#TNHSFB Playoffs: Semifinal Breakdown/Predictions

<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Kicking off Friday evening, we begin the next stage of the TN HS Playoffs with semifinal action across the public school spectrum. We have some big time matchups set and PRZTN breaks them all down here along with our predicted winners. </h2>     Class 1A    Coalfield (12-1) at South Pittsburg (11-2)   McKenzie (13-0) at MASE (11-1)    - After a slow start to their 2024 season, South Pitt is yet again in position to place themselves in Chattanooga for the Class 1A title game but they must go through a gritty, tough Coalfield team that won't be intimidated. These are two different teams where the Yellow Jackets bring a veteran squad to town while the Pirates are young but highly talented with an edge in their skill positions. Junior running back [player_tooltip player_id='1134336' first='JaMychal' last='Buckner'] and sophomore athlete [player_tooltip player_id='1577095' first='Dayon' last='Cooper'] have been game changers for the Pirates and will be needed to have big performances to advance. They will be going against a stout Coalfield defense, led by Eli Justice, Levi Heidel, Lane Adcock and others that have kept most teams in-check.    The Coalfield offense will be key in the road team's hopes at winning. They play ball control offense, led by [player_tooltip player_id='1222053' first='Jaiden' last='Bunch'] and their run game, where they can wear down the Pirates defense and keep the game close. If the game is close by the 4th quarter, the Yellow Jackets have a shot at pulling out the victory. It will be interesting to see who's game plan works the most and who's playing style triumphs in the end. I do like the home team in this matchup but you definitely can't sleep on the Yellow Jackets.    All signs have pointed towards McKenzie and MASE competing against one another for a spot in the 1A title game and here we are, ready to see which West TN power is prepared to advance. Both these teams bring two of better quarterbacks to the field from the West TN region in [player_tooltip player_id='1102448' first='Tate' last='Surber'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1400354' first='Brody' last='Whittaker'] that will have each opposing defenses glued on slowing them down. If either quarterback is kept clean without much pressure, this could develop into a high scoring affair that isn't settled till late in the 4th quarter.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/11/tsurber3.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-1568748" style="width:306px;height:auto" /></figure>   Where the game could be won is in the trenches. Both these team's have some good talent on the line of scrimmage with maybe the Rebels holding the edge due to veterans like [player_tooltip player_id='1102507' first='KD' last='Cunningham'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1102430' first='Jacob' last='Smith']. Those two along with others will be tasked with getting after Whittaker and making things uncomfortable for the senior signal caller. I honestly feel this will be a fun game to follow and highly competitive till the very end. Picking the winner is a tough call because I can see either team winning but I have to give the edge to McKenzie due to having Surber, a veteran team and a strong championship culture.    Predicted Title Matchup: South Pittsburg vs. McKenzie    - - - - -    Class 2A   York Institute (11-2) at Marion Co. (11-2)   Milan (12-1) at Fairley (11-0)   - This Class 2A state championship I feel is wide open for all four teams remaining, which should make this semifinal round quite entertaining. Our first matchup pits a surging York Institute squad traveling to Marion Co. to face a talented Warriors team that has been playing on another level throughout the postseason. The Dragons are definitely the underdog here but a team you can't look past. Their offense has been excellent all year long with a balanced approach and a star in the making with [player_tooltip player_id='978257' first='Will' last='Beaty']. This offense will be facing their toughest test yet that sports multiple college level players, especially up front with [player_tooltip player_id='1282603' first='Myles' last='Mays'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1423635' first='Taylor' last='Scharber'].    I do think York can generate enough points to stay in this contest but to win it, the Dragons defense must find a way to slow an explosive Marion Co. offense that has possibly the best athlete on the 2A level in [player_tooltip player_id='390722' first='Sam' last='Pickett III']. It will be a challenge for the Dragons but if they can hang tough early and keep the Warriors out of the end zone, they may have a shot in the end to win. I do like Marion Co. in this contest but they have shown leaks at times this year and York could exploit those and pull off the upset, so the home team better watch out.    