)   - The Bulldogs have been one of the hottest teams in the state over the second half of the season but will need another big performance this week to keep their season alive. They square off with a strong Maryville team that can score a lot of points on offense, led by running back [player_tooltip player_id='361227' first='Price' last='Davis'] and their O-line while the Rebels sport one of the better defenses on the 6A level. Bearden has a talented team that could hit the road and pull off this upset. I like Maryville in this matchup but I could see a scenario where the Bulldogs advance to the semifinals. We have a Murfreesboro area rivalry in the quarterfinals with Riverdale traveling just miles down the road to Oakland where the Warriors are hoping to knock off the Pats and advance one step closer to Chattanooga. The home team is the favorite here, especially after defeating Riverdale just a few weeks ago to win their region. I don't think this matchup will be much different than the first one. Riverdale has talent like [player_tooltip player_id='219397' first='Dominic' last='Taylor'] to keep things close but in the end, the culture of Oakland should triumph.    Nobody has been able to knock off Ravenwood yet this year but maybe the tough and resilient Red Hawks team can do so. The Raptors will be tough to beat as their offense is a well oiled machine, led by junior quarterbacks Femi Bablola and [player_tooltip player_id='402559' first='Maverick' last='Chance'] while their defense has been rock solid all year long. Stewarts Creek may not have all the stars but they are a close knit, gritty team that should be ready to go. They will need [player_tooltip player_id='497427' first='Caleb' last='Floyd'], [player_tooltip player_id='219413' first='Jeremy' last='Smith'] and their run game to play their best football of the year to win. Another 6A rematch takes place in Memphis between Collierville and Houston with the Mustangs squeezing by the Dragons just a few weeks ago, 17-13. The Mustangs are your reigning 6A champs and have been clicking well over the last month with [player_tooltip player_id='529774' first='Ladeadrick' last='James'] making his presence known. He will need to play big in this contest as I'm sure the Collierville defense is eager to see this team again. Edge linebacker [player_tooltip player_id='1423595' first='Samuel' last='Iroh'] has been a game changer this year and will need another game changing performance to help his Dragons team advance.    Predicted Semifinal Matchups   Maryville vs. Oakland   Ravenwood vs. Houston   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/09/houston2-crop-930x611-1664302493.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-459445" style="width:397px;height:auto" /></figure>