#TNHSFB Playoffs: Round Two Recap

<!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">The second round provided some outstanding games, some blowouts and a few upsets. Come inside to catch up on last week's action with our playoff recap. </h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>East TN Powers Remain</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We had multiple strong matchups from the East Tennessee region in Round Two but all the top teams advanced. There was an opportunity for several squads to create upsets and move on but in the end, the powers from out East remain. One of the more impressive second round victories came from Maryville. The Rebels took on region champion Science Hill but made them look pedestrian in their 42-7 win over the Hilltoppers.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Maryville sports one of the better defenses in the state and they have definitely flexed their muscles in the playoffs. Another impressive performance came from Anderson County. The Mavericks, led by senior quarterback <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='650014' first='Landen' last='Hensley']</strong>, more than handled <strong>Elizabethton </strong>as they demolished the Cyclones in a 54-14 beatdown. The Mavs have looked good through two games but now must face a strong Greeneville team that blew past Gibbs, 48-10.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The two powers from Chattanooga did what we all expected them to and that's dominate. Both Baylor and McCallie handled business with the Red Raiders knocking off MUS, 45-6 while <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1467540' first='Elliott' last='Drapeau'] </strong>and the Blue Tornado took care of Christian Brothers, 41-7. All signs point to these two meeting yet again the D2-Class AAA state title game but both must get past semi final opponents in Brentwood Academy and Ensworth.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sevier Co. was a part of probably the best overall game from the second round as they came from behind in the last few minutes to stun and take down Powell. The road Panthers were leading the entire way but couldn't hang on as <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1142902' first='Cooper' last='Newman'] </strong>went off late to propel the Smoky Bears into the quarterfinals. This East Tennessee title contender must now face off with Knox. West, the defending state champs, who took care of Knox. Halls with ease, beating the Red Devils, 35-8.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The greater Chattanooga area saw their top teams win last week with all them having excellent performances. Possibly the best showing came from Boyd Buchanan as they steam rolled Lausanne, 42-13. The Buccaneers were prepared and took it to the Lynx early and often, led by <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='402534' first='David' last='Green'] </strong>and their run game. The Bucs got a big one on Friday as they travel to Nashville to compete against CPA.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1560296,"width":"301px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/11/bbuchanan.jpg?w=700" alt="" class="wp-image-1560296" style="width:301px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Marion Co., Sequatchie Co. and South Pitt all had challenging matchups headed into round two but they all passed with flying colors. The Warriors, spearheaded by <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='390722' first='Sam' last='Pickett III']</strong>, knocked out the defending 2A state champs in East Robertson with ease, 42-10.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Indians had to fight and respond on multiple occasions as Chatt. Central and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='822698' first='Ronye' last='Watson'] </strong>kept making big plays and scoring but in the end, Sequatchie Co. prevailed, 42-26. The Indians received a good performance from their defense but <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1142005' first='Austin' last='Griffith'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='904934' first='Kason' last='Hicks'] </strong>had big nights, helping push their team to the quarterfinals.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>South Pitt met a familiar foe in Chatt. Prep and the Sentinels gave them a game for about three quarters until the Pirates pulled away late. This perennial 1A power received another good performance from their young playmakers in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1134336' first='JaMychal' last='Buckner'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1577095' first='Dayon' last='Cooper']</strong> while defense hung tough.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Minimal Upsets in Round Two</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- We had multiple opportunities to see title contending teams face potential defeat but after all the action was complete in round two, we had less than a handful of surprising upsets. Even though we didn't see many surprising wins, we still had a strong week of football where multiple teams impressed and advanced into the quarterfinals.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Possibly the biggest upset came from the Mid-TN region where Macon Co. knocked out 4A title contender Upperman and sent the Bees home for the rest of the season. Myself and others did not see this upset coming but it's understandable as these two teams are region foes and Macon Co. is a well coached, tough team that learned from their regular season loss to Upperman. The Tigers were physical in the line of scrimmage while receiving strong games from the leaders, including <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1310950' first='Gabe' last='Borders']</strong>. The defense in particular did a great job of keeping <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1254853' first='Bronzden' last='Chaffin']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='533747' first='Ethan' last='Palk'] </strong>and the Bees run game in check.