Nobody has been able to put a defeat on Fairley yet but Milan could be that team to do so. The Bulldogs come in hot and a team that is playing confident football right now, ready for all challenges. They are led by a physical defense and their run game, spearheaded by Mr. Football finalist [player_tooltip player_id='1562203' first='Jaydon' last='Peete'] that could take the air out of the football, keeping the Bulldogs offense on the sidelines. That will be key for Milan as the home team sports one of the better offensive units coming out of the 2A ranks.    Fairley is led by senior quarterback and Mr. Football finalist Andrew Johnson. The Bulldogs senior has been sensational this Fall, playing a consistent brand of football while providing excellent leadership. Those skills will be needed in this matchup but so will his backfield counterparts in [player_tooltip player_id='1552183' first='Julian' last='Porter'] and [player_tooltip player_id='219370' first='Zyress' last='Short']. I actually think Milan will have the best defense Fairley has seen this year, so I certainly see a challenge for the home team. Getting stops on defense and creating turnovers will be key for both team's. Whoever makes the least amount of mistakes while finding a few explosive plays, should come out on top and place themselves into the 2A title game.    Predicted Title Matchup: Marion Co. vs. Milan    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/11/spickett.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1551741" style="width:345px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Chattanooga Times Press</figcaption></figure>   - - - - -    Class 3A    Alcoa (11-1) at Sequatchie Co. (12-1)   East Nashville (10-2) at Westview (13-0)   - Sequatchie Co. is on a dream ride right now, sitting one game away from reaching the Class 3A championship but a big roadblock stands in their way in Alcoa. The Tornadoes run the 3A ranks with nobody being able to knock them off their perch in a long time but it's gotta happen one day. The Indians bring a veteran squad into this contest along with a defense that has been steady all year long. The defensive front, led by [player_tooltip player_id='1547372' first='Harrison' last='Smith'] will be very important as they try to get pressure on Mr. Football finalist [player_tooltip player_id='783053' first='Eli' last='Graf'] while holding their rushing attack down. If the Indians have a shot at winning this game, their defense must play above their head and hold down a confident Alcoa offense while their offense finds ways to score.    Offensive playmakers [player_tooltip player_id='1142019' first='Jackson' last='Tate'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1142005' first='Austin' last='Griffith'] must be big time producers on Friday while their offensive line does their job in the trenches. They have the task of keeping [player_tooltip player_id='219408' first='Eli' last='Owens'] out of the backfield while keeping sophomore quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='1136154' first='Hunter' last='Minton'] clean. If all that above is able to happen and come true, Sequatchie Co. might have a legit shot at pulling off the upset. It does help that this game is on the Indians home grounds, so the crowd will certainly be in their favor. I like the confidence Sequatchie is playing with right now but ultimately, Alcoa is too strong with a powerhouse culture that will lead them back to the 3A title game.    Our second 3A matchup pits two teams that have won a lot of ball games over the past decade and two programs that are fiending for a “Gold Ball.” Throughout the 2024 season, nobody on the 3A level has been more dominant than Westview. Led by stud freshman quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='424594' first='Graham' last='Simpson'], the Chargers have one of the more explosive, high scoring offenses out of the West TN region that will be seeing the most athletic defense they have seen yet this year. The Eagles present a fun challenge to the Westview offense with a college level secondary, highlighted by seniors [player_tooltip player_id='835861' first='Austin' last='Kent'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1159809' first='Antoni' last='Morton'] and rising junior safety J'Brein Crawford that could make things difficult for the Chargers freshman signal caller.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/09/asabarnes-crop-700x460-1725420335.jpg?w=700" alt="" class="wp-image-1419940" style="width:348px;height:auto" /></figure>   Simpson will need to lean on his playmakers in [player_tooltip player_id='1103496' first='Asa' last='Barnes'], [player_tooltip player_id='964719' first='Donteze' last='Joy'] and others to produce at a high level and if they do, their recruiting stocks will rise due to the competition faced in this matchup. If either team's playmakers are able to shine, it will be helped by the play in the trenches. Westview has been strong on their O-line all season while the Eagles defensive front seven has had some ups and downs but brings a potent edge rusher in LaDonnis McGlothen that can present problems. I honestly think this game will be closer than some may think due to East Nashville's athleticism but Westview is on a mission and should prevail in the end.    Predicted Title Matchup: Alcoa vs. Westview   - - - - -    Class 4A    Anderson Co. (11-1) at Macon Co. (11-2)   Pearl Cohn (10-3) at Melrose (9-3)   - An East TN power competes versus a small town terror here in our first 4A matchup that many will see Anderson Co. as the clear cut favorite but they must not sleep on Macon Co. as the Tigers are hot right now while bringing a different style of play to the field that could create issues for the road team. The Mavs are a well coached ball club with a lot of upperclassmen that have won a lot of ball games, so they will be ready. Macon Co. is a surprise team in the 4A playoffs right now that are coming off back to back upset wins over Upperman and White County. The Tigers are confident, especially with their offense that runs the ball early and often, spearheaded by star playmaker [player_tooltip player_id='1310950' first='Gabe' last='Borders']. Slowing him down will be important for Anderson Co. and their chances at advancing.    The best defense for Anderson Co. is this game could be their offense. Keeping the Borders and the Tigers offense on the sidelines will be key and the Mavs have the firepower in [player_tooltip player_id='650014' first='Landen' last='Hensley'], [player_tooltip player_id='1276455' first='Waylon' last='LaRue'] and others to get the job done. The Mavs O-line could be a difference maker too. They are strong up front with seniors [player_tooltip player_id='467258' first='Eli' last='Dorton'] and [player_tooltip player_id='219443' first='Ty' last='Murphy'] leading the way that can wear down the Macon Co. defensive line. I think Macon Co. will keep this game closer than some may think, especially with it being at home but eventually, the Mavs should prevail and advance to yet another 4A title game.    Pearl Cohn is one game away from defending their 2023 state title but they must work through an upstart Melrose team that has gotten healthy at the right time of year and is playing some of their best football of the 2024 season. The Firebirds are a different team compared to last year. They had some challenges throughout the season but have found themselves here in the playoffs where they generated some offense to complement a strong defensive unit, led by senior [player_tooltip player_id='855556' first='Kyler' last='Garcia']. Offensive playmakers [player_tooltip player_id='811032' first='Javion' last='Kinnard'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1587357' first='Omarion' last='Starnes'] will need big games in this contest to advance while the defense must focus on stopping the Golden Cats run game, led by seniors [player_tooltip player_id='219401' first='Jamarion' last='Morrow'] and [player_tooltip player_id='616519' first='Rhyan' last='Brown'].    Having a guy like Morrow back on the field is huge for Melrose. He is the PRZTN 4th overall ranked prospect and a major difference maker that could push his Golden Cats team into the 4A title game. The Firebirds must key on keeping him and Brown in-check but if they don't, the home team could advance. I foresee the trenches being the battle to watch in this matchup and the area that will become the difference on who wins. A four quarter game is what I see here with Pearl Cohn finding a way in the end to win and head back to Chattanooga for the 3rd year in a row.    Predicted Title Matchup: Anderson Co. vs. Pearl Cohn    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/09/edorton.jpg?w=683" alt="" class="wp-image-1475939" style="width:277px;height:auto" /></figure>   - - - - -    Class 5A   Sevier Co. (13-0) at Oak Ridge (9-4)   Page (13-0) at Springfield (8-5)   - The Smoky Bears are going through the best season in school history, sitting one win away from competing for a Class 5A state championship. Standing in their way is a Cinderella story in Oak Ridge, that has gotten healthy at the right time with a talented roster that might cause some fits for Sevier County. The road team has been challenged throughout the playoffs, nearly finding defeat twice but have found ways to win and put themselves in this position against Wildcats to do something special. Sevier Co. has one of the better quarterbacks in the state with [player_tooltip player_id='1142902' first='Cooper' last='Newman']. He is complimented by a good run game with [player_tooltip player_id='219342' first='Tegan' last='Avera'] and a veteran offensive line, led by [player_tooltip player_id='616543' first='Otto' last='VanRensburg'] that can wear down the Oak Ridge defense.    