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It was an impressive win for Macon Co. but it's only one win and the Tigers must keep the train rolling as they are set to face another region foe in the quarterfinals in White County. While it was a strong year for Upperman, it still ended earlier than they wanted to but it should be motivation for those returning next year.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Speaking of White Co., the Warriors went on the road to knock off a previously undefeated Loudon team, 28-0 and advance to the quarterfinal round. The Warriors purely dominated this matchup, especially on defense where they completely shut down <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1263171' first='Bronson' last='Scrivner'] </strong>and his Redskins offense.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1560301,"width":"310px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/11/whiteco2.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-1560301" style="width:310px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Senior quarterback <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1102967' first='Tripp' last='Pinion'] </strong>did his thing as usual on offense. Their line of scrimmage however I feel was the difference in this game along with their physicality at the point of attack. I expect this approach to continue next week when the Warriors host Macon Co. for their quarterfinal matchup.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Some could say Stewarts Creek defeating Brentwood, 17-10 was a small upset as the Bruins are one of the more consistent programs coming out of the 6A ranks but don't tell that to the Red Hawks. Going into this matchup as a #1 seed, Stewarts Creek battled and kept fighting till the very end and needed overtime to get the job done but they were able to knock off the Bruins and reach the quarterfinal round for the 1st time in school history.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Springfield kept their magical ride going as they went into Henry Co. last Friday and defeated the Patriots, 20-17. After beating Munford in round one, the Yellow Jackets took care of another top seed in round two where their defense slowed down the Pats run game while <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1134310' first='Jaidon' last='Hurst']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1134295' first='Ja'Braylon' last='Ellis'] </strong>made enough plays on offense to push their team to victory.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>West TN Loses Title Contenders</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Success was created by several West TN programs in the second round last week but this region also lost some top tier teams, including a few that had an opportunity to compete for a state title. Possibly the most surprising result came from Melrose and their upset of top seeded Haywood.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Tomcats and their potent rushing attack was held at bay by the Golden Wildcats. Their front seven, including college prospect <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='841232' first='Caleb' last='Hollowell']</strong>, made things difficult by getting off blocks and getting into the backfield quickly. The Melrose offense had a good night too with <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='616519' first='Rhyan' last='Brown'] </strong>on the ground and their offensive line keeping their quarterback clean. The Golden Cats have talent but I didn't foresee them taking out Haywood.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1560306,"width":"271px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/11/chollowell2.jpg?w=469" alt="" class="wp-image-1560306" style="width:271px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Another surprising result came from Jackson, Tennessee where Battle Ground Academy went into USJ and dominated the Bruins, 34-0. Now is it surprising that BGA won the game, no but I didn't see the Wildcats completely owning USJ and shutting them out. It was a masterful performance from BGA where their offensive was explosive and their defense was suffocating.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Senior wideout <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1002764' first='Arnett' last='Hayes, Jr'] </strong>had a stellar individual performance where he caught the ball 10 times for 160 yards and three touchdowns. The Cats senior receiver was unstoppable in this game and a major factor behind the team's road victory.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>When we saw the brackets come out a few weeks ago, we knew that either Beech or Southwind had to lose in their second round matchup. Well it was the Jaguars who took defeat and while the loss isn't surprising, it was how commanding the win was from Beech that stood out the most. The Buccaneers scored 49 points against a defense I and others thought was one of the best on the 5A level and did so through their run game.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Bucs backfield was able to do whatever they wanted and that's due to an offensive line that is playing at a high level right now. Juniors <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='866718' first='Kaden' last='Powell'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='800803' first='Chelton' last='Swafford'] </strong>ran around and through the Jaguars defensive line all night long, producing multiple big plays and touchdowns. Southwind's defense just couldn't do anything up front to slow down the Bucs and that ultimately led to their demise.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1560307,"width":"285px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/11/cswafford2.jpeg?w=819" alt="" class="wp-image-1560307" style="width:285px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image -->