Where the Wildcats can make a difference is with their offense. Junior quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='205650' first='Blaine' last='Stansberry'] has been rock solid throughout these playoffs with good play and strong leadership. Sophomore ball carrier [player_tooltip player_id='1567420' first='Damillyan' last='Porter'] has taken his game to another level, being the power back opposing defenses have had a hard time bringing down. The way the Cats can play ball control might be a recipe to success, especially if it keeps Newman and the Smoky Bears offense on the sidelines. The fact this game is at Oak Ridge gives the Cats a shot here but I believe the magical run by Sevier Co. continues.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/10/cnewman2.jpg?w=500" alt="" class="wp-image-1537556" style="width:314px;height:auto" /></figure>   Here we are yet again with Page in the mix for a Class 5A state title. Springfield is who they must get past to reach Chattanooga for the 4th year in a row and it won't be easy as the Yellow Jackets may be the hottest team in the current playoffs. Coming off an upset win over Beech, the Yellow Jackets are playing confident football right now with a potent run game, spearheaded by [player_tooltip player_id='1134310' first='Jaidon' last='Hurst'] and K.J. Chatman, which could find some success in the matchup but if they do, it will be done versus possibly the best overall defense in the state of Tennessee.    The Patriots know how to win with their defense leading the way. Two of the best defensive prospects in the state with [player_tooltip player_id='390716' first='Brenden' last='Anes'] and [player_tooltip player_id='219439' first='Eric' last='Hazzard'] can cause a lot of havoc but with the Yellow Jackets focused on running the ball, it will be interesting to see the Pats approach in this matchup. Springfield being able to run the ball and control the clock will be critical in their hopes of advancing. I don't think it will happen however as Page is on a mission to finally bring home that elusive state championship.    Predicted Title Matchup: Sevier Co. vs. Page    - - - - -    Class 6A    Maryville (12-1) at Oakland (12-1)   Ravenwood (13-0) at Houston (11-2)   - We have a state title level matchup here in the semi's with Maryville against Oakland. These two teams sit at the top of charts when it comes to titles and wins but only one can advance to Chattanooga for another chance at the “Gold Ball.” You can bet that both these teams will be prepared for this matchup. Being a part of big games is something both the Rebels and the Patriots are used to but which team will force their style of play on another and find a way to come out on top. The offensive talent is strong in this game, especially in the backfield with [player_tooltip player_id='219387' first='Daune' last='Morris'], [player_tooltip player_id='361227' first='Price' last='Davis'] and [player_tooltip player_id='856867' first='Craig' last='Tutt'] but whichever defense is able to slow down the other's run game, could gain an edge towards victory.    Possibly the biggest difference in this contest could be the action and play of [player_tooltip player_id='1167467' first='Will' last='Jones'] and the Rebels passing game. This sophomore signal caller is legit. His ability to push the ball down field with his arm might prove to be a key component in the Rebels potential semifinal win. It will be interesting to see how the Rebels defense plays in this game as they have given up a lot of points lately and Maryville presents an offense that can score in a variety of ways. This game is honestly a pick-em to me as I could see either team winning but I gotta roll with Oakland in what could be the best game of the semifinal round.    The defending state champs in Houston have worked their way back into the mix to defend that title but they must do something no other team has been able to do this year and that's beat Ravenwood. The Raptors come into town undefeated and feeling very confident about themselves. They have a potent offense, led by star players [player_tooltip player_id='402540' first='Femi' last='Babalola'] and MTSU commit [player_tooltip player_id='219435' first='Ben' last='Hubbard'] and a physical offensive line that has been tough to move all year. This should be the biggest test the Mustangs defense has seen all year, even though they have faced some talented ball clubs.    If the Mustangs plan to return to Chattanooga, they must receive strong play from their defense while [player_tooltip player_id='816017' first='Chandler' last='Day'], [player_tooltip player_id='829107' first='Marcelles' last='Davis'] and the Houston offense has to find success versus a good Raptors defense that is strong in the front seven along with a Mr. Football finalist in [player_tooltip player_id='820942' first='Donovan' last='Starr'] locking things down in the secondary. I do think the Mustangs could run the ball with Davis but will they have another explosive plays to work past the Raptors. We shall see but heading into this game, I like Ravenwood and their chances at advancing into the Class 6A title game.    Predicted Title Matchup: Oakland vs. Ravenwood    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/08/ravenwood-crop-720x473-1724689573.jpg?w=720" alt="" class="wp-image-1404753" style="width:368px;height:auto" /></figure>   - - - - -